If you are from New Jersey, you're in luck.
New Jersey's governor set aside $40 million in federal funds to assist families who did not qualify for the federal government's economic stimulus checks last year.
The one-time payment comes from the Excluded New Jerseyans Fund (ENJF). Undocumented immigrants will benefit the most from the funds.
The ENJF gives a one-time, direct cash benefit to qualifying households who were previously excluded from both federal stimulus checks and COVID-related unemployment assistance, such as undocumented individuals, residents reentering the justice system, and others.
Since the pandemic began in 2020, over 460,000 undocumented individuals have been denied any type of economic assistance, including unemployment benefits. Many were critical workers, such as janitors and kitchen staff, who were laid off during the lockdown.
A one-time, direct cash benefit of $2,000 will be distributed to each qualified person. A household can receive up to $4,000.
Applications are now being accepted and will close on Monday, Feb. 28. However, if funds are depleted before the deadline, applications may be closed sooner.
Undocumented people, anyone who have recently been jailed, and anyone who did not get both federal stimulus cheques and pandemic unemployment assistance are eligible to apply.
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of New Jersey.
You must have a household income of less than $55,000 per year.
You'll also have to present some documentation to establish your eligibility.
With your application, you will be able to add a photo.
These documents will demonstrate your household income, such as paystubs, as well as your identity, such as a driver's license, marriage or divorce certificate, or utility bill.
You can use your computer or mobile phone to complete the online application procedure. It will take between 20 to 30 minutes, according to the organizers. To make the application process go more smoothly, you will be asked to upload your required documents.
After you submit your application, you will receive a status update by SMS or email. Applications will be handled in the order they are received.
If your application is approved, you will receive a special message with a unique login and password with an attached link to the mode of payment: check or direct deposit.
The one-time incentive will be sent to you within two to three weeks of your application being granted.
Know more at nj.gov. If you've already started an application but did not complete it, click here to submit a completed application.
