Essex County Welfare Agency Changes Name: Annual Stats Released For 2015-16

The Essex County Division of Welfare may have a new name, but it’s just as busy.

Last week, Essex County officials announced that the welfare department will now be known as the Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits.

It’s a change in name – but not in duties – for a government agency that one in five Essex County residents utilized last year.

In addition to the new name, the agency’s headquarters at 18 Rector Street in Newark will be getting an expanded waiting area, call center and interactive kiosks that will “enhance customer service and streamline the delivery of services,” according to a county news release.

County officials stated the decision to rename the Division from Welfare to Family Assistance and Benefits was made because a large majority of clients do not receive “welfare” benefits.

County officials stated that from March of 2015 to March of 2016:

• Adult Medicaid participation increased 2.7 percent to 12,065 from 11,748
• Family Care Medicaid participation increased almost 24 percent to 46,735 from 37,751
• The number of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – formerly known as food stamps) participants has been steady at 60,380

However, there were some reductions as well, officials stated:

• The number of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) participants has declined 5.3 percent
• The number of GA (General Assistance) participants has declined 48 percent

“About one in five Essex County residents receive some sort of assistance from the Division of Family Assistance and Benefits,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo stated. “The division provides vital support that helps sustain families during difficult times, keeps residents in their homes and assists the elderly and frail. Our division’s new name better reflects this broad range of services that touch people of all ages and backgrounds.”

• See related article: Essex County Has The Most Homeless Residents In NJ
• See related article: Study Says Essex County, NJ Residents Can’t Afford Their Rents
• See related article: Essex County Has Among Worst Foreclosure Rates In NJ – Is Your Town Here?

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