Undocumented, 'Excluded' In NJ Can Now Get COVID Relief

NEW JERSEY — New Jerseyans who were ineligible for COVID stimulus payments and federal unemployment benefits may be eligible for a one-time cash benefit. The state launched the Excluded New Jerseyans Fund, which will assist undocumented individuals, residents re-entering from the justice system and others excluded from COVID relief.

Those who may be eligible can apply here and receive up to $1,000 or a maximum of $2,000 per household. The fund comes after immigrant-rights groups throughout New Jersey demanded financial support for undocumented residents.

"After more than 18 months of struggle, sacrifice and continuous effort, our communities won the first fund for excluded people in New Jersey history," said Make the Road New Jersey, an immigrant-advocacy group.

For some immigrant-heavy communities, such as Passaic, the damage from Hurricane Ida's remnants only exacerbated the financial difficulties. Passaic was one of the hardest-hit communities by the storm. And although city residents were eligible for FEMA assistance, the undocumented population who lost housing was largely left out, according to Mayor Hector Lora.

“We have a large undocumented population and when there’s a crisis some of them are left out and if for whatever reason FEMA can’t immediately assist them, we look to other sources like not-for-profit organizations," Lora told NJ Spotlight.

Here's what to know about applying:

Who is eligible?

Individuals who can demonstrate:

• exclusion from federal stimulus checks and COVID-related unemployment assistance
• COVID impact
• income at or below $55,000
• residency, identity and age

What documents are required?

Applicants will need to demonstrate and present documentation to show that they were excluded from both the federal stimulus checks and COVID related unemployment assistance, impacted by COVID-19, have a household income that is at or below $55,000, as well as proof of identity and that they live in New Jersey. Find more info here.

What are the income requirements?

Households with an annual income at or below $55,000.

Where can I find help with the application process?

If you need help applying, contact a community-based partner for help. You will not be asked to pay for assistance.

How will people receive the funds?

The approved applicants can select the method of payment, the options are as follows: direct deposit, a check in the mail or a prepaid card.

How much will people receive?

Eligible households can receive up to $1,000 per eligible adult, with a $2,000 maximum per household.

Do I have to pay this money back? Will it affect my taxes?

No. All payments qualify as emergency relief under the IRS and should not be included as taxable income.