Did you know Work First New Jersey now provides participants with a $30 diaper benefit?

Nearly half of U.S. parents struggle with diaper need. Since 2018, the cost of diapers has increased upwards of 22%. Typically, infants need their diapers changed between 10 and 12 times a day, costing about $80 to over $100 a month per child. The lack of access to affordable diaper products results in parents delaying diaper changes, increasing the probability of potential physical and mental health risks on both the adult/s and child. In some cases, the lack of access decreases parents’ accessibility to other necessities like child care, resulting in parents missing work and/or school.  

To help address this growing need, in July 2024, Governor Murphy signed into law A2027/S2330, the State Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Diaper Benefit Program. Through this new program, a monthly state benefit of $30 will be distributed to every WFNJ participant for each dependent under the age of 36 months. Funds will be distributed on the same issuance date in standard with WFNJ benefits via the participant’s existing WFNJ electronic benefits card. Any unspent funds may be carried over to the next month for use by the participant as long as it is used for its intended purpose.

Click here to learn more about diaper need, what can be done to support families who are struggling with it, and increase access to diapers and diapering supplies.

THANK YOU, Governor Phil Murphy, and all sponsors of this critical piece of legislation, for your attention to diaper need in New Jersey!