New Jersey requires tools to help benefit recipients find volunteer work

The Governor’s Office of Volunteerism must work with Human Services and Labor and Workforce Development to improve HELPNJNOW, the state’s volunteer website. Residents can search and apply for eligible service opportunities. Organizations can register and submit opportunities through HELPNJNOW or a replacement website. Opportunities must meet the applicable federal work requirements. The office must recruit organizations offering eligible opportunities and provide links and explanations on relevant state websites. The state is not liable for injuries from volunteer or community service found through HELPNJNOW or its replacement. The office must make information about meeting the federal Medicaid and SNAP work requirements accessible on or before October 1, 2027.

The Department of Human Services must provide a mobile-friendly online tool for submitting proof of volunteer or community service hours. The reporting tool serves NJ FamilyCare and SNAP applicants and recipients. Shared tracking covers SNAP work activities, including volunteer hours and community service. Human Services must check submitted information each year for accuracy and abuse. Human Services and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development must make any agreements needed to share the tracking information. The law takes effect immediately. It gives no separate completion date for the reporting and tracking tools.

The Legislature must set aside $200,000 to carry out the law. Human Services receives $50,000, Labor and Workforce Development receives $50,000, and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism receives $100,000. This is a requirement to set aside money in the specified fiscal year, rather than immediate funding. The funding requirement applies to the fiscal year beginning July 1 next following the law’s effective date.