State launches one-time cash benefit aid for individuals ineligible for federal stimulus
State officials have launched a one-time, cash benefit program for those ineligible for last year's federal stimulus programs or unemployment benefits.
Undocumented immigrants and other eligible individuals can apply for the Excluded New Jerseyans Fund and receive up to $1,000 and a maximum of $2,000 per household. The assistance comes after immigrant rights groups across the state demanded financial support for immigrant laborers who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
“Today is a welcome day for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants left behind from relief for more than a year and a half. Our organizing efforts have paid off," said Yesenia Moreno, a leader of Make the Road New Jersey who participated in a 24-day hunger strike.
Residents reentering from the justice system, immigrants and any other individuals otherwise excluded from federal and state aid emergency aid can apply to receive funds. Households with incomes up to $55,000 a year with documented hardship or lost income due to COVID-19 can also apply for assistance.
Applicants will need to show proof that they were excluded from the federal stimulus checks and COVID-related unemployment assistance, were affected by COVID-19, have a household income that is at or below $55,000, and have proof of identity and residency in New Jersey. Residents can check their eligibility and required documents online.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
During the pandemic, nearly 10.7 million immigrants were ineligible for emergency federal benefits or state unemployment insurance because they lacked valid work authorization. Rockaway resident Rigoberto Mejia and his wife didn't qualify for the federal stimulus because Mejia's wife filed taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, rather than a Social Security number.
"I get that we have to temporarily lose our jobs, but this is affecting everyone on a global level. Why do they discriminate against us? Why did they set us aside after paying taxes for 29 years?" said Mejia last year.
Filers who use ITINs contribute an estimated $11.74 billion in state and local taxes each year, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a Washington think tank. New Jersey is home to about 475,000 "undocumented immigrants," according to the Pew Research Center.
Parsippany:Morris elections: Parsippany mayor, Randolph BOE among candidate forums coming to YouTube
Dover:Dover officials open new 70-unit affordable family and veterans housing in downtown
After the Senate voted to deny stimulus funds to immigrant families last year, advocacy groups called on Gov. Phil Murphy and the state Legislature to pass financial support for excluded immigrants. After Murphy promised to allocate $40 million to the fund, activists called on lawmakers to increase the fund. The fund was not increased in the state's $46.4 billion budget.
"We know that $40 million allocated to the fund will only reach a small percentage of families in need and urge the state Legislature and Governor Murphy to provide additional funds so that no one is left behind," Moreno said.
Make the Road will host a Facebook Live workshop on Thursday with information on the fund and free assistance for those who wish to apply.
Jessie Gomez is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com and NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: jgomez@gannettnj.com
Twitter: @jessiereport