Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from New Jersey
New Jersey programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
State Rental Assistance Program
SRAP provides rental assistance to eligible low-income New Jersey households.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Homelessness Prevention Program
The program may help eligible tenants who face eviction because of financial problems.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and medically necessary cooling costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ SNAP
NJ SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Work First New Jersey Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
WFNJ/TANF provides temporary cash assistance and support services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Work First New Jersey General Assistance
WFNJ General Assistance provides temporary cash assistance to eligible adults and couples without dependent children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- NJ 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988