Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Your health matters, your body and your mind. If you're sick, hurting, or just need someone to talk to, there's care in New Jersey even if you don't have insurance or money right now. Let's find the right door for you.
Here is the easy first step: if you need a doctor and have no insurance, look up a community health center near you. They see people regardless of ability to pay. For mental health help any time, call or text 988.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise care, coverage or a spot in any program.
- This is general information, not medical advice. For your health, talk with a doctor or nurse.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
New Jersey's Department of Health says the state's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) give care to all people regardless of their ability to pay. You don't need health insurance to get care there.
They serve people with no insurance, and people with Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, Medicare and private insurance.
- Search for a health center by county or city on the Department of Health's FQHC page.
- Ask about a sliding fee, where what you pay depends on your income.
- Dial 211 for clinics near you.
- For an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/primarycare/fqhc/
How to find a clinic, step by step
- Search the FQHC list by your county, or dial 211.
- Call the health center and say you don't have insurance.
- Ask how much a visit costs, and if there's a sliding fee.
- Ask if someone there can help you apply for NJ FamilyCare.
- Bring an ID, proof of income and a list of your medicines, if you have them.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I don't have insurance. Can I make an appointment?"
"How much is a visit? Do you have a sliding fee?"
"Can someone help me apply for NJ FamilyCare?"
Ask for help applying
Many health centers have staff who help you sign up for coverage. Just ask at the front desk!
How do I apply for NJ FamilyCare?
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's public health coverage, including Medicaid and coverage for kids. The program says qualified New Jersey residents of any age may be eligible for low or no cost coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions and more.
- Apply online at NJHelps.gov, or at your County Social Services Agency.
- For questions or help applying, call NJ FamilyCare at 800.701.0710.
- Kids. NJ FamilyCare says that since January 1, 2023, children under 19 may apply regardless of their immigration status.
Sources: https://www.njfamilycare.org/ and https://www.njhelps.gov/
Before you apply, gather what you can
What changes should I know about?
New Jersey's health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, says federal changes are affecting how much people pay for coverage, and many people may see plan costs go up.
- Open your mail from NJ FamilyCare and your County Social Services Agency, and answer by the date in the letter.
- Renew your coverage when you're asked, so you don't lose it.
- If you're not sure where you stand, call NJ FamilyCare at 800.701.0710.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/ and https://www.njfamilycare.org/
Not sure where you stand?
Call and ask. It's okay to say, "I got a letter and I don't understand it." You've got this!
Can I buy health insurance if I don't get NJ FamilyCare?
Get Covered New Jersey is the state's official place to compare and buy health plans. Get Covered New Jersey says open enrollment for 2026 coverage ended January 31, but you may be able to enroll at other times if you have a major life event, like losing job based coverage, getting married or moving.
It also lists local help at no cost to you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/
Say you're a mom of three in Camden and just lost your insurance
Say you lost your job and your family's health insurance in Camden. You could apply for NJ FamilyCare at NJHelps.gov or call 800.701.0710. If you don't qualify, losing job based coverage may let you enroll through Get Covered New Jersey outside of open enrollment. A community health center can see your kids in the meantime, regardless of ability to pay.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.njfamilycare.org/ and https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/ and https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/primarycare/fqhc/
Where can I get help for mental health?
- 988. Call or text 988, any time, if you're thinking about suicide, in crisis or worried about someone.
- NJ MentalHealthCares. This is New Jersey's behavioral health information and referral service. Trained staff give phone counseling, information and help finding services, and every caller is offered a follow up call. Call 866.202.4357. TTY is 877.294.4356.
- Emergency screening centers. NJ MentalHealthCares says you can find your local emergency screening center, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sources: https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/about-us/ and https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/ and https://988lifeline.org/
Where can I get help for alcohol or drug use?
ReachNJ is New Jersey's 24/7 addiction helpline. The state says each call is answered by a live person in the first 30 seconds, and trained staff screen callers and connect them to help.
Call 844.732.2465.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj.gov/humanservices/reachnj/
Say you want to cut back on drinking
Say you've been drinking more than you'd like and want help. You could call ReachNJ at 844.732.2465, any time, and talk with a live person about your options. If you ever feel like hurting yourself, call or text 988.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nj.gov/humanservices/reachnj/
Write your questions down
Before a visit, jot down your symptoms, your medicines and your questions. It helps you remember. Easy peasy!
What about moms and babies?
- WIC helps women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants and children up to five years old with healthy food and nutrition support. See Guide 4.
- Ask NJ FamilyCare about coverage during pregnancy. Call 800.701.0710.
- Community health centers see moms and kids regardless of ability to pay.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/ and https://www.njfamilycare.org/ and https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/primarycare/fqhc/
Questions people ask a lot
Can I see a doctor without insurance in New Jersey?
Yes. Federally Qualified Health Centers give care regardless of ability to pay.
How do I apply for NJ FamilyCare?
Online at NJHelps.gov, at your County Social Services Agency, or call 800.701.0710 for help.
Can my child get NJ FamilyCare if we're immigrants?
NJ FamilyCare says children under 19 may apply regardless of immigration status.
Who can I call for mental health help?
Call or text 988 any time, or call NJ MentalHealthCares at 866.202.4357.
Who can I call for drug or alcohol help?
ReachNJ answers 24/7 at 844.732.2465.
Can I buy a health plan outside open enrollment?
Maybe. Get Covered New Jersey says a major life event, like losing job based coverage, may let you enroll.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/primarycare/fqhc/ and https://www.njfamilycare.org/ and https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/about-us/ and https://nj.gov/humanservices/reachnj/ and https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/
Your health matters
Taking care of your health is taking care of your future. I'm proud of you, friend.
Here is your County Social Services Agency and other local help, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
NJ FamilyCare
What it offers New Jersey's low or no cost health coverage. Children may now apply regardless of immigration status.
How to reach Call 800.701.0710. Apply at https://njfamilycare.dhs.state.nj.us/
Source https://njfamilycare.dhs.state.nj.us/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJMentalHealthCares
What it offers New Jersey's behavioral health information and referral service. Trained specialists help you find mental health and substance use services.
How to reach Email or find your local 24/7 emergency screening center at https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/
Source https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Bergen County Department of Human Services
What it offers County human services, including the Housing, Health and Human Services Center and HEARTS Homeless Family Services.
How to reach Call the county at 201.336.6000. One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack.
Source https://bergencountynj.gov/bergen-county-department-of-human-services/human-services-institute/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Middlesex County (New Brunswick and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
What it offers Mental health and crisis services in central New Jersey, including psychiatric emergency screening.
How to reach Call the Access Center at 800.969.5300.
Source https://ubhc.rutgers.edu/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits
What it offers Formerly called Welfare. Helps with SNAP, cash assistance and emergency help with shelter, food and medical needs.
How to reach Call Center 973.395.8000.
Source https://essexcountynj.org/welfare/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
Hudson Pride Center
What it offers New Jersey's largest LGBTQ+ social services center, with no cost support groups, wellness services and a youth program called Youth Connect, based in Jersey City.
How to reach Visit https://hudsonpride.org/
Source https://hudsonpride.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hudson County Welfare Agency
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and other county help in Hudson County.
How to reach Call 201.420.3000.
Source https://www.hcnj.us/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Monmouth County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. After hours, dial 211.
How to reach Call 732.431.6000. 3000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, and 2405 Route 66, Ocean. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)
Here are some places to start.
Ocean County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and emergency housing help. Offices in Toms River, Lakewood and Manahawkin.
How to reach Call 732.349.1500. After hours, dial 211 or call 877.652.1148. 1005 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
Source https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/socialservices/frmContact.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Union County (Elizabeth and Plainfield)
Here are some places to start.
Union County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. Offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.
How to reach Elizabeth: 342 Westminster Avenue, 908.965.2700. Plainfield: 200 West 2nd Street, 908.791.7000.
Source https://ucnj.org/dhs/social-services/ss-contact/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)
Here are some places to start.
Center for Family Services
What it offers A Camden nonprofit with family, youth and crisis programs in South Jersey.
How to reach Call 877.922.2377. 584 Benson Street, Camden.
Source https://www.centerffs.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)
Here are some places to start.
Passaic County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Offices in Paterson, Haskell and Passaic.
How to reach Call 973.881.0100. 80 Hamilton Street, Paterson. Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Morris County (Morristown and Dover)
Here are some places to start.
Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Ask about mobile services if getting there is hard.
How to reach Call 973.326.7800. 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown. Dover office: 973.682.4990.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county agency)
Here are some places to start.
Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Atlantic County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 1333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Call 609.348.3001. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Burlington County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Burlington County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 795 Woodlane Road, Mount Holly. Call 609.261.1000. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cape May County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cape May County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3801 Route 9 South Unit 4, Rio Grande. Call 609.886.6200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cumberland County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 275 North Delsea Dr., Vineland. Call 856.691.4600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gloucester County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Gloucester County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 400 Hollydell, Drive Sewell. Call 856.582.9200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hunterdon County Department of Human Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Hunterdon County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 6 Gauntt, Place Flemington. Call 908.788.1300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mercer County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Mercer County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 200 Woolverton, Street Trenton. Call 609.989.4320. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Salem County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Salem County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 147 South Virginia Avenue, Penns Grove. Call 856.299.7200. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Somerset County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Somerset County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 73 East High, Street Somerville. Call 908.526.8800. Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 6 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Sussex County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Sussex County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 83 Spring Street Suite 203, Newton. Call 973.383.3600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Warren County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3 Shotwell Dr., Belvidere. Call 908.475.6301. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bring to your first visit, if you can
My health plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My care
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Take good care of you. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax, medical or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
.jpg){kind=link}
