Homeless Prevention Services

The Social Service for the Homeless (SSH) formerly known as CEAS program provides assistance to New Jersey Atlantic County residents who are at risk of homelessness, but are ineligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families welfare, General Assistance welfare or Supplemental Security Income.

SSH funding is used solely to assist individuals and families who are experiencing short term, non-recurring emergencies. SSH is not ongoing for participants; it is short term assistance for individuals and families who will be able to sustain themselves after this short term assistance is provided. Your total expenses cannot exceed your income.

Applicants

SSH applicants must have sustainable household income; Employment, Unemployment Benefits, Social Security and/or Social Security Disability and Pension.

Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance welfare (GA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are not eligible for this grant program.

Applicants must complete a Homeless Management Information System (NJHMIS) Client Consent-Single Intake form for each household member. This form is a pre-screening assessment tool; it is NOT an application for the program. This is a onetime help assistance within 12 months Calendar year and financially you must prove that you can sustain the entire household going forward.

An applicant may be found eligible for payment of security deposit, past due rent/mortgage and/or past due utilities.

Make an Appointment

Please leave a message on voicemail for an appointment, (609) 348-3001 Ext. 2717.

We cannot complete an interview and/or application without 100% of the required household documents. Your reserved appointment will have to be rescheduled.

All Adults in the home must be present for Interview and Included on Application.

Required Documentation Checklist

All documents listed are required to complete an application. 

*Written proof of hardship statement is required! Must be signed, dated and proof supportive documents* 

Application Process takes 4-6 weeks.

1. Social Security Award Letter/s (Social Security Retirement, Social Security Disability, and Survivors Benefits) SSI Recipient are not eligible for this grant. 
2. Child Support Court Order and 3 months of transaction history printouts (Paid out and/or received) and Current Dispersion sheet of deposits. 
3. Unemployment stub and 3 months printout of statements (see back of card for instructions) 
4. Last (4) consecutive weekly pay stubs or if paid bi-weekly last (2) (for each HH member employed)
   1. Employee Verification letter, if newly employed (start date, hours, rate of pay required and 1st full paystub) 
   2. If self-employed; must provide 2 years of tax returns
5. Section 8 FINAL portion letter or other housing voucher portion letter 
6. Other income; Pension letter/statement, Veterans statement of income, alimony 
7. CURRENT SIGNED LEASE or Mortgage statement or paid Deed with Tax Bill All adult household members must be on lease *Do NOT Move in Before Approval of Security Deposit Assistance* 
8. Identification (MUST be Valid Atlantic County, New Jersey DMV ID), Social Security Card, Birth certificate, for ALL Household members required 
9. ALL household expenses (Car payment, Car Title (if NO loan), Car Insurance, Water Bill, Sewer Bill, Gas Bill, Cable Bill, Electric Bill, Cell Phone Bill, and ALL other monthly debt payments, including credit cards and cash apps) 
10. Certificate of Occupancy and Fire Certificate Required (Atlantic City req. both C/o and Fire) (REQUIREMENT FOR SECURITY DEPOSIT) 
11. Eviction Court Summons/Settlement or Stipulation Court Agreement/Warrant of Removal 
12. Rent Ledger from Landlord. Breakdown of months of rent owed, late and/or legal fees owed
13. Foreclosure/Default Letter (Mortgage Statement & Taxes) 
14. Shut off notice (Electric, Gas, Water) and most recent month utility statement/s required 
15. Receipt for applicant’s portion of payment $_________ Rent (late & legal fees) /Electric/Gas/Mortgage
16. Liquid Resources (401K, 3 current month’s bank statements; checking, savings, cash apps & employer debit cards (REQUIREMENT FOR ALL APPLICATIONS) 
17. 3 months of ALL Cash app statements 
18. Proof of children/s residence (School records, report card with current address. If college student, must provide semester schedule) If all children are included on the lease, not necessary to bring school/med. documents. 

250% Federal Poverty Level for Calendar Year (2024)

Please use the applicant checklistto be sure you are prepared.

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