Legal Services

Fraud

New Jersey matches information from public assistance applications with other electronic databases to ensure that information provided is accurate. Penalties for knowingly providing false or inaccurate information include ineligibility for future benefits, payment of restitution and/or criminal charges.

Gloucester County Division of Social Services (GCDSS)is required to seek reimbursement on most over-payments of public benefits, regardless of fault. Failure to repay could result in a civil judgment or seizure of tax refunds, homestead rebates or lottery winnings. Over-payments could also result in ineligibility for future benefits or referral to the county prosecutor.

To report suspected fraud call the GCDSS Fraud Unit at 856-256-2216, 856-256-2295

Fair Hearings

Applicants or recipient of public benefits, who disagree with the decision on their case, may request a Fair Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge from the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law. An attorney may represent a party or a party may present the case him/herself. Additionally, in some cases a non-lawyer may assist a party at the hearing. If a household requests a fair hearing within required time limits, benefits may be continued. However, if the CWA action is upheld by the hearing decision, a claim against the household shall be established for all over-issuances.

The ALJ will allow each party to present witnesses and other evidence. The ALJ will also permit each party to question the other party's witnesses. The ALJ prepares an initial decision for comments and then a final decision. Any party may appeal a final decision to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.

Further information visit the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law website or call the New Jersey State Hotline at 800-792-9773. Requests for Fair Hearings that relate to GCDSS call the Fair Hearing Liaison at: 856-256-2225.

Legal Advice

GCDS does not provide legal advice. Assistance is available through private attorneys.

If you are unable to afford an attorney and need help with legal matters visit the South Jersey Legal Services website or contact Southern New Jersey Legal Services at 800-496-4570 open for calls 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday

Supplemental Security Income Project

Legal Services of New Jersey's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Project is funded primarily with TANF dollars through the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development. The SSI Project provides Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) and General Assistance (GA) recipients with legal representation and assistance in the application and appeals process for both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

County and municipal agencies refer recipients to the Project who have been determined to have physical or mental disabilities and have been exempted from work requirements. Legal Services also maintains a toll-free hotline for individuals who have not been referred to the Project, although these individuals must be receiving some type of public assistance in order to be represented.

Legal Services has offices in every county and the SSI Project has helped many WFNJ and GA recipients move to the SSI system. Get more information online or contact Legal Services New Jersey at 888-576-5529 open for calls 8 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.