Nearly half of U.S. parents face challenges related to diaper need, a situation exacerbated by a 22% increase in diaper costs since 2018. Infants typically require between 10 and 12 diaper changes daily, resulting in monthly expenses ranging from $80 to over $100 per child. This financial burden often forces parents to delay diaper changes, posing potential physical and mental health risks for both the child and the adult. Additionally, limited access to affordable diapers can reduce parents' ability to secure other necessities like childcare, leading to missed work or school.
In response to this issue, Governor Murphy signed into law A2027/S2330 in July 2024, establishing the State Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Diaper Benefit Program. The program provides a monthly state benefit of $30 for each dependent under the age of 36 months to every WFNJ participant. These funds will be distributed on the same issuance date as other WFNJ benefits via participants' existing electronic benefits cards. Unspent funds may be carried over to the next month if used for their intended purpose.
"THANK YOU, Governor Phil Murphy, and all sponsors of this critical piece of legislation, for your attention to diaper need in New Jersey!"
For more information on this topic, contact Naomi at naomi@acnj.org.
