Report Released as Benefits from Work First NJ Menstrual Hygiene and Diaper Pilot Program End in October

(TRENTON) – Human Services today announced new research shows eligible families found the Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene and Diaper Benefit Pilot Program helpful to afford these products, even as they indicated the benefit could be improved by extending eligible age groups and increasing funding levels. Over the course of the pilot program, which launched in January and ended in October, more than 18,000 residents used these novel benefits to purchase diapers and hygiene products.

“There is a real and persistent need in our communities for support in meeting basic necessities, and every family deserves the dignity of having their essential hygiene needs met," said First Lady Tammy Murphy. "This pilot program demonstrated that even a modest benefit for menstrual products and diapers can ease financial stress and offer meaningful support to New Jersey families."

“Diapers and feminine hygiene products are not luxury items – they are basic necessities essential to the health of women and babies.  We thank Majority Leader Ruiz, her colleagues in the Legislature, and Governor Murphy for authorizing this pilot program,” said Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “At the conclusion of this pilot program, study results show that, while modest, the benefits made a meaningful difference in addressing affordability challenges New Jersey families face. It also highlights the ongoing need to support families who are struggling to afford basic necessities amid the rising cost of living.”

Human Services’ Office of Research & Evaluation surveyed participants to assess the program’s impact and to better understand the experiences of those receiving the benefit. The majority of participants found the benefit helpful, noting that it helped alleviate other financial burdens. For many, any amount of benefit was essential in managing the rising cost of living.

The survey also revealed a “significant unmet need” for diaper and hygiene products, with many participants expressing stress and concerns about their affordability.

“The cost of diapers and period products can take up a significant share of a family’s monthly budget—often hundreds of dollars,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “The one-year pilot proved what we already knew: even modest support for these essentials makes a real and immediate difference. According to the DHS report, families shared that the benefit helped them stretch their budgets and better manage these unavoidable expenses. I’m grateful to see this report affirm my original intent: to help families meet basic needs with dignity, reduce the harms of period and diaper poverty, and ensure every New Jerseyan can care for themselves and their children without sacrificing their well-being.”

Last year, Governor Murphy signed a law establishing the State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene and Diaper Benefit Pilot Program to assist families in affording necessary diaper and menstrual hygiene products. The pilot was available to residents eligible for Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), the State’s cash assistance program, which provides monthly cash, child care, job search and readiness, and short-term housing support for eligible New Jersey residents.

Eligible households received a monthly $30 diaper benefit for each child under three years, and a $14 menstrual hygiene benefit for individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 years.

This legislation builds upon the Murphy Administration’s commitment to reproductive, maternal, and child health in New Jersey. For example, under P.L. 2023, c. 147 and supported by $2.9 million in Fiscal Year 2026, school districts are required to provide menstrual products free of charge in every public school teaching students in one or more of grades six through twelve. In 2019, the Administration required menstrual hygiene products to be provided free of charge to female inmates in the state correctional system. In addition, the Department of Health has created a website to provide residents with critical information about common menstrual health-related matters.

The survey was emailed to participants from July 22 through July 24. It assessed diaper and hygiene product need before and after receiving the benefit, as well as other financial burdens alleviated by the benefit. Participants were also able to leave comments to provide insight into their individual experiences with the program. The Department received 492 responses.

Read the report here.

“The positive outcomes of the pilot and the responses we received demonstrate that the need for assistance to cover basic expenses remains high for many families in New Jersey. As living costs continue to rise, financial pressure is mounting, forcing some to make difficult decisions, like cutting back on meals to afford diapers. This is not sustainable without more to support these families,” said Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

Participants largely expressed appreciation for the pilot program, with 73% of hygiene survey respondents and 83% of diaper survey respondents expressing that the program helped in buying products and better addressing the needs of the participants and their children.

Participants also recommended improvements, including expanding the eligibility age range to include more individuals, such as children with developmental disabilities who may need diapers beyond age 3 years, and individuals under 18 years who require menstrual hygiene products.

“Diapers alone can cost a family about $100 a month. This is a recurring expense that cannot be budgeted away. As one participant put it, many families have to rely on every penny to survive, which is disheartening. I encourage individuals and families who may be struggling financially and could benefit from our assistance programs to visit our website,” said Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson.

To apply for Work First New Jersey and other assistance programs, visit NJHelps.gov.