UCDHS Action Line

Rapid, personal assistance with any question, complaint or concern about services is operational for both English and Spanish speaking callers. Calls are being accessed remotely throughout the day. 

Speak with someone about needs for food, shelter, health & mental health services, domestic violence, job search, special medical transportation, senior services, youth services, assistance for the disabled, child immunizations, homelessness, and homelessness prevention, and more, call or email the numbers & address below.

• 888-845-3434
• 908-558-2288
• DHSAction@ucnj.org

NJ 211

You are encouraged to dial “2-1-1” or visit nj211.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help in understanding and finding available assistance services. Language translation and TTY services are offered to any caller. You can also search our database for services in your local community or Chat Live with an experienced community resource specialist. 2-1-1 will help identify with you the best local resources to fit your individual needs during times of distress or for life’s everyday situations.

American Job Centers 

Both of the American Job Centers (in Elizabeth and Plainfield) closed to the public until further notice.

• Elizabeth office 908-558-8000
• Plainfield office 908-757-9090

Paratransit

Running life-sustaining medical trips only.  All other transportation is cancelled until further notice, including the Route 22 Safety Shuttle.   

Intoxicated Driving Resource Center

Due to the New Jersey State of Emergency regarding the COVID-19 virus, all Union County Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (IDRC) classes are cancelled until further notice.  If you have questions or were scheduled for a class that has been cancelled, please email idrc@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4791 or 908-527-4804 to provide your current contact information so that you receive information about your new class date.  Please note that there may be a delay in IDRC response due to increased call/email volume during this time.

Meals on Wheels

All remaining congregate sites are closed. Any person who previously ate at one of the 23 congregate meals sites and is unable to sustain without this assistance should call Union County Meals on Wheels at 908-527-4870; 908-527-4858. Spanish speaking residents may call 908-527-4863.

Home delivered meals for persons with disabilities and seniors over 60 and older will continue and may be expanded for persons in need of food delivery in their homes.

Emergency Shelter for Persons who are Homeless

Persons who are homeless, or anyone assisting a homeless person can call the Division of Social Services at 908-965-2700. All arrangements for assistance will be made by phone.

After 4:00 p.m., all after-hours referrals for shelter should be directed to the Statewide Homeless Hotline, 211 or 877-652-1148.

SNAP Food Stamps, Cash Assistance and Work Requirements

To apply for SNAP food assistance, or cash assistance under the Work First New Jersey program, Union County residents may do so online at org. An office visit is not required, as the Union County Division of Social Services will have staff is available to conduct interviews by phone.

Work First New Jersey cash assistance clients who are due for their case to be reviewed in March or April will receive a 60-day extension. The extension is automatic and does not require an office visit.

SNAP food assistance or Work First New Jersey cash assistance clients are excused from their work activity requirement without penalty. This includes people who are applying for Work First New Jersey General Assistance and who are in a work activity for 28 days while their application is being reviewed. Please note that voluntary participation in a work activity is allowed, if the activity is conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Clients are encouraged to mail or fax any needed paperwork to the Division of Social Services offices. For those dropping off papers by hand, use the drop boxes located in the front lobbies of the Social Services offices at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth or 200 West Second Street in Plainfield.

Attention SNAP recipients:  If your case is due to be recertified in March or April and you were unable to get your paperwork in or complete your interview, your case will not be closed. You will receive your benefits on the usual day. Your case will be recertified at some point in the future, once this public health crisis has settled. In the meantime, you will continue to receive SNAP benefits.

Social Services

Until further notice, the new hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The offices are closed on Fridays. In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, residents are encouraged to conduct business with the two offices by phone:

• Elizabeth Office: 908-965-2700
• Plainfield Office: 908-791-7000

As needed, in-person service is also available at both offices:

• Elizabeth Office: 342 Westminster Avenue
• Plainfield Office: 200 West Second Street

Any documents on paper may be submitted by drop box, located in the lobbies of both offices.

Mental Health Disaster Response

Should you or someone you know need information about Union County Mental Health Services, for 24 Hour Emergency Psychiatric services, please contact:

• Mobile Community Outreach (Adults): 908-994-7131
• Union County Mobile Response & Stabilization (Children): 877-652-7624
• RWJ University Hospital: 732-381-4200
• Overlook Hospital: 908-522-2000
• Should you need information about mental health or addiction services in Union County, please dial: 908-527-4846 or 908-527-4844.

24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline

Anyone in need of assistance due to sexual assault should call the 24 hour hotline: 908-233-RAPE

Family Crisis Information

24/7 response within 1 hour for youths in crisis or unable to remain in their homes by calling 908-514-2313. 

Immunization Clinic

The 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth is operating by appointment only. Immunizations administered by appointment only. Call 908-965-3627 or 908-965-3868.