Back in August 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed A1349/S1221, establishing a funded program in the Department of Education to provide free period products in public schools.
The final Fiscal Year 2025 budget details were released, including a $3.5 million appropriation for the Menstrual Products School Reimbursement Program.
In addition to the Menstrual Products School Reimbursement Program, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed A2027 on June 28 to “establish a one-year State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program and State Work First New Jersey Diaper Benefit Pilot Program.”
The bill also appropriates $2.5 million to the Department of Human Services. This is a new one-year pilot program and is outlined in Bill S2330/A2027.
This bill establishes the State Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program and the State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Pilot Program in the Division of Family Development (division) in the Department of Human Services. WFNJ is the State’s cash assistance program for low-income residents. Under this program, each participant in WFNJ who menstruates from ages 18 to 50 years will receive a monthly benefit of $14 to offset the costs of menstrual products.
Under the Diaper Benefit Pilot program, participants in WFNJ will receive a monthly State benefit of $30 for each dependent of the person who is under 36 months of age to defray the costs of diaper products.
Work First New Jersey provides essential assistance to residents facing financial hardship and I am proud to extend this financial relief to cover costs of menstrual products and diapers. This bill provides residents across our state a necessary resource to purchase some of the most essential products for their health and the health of their babies. My Administration will continue to prioritize affordability at every level, ensuring that every resident has access to the vital health services and supplies that support their well-being, dignity, and quality of life.
Governor Phil Murphy
Guidance for the Distribution of Funds
On May 8, the DOE published initial regulations for how the Menstrual Products School Reimbursement Program will work. There are no limits or per student rules. However, we expect more updates from the DOE this summer!
