Dean Faculty, Staff, and Students:
In recent weeks, life as we once knew it has changed leaving many without employment and struggling to make ends meet. The COVID-19 crisis has compelled our communities to seek out resources, change our way of living and adapt to the pressures unearthed by this crisis.
While this may be a difficult time for you and your loved ones, the Office of the Dean of Students is committed to providing support to the Montclair State University Community. We anticipate this guide will help our students and community-at-large access resources.
To better assist our community, we created these social services and support resource guide to help you navigate and access available options. This guide is a connection to New Jersey social services and campus resources to support those impacted by COVID-19.
The Office of the Dean of Students provides support and advocacy to promote student success. Through intentional intervention and guidance, we collaborate with campus partners connecting students with services and ensuring the resolution of concerns that impact student academic achievement. These cooperative relationships aim to develop students who are intellectual, resilient and civically engaged global citizens.
There is no magical formula to get through this; as a community, we do what we always do, now and in the future, nurture our sense of belonging and affirm one another until this crisis passes. Please know our thoughts are with each and every one of you.
Stay healthy and be safe,
Dean Margaree Coleman-Carter, Dean of Students
Dr. Fatima DeCarvalho, Associate Dean of Students
Yolanda Alvarez, Associate Dean of Students
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
- Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household.
The FCC has announced that consumers can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2021. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.
https://getemergencybroadband.org/
Public Utility Assistance
The state’s moratorium on utility shut-offs is expected to end June 30, and many customers are unaware that they may qualify for assistance.
Recognizing that customers may be unaware of new and updated payment assistance resources, PSE&G is helping customers get caught up on their utility bills. The utility is raising awareness of the resources available to help customers pay their bills.
Anticipating the changing needs of their customers impacted by the pandemic, the utility is offering more flexible payment options. Qualified customers can make a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) with no money down and extended time to pay off their balance. A customer can select a DPA to pay their balance over a 12-, 18- or 24-month period. To make a Deferred Payment Arrangement, log in to My Account or call 800-357-2262.
Gov. Phil Murphy suspended utility shut-offs of residential customers unable to pay their bills. That moratorium is expected to end on June 30. That is also the deadline to sign up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program one of the primary payment assistance programs.
Below, please find additional information about assistance programs.
General Information
NJ 2-1-1 Utility Assistance or 2-1-1; 800-510-3102
Low-Income Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or 800-510-3102
Universal Service Fund (USF) or 800-510-3102
Moderate Income Assistance Programs
Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE) or 855-465-8783
NJ SHARES (NJS) or 866-NJSHARES (657-4273)
Senior/Disabled Adult Assistance Programs
New Jersey Lifeline or 800-792-9745
Types of Social Service Benefits and/or Assistance Are Available To Me During The Coronavirus Outbreak
Access information about unemployment insurance, health insurance, food, family leave, disability benefits, sick leave, job protection, job search, eviction protection, mortgage relief, housing, child care, mental health, domestic violence, resources for immigrants, resources for veterans, and assistance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub.
New Jersey 211 – Community Resource Referrals Basic Needs Resource for NJ Residents – Can’t Figure Out Who To Call, Where To Go, and What To Do? Call 211
Access Live help on COVID-19 information to connect to NJ specific resources. The live operator will be able to share county-specific resources for an individual situation. Also, you can access information about community resources such as shelters, food banks, and senior services.
Sign-up for alerts about COVID-19
COVID-19 Alerts Text messages and alerts about COVID-19 If you would like to receive text messages regarding updates and alerts, please text “NJCOVID” to 898-211. Sign Up for Alerts, Today.
University-Wide Resources Regarding COVID-19
Here you can find the latest news, information, and resources for the Montclair State community on coronavirus and COVID-19. Here you can find information about our campus partners such as Counseling and Psychological Services, the University Health Center, Red Hawk Central, the Office of the Dean of Students, Residence Life and more. University Health Center Resources.
Access Food Resources
Community Food Bank of New Jersey – Locate a community pantry and food resources by county. Community Food Bank website.
SNAP SNAP (formerly food stamps) – New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NJ SNAP, provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets. Check out SNAP Benefits website.
Remote Access to WIC – Helping Families To Provide Healthy Meals For Their Children:
During the pandemic, all 133,000 current New Jersey WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) participants will continue to receive benefits.
Typically, WIC participants and applicants must be physically present to receive services. However, USDA has temporarily waived this requirement. The waiver applies to areas impacted by WIC clinic closures and stay-at-home orders and those under quarantine. Access WIC Benefits.
Energy Assistance
The Home Energy Assistance Program helps very low-income residents with their heating and cooling bills and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance within the Home Energy Assistance Program.
Housing/Rental Assistance
NJ DCAid will allow you to start an online screening process to check eligibility for the NJ Assistance Programs supporting housing and energy assistance. These include temporary assistance to households who are being evicted due to a short-term loss of income and temporary financial assistance to help pay for housing and case management and services to maintain housing.
There are also programs available to help veterans, low-income families, the elderly, single-parents, and more. Find Out If You’re Eligible For NJ Housing/Rental Assistance.
Rental Assistance
This program will provide rental fees owed and temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income, have qualified for unemployment benefits, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due, directly, or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic. NJDCA COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Phase 2.
School-Age Tuition Assistance Program
The New Jersey School-Age Tuition Assistance Program will provide tuition assistance to parents/caretakers with school-age children (5 to 13 years old) in need of child care due to schools’ remote learning schedules this fall as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The tuition assistance will be directly paid to your selected licensed or registered child care provider from September 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 based on the hours of care needed. To be eligible for this assistance, your child must be attending school remotely, either part-time or full-time and your annual gross household income must be $75,000 or less. If the amount that we pay is less than the child care provider’s rate, the provider may require you to pay the difference. COVID-19 Child Care.
File your FAFSA
Financial Aid – HESAA, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority provides educational financial support. The deadline to apply for renewal of state tuition aid for the 2020-2021 academic year has been extended from April 15 to June 1 2020. Students receiving aid via the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will have until June 1, 2020 to submit a FAFSA. File your FAFSA.
Support For Monthly Bills
Credit Card Payments
If finances have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, the credit card issuer may be offering some debt relief, such as waived fees or deferred payments. Credit Karma collected information from major issuers to learn what they’re offering and how to get help. Credit Karma’s website.
Rental Assistance and Mortgage Relief
Governor Murphy issued an Executive Order, which states that any lessee, tenant, homeowner or any other person shall not be removed from a residential property as the result of an eviction or foreclosure proceeding. Your landlord cannot remove you from your home during this emergency. New Jersey Rental Assistance and Mortgage relief information.
Residential Mortgage Relief and List of Financial Institutions
List of Financial Institutions and Providing Residential Mortgage Relief.
File for unemployment benefits
Search For A Job
Montclair State University Career Services
Montclair State University Career Services is available to assist you during the pandemic. Career services can help you identify career goals based on your interests and values, support you in your career planning and help you prepare for the world of work or continued education. You can check out the virtual career counseling session, remote training sessions, and online job postings. Access Career Services.
Jobs/Employment – State of NJ JOBS COVID 19 Hiring Portal
Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19? Businesses across New Jersey need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community. NJ Jobs COVID-19 Hiring Portal.
Access Books
- If the book is available digitally, then the faculty can submit a digital book reserve request via Sprague Library to be available in approximately 1-2 days.
- Access to free textbooks online via Red Shelf.
- Access to free textbooks online via Vital Source.
- Students can also go directly to the publisher’s website to request a free e-book copy. Book publishers are being very helpful to provide access. For example Oxford Univ. Press, Cengage, and others have resources available online.
Additional Book Resources via Follet Bookstore
- FREE Online Shipping Offer: Visit the campus store website, for Free Shipping on all items with no minimum purchase. This includes various formats of course materials, supplies, apparel, technology and more. Since many online orders are fulfilled directly from your campus store, Follett will execute online orders as long as the store is accessible by staff.
- Access to eBooks AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE: Visit the campus store website, to gain access to eBooks at no additional charge with your .edu email address. Each student can access up to seven eBooks for the designated period free of charge.
- FREE Access to Lumen Learning OER Courseware: Lumen Learning, our OER partner, is offering FREE access to the courseware to help supplement content, and offer additional resources to faculty, get info for the Lumen offer.
- Free Shipping on Rental Returns & Deadline Extensions: The campus store is offering free shipping return labels and is also extending the non-return period without penalty to assist with increased returns by mail. Click the COVID-19 message on the home page of the campus store website.
Technology Resources
Need access to the internet for online courses? Browse this site for technology resources.
Everyone on Technology/Internet Resources.
Montclair State University: Information and Technology
Access available internet resources.
Secure a Laptop
Access to the Montclair State University IT Laptop Loaner Program.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
- Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household.
The FCC has announced that consumers can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2021. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.
https://getemergencybroadband.org/
Public Utility Assistance
The state’s moratorium on utility shut-offs is expected to end June 30, and many customers are unaware that they may qualify for assistance.
Recognizing that customers may be unaware of new and updated payment assistance resources, PSE&G is helping customers get caught up on their utility bills. The utility is raising awareness of the resources available to help customers pay their bills.
Anticipating the changing needs of their customers impacted by the pandemic, the utility is offering more flexible payment options. Qualified customers can make a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) with no money down and extended time to pay off their balance. A customer can select a DPA to pay their balance over a 12-, 18- or 24-month period. To make a Deferred Payment Arrangement, log in to My Account or call 800-357-2262.
Gov. Phil Murphy suspended utility shut-offs of residential customers unable to pay their bills. That moratorium is expected to end on June 30. That is also the deadline to sign up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program one of the primary payment assistance programs.
Below, please find additional information about assistance programs.
General Information
NJ 2-1-1 Utility Assistance or 2-1-1; 800-510-3102
Low-Income Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or 800-510-3102
Universal Service Fund (USF) or 800-510-3102
Moderate Income Assistance Programs
Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE) or 855-465-8783
NJ SHARES (NJS) or 866-NJSHARES (657-4273)
NJ’s Drug Monitoring Initiative (DMI) has created a “New Jersey Resource Guide” to provide DMI partners and the public with links to relevant resources for a variety of topics. Access DMI Resources
Need information regarding your Economic Impact Payment?
The President of the United States has signed a bill that will allow individuals to receive a one-time payment of $600.00 or more/less depending on your financial situation. Access the IRS website for more information.
Beyond the Food Pantry: Supporting Students During COVID-19: #RealCollege Guide
This guide provides support for colleges and universities across the United States and around the world as they scramble to keep their students, faculty, and staff healthy, safe, and educated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access Real College guide.
Resources for Immigrants
Find information on resources available for immigrants in New Jersey during the COVID-19 outbreak including information on testing, vaccines, and special relief programs. Also, learn more about immigration policy and enforcement during the pandemic. Resources For Immigrants.
Wellness Support
Locate wellness and Emotional support
This is a tough time for us all and we may need emotional support during this crisis. There are resources that can help.
NJ MentalHealthCares Help Line
Offering telephone counseling, emotional support, information and assistance in helping to get behavioral health services needed by you or a loved one. For assistance or more information, please call the toll-free, confidential number: 1-866-202-HELP (4357).
**Those who may be having suicidal thoughts should call 1-855-NJ-HOPELINE (855-654-6735). New Jersey Mental Health Cares Resources.
ReachNJ is a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week addictions hotline where people who have Substance Use Disorder or friends and family can get assistance and support from living, New Jersey-based, trained addiction counselors 1-844-ReachNJ.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – New Jersey
Directory of Mental Health Services – by County & by Program Element. NAMI Mental Health Services
Montclair State University Counseling and Psychological Services
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 9:02 am