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Making Ends Meet in New Jersey

Have You Met ALICE?

The United Way of Northern New Jersey conducts its ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) study. ALICE is a term used to represent anyone who is unable to pay for basic needs despite being employed. 

The study provides county-by-county and town-level data; cost of living calculations for six family size variations; analysis of how many households are living paycheck to paycheck; and the implications for New Jersey’s future economic stability.

Here are some of the study’s findings. Of New Jersey's 3,512,465 households in 2022…

  • 10% earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • 26% were ALICE, in households that earned above the FPL but not enough to afford the basics in the communities where they live
  • Together, 36% of households in New Jersey were below the ALICE Threshold (poverty + ALICE divided by total households)

Read the full report to find out more. 

Achieving Financial Stability

People who contact NJ 211 most frequently express a need for financial assistance. Local United Ways throughout New Jersey are focused on helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability by providing free services that educate and assist in reaching financial goals.

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