​​​Senator ​Patrick J. Diegnan​ Jr.

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The senator's staff is available to assist constituents within the 18th Legislative District, which includes residents of East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, Metuchen, Milltown, South Plainfied and South River.

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We respectfully ask those who reside in another legislative district please consider reaching out to their own state representatives, whose names and contact information can be found at the New Jersey State Legislature's website. 

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Following is information constituents may find helpful, as well as some state department resources that are available to all New Jersey residents.

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DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS

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To obtain or renew a driver's license in New Jersey, you must prove your identify by passing a six-point ID verification. 

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Following are the four requirements for the six-point verification:

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• At least one primary ID (such as a birth certificate, passport, or current New Jersey diver's license).

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• At least one secondary ID (such as a college ID with transcript, current driver's license from another state, or marriage certificate).

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• A verifiable social security number.

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• Proof of address (such as a bill or pay stub).

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The six-point verification system is meant to help prevent identity theft by ensuring driver's licenses are only issued with proper legal documents and verification.

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For further information and all New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission needs, please visit the NJMVC website.

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REAL ID

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Starting May 3, 2023, you must have a REAL ID compliant driver license/identification to fly within the United States, unless you use a U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. 

 

Until the deadline, a Standard New Jersey driver license is valid for air travel within the U.S.

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For complete details, please visit the NJMVC's REAL ID website.

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PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS

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New Jersey has several property tax relief programs for which residents may be eligible.

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They include Senior Freeze and the Homestead Benefit Program.

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Information about other programs can be found on the New Jersey Division of Taxation website.

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UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

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The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development maintains an unemployment insurance website with information regarding unemployment benefits that are available to state residents.

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Those seeking unemployment benefits can file or renew an unemployment insurance claim online.

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Additionally, a claim for unemployment benefits can be filed via telephone. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development maintains several Reemployment Call Centers located regionally throughout the state. Click here to find the call centers in your region.

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To find out more about the unemployment benefits New Jersey offers, please visit the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's new unemployment insurance website.

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TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS

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Temporary Disability Insurance provides cash benefits to workers who suffer an illness, injury, or other disability that prevents them from working, and wasn’t caused by their job.

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In addition, if your healthcare provider certifies that you are unable to work because you were diagnosed with COVID-19 or are at high risk for COVID-19 due to an underlying health condition, you may be eligible for Temporary Disability benefits.

 

Most employers in New Jersey are required to have Temporary Disability Insurance for their employees.

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For more information, please contact the Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

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VETERANS BENEFITS

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Through its network of regional Veterans Service Offices (VSO), the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) provides the state's Veterans and their dependents with information and guidance in filing claims.

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Trained Veterans Service Officers at these offices also assist Veterans with issues pertaining to employment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social and medical services, and other areas of concern to Veterans and their families.

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The New Jersey DMAVA also conducts outreach events in the community where VSOs are present to help and assist any Veteran.

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Please visit the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans affairs for more information.

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NEW JERSEY FAMILY CARE

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New Jersey Family Care - the state's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion populations.

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Qualified state residents of any age may be eligible for free or low cost health insurance that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services and even hospitalization.

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Individuals ineligible for New Jersey Family Care can find information on other insurance affordability programs here.

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For more information about the New Jersey Family Care program, click here.

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HOUSING ASSISTANCE

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The Housing Assistance office oversees programs that prevent homelessness and help people move out of temporary shelters into stable, permanent housing.

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The office administers housing assistance programs such as the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 Program (Section 8) and the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP).

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ENERGY ASSISTANCE

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Low-Income eligible households that are having a difficulty paying their heating and cooling bills can contact the Department of Community Affairs for financial assistance and help in weatherizing their homes.

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NEW JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER

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The New Jersey Housing Resource Center is a free online searchable registry of affordable and accessible housing units throughout the state.

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• Affordable Rental Housing

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• Affordable For-sale Housing

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• Housing with Accessibility Features

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Please visit the New Jersey Housing Resource Center for more information.

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SENIOR SERVICES

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New Jersey offers a wide array of services and programs for senior citizens. They include housing options, assisted living, tax information, special automobile insurance policies, prescription discount plans and much more. 

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Please click here for more information.

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NOTARY PUBLIC APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS

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A Notary Public is a public officer who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to the acknowledgement of signatures on documents. A Notary Public may also administer oaths and affirmations. A duly appointed New Jersey Notary Public is authorized to perform notary services throughout the State of New Jersey.

Click here to read the New Jersey Notary Public manual.

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To be eligible to become a Notary Public in New Jersey:

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• You must be a New Jersey resident or resident of an adjoining state that regularly works in New Jersey or maintains an office in New Jersey.

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• At least 18 years of age.

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Download a Notary Public application here.

Click here to apply for online Notary Public registration.

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Notary Public applications cost $25 (not including a $5 convenience fee if filing online) plus an additional $15 to be paid to the County Clerk upon completing your Oath of Office.

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A notary application requires the endorsement of a state legislator. 

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For more information about Notary Public, visit the New Jersey Department of the Treasury website or review this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.

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NOTE: Those renewing Notary commissions will be asked to submit their seven-digit “commission number,” which may also be referred to as the “ID number” on your existing paperwork. If you do not have a commission number, please call (609) 292-0642.

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