NJ Government Agencies & Resources
NJ.Gov
Connect with your state’s official website to find all manner of state agencies and information, including how to contact your governor and/or your representatives in the Senate and House.
NJ Department of Human Services (DHS)
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s largest agency. It serves about 2.1 million New Jerseyans, or about one of every five state residents and one out of every three children. We serve older New Jerseyans, individuals and families with low incomes; people with developmental disabilities, or late-onset disabilities; people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; parents needing child care services, child support and/or healthcare for their children; people who are dealing with addiction and mental health issues; and families facing catastrophic medical expenses for their children. Through our eight divisions, we provide numerous programs and services designed to give eligible individuals and families the help they need for economic and health challenges. They include health insurance through NJ FamilyCare or Medicaid, food assistance through NJ SNAP, independent living supports, personal care services, and much more. We hope you find our information and resources useful as you go through our website.
NJ DHS Informational Zoom Youtube Recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1vQaUhnJKs
This recording gives an overview of what DHS offers
NJ Dept of Human Resources 2022 Resource Guide
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/documents/RD/2022/RD-22-23_English-web.pdf
https://nj.gov/humanservices/dds/documents/RD/2022/RD_Spanish_22_23_web.pdf
Dear NJ Constituents: We are pleased to provide you with New Jersey Resources. This comprehensive directory details programs and services the Department of Human Services offers to New Jersey residents, caregivers, and advocates. In this guide, families can find information on available food, income or employment assistance programs; caregivers can find information on support programs and services to assist them in caring for their loved ones; and individuals with disabilities can find information on various services including in-home supports, vocational rehabilitation, personal care assistance and education. While eligibility guidelines included in this print edition reflect 2022 standards, the online version is continually updated to reflect the most current information in English, Spanish, and audio through the Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services (DDS) at: nj.gov/humanservices/dds/home/ To request additional hard copies in English or Spanish, please email DDS at: dds.publications@dhs.nj.gov If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact DDS’ certified Information and Referral specialists toll-free at 1-888-285-3036. We hope you find this resource of assistance. .
Rutgers Community Living Education Project (CLEP)
Since 1991, the Community Living Education Project (CLEP) has been committed to providing information and education regarding community living resources for people with intellectual /developmental disabilities (I/DD) living in New Jersey. CLEP uses a multi-faceted approach that includes hosting learning events, outreach and on-going support, visits to community settings, and publications and media services. CLEP offers these free services to individuals, their families, staff and other stakeholders, and is supported by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
WEBINAR LINKS: https://rutgerstraining.sph.rutgers.edu/clep/webinars.html
NJ Helps
The New Jersey Department of Human Services has an easy-to-navigate website, that may be helpful for individuals with I/DD living independently and for families who are struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic and lost income. Potential applicants can do an online screening that takes just 5 to 10 minutes, to find out if they may be eligible for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); financial assistance; or NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid (health insurance). After the brief online screening, applications for these programs can be completed and submitted online.
NJ Ombudson - Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals
with I/DD and Their Families
https://www.disabilityombudsman.nj.gov/about.shtml
The Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families was established by the State Legislature in December 2017 to serve individuals and their families – to help make sure that they get the services and supports they need and deserve. The legislation creating the Office outlines specific responsibilities, which can be grouped into 3 categories:
Assisting individuals and families to navigate New Jersey’s system of care to get the services and supports they need and deserve;
Working with individuals and families to identify opportunities for improving the system; and
Helping to ensure that the voice of individuals and families is heard in a meaningful way in decisions that directly affect them as well as in larger policy discussions.
Ombudsman for Individuals with I/DD and Their Families Annual Report for 2020
https://www.disabilityombudsman.nj.gov/documents/2020-Annual-Report.pdf
Supports Program & Community Care Program Policies & Procedures Manual - A Quick Guide for Families
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/assets/documents/quick-guide-for-families-english.pdf
The Supports Program and Community Care Program were developed by the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), which provides public funding for certain services that assist eligible New Jersey adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, age 21 and older, to live as independently as possible.
What is the Purpose of this Guide? This guide summarizes the information in DDD’s Supports Program and Community Care Program Policies and Procedures Manuals – the rules that govern program eligibility and process – in a comprehensive, yet uncomplicated format for individuals and families. This guide is based on information contained in DDD’s Supports Program and Community Care Program Policies and Procedures Manuals. It is not intended to nor does it replace these policy manuals.
The complete policy manuals are available on the DDD website: www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/documents/supports-program-policy-manual.pdf www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/documents/community-care-program-policy-manual.pdf
The Supports Program and Community Care Program policy manuals are the final and definitive source for all policies and procedures related to these two programs.
For questions, please email: DDD.FeeForService@dhs.nj.gov, 800.832.9173
Or visit: NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd
DDD, Division of Developmental Disabilities
http://nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/home/
The Division within the Department of Human Service, coordinated and provides services for people with Autism, Mental Retardation, Cerbral Palsy, Spina Bifida, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. DDD provides evaluation, functional and guardianship services to eligible persons. Services include residential services, family support, contracted day programs, work opportunities, social supervision and guardianship and referral services.
DDD 2019 Timeline for Graduates Aging of the School System
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/documents/graduates-timeline.pdf
This timeline applies to students who have exhausted their educational entitlement by turning 21 years of age within the 2019/2020 school year.
DDD/CTC Webinar - Overview of the Division of Developmental Disability
Presented to CTC by Jennifer Joyce, Director, Employment & Transition to 21
Who does DDD Serve? Eligibility Process. When do Services Begin? Individualized Budgets. Etc.
DCF, Division of Children and Families
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families is the state’s first comprehensive agency dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being and success of children, youth, families and communities. Our vision is to ensure a better today and even a greater tomorrow for every individual we serve.
DDS, Division of Disability Services
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/
Within the Department of Human Services, the Division of Disability Services (DDS) provides a single point of entry for those seeking disability-related information in New Jersey.
DDS works to streamline access to services and information that promote and enhance independent living for individuals with all disabilities by facilitating coordination and cooperation among local, county, and state government agencies.
DDS promotes maximum independence and the full participation of people with disabilities within all aspects of community life. DDS publishes a Resource Guide:
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/documents/RD/2019/Final_2019_DHS_NJ_Resource_Guide.pdf, the most comprehensive guide of services available throughout New Jersey for people with disabilities. This directory is updated annually.
DVRS - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) is to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities and capabilities.
What services does DVRS provide?
Any individual with a physical, mental, cognitive, or other form of disability that has a substantial impediment to employment may qualify for services through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
Commision for the Blind & Visually Impaired - CBVI
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/cbvi/
The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired was established in 1910 by order of the NJ State Legislature. This agency’s mission is to promote and provide services in the areas of education, employment, independent living and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families and the community.
CBVI’s service programs are designed to enable consumers to achieve full inclusion and integration in society through success in employment, independent living, and social self-sufficiency.
These services are made available through state and Federal funding and for the most part, are provided free of charge to residents of New Jersey without regard to other disabling conditions, gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
The Arc Family Institute DVRS GO BAG
https://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/dvrs-go-bag.html
Everything DVRS is included in the GO BAG Resource Page.
-What services does DVRS provide?
-DVRS Student Services
-About DVRS
-Fact Sheets
-Referrals and Applications
-New Jersey Employment Resources for Individuals with Intellectual and -Developmental Disabilities
Department of Human Services - Personal Preference Program, PPP
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/clients/njppp.html
The New Jersey Personal Preference Program (PPP) offers an alternative way for NJ FamilyCare Plan A members who qualify for the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services benefit to remain in their home and active in their community, and does not require the use of a home health care agency.
PCA services are non-emergency, health related tasks through NJ FamilyCare. Tasks include help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and with household duties essential to the patient's health and comfort, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
PerformCare NJ
PerformCare New Jersey is the Contracted System Administrator (CSA) for the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families, Children’s System of Care (CSOC). PerformCare is the single point of access to a wide array of behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability services as well as substance use treatment for youth and families throughout New Jersey.
As the CSA, PerformCare provides youths and their families with the services, resources, tools, and support they need to optimally participate in treatment within their homes, schools, and community settings. PerformCare provides the avenue for families to request clinically appropriate, needs-based services with a single phone call any time of the day or night.
Our partnership with the Children's System of Care (CSOC) and all of CSOC’s providers reflects the State’s dedication to coordinating services and supports for New Jersey youth, and PerformCare’s efforts since 2009 to bring this vision to fruition. During our tenure in New Jersey, we have supported the addition of thousands of youth to the Children’s System of Care.
Personal Preference Program - PPP
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/clients/njppp.html
The New Jersey Personal Preference Program (PPP) offers an alternative way for NJ FamilyCare Plan A members who qualify for the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services benefit to remain in their home and active in their community, and does not require the use of a home health care agency.
Medicaid NJ
http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/
Medicaid provides health insurance to parents/caretakers and dependent children, pregnant women, and people who are aged, blind or disabled. These programs pay for hospital services, doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care and other healthcare needs, depending on what program a person is eligible for. (DHS)
NJ Family Care https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/clients/njfamilycare/ New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion populations. That means qualified NJ 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.
If you are a NJ resident and you need more information on this program, please read through the pages of this website and see how to become a member of NJ FamilyCare.
Individuals ineligible for NJ FamilyCare can find information on other insurance affordability programs at www.healthcare.gov.
Workability and Disability NJ (NJ Medicaid program for people working): https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/services/workability/
Disability Benefits calculator: https://nj.db101.org/planning/(S(dnshbi45v2zoawykea0w2o45))/b2w2_nj_start.aspx?screen=start&l=b2w2_nj
Ticket to Work Tutorials: https://www.chooseworkttw.net/webinars-tutorials/index.html
NJ ABLE
There's no limit to what people with disabilities can do. Now, that includes saving, too. With NJ ABLE, you can save for qualified disability expenses without losing your eligibility for certain assistance programs, like SSI and Medicaid.ABLE National Resource Center
The ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) is the leading, comprehensive source of objective, independent information about federal- and state-related ABLE programs and activities, including guidance on tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts. Our mission is to educate, promote and support the positive impact ABLE can make on the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities and their families. ABLE NRC is a collaborative that brings together the investment, support and resources of some of the country’s largest and most influential national disability organizations in an effort to accelerate the design and availability of ABLE accounts to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center, as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, values uniqueness and individuality and promotes the self-determination and full participation of people with disabilities and their families in all aspects of community life.
This web site will help you to learn about our projects, faculty, and staff, register for the Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series and training courses, view the conference calendar and brochures, order products, download a variety of resources at no cost, and find links to organizations that may be of interest.
Department of NJ-Children with Special Needs
http://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/sch/
Each of the states 21 counties has an SCHS Case Management Unit jointly funded by SCHS and the county freeholders. SCHS Case Managers, with parental consent, work with the child’s parents and the physician to evaluate an affected child’s strengths and needs; and develops an individual service plan for the child and family. Medical, educational, developmental, social and economic needs of the child and family are targeted.
New Jersey State Bar Foundation
Founded in 1958, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation has been dedicated to carrying out the charitable and educational endeavors of the organized bar, specifically the New Jersey State Bar Association. In 1988, when it moved to its current location at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, the Foundation made a concentrated effort to expand its public education efforts. Today, the Foundation stands as a model for law-related education organizations across the country.
Believing that “informed citizens are better citizens,” the Foundation strives to educate everyone in New Jersey—from students to senior citizens—about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
NJ State Library
Our Collections
New Jersey Government Publications
Learning Resource Center Network, DOENJ
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) Network is a project of the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRC’s are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. The Centers provide regional and targeted professional development and technical assistance to educators and families of students with disabilities.Services OfferedTraining/Consultation Services: The LRC staff provides regional in-service workshops, training institutes, statewide conferences, consultations, LRC orientations, and technical assistance to educators and parents of students with disabilities. A $2.00 annual membership fee provides access to the following LRC services:
Information Services: Current special-education information is available at the LRCs through library media, professional journals, video/DVD collections, and access to online research relevant to educators and parents having responsibility for children and youth with disabilities ages 3-21.
Materials Circulation Services:The LRCs maintain and loan an extensive collection of professional books, in-service training resources, activity books, videos/DVDs and instructional materials to support all areas of the general education curriculum.
Production Services: Ideas are available for the development of teacher and parent-made learning materials. Services include lettering machines, laminating, transparency making, button making, poster making and photocopying. Supplies are available for purchase.
Internet Access to the LRC Library System
LRC Central - [Search/Browse the Library]
LRC North - [Search/Browse the Library]
LRC Northern Satellite - [Search/Browse the Library]
LRC South - [Search/Browse the Library]
Easter Seals
Easterseals is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has helped children and adults with disabilities and special needs, live better lives for nearly a century. Our Mission: To enrich the lives of people living with disabilities and special needs, and those who care about them, by providing opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities.
NJWINS-A Program of The Family Resource Network
The Family Resource Network’s New Jersey Work Incentives Network Support (NJWINS) program assists Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries to start, continue or increase work efforts while maintaining benefits for as long as they are needed.
The information on this website is based on recommendations of Celebrate the Children (CTC) staff and families. This information is not endorsed by CTC. It is reliable but at times may not be 100% accurate. CTC is not liable for actions or information given from these agencies.