- Note: You must have an impairment that impacts your ability to be independent in the community and qualifies you to enter a nursing home. This does not mean you have to live in a nursing home.
If you have any questions about MLTSS, call your local county Board of Social Services office.
Who can help me move from a nursing home to my own place?
If you live in a nursing home, but want to live in the community instead, the I Choose Home NJ program can help you make that move without losing your Medicaid benefits or the care you need.
The services you might get depend on your situation and can include home health aides, adult day care, transportation, and meal delivery. You may get help identifying your exact needs and the services you can expect.
How do I apply for I Choose Home NJ?
Tell a social worker in your facility that you’d like to explore options for living in your own place in the community. You can also call I Choose Home NJ at 1-855-466-3005 (1-855-HOME-005).
To qualify for I Choose Home NJ, you must:
- Live in a nursing home or developmental center and want to move into the community
- Have lived in the nursing home or developmental center for at least 90 days
- Qualify for Medicaid for at least one day before leaving the facility
Will I lose my Medicaid benefits if I work and make more money?
Many people with disabilities worry that they will lose their Medicaid benefits if they work and earn more money. Medicaid's New Jersey WorkAbility program has a higher income limit, so you may be able to keep your Medicaid benefits while working.
To qualify for NJ WorkAbility, you must:
- Be 16 years old or older
- Live in New Jersey
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
- Be working
- Have a disability that meets Social Security’s medical standards.
- Note: For NJ WorkAbility, SSA’s disability rules related to income do not apply.
Note: NJ WorkAbility used to have an income limit and a resource limit. The rules have changed and since February 1, 2024, there are no more limits!
If your countable income is less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($3,138 per month), there is no monthly premium for NJ WorkAbility coverage. If your income is higher, there's a monthly premium based on how much income you have. Get more information about the premium.
Are there other long-term services and supports options for veterans?
Veterans in New Jersey may get long-term services and supports through the VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCA), including community-based home care, both skilled and unskilled, and adult day health care. For more information, call the VANJHCA at 1-973-676-1000.
Where can I get help finding and getting a job?
The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) offers services and supports to people with disabilities, including:
- Vocational counseling and training
- Job search, application, and interviewing skills
- On-the-job coaching
- How to keep a job
- Job accommodations
- Medical or psychological testing
- Assistive technology evaluations
- Equipment or therapies to improve physical or cognitive functioning
- Individual, group, or other types of mental health counseling
- Home and vehicle modifications for employment-related purposes
- Financial needs assessments
For career counseling and guidance, One Stop Career Centers offer career planning, career training, and job development, Career Services lists tips and resources, and Job Source explains how to get started.
I am a veteran. Where can I go to get help finding a job?
New Jersey Career Services offers special veteran services, including first priority for all job and training opportunities, for qualified veterans. Veterans seeking work in local, state, or federal government may receive “veterans preference” when applying, and veterans with a 30% or service-connected disability may qualify to participate in Schedule A hiring events.
