Caregiver Financial Resources
Caring for an individual who is sick, elderly, or has a disability, whether at home or in an institutional setting, can be extremely costly. Many caregivers spend their own money on expenses related to caring, often needing financial assistance to foster a healthy caregiving relationship.
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New Jersey Paid Family Leave
If you need time off work to bond with a new addition, or care for a loved one benefits may be available through New Jersey Paid Family Leave. Family Leave Insurance Benefits can partially replace your wages when you have to stop working to care for a loved one with a serious physical or mental health condition, including COVID-19, or to handle certain matters related to domestic or sexual violence. Most employers in New Jersey are required to have Family Leave Insurance for their employees. A health care provider must certify your family member's condition and that your family member needs your care. Caregiving leave may be taken in one continuous period or on an intermittent basis to suit your needs.
Can I be paid to be a caregiver?
Some programs pay family members or friends on a regular basis to provide care. Sometimes caregiving families may obtain financial relief for specific purposes, such as for respite care or to purchase goods and services, and in some cases, pay for caregiving. These options may be available through your Managed Care Organization (MCO) if your care recipient is on Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) refers to the delivery of long-term services and supports through New Jersey Medicaid's NJ FamilyCare managed care program. MLTSS is designed to expand home and community-based services, promote community inclusion and ensure quality and efficiency. Respite may be available to through your MCO as part of Medicaid, NJ Family Care (these include MLTSS and the Community Care waiver)
Programs available to those who do not qualify for Medicaid
The Statewide Respite Care Program offers a periodic break for caregivers through a sliding scale payment model. More information can be found at the following link: New Jersey Respite Care Brochure (English) New Jersey Respite Care Brochure (Spanish)
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) offers a broad array of in-home and community-based services to individuals age 60 and older who meet clinical eligibility for nursing home level of care and who desire to remain in their homes within the community. More information can be found at the following link: JACC Brochure (English) JACC Brochure (Spanish)
The Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program is another option for caregivers of individuals with dementia or related disorders who would like to send their loved one to an Adult Day Center. Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program (English) Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program (Spanish)
In each county, the Area Agency on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Connection offers services to individuals 60+ through the Older Americans Act. For specific information about the services offered in your county, please contact your local AAA/ADRC at 877-222-3737.
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund is a financial assistance program within the Department of Human Services for New Jersey Families with potentially catastrophic medical expenses due to a child’s illness or condition.
Disease-specific organizations may offer grants or other financial assistance to people with the disease and their family caregivers.
Veterans
Services may also be available through Veterans Affairs for caregivers of veterans. This may be through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) or through the Veteran’s Directed Care Program. More information can be found from the VA Caregiver Support Program or from the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System
The network of regional Veterans Service Offices (VSO), through the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) provides the state's Veterans and their dependents with information and guidance on employment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social and medical services and more. A list of local VSOs can be found at the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website: