How Health Benefits Work

NJ WorkAbility

Look at NJ WorkAbility if:

  • You are 16-64 years old
  • You have a disability
  • You work
  • You have limited resources, and
  • You are a citizen or eligible immigrant.

Is It Right for You?

Medicaid, also called NJ FamilyCare, is government-funded health coverage for people in certain situations. You may qualify if you:

Answer the questions on this page to see if you might qualify for NJ WorkAbility. If so, it’s a good option to consider because it lets you earn a lot more money and still get Medicaid’s comprehensive coverage.

Do You Meet NJ WorkAbility’s Basic Requirements?

To qualify for NJ WorkAbility, you must:

  • Live in New Jersey
  • Be 16 – 64 years old
  • Have a permanent disability
  • Be working, and
  • Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific noncitizen requirements.

If you live in New Jersey, are 1664 years old, working, have a disability, and are either a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who qualifies, NJ WorkAbility might be an option for you.

Medicaid’s rules for immigrants:

Do You Have a Disability That Meets Social Security’s Standards?

To qualify for NJ WorkAbility, you must have a disability that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For adults, Social Security says you have a disability if:

  • You have a physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments, and
  • Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.

Note: For NJ WorkAbility, Social Security’s disability rules related to earned income do not apply.

If you currently get disability benefits, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you already meet Social Security’s disability standards. If not, the Disability Review Team at New Jersey's Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (DMAHS) checks to see if your disability qualifies for NJ WorkAbility.

If you already have a disability determination from Social Security or think that your disability meets Social Security’s standards, NJ WorkAbility might be an option for you.

Do You Have Low Assets?

Assets are money and property you own. For NJ WorkAbility, you must have less than $20,000 in liquid assets for an individual, or $30,000 for an eligible couple.

Some assets don’t count towards NJ WorkAbility’s asset limit, like the home you live in, one car, and money you have in an ABLE account or retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k).

If your assets are below the limit, NJ WorkAbility might be an option for you.

Is Your Income Below NJ WorkAbility’s Income Limits?

NJ WorkAbility has two income limits: an Unearned Income Threshold and a Total Earned Income Potential level.

  • Unearned Income Threshold: Your unearned income must be at or below $1,215 per month for individuals ($1,644 for couples).
    • Note: The NJ WorkAbility program does not count Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement System benefits as income, if they are based on your own work history .
  • Total Earned Income Potential: If you do not have unearned income, your earned income must be at or below $73,692 per year for individuals ($99,396 for eligible couples where both people qualify for NJ WorkAbility).
    • Note: If you have unearned income, the maximum earned income level will be lower.

Get more information about the NJ WorkAbility income limits. If you have any questions, call the Division of Disability Services (DDS) at 1-888-285-3036.

If your income is low enough and you meet all other requirements, you should apply for NJ WorkAbility.

How to Apply

You can apply for Medicaid's NJ WorkAbility program:

NJ FamilyCare lists the information and documents you may need when you apply. For help with your application, talk with a Health Benefits Coordinator at 1-800-701-0710 or 1-800-701-0720 (TTY).

Staying on NJ WorkAbility

Usually, once approved for NJ WorkAbility, you continue to qualify as long as your situation doesn’t change. If your income, immigration status, residency, disability status, or household size changes, let your county Board of Social Services know within 10 days of the change. You can do this in person, by phone, or by email.

Learn more