Support for Working

Working in the community is an option for people with disabilities and good supports and services can help make work a reality. Yet many people with disabilities think that they aren’t qualified to work and worry that if they work, they won’t get the support they need to succeed and will lose their health benefits, including long-term services and supports.

Work and Keep Your Benefits

Medicaid's New Jersey WorkAbility program lets you keep your Medicaid benefits while working. The income limit for NJ WorkAbility is much higher than for standard Medicaid, so you can work, earn more, have more resources, and still qualify for Medicaid health coverage.

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.

Learn more about NJ WorkAbility in DB101’s How Health Benefits Work article.

Getting Back Into the Workforce

Services and supports can help people with disabilities work and earn money. The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) helps people with:

• Vocational counseling and training
• Job search, application, and interviewing skills
• On-the-job coaching
• Keeping 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

Most of these services are free or the cost is based on how much you can afford. Any person who has a disability that is a substantial barrier to employment may qualify for DVRS services.

For career counseling and guidance, One Stop Career Centers offer career planning, career training, and job development, as well as workshops, help looking for work, and job referrals. Career Services lists tips and resources, and Job Source explains how to get started.