NJ WorkAbility

What is NJ Workability: A program that expands Medicaid eligibility so that individuals with disabilities can work and still retain Medicaid benefits.

Who is eligible for NJ WorkAbility:

  • Live in New Jersey · Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific noncitizen requirements
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be determined to have a disability by
    • the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), then you meet that the individual meets SSA’s disability standards or
    • the Medical Review Team at the Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services
  • Work full or part time
  • Income falls below NJ WorkAbility’s limit

Guidance for individuals that do not receive SSA benefits:

If you do not currently receive disability benefits, then you should reach out to the NJ Division of Disability Services (DDS). DDS has a staff of trained Community Resource Specialists you can call at 1-888-285-3036. The staff can review your potential for eligibility, answer any questions you may have, and provide guidance on whether or not NJ WorkAbility is appropriate for you.

Other key facts about NJ WorkAbility:

  • No asset limits
  • No spousal deeming

Income Information: NJ WorkAbility has income limits concerning both unearned and earned income.

Unearned income limits:

  • A single individual’s countable unearned income may not exceed $1,215 per month.
  • A married individual’s countable unearned income may not exceed $1,644 per month.

Unearned income categories: alimony, SSDI benefits received based on a parent or spouse’s work history (includes both SSDI and Survivors’ benefits), unemployment, interest, investments, or trust payments. Note: SSDI and Railroad Retirement System benefits received based on the individual’s own work history are not counted.

Earned Income:

Earned income includes, but is not limited to, wages, self-employment earnings, workers’ compensation, paid sick leave, private or state temporary disability plan benefits or commissions.

  • If you have no unearned income:
    • A single individual’s gross earned income may not exceed $73,932 per year/$6,161 per month.
    • A married individual’s gross earned income may not exceed $99,636 per year/$8,303 per month. Note: Spouse’s income does not count.
  • If you have unearned income in addition to your wages, the maximum earned income threshold will vary. (Total countable income, earned and unearned, cannot exceed the limits noted above.)

For more information about NJ WorkAbility income limits, call DDS at 1-888-285-3036.

How to apply for NJ WorkAbiity:

  • Online at dmahs-nj.my.site.com/abd/abdstart or
  • At your county office: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/home/cbss.
  • 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).