Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Bottom line: New Jersey does not have one simple program that pays every family caregiver. For most seniors, the main paths are the Personal Preference Program for people on NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid who qualify for personal care, and JACC for some New Jersey residents age 60 or older who are not on Medicaid. Adult children can often be paid. Spouses may be paid under PPP, but JACC spouse rules are less clear in public materials, so ask the county care manager before you plan around spouse pay. For other help in the state, see the New Jersey senior benefits guide before you call.
Emergency help now
- If the older adult is unsafe right now, has fallen, cannot breathe, has chest pain, or cannot be left alone, call 911.
- If care has suddenly broken down and you need county aging help fast, call the county Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) / Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737.
- If the senior already has NJ FamilyCare and needs hands-on daily care, call the health plan and ask for a PCA assessment for PPP.
Where to start
| Your situation | Best first step | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| The senior already has NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid and needs help bathing, dressing, moving, meals, or light household tasks. | Call the NJ FamilyCare health plan. | Ask for a PCA assessment and say you want to discuss PPP. |
| The senior is 60 or older, is not on Medicaid, and needs a lot of help to stay home. | Call the county ADRC / Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. | Ask about JACC and nursing-facility level-of-care screening. |
| The care need is close to nursing-home level, or the person may need assisted living or nursing-home care. | Start NJ FamilyCare ABD and call the ADRC. | Ask about MLTSS clinical and financial screening. |
| The caregiver works in New Jersey and needs time away from work to care for a seriously ill family member. | Check New Jersey Family Leave Insurance. | Ask about wage replacement, not home-care payroll. |
| You are not sure where to begin. | Write down the care tasks first. | Use our senior help tools to organize next steps. |
What this help looks like in New Jersey
In New Jersey, “getting a family member paid” usually does not mean the state mails a check because a daughter, son, or spouse is helping at home. In self-directed programs, the senior or an approved representative helps choose the worker, set the schedule, approve time, and follow program rules.
Payroll is usually handled by a fiscal intermediary. That is important. The family should not pay the worker in cash and hope the program pays them back later, unless a program worker gives clear written instructions. In PPP and PASP, the fiscal intermediary handles payroll and tax steps. In JACC self-direction, the care plan and participant-employed provider rules matter.
The first question is not “Can my family member be paid?” The first question is “Which program door fits this senior?” If the older adult already has NJ FamilyCare and needs long-term hands-on help, start with PCA and PPP. If the senior is over Medicaid but has modest income and assets, ask about JACC. If the person needs nursing-home level care, ask about MLTSS. If the caregiver needs short-term leave from work, ask about Family Leave Insurance.
Quick facts
| Program | Medicaid required? | Can family be paid? | Best fit | First step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPP | Yes | Yes. New Jersey PPP materials say relatives may be hired, including a spouse, adult child, and other family members. | A person on NJ FamilyCare who qualifies for PCA services. | Call the NJ FamilyCare health plan. |
| JACC | No | Sometimes. State materials say eligible family, friends, or neighbors may be hired, but ask about spouse or guardian rules. | Age 60 or older, nursing-home level care, not on Medicaid, and within JACC financial rules. | Call the county ADRC at 1-877-222-3737. |
| PASP | No | Yes. The person may hire family, friends, neighbors, or an agency. | Adults with permanent physical disabilities who work, go to school, train, or volunteer. | Call the county PASP coordinator. |
| MLTSS | Yes | Not the simple public paid-family path the way PPP is. | Heavier long-term care needs, assisted living, nursing-home care, or return home from a facility. | Apply for NJ FamilyCare ABD and ask for clinical screening. |
| Statewide Respite | No | Usually no for ongoing caregiver wages. | A caregiver needs a break from daily unpaid care. | Call ADRC at 1-877-222-3737. |
| Family Leave Insurance | No | No. It is wage replacement from a job. | A worker needs time away from work to care for a seriously ill loved one. | Use the state labor application. |
Who qualifies
New Jersey families usually have to pass three tests.
First is the money test. For PPP and MLTSS, this means Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare rules. If you are new to Medicaid, our plain-English guide to Medicaid for seniors may help you understand the basic idea before you apply. For JACC, New Jersey publishes separate 2026 income and asset limits. If a senior is over the Medicaid income limit for long-term care, do not give up too fast. A Qualified Income Trust may matter in some New Jersey long-term care cases.
Second is the care-need test. PCA services require a doctor’s order, community living, and a documented need for hands-on personal care. JACC uses nursing-facility level of care and says this generally means help with at least three activities of daily living, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, transfers, or walking. MLTSS uses a similar nursing-facility level test and also recognizes cognitive deficits that require supervision or cueing with three or more daily activities.
Third is the self-direction test. In self-directed care, the senior or an authorized representative must be able to hire, schedule, supervise, and approve time. New Jersey says a PPP authorized representative cannot also be the paid worker. If the family is not ready to manage timesheets, worker backups, and program rules, agency care may be a better fit.
Best New Jersey options
Personal Preference Program (PPP)
What it is: PPP lets a NJ FamilyCare member who qualifies for PCA services receive help without using a home health agency. Instead, the member or an authorized representative directs the care. Payroll and employer paperwork go through a fiscal intermediary.
Who may qualify: New Jersey says the person must be eligible for NJ FamilyCare, approved for PCA services, expected to need PCA services for at least six months, and able to self-direct or have an authorized representative.
How family pay works: This is the clearest New Jersey path for many families. The PPP FAQ says a participant may hire a husband, wife, legal guardian, sibling, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or other extended family member. Workers must be at least 18 and allowed to work in the United States. The authorized representative cannot also be the paid worker.
How much it may pay: There is no one flat PPP wage. New Jersey’s 2026 PPP training shows the budget being built from approved PCA hours using a $20.40 reimbursement rate as of January 1, 2026. The same training says 87.5% of the monthly budget is available after a 12.5% deduction for employer-of-record costs. In 2026, workers must be paid at least $15.92 per hour and generally cannot be paid more than $25 per hour. The final pay depends on approved hours, the wage you set inside the budget, overtime rules, and how many workers are used.
How to apply: Ask the NJ FamilyCare health plan for a PCA assessment and say you want PPP. New Jersey’s PPP contact sheet lists the State Program Office at 609-631-2481 and these health plan numbers:
| Health plan | PPP / PCA phone | Fiscal intermediary listed |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna Better Health of New Jersey | 1-855-232-3596 | Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) |
| Fidelis Care | 1-855-642-6185, option 3, then option 2 | Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) |
| Horizon NJ Health | 1-855-465-4777 | Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) |
| UnitedHealthcare Community Plan | 1-800-645-9409, option 3 | Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) |
| Wellpoint | 1-855-661-1996, option 1 | Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) |
| PPL customer service | 1-844-880-8702 English; 1-844-880-8703 Spanish | Payroll and timesheet help |
Reality check: PPP is not instant. The health plan must approve PCA hours. The fiscal intermediary must set up the member as employer of record and onboard the worker. New Jersey training says the workers’ compensation application must be sent to the vendor by the 15th of the month for a first-of-the-following-month start. Keep notes of every call, name, and date.
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
What it is: JACC is a state-funded program for older adults who need nursing-home level care but want to remain in the community. It is the main non-Medicaid option to ask about when the senior is 60 or older and needs more help at home.
Who may qualify: In 2026, JACC serves New Jersey residents age 60 or older who live in the community, are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens, need nursing-facility level care, and meet financial rules. New Jersey lists the 2026 JACC limit as monthly income not greater than 365% of the federal poverty level, or $4,855 for one person and $6,582 for a married couple. Countable assets must be $40,000 or less for one person or $60,000 or less for a couple.
How it helps: JACC can include care management, home care, respite, meals, transportation, personal emergency response systems, adult day services, home modifications, and certain supplies or equipment. New Jersey says JACC services are capped at $1,090 per participant per month, plus care management. A co-pay may apply based on income.
Can family be paid? JACC has a participant-employed provider option. New Jersey’s caregiver resources say qualified people may have the opportunity to hire eligible family, friends, or neighbors. Public JACC pages do not give the same clear spouse list that PPP gives. If the worker would be a spouse, legal guardian, or another legally responsible person, ask the JACC care manager to confirm the rule in writing.
How to apply: Call the county ADRC / Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. If you want a county-by-county starting point, see our page on New Jersey aging offices for county contacts.
Reality check: JACC is helpful, but it is capped and depends on funding and service availability. It may not cover round-the-clock care.
Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP)
What it is: PASP provides up to 40 hours per week of routine, non-medical personal assistance to adults with permanent physical disabilities.
Who may qualify: The PASP page says participants must live in New Jersey, be age 18 or older, live in the community, be able to self-direct, need help with activities of daily living, and be working, preparing for work, in school, or actively volunteering in the community for at least 20 hours per month.
How it helps: PASP gives a monthly budget. Participants can choose who provides services, including family members, friends, neighbors, agencies, or a mix. There is no income cap, but a cost share may apply when income is over 350% of the federal poverty level.
How to apply: Contact the county PASP coordinator. The county screens the case, sends the packet, and arranges an assessment.
Reality check: PASP is often more useful for a younger senior or disabled adult who still works, trains, studies, or volunteers. A frail retiree who does not meet the activity rule may need JACC, PPP, or MLTSS instead.
MLTSS and I Choose Home
What it is: MLTSS is New Jersey Medicaid’s long-term services and supports system. It can cover care at home, assisted living, community residential services, or nursing-home care.
Who may qualify: Adults age 21 or older may qualify if they meet Medicaid financial rules and nursing-facility level-of-care rules. For adults, New Jersey says this can mean hands-on help with three or more daily activities, or cognitive deficits that require supervision and cueing with three or more daily activities.
How it helps: MLTSS can cover care management, home and vehicle modifications, home-delivered meals, respite, personal emergency response systems, assisted living, community services, and nursing-home care. It is not presented by New Jersey as the same simple paid-family route as PPP, but it may be the right door when care needs are heavy.
I Choose Home: I Choose Home NJ may help some Medicaid-eligible people move back to the community after living in a nursing home for 60 days or more.
Reality check: Medicaid long-term care can affect an estate. New Jersey says it may seek recovery for Medicaid payments for services received on or after age 55 in many cases.
Statewide Respite and Family Leave Insurance
What they are: These programs are real help, but they are not the same as ongoing family-caregiver pay. The Statewide Respite program gives a short-term or periodic break to caregivers who provide daily unpaid care. New Jersey Family Leave Insurance gives wage replacement to eligible workers who need time away from work to care for a seriously ill or injured loved one.
Who may qualify: Statewide Respite is for a New Jersey community resident age 18 or older who has functional impairments, receives daily care or supervision from an unpaid caregiver, and meets financial rules. In 2026, the respite page lists income limits of $2,982 per month for a single person and $5,964 per month for a married person, with liquid asset limits of $40,000 for a single person and $60,000 for a married person.
Family Leave Insurance: New Jersey’s Family Leave Insurance FAQ says eligible workers may receive benefits for up to 12 weeks to care for a seriously ill loved one. For 2026, New Jersey says the maximum weekly benefit for Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance is $1,119, and the base-week earnings amount is $310.
Reality check: Respite is for caregiver relief. Family Leave Insurance is wage replacement from work. Neither one is a long-term home-care payroll program like PPP.
How to apply without wasting time
- Pick the right door first. If the senior already has Medicaid, start with PPP. If not, but the senior is 60 or older and needs a lot of care, ask about JACC. If the care need is heavy, ask about MLTSS.
- Ask for the right assessment. For PPP, ask for a PCA assessment. For JACC or MLTSS, ask about nursing-facility level-of-care screening.
- Choose the roles early. Decide who may be the paid worker and who may be the authorized representative. In PPP, the same person cannot do both jobs.
- Write down daily care needs. Include bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers, meals, medication reminders, memory problems, wandering risk, and overnight needs.
- Use the right Medicaid application. If you need Medicaid, use the NJ FamilyCare ABD application page or call 1-800-356-1561.
- Keep every letter. Save notices, envelopes, screenshots, call notes, names, and dates. These matter if you need to appeal or fix a delay.
Documents checklist
| Document or detail | Why it matters | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID and proof of New Jersey address | Shows state residence and county connection. | JACC, Medicaid, PASP |
| Medicare card, NJ FamilyCare card, and health plan card | Helps request the right assessment and health-plan service. | PPP, PCA, MLTSS |
| Proof of income and assets | Used for JACC and Medicaid financial checks. | JACC, Medicaid, MLTSS |
| Spouse income and asset information | Married applicants may need spouse financial details. | JACC, Medicaid, MLTSS |
| Doctor’s order and recent medical records | Supports the need for hands-on care and level-of-care screening. | PCA, PPP, MLTSS |
| Daily care list | Shows what help is needed each day. | All programs |
| Power of attorney, guardianship, or authorized representative forms | Shows who can speak or sign for the senior. | Medicaid, PPP, JACC |
| Worker documents | Needed for hiring, tax, and payroll setup. | PPP, PASP, JACC self-direction |
Reality checks
- New Jersey does not have a universal paid-family-caregiver check for every senior.
- PPP is a strong option, but only after the person has the right NJ FamilyCare and PCA approval.
- JACC is real, but it is capped and may depend on local service availability and funding.
- Self-direction gives more control, but it also means more duties: hiring, backups, time approval, and records.
- Medicaid long-term care can affect an estate. Ask about estate recovery before you move forward.
- If the senior needs 24-hour care, no small home-care program is likely to cover the full need by itself.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up PPP and Family Leave Insurance. PPP pays approved workers through a care budget. Family Leave Insurance replaces part of a worker’s wages from a job.
- Applying for PPP before PCA approval. PPP starts with NJ FamilyCare and PCA eligibility.
- Making the authorized representative the paid worker. New Jersey PPP guidance does not allow this.
- Setting a PPP wage too high. A higher hourly wage can mean the budget buys fewer hours.
- Billing during hospital, rehab, or nursing-home stays. Ask the fiscal intermediary before any worker submits time when the participant is away from home.
- Assuming JACC covers round-the-clock care. JACC has a monthly cap, so it may cover only part of the need.
Best options by need
- “Mom already has Medicaid and my sister is doing the care.” Start with PPP.
- “Dad is over Medicaid, but not wealthy, and wants to stay home.” Call the ADRC about JACC.
- “The senior’s needs look close to nursing-home level.” Ask about MLTSS and, if already in a facility, I Choose Home.
- “The caregiver needs time off from work right now.” Look at Family Leave Insurance.
- “The person has a permanent physical disability and is still active in work or volunteering.” Check PASP.
- “I do not need wages; I need a break.” Ask about Statewide Respite.
What to do if denied, delayed, blocked, or waitlisted
- Ask for the written reason. Get the program name, the rule used, and the date of the decision.
- Ask for a copy of the assessment. For PPP, ask for the approved PCA hours. For JACC or MLTSS, ask how the level-of-care decision was made.
- Watch the deadline. New Jersey notices usually tell you how to appeal or ask for a fair hearing. Do not miss the date on the notice.
- Find out what failed. Ask whether the problem is income, assets, medical need, missing papers, worker onboarding, or program funding.
- Ask about a Qualified Income Trust. The New Jersey QIT page explains that some people over the Medicaid long-term care income limit may use a trust if they need an institutional level of care.
- Use the next-best door. If JACC cannot start, ask about respite, adult day services, meals, or MLTSS screening.
- Escalate payroll problems. If PPP is approved but stuck in payroll or onboarding, call the PPP State Program Office at 609-631-2481 or PPL customer service.
Plan B and backup options
If New Jersey does not have a clean paid-family-caregiver path for your case, do not stop there. Ask the ADRC about Statewide Respite, adult day services, home-delivered meals, transportation, personal emergency response systems, or home modifications. If the family is paying a caregiver privately, use a written caregiver agreement and keep good records, especially if Medicaid may be needed later.
Also look for ways to lower other bills. NJSave can help some low-income seniors and people with disabilities save on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, utility assistance, and other programs. You can also review our guides to Medicare Savings Programs, utility bill help, food programs for seniors, housing and rent help, and New Jersey property tax help as you plan other bills.
If you need nonprofit or church-based help while benefits are pending, our guide to charities helping seniors may help you find local support.
Local resources
- ADRC / county aging office: 1-877-222-3737 for JACC, respite, county aging services, and MLTSS starting points.
- Division of Aging Services: 1-800-792-8820 for general older-adult program questions.
- NJ FamilyCare ABD help: 1-800-356-1561 for Medicaid Aged, Blind, Disabled application questions.
- PPP State Program Office: 609-631-2481 for PPP program questions or complaints.
- NJSave: The NJSave program can help with Medicare and living-cost programs; call 1-800-792-9745 for application help.
- Care2Caregivers: Care2Caregivers offers free, confidential caregiver support in New Jersey; call 1-800-424-2494.
- Disability live assistance: The New Jersey Disability Information Hub says callers can use 1-888-285-3036 for help finding disability services.
Diverse communities and language help
New Jersey families often need help in more than one language. Ask the county aging office, NJ FamilyCare health plan, or fiscal intermediary for interpreter help before you sign legal, medical, or financial forms. Try not to rely only on a family member to explain papers that affect money, Medicaid, tax records, or worker pay.
Immigration status can matter. JACC public rules say the participant must be a United States citizen or qualified alien. Medicaid also reviews eligibility. If this issue may affect your family, bring papers early so the case does not stall.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling the health plan about PPP: “Hello, I am calling for a NJ FamilyCare member who needs help with bathing, dressing, meals, and moving around the home. I want to request a PCA assessment and ask about the Personal Preference Program. What is the next step?”
Calling the ADRC about JACC: “Hello, I am caring for someone age 60 or older who is not on Medicaid and needs a lot of help at home. I want to ask about JACC and nursing-facility level-of-care screening. What documents should we gather?”
Calling about a delay: “Hello, I am calling about a delayed caregiver program case. Can you tell me what is missing, whether the delay is financial, medical, or payroll-related, and what deadline we need to watch?”
Calling about respite: “Hello, I provide daily unpaid care and need a short break or backup help. Can you screen us for the Statewide Respite Care Program and any county caregiver support?”
Resumen en español
En New Jersey no hay un solo programa que pague automáticamente a cualquier familiar por cuidar a una persona mayor. Las opciones principales son PPP para personas con NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid que califican para cuidado personal, y JACC para algunas personas de 60 años o más que no están en Medicaid.
Si la persona mayor ya tiene Medicaid, llame al plan de salud y pida una evaluación de cuidado personal. Si no tiene Medicaid, llame al ADRC al 1-877-222-3737 y pregunte por JACC. Si necesita Medicaid, puede usar la solicitud ABD en español. También puede revisar el folleto JACC en español y la solicitud NJSave en español antes de solicitar.
Antes de llamar, junte identificación, tarjetas de seguro, comprobantes de ingresos y bienes, lista de medicinas y una nota sobre la ayuda diaria que necesita la persona mayor. No prometa al familiar que será aprobado hasta que el programa confirme las reglas por escrito.
FAQ
Can my daughter get paid to care for me in New Jersey?
Yes, often. The clearest path is PPP if you have NJ FamilyCare and qualify for PCA services. JACC may also allow an eligible family worker in some cases, but ask the care manager to confirm the exact rule.
Can my spouse get paid?
Under New Jersey PPP materials, a husband or wife may be hired as the paid worker. JACC is less clear in public consumer materials. For JACC, ask for written confirmation before you rely on spouse pay.
Do I need Medicaid?
For PPP and MLTSS, yes. For JACC and PASP, no. That is why the first step depends on the senior’s Medicaid status and care needs.
How much does PPP pay a family caregiver in New Jersey?
There is no single PPP paycheck. In 2026, New Jersey training materials show a $20.40 PCA reimbursement rate, 87.5% of the monthly budget available after the program deduction, a $15.92 minimum wage, and a general $25 hourly cap. Actual pay depends on approved hours and the wage set in the budget.
What if I am over Medicaid income?
First, ask about JACC if the person is 60 or older and not on Medicaid. Second, if the issue is Medicaid long-term care, ask whether a Qualified Income Trust could help.
Is there a waitlist?
New Jersey does not publish one simple statewide PPP waitlist. PPP depends on Medicaid, PCA approval, and enrollment steps. JACC depends on eligibility, service availability, and funding.
What tax rules may apply to caregiver pay?
Payroll usually goes through a fiscal intermediary. Some live-in Medicaid workers may qualify for the federal difficulty-of-care exclusion under IRS Notice 2014-7. Ask the fiscal intermediary and a tax professional before filing.
Can I use JACC and Medicaid at the same time?
No. JACC is for people who are not enrolled in NJ FamilyCare or Medicaid MLTSS. If the senior becomes Medicaid eligible, the case may need to move to the Medicaid side.
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org.
Editorial note: This guide was written for New Jersey seniors and families. It focuses on official New Jersey programs and state-specific steps, not generic national advice.
Verification: Last verified May 4, 2026. Next review September 4, 2026.
Corrections: If a phone number, limit, link, or rule changes, email info@grantsforseniors.org so we can review it.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial, medical, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Exact eligibility depends on health needs, income, assets, living arrangement, county process, and the program handling the case.
Choose your state to see senior assistance programs, benefits, and local help options.
About the Authors