How to apply for New Jersey Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)

Who it's for

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) is New Jersey's Medicaid program that delivers long-term care through NJ FamilyCare managed-care plans. It serves residents age 65 and older (and people under 65 who are blind or have a disability) who need a nursing-facility level of care — generally hands-on help with three or more activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transferring, or comparable supervision for cognitive impairment — but who want to receive that care at home or in an assisted-living or community setting instead of a nursing home. MLTSS covers all NJ FamilyCare Plan A medical benefits plus care management, in-home personal care, home-delivered meals, respite for family caregivers, personal emergency response systems, home and vehicle modifications, assisted-living services, and nursing-facility care. Eligibility requires both a clinical assessment confirming nursing-facility level of care and meeting Medicaid's long-term-care financial limits: for 2026 that is monthly income at or below $2,982 (300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate) and countable resources at or below $2,000 for an individual, with spousal-impoverishment protections for married couples. To begin, an adult contacts their county Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) — the statewide line is 1-877-222-3737.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (65+) or Social Security blindness/disability determination
• Proof of New Jersey residency
• Social Security card
• Medicare card (if enrolled)
• Proof of all monthly income (Social Security award letter, pension statements)
• Bank statements and documentation of countable resources for both spouses if married
• Clinical assessment confirming nursing-facility level of care (3+ ADLs or cognitive equivalent)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about New Jersey Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age (65+) or Social Security blindness/disability determination, proof of New Jersey residency, social Security card — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Contact your county Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) to start the process. Call the statewide line at 1-877-222-3737 or apply online through the NJ FamilyCare application portal.
2. Gather your required documents before your intake appointment. You will need: proof of age (65+) or a Social Security blindness or disability determination; proof of New Jersey residency; your Social Security card; your Medicare card if you have one; proof of all monthly income such as a Social Security award letter and pension statements; and bank statements and documentation of all countable resources. If you are married, bring the same financial documents for your spouse.
3. Complete the clinical assessment arranged through the ADRC. A trained assessor will evaluate whether you need a nursing-facility level of care — generally hands-on help with three or more activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transferring, or comparable supervision for cognitive impairment. This step is required and cannot be skipped or completed from intake answers alone.
4. Submit your full Medicaid application for NJ FamilyCare long-term care. The ADRC can guide you through this step. Your application will be reviewed for both the clinical eligibility finding from your assessment and the financial limits for Medicaid long-term care.
5. If you are married, ask about spousal-impoverishment protections. Special rules allow the spouse who stays at home to keep substantially more income and assets than the single-applicant limits. The ADRC can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
6. Wait for a decision on your application. Processing times vary — ask the ADRC or DMAHS for an estimate when you apply.

What to expect: After submitting, the agency will review both your clinical assessment and your financial eligibility. If approved, you will be enrolled in an NJ FamilyCare managed-care plan that covers long-term services and supports — such as in-home personal care, care management, home-delivered meals, respite for family caregivers, and assisted-living services — along with standard NJ FamilyCare Plan A medical benefits. A care manager will work with you to build a plan of care. To stay enrolled, you must complete an annual financial recertification and periodic reassessments of your level of care. Missing a renewal deadline can interrupt your coverage, so watch for notices from the agency and respond promptly. Note: this walkthrough is not legal or financial advice.

Renewals

annual financial recertification plus periodic reassessment of level of care