How to apply for NJ FamilyCare — Aged, Blind, Disabled Medicaid in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) — administers NJ FamilyCare ABD Medicaid
Who it's for
NJ FamilyCare Aged/Blind/Disabled (ABD) Medicaid covers New Jerseyans age 65+, blind, or disabled. Income limit (2026): ~$1,330/month single / ~$1,804/month couple (100% FPL — more generous than PA's strict SSI-FBR linkage). Resource limit: $4,000 single / $6,000 couple. Covers full Medicaid including long-term care. NJ also offers the Medically Needy program for those above income limits (spend-down). Apply at njfamilycare.org or via the local County Welfare Agency. Compare PA's strict ABD ($989/mo SSI-linked); NJ is meaningfully more generous on income.
NJ FamilyCare ABD covers aged, blind and disabled adults up to 100% of the federal poverty level — $1,330 a month ($15,960 a year) for one person and $1,804 a month for a couple in 2026. That is more generous than PA's strict SSI-linked threshold (~$989/mo) but less generous than NY's expanded ~138% FPL. Resource test still applies ($4,000/$6,000). Medically Needy program available for those above income limit. Married couples — long-term-care note: New Jersey applies spousal protections to Medicaid long-term care, including Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) and nursing-facility care. When one spouse needs long-term care and the other stays home, federal spousal-impoverishment rules protect the spouse who stays home (the community spouse). The single-applicant income and asset limits above are not applied to the community spouse's protected share — in 2026 that spouse can keep up to $162,660 in countable assets, plus a minimum monthly income allowance, while the spouse who needs care still qualifies. The state Medicaid agency calculates the exact protected amount; this eligibility check cannot. Not legal or financial advice.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Proof of age 65+ (or blind/disabled status)
- Proof of NJ residency
- Proof of all household income and assets
- Social Security card
- Medicare card if enrolled
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-356-1561
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about NJ FamilyCare — Aged, Blind, Disabled Medicaid. 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 blind/disabled status), proof of NJ residency, proof of all household income and assets — 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
- Gather proof of age 65 or older, or proof of blind or disabled status.
- Gather proof of New Jersey residency.
- Gather proof of all household income and assets, your Social Security card, and your Medicare card if you are enrolled in Medicare.
- Review the program rules before applying. NJ FamilyCare ABD covers adults age 65+, blind, or disabled, has income limits and resource limits, and covers full Medicaid, including long-term care.
- Apply online or apply by phone at 1-800-356-1561.
- Ask about other options if your income is above the limit. New Jersey also offers a Medically Needy program for people who are over the income limit.
- If you are married and one spouse needs long-term care, ask the agency to review spousal protections for long-term care eligibility.
What to expect: After you apply, the agency reviews your information and documents and may contact you if more details are needed. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate. If approved, coverage can include full Medicaid and long-term care. Coverage must be renewed every year, so watch for renewal notices and respond on time.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.