How to apply for New Jersey Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)

Who it's for

PASP pays for up to 40 hours a week of non-medical personal care for adults with a permanent physical disability. A personal assistant can help with bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, meals, shopping, light housekeeping, and driving or using public transit. You choose and manage your own helpers, and you can hire friends, neighbors, or family. You must be 18 or older, live in New Jersey in the community, need help with daily activities, and be able to direct your own care. You must also be working, training for a job, in school, or volunteering at least 20 hours a month. Eligibility is not based on income, but there is a cost share based on income. To apply, call the PASP coordinator in your county (Mercer County: 609-989-6459) or the Division of Disability Services at 1-888-285-3036.

What you'll need

• Proof of New Jersey residency
• Documentation of your permanent physical disability and the help you need with daily activities
• Proof that you work, are in job training or school, or volunteer at least 20 hours a month
• Income information (used to set your cost share)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about New Jersey Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP). 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 New Jersey residency, documentation of your permanent physical disability and the help you need with daily activities, proof that you work, are in job training or school, or volunteer at least 20 hours a month — 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. Check that this program fits your situation. You must be 18 or older, live in New Jersey, have a permanent physical disability, need help with daily activities, be able to direct your own care, and be working, in job training, in school, or volunteering at least 20 hours a month.
2. Gather your documents. Have proof of New Jersey residency, documentation of your permanent physical disability and the help you need with daily activities, proof that you work, are in job training or school, or volunteer at least 20 hours a month, and income information for your cost share.
3. Apply online or apply by phone. You can also call the PASP coordinator in your county or call the Division of Disability Services at 1-888-285-3036 to start the process.
4. Complete the county PASP assessment. The county PASP coordinator will assess your needs, confirm that you can direct and supervise your own helpers, and set your service hours.
5. Review your cost share. Eligibility is not based on income, but your income information is used to set any cost share that may apply.
6. Choose and manage your helpers if approved. You direct your own care and can hire friends, neighbors, or family to help with daily tasks.

What to expect: After you apply, the county PASP coordinator reviews your information and does an assessment to decide if you qualify and how many hours of help you can get, up to 40 hours a week. Processing times vary, so ask the agency or county coordinator for an estimate. If you are approved, your needs will be reassessed on an ongoing basis by the county coordinator.

Renewals

ongoing (needs re-assessed by the county coordinator)