New Jersey · NJ
How to get paid to care for a family member in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the main path is Personal Preference Program (PPP).1 NJ FamilyCare eligible, approved for Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services needed for at least six months, and able to self-direct or have an Authorized Representative.1 Participants get a monthly allowance in place of agency PCA services (N.J.A.C. 10:142-1.1). The state page we reviewed does not publish a fixed caregiver hourly rate.1
- Official sources
- Last verified Oct 20, 2026
- Independent site, not a government agency
Written by Luis Fernando Garcia
Reviewed against official sources Last verified 7 official sources cited
Key facts
- Program
- Personal Preference Program (PPP)1
- Who can be paid
- NJ DMAHS says you can hire trusted individuals like friends, relatives, or neighbors.1
- Spouse
- Not stated on the state page1
- Pay
- Participants get a monthly allowance in place of agency PCA services (N.J.A.C. 10:142-1.1). The state page we reviewed does not publish a fixed caregiver hourly rate.1
Programs in New Jersey
| Program | Type | Eligibility summary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Preference Program (PPP) | HCBS self-directed | NJ FamilyCare eligible, approved for Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services needed for at least six months, and able to self-direct or have an Authorized Representative. | Official page1 |
| VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers | VA | For eligible Veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating. See VA stipend. | va.gov4 |
Is there IHSS or CDPAP in New Jersey?
No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program6 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program7. New Jersey does not use those names. The comparable path on the New Jersey official source is Personal Preference Program (PPP).1
How to apply
- Make sure the person has NJ FamilyCare (apply at the County Social Service Agency or online).1
- Call the NJ FamilyCare health plan (MCO) and request a PCA assessment for PPP.1
- After approval, enroll with the fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC.1
- State program office: 609-631-2481, MAHS.PPP@dhs.nj.gov.1
Your New Jersey application checklist
Use this list to track the official steps. It does not decide eligibility. Only the agency decides who qualifies. Applying through the state is free.
Have ready before you call
Frequently asked questions
Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in New Jersey?
Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Personal Preference Program (PPP): NJ DMAHS says you can hire trusted individuals like friends, relatives, or neighbors.
How much does New Jersey pay family caregivers?
Participants get a monthly allowance in place of agency PCA services (N.J.A.C. 10:142-1.1). The state page we reviewed does not publish a fixed caregiver hourly rate.
Can a spouse be paid in New Jersey?
What the official source says: Not stated on the state page. Confirm with the program before you rely on it.
Who decides if we qualify?
Only the state agency or health plan decides. This site cannot approve anyone or promise eligibility.
Sources
- https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/individuals-families/njppp.shtmlOfficial
- https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/documents/individuals-families/Section_2_b_PPP_website_contacts.pdfOfficial
- https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/notices/documents/rules-and-regulations/NJAC%2010_142%20PERSONAL%20PREFERENCE%20PROGRAM.PDFOfficial
- VA PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
- USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
- California CDSS, IHSS: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
- New York DOH, CDPAP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap/Official
Last verified