NJ WorkAbility lets people with disabilities in New Jersey work and earn more without losing their Medicaid. For adults with developmental disabilities, it matters twice over: DDD services require Medicaid, and WorkAbility is one of the types of Medicaid DDD accepts. This guide covers who qualifies, the 2026 premium chart, what changed in 2024, and how to apply.
Quick answer: NJ WorkAbility gives full Medicaid coverage to working people with disabilities whose income or assets would otherwise be too high. You must be 16 or older, live in New Jersey, have a job, full or part time, and have a disability determination from Social Security or the State. Since February 1, 2024 there is no income or asset limit, and a spouse’s income isn’t counted. People with countable income above 250% of the federal poverty level pay a monthly premium, from $203 in 2026. Apply with the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled application, online or at your county social services office.
What is NJ WorkAbility?
NJ WorkAbility is New Jersey’s Medicaid program for people with disabilities who work. The State describes it as offering “full Medicaid coverage to working disabled individuals whose income or assets would otherwise make them ineligible.” DDD’s manuals call it “NJ’s Medicaid Buy-In Program.”
The coverage includes, in the State’s words:
- medications;
- durable medical equipment;
- personal care assistant services;
- medical transportation;
- medical and healthcare services.
The State’s brochure adds that as long as you remain eligible, you won’t lose your benefits. That means a person can take a job, add hours or accept a raise without the earnings costing them their health coverage.
What changed on February 1, 2024
New Jersey expanded WorkAbility in 2024. Since February 1, 2024, the State says the program:
- is open to people 16 and over who have a disability determination, with no upper age limit;
- no longer counts a spouse’s income when deciding eligibility or premiums;
- no longer limits eligibility based on assets;
- no longer limits eligibility based on income. Instead, people with countable income over 250% of the federal poverty level pay a premium.
Older guides online still describe the income and asset limits that applied before 2024. They no longer apply.
Who qualifies for NJ WorkAbility?
To qualify, current and prospective Medicaid members must:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be a New Jersey resident;
- be employed, full or part time, and be able to show proof of employment;
- have been determined disabled by the Social Security Administration, or by the Medical Review Team at the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, before age 65.
People 65 and older can qualify as long as their disability determination was made before they turned 65.
NJ WorkAbility premiums in 2026
There’s no premium for people whose countable income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Above that, the monthly premium rises in tiers:
| Tier | Countable income (% of federal poverty level) | Yearly countable income, 2026 | Same, if all income is earned | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | Up to 250% | Under $39,900 | Under $80,820 | $0 |
| 1 | 251% to 350% | $39,900 to $55,860 | $80,820 to $112,740 | $203 |
| 2 | 351% to 450% | $55,860 to $71,820 | $112,740 to $144,660 | $406 |
| 3 | 451% to 550% | $71,820 to $87,780 | $144,660 to $176,580 | $609 |
| 4 | 551% to 650% | $87,780 to $103,740 | $176,580 to $208,500 | $812 |
| 5 | 651% to 750% | $103,740 to $119,700 | $208,500 to $240,420 | $1,015 |
| 6 | Over 750% | Over $119,700 | Over $240,420 | $1,218 |
From the State’s 2026 NJ WorkAbility premium chart.
So someone whose only income is wages pays no premium on earnings up to $80,820 a year in 2026. The State notes that part of both earned and unearned income isn’t counted, which is why the two income columns differ. Because every situation is different, the only way to know your exact tier is to apply.
- Earned income includes wages, self-employment earnings, paid sick leave and commissions.
- Unearned income includes Social Security benefits, alimony, unemployment, workers’ compensation, temporary disability benefits, interest, investments and trust payments.
If someone has unearned income as well as wages, the State says the earnings level where a premium starts will vary, so applying is the only way to know.
Why WorkAbility matters for DDD services
To receive DDD services through the Supports Program or the Community Care Program, a person must have, and keep, Medicaid. Our page on who qualifies for DDD explains the full rules. But not every type of Medicaid counts. DDD’s manuals list the types it accepts:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid;
- WorkAbility Medicaid;
- NJ FamilyCare;
- Supports Program Medicaid Only or Community Care Program Medicaid Only.
That makes WorkAbility an important option for an adult on DDD who wants to work. A job that raises their income doesn’t have to put their Medicaid, and with it their DDD services, at risk. DDD’s supported employment services even include explaining WorkAbility to job seekers, alongside Social Security’s work incentives.
If someone doesn’t have one of the accepted types of Medicaid, DDD says they will need to apply for Supports Program Medicaid Only or Community Care Program Medicaid Only, and your support coordinator can explain the process. If your Medicaid is changing for any reason, tell your support coordinator early.
WorkAbility also covers personal care assistant services. A member who needs hands-on help at home may be able to self-direct that care through the Personal Preference Program.
How to apply for NJ WorkAbility
- Check the basics. You need a job, proof of employment, New Jersey residency, and a disability determination from Social Security or the State’s Medical Review Team.
- Complete the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) Programs application. Apply online through the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled Programs page, or in person at your county social services office.
- Get a full eligibility decision. The State uses the application to work out countable income and whether a premium applies.
Questions before you apply? The Division of Disability Services has Community Resource Specialists on 1-888-285-3036.
No computer? Ask your county board of social services for an application:
| County | Phone | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | (609) 348-3001 | Middlesex | (732) 745-3500 |
| Bergen | (201) 368-4200 | Monmouth | (732) 431-6000 |
| Burlington | (609) 261-1000 | Morris | (973) 326-7800 |
| Camden | (856) 225-8800 | Ocean | (732) 349-1500 |
| Cape May | (609) 886-6200 | Passaic | (973) 881-0100 |
| Cumberland | (856) 691-4600 | Salem | (856) 299-7200 |
| Essex | (973) 395-8000 | Somerset | (908) 526-8800 |
| Gloucester | (856) 582-9200 | Sussex | (973) 383-3600 |
| Hudson | (201) 420-3000 | Union | (908) 965-2700 |
| Hunterdon | (908) 788-1300 | Warren | (908) 475-6301 |
| Mercer | (609) 989-4320 |
From the State’s 2026 NJ WorkAbility brochure.
Frequently asked questions
What is WorkAbility in NJ?
New Jersey’s Medicaid program for working people with disabilities. It gives full Medicaid coverage to people whose income or assets would otherwise be too high, so they can work and still keep their health benefits.
Is there an income limit for NJ WorkAbility?
No, not since February 1, 2024. Instead, people with countable income over 250% of the federal poverty level pay a monthly premium, from $203 to $1,218 in 2026. With wages only, there’s no premium on earnings up to $80,820 a year.
Is there an asset limit for NJ WorkAbility?
No. Since February 1, 2024, the State no longer limits eligibility based on assets, and a spouse’s income isn’t counted.
How do I apply for NJ WorkAbility?
Complete the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled Programs application online, or ask your county board of social services for one. For questions, call the Division of Disability Services on 1-888-285-3036.
Does WorkAbility Medicaid count for DDD services?
Yes. DDD’s Supports Program and Community Care Program manuals list WorkAbility Medicaid among the types of Medicaid accepted for enrollment.
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 16. There’s no upper age limit, but the disability determination must have been made before age 65.
Do I have to work full time?
No. Full-time or part-time work both count, as long as you can show proof of employment.
Planning DDD services around a job?
Ameriwell Care is a DDD-approved provider of home-based, community-based, family-based and behavior support across New Jersey. If someone you support is starting work, or working more, we’re glad to answer questions about how their DDD services can fit around the job. Call (732) 655 2911 ext. 101 or send us a message. For the bigger picture of DDD, see our NJ DDD services guide.
Sources
- NJ Division of Disability Services, NJ WorkAbility, retrieved 2026-10-20, https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/programs/njworkability/
- NJ Department of Human Services, NJ WorkAbility: Health Coverage That Works With You (brochure, 2026), https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/documents/BROCHURES/2026/NJ-DHS_WorkAbility-Brochure_English.pdf
- NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, Supports Program Policies & Procedures Manual, Version 10.0.1, September 2025 (section 5.1.1, Allowable Types of Medicaid; supported employment), https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/assets/documents/supports-program-policy-manual.pdf
- NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, Community Care Program Policies & Procedures Manual, Version 7.0.1, September 2025 (section 5.1.1, Allowable Types of Medicaid), https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/assets/documents/community-care-program-policy-manual.pdf
- NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled Programs, https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/individuals-families/familycare/aged-disabled/