Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Disability Information Hub

Employment Assistance

For an ASL summary of the resources on this page, visit American Sign Language: Employment Assistance - YouTube

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There are many ways you can get support in finding a new job or career, including specific programs designed to help individuals with disabilities look for work, train for employment, and receive the supports they need in the workplace. The primary source for employment assistance in New Jersey is the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which provides resources such as: 

  • One-Stop Career Centers: centers throughout New Jersey that offer free services to job seekers 
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services: resources provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to help people overcome barriers to employment 
  • Senior Community Service Employment Program: a program for residents 55 and older to help them obtain employment and self-sufficiency. 

This page contains information about these resources, as well as supports from the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Social Security Ticket to Work Program, and NJ FamilyCare. 

 

Get Help Now 

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Get Help Finding a Job

There are several ways to get support in finding a new job or career, as well as programs to help individuals with disabilities in their work.

 

One-Stop Career Centers

One-Stop Career Centers offer a wide range of free services and tools to help people, including individuals with disabilities, find a new job or career, strengthen job search skills, get training, improve reading and basic skills, and start a business.

Find a One-Stop Career Center near you or call 1-877-872-5627.

 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

Vocational rehabilitation services may be available for individuals with a physical, mental, cognitive, or other form of disability that results in a significant (or substantial) barrier to employment. Each person is evaluated individually for eligibility and assistance needed to achieve employment.

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired can receive services through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI). Learn more on CBVI’s website, call 1-973-648-3333, or email askcbvi@dhs.nj.gov.

All other individuals with disabilities receive services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). Counselors from the Division will work with individuals and their families to develop and carry out a plan for training and placement. The Division can also help purchase other rehabilitative services from private providers, such as further evaluation or counseling, training at a vocational center or technical school, and on-the-job training. Learn more on the DVRS’s website or call 1-609-292-5987. For video phone, call 1-609-498-6221.

 

Services Offered by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

All DVRS services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client based on their disability and employment goals. Some key services include:

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Counseling and Guidance: Every DVRS client is assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. This counselor provides ongoing vocational counseling and guidance to help clients pursue and maintain employment.

Training: Training services are customized based on the results of assessments and discussions with the VR Counselor. If determined necessary, DVRS can support various training options to help clients achieve their employment goals.

Assistive Devices: DVRS may arrange for an assistive technology evaluation to determine what devices are needed to support the client in obtaining or maintaining employment. Devices are provided as needed based on this evaluation.

Job Placement Services: DVRS helps job-ready clients with resume preparation, mock interviews, and access to quality job leads.

Supported Employment: For clients who need extra support, DVRS partners with vendors to provide job coaching services. These job coaches assist with both finding and succeeding in a job.

Transportation Assistance: If transportation is a barrier, DVRS can provide assistance through contracts with NJ TRANSIT and other transportation providers to help clients reach their vocational goal.

Self-Employment Service: The DVRS Self-Employment Service provides individuals with a disability the opportunity to create their own small businesses. Participants are supported throughout the process by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and business consultants, who help them in designing a business plan. Upon approval of the business plan, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) may provide up to $10,000 in funding to assist with start-up costs. For more information, please contact us at NJDVRSBOT@dol.nj.gov.

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Finding and Maintaining Disability Benefits While Working 

There are many federal and state benefits that you may be able to access if you have a disability, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Because these programs have income limits, individuals with disabilities who are working must be careful to ensure that the money they earn does not cause them to lose their benefits. The resources in this section help with finding benefits and maintaining those benefits while working.

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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities who have a qualifying work history.  In some cases, individuals may apply while still working. Visit Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for more information.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities and older adults with limited income and resources. Visit Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for more information. 

Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) helps individuals understand disability benefits such as SSI and SSDI and how work may affect them. The site offers clear explanations and planning tools to help you make decisions about work, benefits, and more. Visit Disability Benefits 101 to learn how work may affect your benefits.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are out-of-pocket costs for items or services you need to work because of a disability. Social Security may not include approved IRWE costs in your countable income when determining SSI or SSDI eligibility. Visit Impairment-Related Work Expenses for more information.

NJ ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting their eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits. Visit NJ ABLE for more information.

NJ WorkAbility provides full Medicaid coverage to working individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare.  As of February 1, 2024, NJ WorkAbility:

  • Is open to individuals age 16 and older with a disability determination
  • Does not count a spouse’s income 
  • Has no asset limit
  • Has no income limit (individuals with income over 250% of the Federal Poverty Level may be required to pay a premium)

For more information, visit the Division of Disability Services WorkAbility page or call 1-888-285-3036. You can also visit our article on Health Insurance to learn more about NJ FamilyCare.

Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) allows individuals who receive SSI to set aside income or resources for education, training, tools, transportation, or business expenses needed to reach an employment goal—without affecting SSI eligibility. Visit Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) for more information.

Ticket to Work is a free program that helps individuals ages 18–64 who receive SSI or SSDI explore employment options through career counseling, training, and job placement support. Visit Ticket to Work for more information.

Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) provides free benefits counseling for individuals who receive SSI or SSDI and are considering work. Services are offered virtually by two providers in New Jersey and are available by phone, video, or email. Visit Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) for more information.

 

Additional Career Resources

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP/Workforce 55+) provides paid, part-time employment in the community for individuals age 55 and older.  Participants gain job skills while working at nonprofit and public agencies and receive minimum wage. Visit the NJ Department of Labor’s SCSEP / Workforce 55+ page for more information.

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