Your employee can help you with personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, shopping, correspondence, and transportation.

Technically, you can have as many employees as you like. You can select as many as you need to be your “main assistants.”

Yes, the consumer can request a variety of background checks on potential employees. The fiscal intermediary will provide you with information on the various background checks that are available and assist you in the effort. The nominal costs associated with these checks will be part of your CMP and will come from your cash allowance.

The differences are that in hiring a person on your own, you may realize a cost savings that could translate into more service hours. In addition, you have the ability to work with a person you know and trust. If you utilize an agency, it may cost you more of your Cash Allowance for the services. However, agencies may have a larger pool of available workers to provide you with services.

No, you do not have to use an agency, although this is still an option. The PASP gives you the ability to utilize an agency or the freedom to hire anyone you are comfortable with such as family members, friends, or neighbors. You can even use a combination of agencies and employ staff directly.

There are only a few forms required to enroll in the Personal Assistance Services Program. The County Coordinator and Fiscal Intermediary will provide you with a checklist of all required forms and instructions on how to complete and return the forms. The County Coordinator is available to assist with paperwork as needed.

The Cash Management Plan is used by the Fiscal Intermediary to implement your budget. The plan drives the payment exactly as it’s written.

Each consumer, with the help of the County PASP Coordinator, will prepare a Cash Management Plan (CMP). The CMP is your monthly budget designating how you want your program benefits used. The CMP can be revised on a monthly basis as your needs change. Your Consultant can assist you in this process. The monthly grant you will receive from the program will allow you to employing individuals, including family members, friends and relatives to provide personal assistance; purchase services from home care providers or temporary help agencies; purchase background checks and benefits for employees; purchase rental or homeowner’s or other liability insurance as it relates to your role as an employer; personal assistance services training and education for workers; chore services, including outside chores that provide for a safe environment and safe access in and out of the home; cleaning service from firms or individuals; home modifications such as ramps and grab bars, installation of visual or tactile alarms, as well as wander alarms and other modifications not currently paid for by other program resources; supplies and equipment that promote or enhance independence which are not currently paid for by other program resources; food preparation and delivery; laundry services from a laundromat or other provider; errand service to assist with banking, shopping and other routine tasks.

These funds are not considered income and do not impact your eligibility for Social Security, Food Stamps and/or other programs that assess your income to determine eligibility.

Does the money come directly to me? The money that you receive, or your CASH ALLOWANCE, is based on the number of service hours you are assessed to receive. Your service hours are based on your approved plan of service which is reviewed annually. The maximum number of hours for all participants is 40 hours per week. The hours are converted into dollar amounts based on the current reimbursement rates, which is called your CASH ALLOWANCE. This amount of money is alloted to you for your CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN and is maintained in an account managed by a Fiscal Intermediary. The Fiscal Intermediary (FI) is designated by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, and acts as a bookkeeping service. The FI handles payroll and tax filings, and is responsible for issuing the checks for your employees and any other purchases. They also provide on-going technical support as needed.

There is no income cap for the program. Some people, depending on their income, may be required to pay a portion of the costs each month in order to participate, which is considered a cost share. Cost share is determined on a sliding scale for those whose income exceeds 350% of the federal poverty level and is paid directly to the fiscal intermediary on a monthly basis.

Contact your County PASP Coordinator, who will screen for eligibility, send out an application packet, and make arrangements for an assessment to further determine eligibility for the program.

PASP County Coordinators

The program is funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services (DDS). It is administered through county designated agencies in New Jersey.

Self-Directing refers to the consumer’s ability to independently make decisions, manage and supervise an employee.

New Jersey residents 18 years of age or older, who are self-directing and permanently physically disabled, AND who are working, preparing for employment, attending school or training program, actively volunteering in the community for a minimum of 20-hours a month.

The PASP allows consumers to utilize their Cash Management Plan to purchase approved items and services that foster independence. These items can include modifications, medical supplies and equipment, and cleaning services.