Understanding Language Assistance Services

The New Jersey Language Access Law requires State entities to offer language assistance so you can understand information and participate in programs, benefits, services, and activities—even if English is not your first language.

What language assistance services are included in the law?

Based on the law, the following services are required:

  • Interpreting services — Support to help individuals who do not share a common language communicate effectively during conversations, phone calls, appointments, or meetings.
  • Translation of Vital Documents — The conversion of written vital documents — such as information, applications, notices, and forms —from one language to another in a way that clearly conveys the intent and essential meaning of the original content.

What does qualified services mean?

It means receiving assistance from trained, experienced and designed individuals who can help communicate clearly and accurately in your preferred language. 

Qualified Interpreter: A bilingual/multilingual person with the proper designation, training and experience, or demonstrated skills to facilitate spoken or signed communication between individuals who don’t share a common language. They must follow professional rules and ethics. 

Qualified Translator:  A bilingual/multilingual person with the proper designation, training and experience, or demonstrated skills to convert written documents from one language to another while preserving the original meaning. 

Because language assistance services require proper training, skill, and accuracy, simply being bilingual alone does not make someone qualified. 

For your privacy and clarity

The following should not be used to translate or interpret unless there are urgent or emergency circumstances. In such cases, a request for an interpreter must be made as soon as possible:

  • Children
  • Family or friends
  • Staff without training or qualification

Who can use language assistance?

Language assistance is available to all members of the public—residents, visitors, and anyone looking for information or seeking services. 

Why language assistance is important

Language assistance helps you navigate services by ensuring you can:

  • Receive information in a language you understand
  • Ask questions and get clear answers
  • Understand program requirements, notices, and next steps
  • Feel confident during appointments, meetings, or service interactions 

You do not need to bring your own interpreter. If you prefer not to use the interpreter provided, let a staff member know.

They will document your preference and find another way to assist you. If you choose to decline these services, a waiver may be used to document your decision. 

How to request language assistance

Please consult the Language Access Coordinators directory for information about the services available at each Covered Entity.