The New Jersey system of care is made up of many programs and services provided by Departments across the State government.
NJ Department of Human Services
The NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) has eight Divisions and a number of programs that offer a range of services and supports, including those related to individuals with disabilities. DHS manages programs for families with low income, food assistance, child care, healthcare, addiction support, mental health services, independent living supports, personal care services, and health insurance through NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid).
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities
The NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), which provides public funding for services and supports that assist New Jersey adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, age 21 and older, to live as independently as possible.
The functional criteria for an intellectual or developmental disability is that it:
NJ Division of Disability Services
The NJ Division of Disability Services (DDS), which serves as a resource for all individuals with disabilities and their families, including those whose disability had its onset later in life as a result of injury or illness. DDS publishes The New Jersey Resources Directory (English /Spanish ) annually.
Among its primary services and supports are the following:
NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
The NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) is the State's Medicaid office. Medicaid provides health insurance to parents/caregivers and dependent children, pregnant women, and people who are aged, blind, or disabled. These programs pay for hospital services, doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care and other healthcare needs, depending on program eligibility.
NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
The NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), which oversees New Jersey's adult system of community-based behavioral health services, including emergency screening, outpatient and intensive outpatient mental health services, partial care and partial hospitalization, case management, and long and short-term mental health and substance abuse residential services.
The NJ Mental Health Ombudsman is a useful resource for DMHAS services, consumer rights, and provider-related conflict resolution.
NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) provides education, advocacy, and direct services to people experiencing hearing loss.
NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) promotes and provides services in the areas of education, employment, independence and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and the community. Most services are available at no cost.
A person is eligible for services if he or she is visually impaired or is legally blind and still experiencing difficulties related to vision loss while using the best possible correction.
To apply or refer someone for services, call 1-877-685-8878 or the local CBVI office.
Last Updated: Monday, 02/02/26
Official Site of The State of New Jersey