Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP)
The PASP is a personal care assistance program that provides up to 40 hours per week of routine, non-medical personal care assistance to adults with permanent physical disabilities who are 18 years of age or older, who are employed, preparing for employment, attending school or involved in community volunteer work and who are able to self-direct their own services.
Personal assistants help with personal care tasks including, but not limited to: bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, preparing meals, shopping, light house keeping, driving or using public transportation.
The goal of this program is to support individuals with physical disabilities so that they can remain active in their community. The PASP offers participants choice, flexibility, control and the opportunity to manage their own personal care assistance services.
Eligibility is not income based, but there is a cost share based on income. The PASP is administered through County offices with oversight and funding provided by the Division of Disability Services.
PASP participants:
- Receive a monthly budget to purchase services
- Create their own individualized plan to direct their personal care needs
- Choose who will provide the services
- Tailor the services to meet their schedule and needs
Here's how it works:
An assessment is completed to determine the number of hours a participant will receive. Those hours are then converted to a monthly budget. The monthly budget, which is managed by a fiscal intermediary organization, is used by the participant to purchase required services. With assistance from a County Coordinator, participants will develop and follow a cash management plan (CMP), which outlines exactly how their monthly budget will be spent.
Eligibility
Participants must:
- reside in New Jersey
- have a permanent physical disability and require assistance with activities of daily living
- be 18 years of age or older
- live in the community
- be capable of directing and supervising their own services
- be employed, preparing for employment through a vocational training program, in school, or actively volunteering in the community for a minimum of 20 hours per month
How to Apply
If you are interested in learning more about PASP or applying for the program, your County Coordinator is your first point of contact. County Coordinators screen and enroll eligible participants, work with participants to develop cash management plans, and support participants as they manage their monthly budgets. Use the link below to find the contact information for the Coordinator serving your county.
Fiscal Intermediary
Self Directed Services (SDS) Fiscal Management of CAU
Call toll free: 1-877-354-9944
80 West Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
https://sdsfiscal.org
Training / Workshops
8/28/24: Orientation to PASP Webinar at 7:30 PM
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Closed captioning is available.
Statewide Consumer Advisory Council on Personal Assistance
New Jersey statute provides for the establishment of the Statewide Consumer Advisory Council On Personal Assistance Services (hereinafter referred to as the PASP Advisory Council). The primary objective of the PASP Advisory Council is to advise the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services on matters related to personal care assistance services and, more specifically, to advise the Division of Disability Services (DDS) on matters related to the Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP). Click here for additional information about the council, including agendas and meeting minutes.
Regulations
Proposed Regulatory Amendments (For Public Comment)
None at this time
PASP FAQs
What is the PASP Program?
The PASP offers consumers choice, flexibility, control and the opportunity to manage their personal care services through the receipt of a cash allowance. Consumers, with the assistance of the PASP County Coordinator, are required to develop and use a cash management plan (CMP) that is designed to meet their personal needs. The PASP allows consumers to receive up to 40 hours of service per week, enabling them to maintain their independence in the community. Personal assistants help with tasks such as light housekeeping, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, shopping, driving or using public transportation.
What can my employees do for me?
Your employee can help you with personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, shopping, correspondence, and transportation.
How many employees can I have?
Technically, you can have as many employees as you like. You can select as many as you need to be your “main assistants.”
If I hire someone I don’t know, can I get a background check performed on them?
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.
What is the difference between hiring my own employees or using an agency?
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.
Who can I hire? Do I have to go through an agency?
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.
Is there a lot of paperwork involved in the PASP?
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.
How is the Cash Management Plan used?
The Cash Management Plan is used by the Fiscal Intermediary to implement your budget. The plan drives the payment exactly as it’s written.
How do I spend the money?
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.
How does the money affect my personal income?
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.
How much money do I get?
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.
Is there an income cap for this program? Will I have to pay for the services?
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.
How can I apply for PASP?
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.
How is the program funded? Who administers the program?
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.
What does “Self-Directing” mean?
Self-Directing refers to the consumer’s ability to independently make decisions, manage and supervise an employee.
Who qualifies?
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.
What other services can the PASP provide?
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.