$83.4 Million Wage Increase as of Jan. 1, 2023 Will Mark Fifth Consecutive Year of Rate Increases to Support Higher Wages

Sept. 12, 2022

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today marked Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week by amplifying how the recent state budget signed by Governor Murphy includes $83.4 million for wage increases for those who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them live successfully in communities across New Jersey. 

This increase goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

This is the fifth consecutive year reimbursement rates to community providers of developmental disability services have been increased to raise wages for direct support professionals. The wage increases were included in the state budget signed by Governor Murphy and approved by the Legislature in June. The size of the wage increase per employee is based on factors such as agency pay scales and services provided.

“Direct support professionals play a critical role in helping individuals with disabilities live successfully in communities across New Jersey,” Commissioner Adelman said. “Their commitment has improved the quality of life for so many New Jerseyans. Their dedication and resiliency is remarkable, and I thank them for all they do each and every day. Direct support professionals, quite simply, make a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

“Direct support professionals are a critical part of our state’s economy, and we are grateful for their dedication to others,” Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. “Direct support professionals have improved the quality of life of so many individuals. Their positive impact is immeasurable.”

The new state budget builds on previous increases with about $83.4 million in new funding to ensure direct support professionals are paid above the state’s increasing minimum wage and to raise wages of managers and other more senior members of the developmental disability frontline workforce to support retention and professional growth. Funding includes $41.7 million in state resources and an equal amount in federal matching funds.

“Direct support professionals provide a broad range of support, while developing strong, trusting relationships with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Seifried, who directs the Division of Developmental Disabilities. “They make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We thank them for their work.”

New Jersey Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities provides supportive services to more than 24,000 adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the community, including employment, housing and community engagement. To thrive in the community, many individuals depend on the support provided by direct support professionals who ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are achieving their personal goals. 

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week runs from Sept. 11^th to 17^th.