New Jersey is an Employment First state that recognizes everyone's ability to work in a competitive, community-based environment. Many State Departments and Divisions offer programs and services – sometimes in partnership with private agencies and providers - to support people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.
NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) is responsible for protecting workers’ rights by enforcing labor laws as well as providing support programs for both the workforce and businesses.
NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), housed in the DOL, provides employment-related services for individuals whose disabilities – physical, mental, cognitive, or otherwise – result in a substantial impediment to employment.
Services include:
* A full list of services, field office locations, and answers to common questions, such as DVRS eligibility requirements, can be found on the DVRS homepage. To apply for services, submit a Referral Form.
Reemployment Centers will help with the unemployment process:
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
In compliance with and in support of New Jersey's Employment First initiative, the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers supported employment services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities based on assessed needs. To access supported employment services, individuals must have already sought services through DVRS or CBVI and either have been rejected or exhausted their available resources. Individuals can receive services from both DVRS and DDD.
*Referrals to DVRS are made by support coordinators of DDD eligible individuals.
NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vocational Rehabilitation Services offered by the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) are tailored to the specific needs of people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. Services include vocational evaluation, counseling, career exploration, supported employment, transition services, and training with assistive technology services.
If you have additional questions or would like to apply for VR services, please contact Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services: 973-648-3660
The US Department of Labor (DOL) works to ensure that individuals seeking employment, individuals who are employed, and individuals who are retired receive the labor-related services they need. DOL seeks to improve working conditions, advance opportunities for employment, ensure work-related benefits, and protect the rights of the workforce.
US Office of Disability Employment Policy
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
US Social Security Administration
The US Social Security Administration provides a program called Ticket to Work to anyone aged 18 through 64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of their disability. Participation in the Ticket to Work Program is free and voluntary. Anyone who chooses to participate receives services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as the State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. The service provider chosen will serve as an important part of the Ticket to Work "employment team."
NJ Centers for Independent Living
New Jersey is home to 12 Centers for Independent Living (CIL), which provide community-based, consumer-driven services and supports:
Disability Rights NJ (DRNJ) provides various legal supports to individuals with disabilities; one such program is the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS). Disability Rights NJ operates this federal program which helps people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) remove barriers to employment. PABSS advocates provide legal support, advocacy, and information to help beneficiaries understand their employment rights.
The Arc of NJ’s Project HIRE is a supported employment program designed to connect people with disabilities to integrated employment opportunities in their community. Project HIRE assists adults with disabilities in finding and maintaining competitive employment. The program also assists Middle and High School students in their preparation and transition to adult life with its School-to-Work program.
The Arc of New Jersey has published a helpful Overview of Supported Employment
* In addition to the many resources on this page, there are additional programs on our Personal Finance Resources page that are available to individuals and families to better navigate employment while maintaining support systems and benefits.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey