The NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) and its eight divisions strive to help individuals and families in need be able to keep their lives on track, their families together, a roof over their heads, and their health protected. The programs and services offered through DHS Human Services offer individuals and families the breathing room they need in order to find permanent solutions to otherwise daunting problems.

Health Care Services
NJ FamilyCare - New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program - includes CHIP, Medicaid, and Medicaid expansion populations. That means qualified NJ residents of any age may be eligible for free or low-cost healthcare coverage that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services, and even hospitalization.

Disability Programs
Resources for Individuals with Disabilities and the People Who Support Them

Family Programs (Division of Family Development)

• Child Care Assistance Program
• New Jersey Child Support
• NJ SNAP
• Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)

Mental Health (Division of Mental Health and Addiction)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988
• ReachNJ.gov
  ReachNJ is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help to overcome a substance use disorder.
  Call 1-844-ReachNJ
• Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ
  Support for gambling problems is just a phone call away.

Addiction Services
ReachNJ (Call 1-844-ReachNJ) is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help with a substance use disorder (SUD). Each call to ReachNJ is answered by a live person in the first 30 seconds. Trained staff will screen callers to identify their exact needs and be able to provide referrals to supportive services and a seamless connection to a local treatment provider. ReachNJ serves NJ residents of all ages, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

• Addiction Services Treatment Directory
• Naloxone Distribution at Participating Pharmacies

Aging Services (Division of Aging Services)

• NJSave
  Help with Medicare, prescription, and other living expenses.
• ADRC
  Your doorway to aging and disability services.
• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
  Free, unbiased help with Medicare.
• APS
  Investigates reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Housing
DHS tries to help its consumers find the type of housing best suited for their needs - accessibility, supportive services, transitional housing - but does not actually operate housing or provide housing.

Eligibility	DHS serves individuals and families with low incomes; people with mental illnesses, addictions, developmental disabilities, or late-onset disabilities; people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; parents needing child care services, child support and/or healthcare for their children; and families facing catastrophic medical expenses for their children.
Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults Seniors
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Housing / Shelter Rental / Security Deposit Utility Assistance Family & Support Services Child Care / After School
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Substance Use / Addiction Intellectual and Developmental Needs Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Medical Health Insurance
Areas Served	State-Wide

Last Updated: 03/29/26