Financial planning without losing benefits
Medicaid and SSI cap countable assets at $2,000. Two legal tools let NJ families save far more without losing DDD services: NJ ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts.
A tax-advantaged savings account for people whose disability started before age 26 (rising to 46 in 2026). Save up to $18,000/year. First $100,000 doesn't count against SSI. Owned by the individual. Use for housing, transportation, health, education, assistive tech.
Open a NJ ABLE account →A legal trust that holds unlimited assets for the beneficiary without disqualifying them from Medicaid or SSI.
- Third-party SNT — funded by parents/relatives. No Medicaid payback at death.
- First-party SNT — funded by the individual's own money. Medicaid payback required.
Requires a NJ attorney to draft.
Income benefits at a glance
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income/assets. Apply at 18 based on the individual's own income.
Based on work history — the individual's, or a parent's if the disability began before 22 (Disabled Adult Child).
Lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid at income levels well above the standard limit.
Rental subsidies for people with disabilities. Long waitlists — apply early.
- NJ ABLE— NJ ABLE
- Social Security — SSI/SSDI— SSA
- NJ WorkAbility— NJ DDS
- The Arc of NJ — Family Institute— The Arc of NJ
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