Governor Murphy’s SFY 2025 detailed budget recommendations for the Department of Human Services (DHS) total $9.7 billion, which is an increase of $498 million or 5.4% from the 2024 allocation of $9.2 billion. For more on the Governor’s overall budget proposal, please see our SFY 2025 Budget writeup.
The Budget and Language recommendations remain unchanged from the previous year, highlighting direct state services for SFY2025 for management of financial resources to support NJ Families pending the approval of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting.
Below is a review of DHS’s budget. Division of Disability Services: The Division of Disability Services (DDS) is recommended to receive $2.06 million for the SFY2025 budget. DDS offers information and referral assistance to individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers throughout NJ. Serving as the lead agency for brain injury services, DDS administers the New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, oversees the Personal Assistance Services Program, and manages the NJ ABLE program. Division of Developmental Disabilities: The proposed allocations for SFY2025 for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) are set at $108.4 million. DDD’s budget also recommends $20.9 million to annualize the impact of wage increases approved in last year’s budget for Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and supervisors and $5.3 million to support an enhanced training program for DSPs. Division of Aging Services: The Division of Aging Services (DoAS) is recommended to receive $11.4 million to support home- and community-based services for older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and caregivers. DoAS administers various federal and state-funded programs and support services, helping older adults throughout the state. Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services: The proposed allocations for the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) total $70.2 million. DMHAS offers prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders, as well as support for their families. DMHAS collaborates with community-based providers to deliver a range of behavioral health services, including prevention and early intervention, crisis screening and response, outpatient counseling, partial and day
treatment, case management, residential and supported housing, jail diversion and reentry services, family support, self-help centers, and supported employment. NJ Work Ability: The SFY2025 proposed allocation for the New Jersey Work Ability program is $31.8 million. The program offers full Medicaid coverage to working disabled individuals whose income or assets would otherwise make them ineligible. As of February 1, 2024, the program is open to individuals aged 16 and over who have a disability determination. The program no longer counts a spouse’s income when determining eligibility or premiums and has removed limits based on assets and income. Individuals with countable income over 250% of the Federal Poverty Level must agree to pay a premium, as indicated in the accompanying chart.
Mental Health Crisis Hotline: The SFY2025 proposed budget allocates $28.8 million to continue funding the 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline. This program provides 24/7, confidential support for individuals experiencing mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress and connects them to trained individuals who offer immediate assistance, resources, and support. Department Objective: The Department of Human Services (DHS) operates the state’s Medicaid program and serves individuals with developmental and late-onset disabilities, as well as people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. DHS also supports older residents, individuals, and families with low incomes, and those needing mental health and addiction services. The department utilizes state and federal funding to provide services and support for eligible individuals and families. DHS partners with county and municipal governments and community-based provider agencies, to administer its programs and services.
These figures are based on the Governor’s proposal and may change based on public testimony, changes by the Legislature, and discussions with the Administration before its enactment by the end of June. The League will provide further updates as the budget process continues.