Resources To Save Money

With NJ ABLE, individuals with disabilities can save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs, like SSI and Medicaid. Visit https://savewithable.com/nj/home.html to learn more.

In addition, NJ Save is an online application from the Department of Human Services' Division of Aging Services to help low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses. Visit here to apply: https://njdoas-ua.force.com/njsave/quickstart

Transportation

NJ Transit Reduced Fare Program

Special rates are available for people with disabilities and for people 62 years of age or older. Through NJ TRANSIT's Reduced Fare Program, individuals can save 50% or more on a regular one-way fare. Personal assistants ride for free when proper identification is presented by the person with a disability.

People with disabilities and people 62 and older may take advantage of the reduced fare at any time on all trains, buses, and light rail vehicles.

To learn more or to apply, visit NJ TRANSIT's Reduced Fare program page.

Access Link ADA Paratransit

Access Link is a public transportation service for people with disabilities who are unable to use the local fixed route bus for some or all of their rides.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals interested in registering for Access Link no longer have to attend an in-person transportation assessment interview. Applications can now be submitted online.

For more information, visit NJ TRANSIT's Access Link program page.

Resources In An Emergency

"Register Ready -- New Jersey's Special Needs Registry for Disasters" allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs, and their families, friends, caregivers and associates, an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency.

All information collected is confidential and will not be available to the public. The information will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning.

In addition, the Governor signed a new law requiring NJ TRANSIT's Access Link services, which provide public transportation to people with disabilities, to operate during a state of emergency if it can be done safely.

Updated Hospitalization Procedures

To better support individuals with disabilities during this public health crisis in circumstances where support is essential, the Department of Health has made some accommodations during hospitalization.

• A designated healthy support person is permitted to be with an individual with a disability during hospitalization. The designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant or another disability service provider.
• Healthy is defined as individuals with no signs of respiratory illness such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. They should not have had contact with anyone with or suspected of having COVID-19 or any respiratory illness and individuals should be wearing the appropriate protective equipment

Additional Emergency Resources

For more information on emergency preparedness, building an emergency kit, and other tips for individuals with disabilities, visit ready.gov/disability

Voting Resources

Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) has free voting resources available for individuals with disabilities including a voting rights guide in English and Spanish.

Source:https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/home/ap2.html; https://www13.state.nj.us/SpecialNeeds/Signin?ReturnUrl=%2fSpecialNeeds%2f;NJ Health Commissioner Persichilli's Remarks 5/7/20