The Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) is a state-funded program in New Jersey designed to provide in-home and community-based services to seniors aged 60 and older who require nursing home-level care but wish to remain in their homes. The program aims to delay or prevent placement in a nursing facility by offering a tailored package of supports that enhance independence and support caregivers. Participants collaborate with a care manager to develop a personalized plan of care (POC) based on a clinical assessment. JACC is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services (DoAS), and is not a Medicaid program, serving those not eligible for programs like NJ FamilyCare or Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS).
To qualify for JACC, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Eligibility is determined through a clinical assessment and financial review.
All JACC participants receive care management services to coordinate their care. Additional services are provided based on the individual's needs and may include:
Participants have the option to self-direct their care, including hiring family members, friends, or neighbors as caregivers (participant-employed providers). There is a monthly service cost cap of approximately $1,090 per participant (plus care management), subject to funding availability.
To apply for JACC, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) by calling the toll-free number 1-877-222-3737. Applications are processed through county offices, and a care manager will conduct an assessment to determine eligibility and develop a plan of care.
JACC participants may be required to contribute to the cost of services through a co-payment based on a sliding scale tied to their income. Co-pays range from $0 to $120 monthly, depending on income and allowable deductions. The program uses a fiscal intermediary for billing, and worksheets are used to calculate these contributions annually or as needed.
As of 2025, JACC has aligned provider rates with Medicaid levels and increased case management reimbursements in recent years. The program is integrated into New Jersey's State Plan on Aging (2025-2029), with goals to expand eligibility screening and support transitions from institutional care. A recent audit (covering July 2022 to September 2025) identified issues with missing co-payment worksheets in some files and delays in posting payments, recommending more frequent audits and reconciliations using a new case management system launched in June 2025. The division has committed to addressing these for improved compliance.
