Respite Care in New Jersey: Programs and Funding for Caregiver Breaks

Unpaid family caregivers in New Jersey provide an estimated $13 billion worth of care annually. When that care runs around the clock — especially for a parent with dementia or progressive physical decline — burnout is not hypothetical. New Jersey funds several respite programs that pay for substitute care so you can step away without leaving your parent uncovered.

Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP)

The SRCP is New Jersey's primary state-funded respite program, administered by county Area Agencies on Aging. It pays for a substitute caregiver, adult day services, or a short-term facility stay while the unpaid primary caregiver takes a break.

Eligibility requirements:

• The care recipient must have a physician-certified functional impairment
• There must be an unpaid primary caregiver providing regular care
• Income: $2,982 per month or less for individuals, $5,964 for couples
• Assets: $40,000 or less for individuals, $60,000 for couples

Annual benefit cap: $6,559.63 per calendar year. Individuals with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator enrolled in NJ FamilyCare receive a 10% boost to $7,215.59.

Cost-sharing: SRCP uses a sliding scale from 0% to 25% based on income. The program covers the cost of the substitute caregiver, not the primary caregiver — the primary caregiver cannot be paid under SRCP.

How to apply: Contact your county AAA through the ADRC at 1-877-222-3737.

MLTSS Respite Through Your MCO

If your parent is already enrolled in Medicaid MLTSS, their managed care organization can authorize respite services as part of the Person-Centered Service Plan. MLTSS respite is not capped at the same annual limit as SRCP — the MCO care manager determines the frequency and duration based on the caregiver's needs and the participant's safety requirements.

Ask your parent's MCO care manager about respite options during any care plan review. This is a covered benefit, not a special request.

CMS GUIDE Model for Dementia Caregivers

If your parent has a confirmed dementia diagnosis and is enrolled in Original (fee-for-service) Medicare, the GUIDE Model provides up to $2,500 per year in fully covered respite care alongside a dedicated care navigator.

Four organizations in New Jersey are approved GUIDE Model providers:

• Morristown Medical Center (Atlantic Health)
• Virtua Health
• Lizzy Care
• Harmonic Medical Group of New Jersey

GUIDE is a Medicare benefit — there is no income or asset test. The catch: it only works with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage plans.

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Administered through county AAAs, this federally funded program provides caregivers with training, support groups, individual counseling, and limited supplemental respite care. Eligibility prioritizes caregivers of the oldest and most frail recipients, with no strict income test.

Which Program Fits Your Situation

• Not on Medicaid, income under $2,982/month: SRCP through your county AAA
• On Medicaid MLTSS: Ask your MCO care manager for respite authorization
• Parent has dementia + Original Medicare: Check GUIDE Model eligibility
• Need training and support groups alongside respite: National Family Caregiver Support Program

These programs can be combined — a caregiver using SRCP respite for weekend breaks can also access GUIDE Model respite for dementia-specific care. The New Jersey Home Care Guide includes a program comparison worksheet that maps each respite option to your parent's coverage status and income level.

See more New Jersey guides →