A note from DDD Asst Commissioner Jonathan Seifried.

The moratorium on utility shut-offs is ending June 30th and will compound the challenges that some individuals already face when paying for utilities.  In response to this, the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is asking for assistance in publicizing a variety of energy assistance programs.  This will coincide with enhanced Board of Public Utilities outreach during their "Utility Assistance Week” occurring May 17-21, 2021.

 This information can also be accessed at: https://www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/

Hello Division Constituents and Community Partners,

As you may be aware, the Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities released day program re-opening requirements on March 15, 2021. 

The Division understands that some participants and families are eager for more programs to re-open as soon as possible. In response to such feedback from individuals, families and guardians, and in continuous consultation with the New Jersey Department of Health, today the Division is releasing updated Congregate Day Program Re-Opening Requirements. The newly updated requirements allow providers to elect to open and operate congregate day programs at limited capacity, regardless of the current CALI designation.

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey(PLAN|NJ) has created a new website to better assist with planning for the future of an individualwith disabilities at www.plannj.org. Whether you are a person with a disability, a family member or friend, an attorney, financial advisor or human services professional, check out the website for life planning tools and resources to help achieve greater peace of mind.

(TRENTON) –  New Jerseyans who receive food assistance through the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) will receive at least a 15 percent increase in benefits in January to help address food needs related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

A 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits was included in the recently signed federal relief legislation and will be in effect through June.

FROM DHS:

Below is a helpful link to mental health services available throughout the state.  

https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhas/home/hotlines/MH_Dir_COMPLETE.pdf

Use links below  for Webinar viewing and downloading of Slides for webinar and EVV Overview

• COVID-19
• December Webinars 
• Guidance Updates 
• Closure of Congregate Day Services 
• Field Work Adjustments 
• Visitation in Licensed Residential Settings 
• SDE Pre-Employment Screenings 
• Fight the Flu! 

This COVID-19 DDD update webinar was presented by Dep't of Human Services Assistant Commissioner, Jonathan Seifried and reviewed a number of important changes to DDD's COVID-19 policy including:

• State and DDD-Specific COVTD-19 Statistics
• November Webinars
• Fight the Flu!
• FFS Transition/Agency with Choice Update
• SDE Pre-Employment Screenings
• Holiday Season 2020
• Day Services Update
• Office of Program Integrity and Accountability
• January 1, 2021 DSP Wage Increase
• EW Information
• Resources