Disability Services

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Who Do I Contact if I Have a Problem with Discrimination?
The NJ Division on Civil Rights Department of Law & Public Safety investigates and prosecutes disability related discrimination claims in New Jersey. 
Phone: (609) 292-4605 

The Americans with Disabilities Act hotline can help with issues concerning public and private accessibility.  Hot Line: 1-800-514-0301 

The Fair Housing Act has an office that can assist in matters regarding housing discrimination.  Phone: 1-888-341-7781  

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides information regarding discrimination in the workplace.  Phone: 1-800-669-4000


Where Do I Apply For a Parking Placard?
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issues handicapped parking privileges. You can obtain an application for a permanent handicapped parking placard from the MVC.  Phone: 1-888-486-3339 

Applications and filing instructions also are available from the county Disability Services. Phone: (908) 704-6334  Email: OfficeDisabled@co.somerset.nj.us  

Applications for temporary handicapped parking placards are obtained through your municipal police department.


Where Can I Find Information About Services and Benefits for Individuals with Disabilities?
Social Security Administration  - 1-800-772-1213

• Social Security Disability - Benefits can be received at any age if an individual has worked long enough and has a severe physical or mental impairment that prevents or delays future employment or if a medical condition is terminal.

•  Social Security Income (SSI) - Benefits for individuals 65 or older or disabled who have low incomes and few resources. Children as well as adults may qualify for SSI disability benefits and an individual does not have to have worked to get SSI payments.

•  Medicare -Hospital and medical insurance that helps pay for doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits and other medical services and supplies to individuals who are 65 or older.

Somerset County Board of Social Services - (908) 526-8800  

Medicaid assists in payment of medical services for individuals with disabilities who meet income eligibility requirements.  

Global Options (GO) -A special Medicaid Waiver program offering a variety of services to help individuals with disabilities remain in or return to the community rather than be cared for in a nursing facility.  

Somerset County Human Services - (908) 704-6346 - Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP) is designed to support disabled individuals who continue to be active in the community.  For eligible candidates, a personal assistant will be assigned to help with routine tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and other general household chores.

The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development - (609) 292-4605

• Workers Compensation benefits are available if personal injury is caused to an employee by an accident in the course of his employment.

• Under the New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits Law, Temporary Disability Insurance benefits may be obtained when an individual cannot work because of sickness or injury not related to employment.

•  Unemployment Insurance provides temporary and partial wage replacement to involuntarily unemployed workers who were recently employed.

• Vocational Rehabilitation provides evaluation, vocational skills training, counseling, job placement and post employment services to individuals who are disabled and qualify for services.

Where Can I Find Housing and Other Housing-Related Assistance?  
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs offers information regarding Section 8 housing.  Phone: (732) 255-0818

Information about affordable housing can be accessed through the Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) at (908) 704-8901 and the New Jersey Housing Affordability Service at (609) 292-9795. 

The Somerset County Board of Social Services offers rental assistance to those who are eligible, as resources permit. If an individual is in an extreme situation resulting in homelessness, the Board of Social Services offers Emergency Response services to those who qualify.  Phone: 908-526-8800  

Assistance to help pay for utilities may also be available to individuals who qualify through the New Jersey Weatherization & Home Energy Assistance Program (1-800-510-3102) and the Family Financial Stabilization Programs available through Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen at (908) 722-1881.

How Can I Obtain a Listing of Local Services and Organizations?  
The Somerset County Disability Services can send information or literature regarding local and state services. Please contact our office and leave your mailing address.

 

Division of Human Services
Office on Aging and Disability Services
First Floor
27 Warren Street, Somerville NJ 08876
Phone: (908) 704-6346
Email: OfficeDisabled@co.somerset.nj.us