What the income limit is right now

New Jersey's Medicaid income limit depends on your household size and which Medicaid program you are trying to enter. For most adults, the limit is 138% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2024, that means a monthly income of roughly $1,810; for a family of three, roughly $3,740. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty level updates, usually in January.

The state also runs programs with different limits. NJ FamilyCare, which covers children and pregnant people, has higher income limits than adult Medicaid. Seniors and people with disabilities may have access to programs with different thresholds. The limit that applies to you depends on your age, whether you are pregnant, and whether you have a disability.

Income is counted monthly, not yearly. If your income goes over the limit in one month, you may lose coverage that month, though some programs let you average income over a longer period or exclude certain types of income.

Key Takeaways

  • Most New Jersey adults can get Medicaid if their monthly income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, which is around $1,810 for one person.
  • The exact limit changes each January when the federal poverty level updates, so the 2024 figure will not be the same as 2025.
  • Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities have different income limits under different programs, and some are higher than the adult limit.
  • Income is counted month by month, and certain types of income (like child support or some disability payments) may not count toward the limit.
  • You can check your specific situation by contacting your county's Medicaid office or using the New Jersey Department of Human Services online screening tool.

How income is counted

Not all money you receive counts as income for Medicaid purposes. Wages and self-employment income count. Social Security, unemployment benefits, and workers' compensation count. Child support and alimony count. Pensions and retirement account withdrawals count.

Some income does not count. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count toward the limit if you are receiving it. Certain disability payments and veterans' benefits may be excluded depending on the program. Food stamps and housing vouchers do not count. Medical expense reimbursements do not count.

If you are self-employed, you report your net income (what you make after business expenses). If you have irregular income, some programs let you average it over three months. If you receive income only part of the year, you may still be able to show that your average monthly income stays under the limit.

Income limits for specific programs

NJ FamilyCare for children covers children up to age 19 in households earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level — much higher than adult Medicaid. A family of three with a child can earn up to roughly $7,200 per month and still be covered.

Pregnant and postpartum people can get coverage through a separate program with an income limit of 200% of the federal poverty level, which is higher than the standard adult limit. This coverage continues for 12 months after the birth.

Seniors and people with disabilities may be covered under different rules. If you are over 65 or have a disability and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are usually covered automatically. If you do not receive SSI, you may still be covered under a different income limit. Some people in nursing homes or receiving home care have separate limits.

Medicaid for workers with disabilities (called "Medicaid Buy-In") lets working people with disabilities keep coverage even if their income exceeds the normal limit, as long as they meet other conditions.

What happens if your income changes

You must report changes in income to your county Medicaid office. If your income goes up and you go over the limit, your coverage will end, usually at the end of the month in which you reported the change. If your income goes down and you fall below the limit, you can get coverage back by reporting the change.

Some people experience temporary income spikes — a bonus, a one-time payment, or overtime in a single month. Report it honestly. The Medicaid office will determine whether it counts as ongoing income or a one-time event. If it is one-time, it may not affect your coverage.

If you lose a job or your hours are cut, report it right away. Your coverage can start or restart quickly once your income is below the limit again. Do not wait until the next renewal to report changes.

How to find your county's Medicaid office

New Jersey's Medicaid program is run by the Department of Human Services (DHS), but applications and changes are handled by your county's Medicaid office. You can find your county office by visiting the DHS website or calling 1-609-588-2600.

You can also use the New Jersey Benefits screening tool on the DHS website to see whether you may be covered under any program based on your household size and income. This tool does not determine coverage — only the county office can do that — but it gives you a quick sense of whether you are in range.

Many county offices now let you apply online or by mail. Some still require an in-person visit. Call your county office to ask what method they use and what documents you need to bring.

Income limits for other household members

If you are applying for Medicaid, your household income includes income from everyone living with you who is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, plus any unrelated people you claim as dependents on your taxes. It does not include income from roommates or unrelated adults.

If you are married, your spouse's income counts even if your spouse does not want Medicaid. If you have adult children living with you, their income counts. If you have a parent or sibling living with you, their income counts.

There are some exceptions. If you are over 60 or have a disability, income from certain family members may not count. If you are applying for a child's coverage, only the child's income and the income of the parents or guardians in the household count — not the income of older siblings or other relatives.

When the income limit does not apply

Some people get Medicaid without an income test. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are automatically covered by Medicaid in New Jersey. If you receive certain disability payments or are in a nursing home receiving Medicaid-funded care, different rules apply.

If you are pregnant and your income is over the limit but you have high medical expenses, you may still be covered under a program that counts medical costs against your income. Ask your county office whether you may have access to for this option.

Emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical conditions regardless of income. If you go to an emergency room and need treatment for a life-threatening condition, you will be covered for that emergency even if your income is over the limit. This coverage does not extend to non-emergency care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income limit change if I get a raise or a second job?

Yes. You must report income changes to your county Medicaid office. If your new total income goes over the limit, your coverage will end. If you are close to the limit, a raise or extra job could push you over it, so report the change as soon as it happens so the office can tell you what will happen to your coverage.

What if my income is just barely over the limit?

Some programs have small income disregards, meaning they ignore the first $20 or $30 of income. Ask your county office whether your program has a disregard. Also ask whether you can average your income over three months if it is uneven — that sometimes brings you under the limit even if one month is high.

Do I have to count my child's income if they live with me?

Yes, if you are applying for your own Medicaid coverage, your child's income counts toward your household total. However, if you are applying only for your child's coverage under NJ FamilyCare, only the child's income and the parents' or guardians' income count — not income from older siblings or other household members.

Can I get Medicaid if I am self-employed?

Yes. Self-employment income counts, but you report your net income after business expenses, not your gross income. Keep records of your expenses so you can show the Medicaid office what your actual take-home is. If your income varies month to month, ask whether they can average it over three months.

What if I am undocumented — does the income limit still apply?

New Jersey offers limited Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants for emergency services and pregnancy-related care. The income limit still applies, but the programs available are different. Contact your county Medicaid office to learn what coverage you may be able to get.