In 2025 New Jersey’s NJ FamilyCare covers many adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (about $1,800/month for one person). Children may qualify at much higher levels (up to 355% of FPL).
Long-term care for nursing homes and HCBS has a separate income cap of $2,901/month and strict asset rules (typically $2,000 for an individual).
Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — baseline (2025)
These federal numbers are the baseline used to calculate program limits.
| Household size | Annual (100% FPL) | Monthly (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $3,596 |
NJ FamilyCare Monthly Income Limits (2025)
Children & Parents / Caretaker relatives
Children under age 19 are eligible at much higher incomes (NJ FamilyCare child/CHIP tiers go up to 355% FPL for some plans). Parents and caretaker relatives are eligible under MAGI rules (programs typically use the adult/parent band, roughly the 133–138% FPL area depending on plan).
Use the table below for quick monthly numbers by household size (children = 355% FPL; parents/caretakers = 138% FPL).
| Household size | Children (up to 355% FPL) — monthly | Parents / Caretaker relatives (138% FPL) — monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,630 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $6,257 | $2,433 |
| 3 | $7,884 | $3,065 |
| 4 | $9,511 | $3,698 |
| 5 | $11,138 | $4,330 |
| 6 | $12,765 | $4,963 |
| 7 | $14,392 | $5,595 |
| 8 | $16,019 | $6,228 |
| 9 | $17,647 | $6,860 |
| 10 | $19,274 | $7,492 |
Tip: If a child’s family income is above the Medicaid line, NJ’s CHIP tiers may still cover the child (income-based premiums apply for higher tiers).
Pregnant women
Pregnancy counts the unborn child in family size. Pregnant women have higher MAGI caps (roughly around 200% of FPL depending on the plan). Example monthly for a family of 4 (pregnant person counted): about $5,358/month (200% FPL).
Long-Term Care (Nursing Home / HCBS) — key rules
- Income cap (2025): $2,901 per month for an individual (this is treated as the institutional cap).
- Assets: Typically $2,000 for an individual applicant; $3,000 for a couple applying together.
- Community spouse rules: Non-applicant spouse protections (Community Spouse Resource Allowance) apply and allow the non-applicant spouse to keep more assets/income up to set limits.
- Look-back: New Jersey enforces a 60-month (5-year) look-back on asset transfers.
- Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust): If your income is above the LTC cap, a QIT may preserve eligibility for nursing-home Medicaid — talk to a county caseworker or elder-law attorney.
How NJ calculates MAGI & renewals
- MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) is used for children, pregnant women, parents/caretaker relatives, and most adults.
- Household size counts the unborn child for pregnancy.
- A 5% MAGI disregard is applied for borderline cases.
- Renewals: update income and residency annually (or when asked) to prevent coverage gaps.
Quick examples (2025)
- Family of 3, child age 4: monthly income ≤ $7,884 → child likely qualifies.
- Family of 3, pregnant (counts as 4): monthly income ≤ $5,358 → pregnant member qualifies.
- Single adult needing nursing home care: gross income ≤ $2,901 or consider a Qualified Income Trust.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Gather proof of identity, residency, income (pay stubs/tax returns), pregnancy (if applicable), and medical records (for LTC).
- Use the quick estimate: NJ Medicaid Calculator — check eligibility.
- Apply online through NJ FamilyCare or visit your county Board of Social Services for in-person help.
- For LTC, ask the county caseworker about Home & Community-Based Waiver options and Qualified Income Trusts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do childless adults qualify for NJ Medicaid?
Yes. NJ is a Medicaid expansion state, so adults ages 19–64 with income up to 138% FPL can qualify.
What is the 2025 income limit for an adult in NJ Medicaid?
Adults 19–64 are eligible up to 138% of FPL — in 2025 that’s about $1,800/month for one person and $3,698/month for a family of 4.
What is the Medicaid nursing-home income limit in NJ for 2025?
The institutional (nursing-home) income cap is $2,901 per month for a single applicant; two spouses applying together may have a combined cap of $5,802/month.
What are the asset/resource limits for long-term care in NJ?
Countable assets are typically limited to $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple (when both spouses apply). Non-applicant spouse protections can allow higher retained assets.
Can children get Medicaid in NJ if parents earn more than the adult limit?
Yes — children’s Medicaid and CHIP have higher income cutoffs (some child plans go up to 355% of FPL depending on age and plan). Check the program tier for exact limits.
If my income is too high, is there any option to qualify for nursing-home Medicaid?
Possibly — a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) can be used when institutional income is above the cap; speak with an elder-law attorney or caseworker.
How do I apply or check eligibility?
Apply online through NJ FamilyCare or call your county board of social services. You can also use our quick NJ Medicaid Calculator to estimate eligibility before applying.
Conclusion
New Jersey updated its 2025 income standards effective Jan 1, 2025 — the key numbers above (138% FPL for most adults, $2,901 institutional cap, $2,000 asset rule) are the ones people ask about most. If you want a fast estimate, run NJ Medicaid Calculator now and then apply through NJ FamilyCare or contact your county caseworker for help.
Verification notes (sources I used to confirm numbers)
I verified the key figures against New Jersey’s official NJ FamilyCare income chart and Medicaid communications, HHS poverty guidelines, and SSA SSI rates. The main documents I used:
- NJ FamilyCare — Adults & program pages (NJ Dept. of Human Services / NJ FamilyCare). NJ.gov
- NJ FamilyCare — Children (children up to 355% FPL) and official income chart (Income Chart effective Jan 1, 2025). NJ.gov+1
- NJ Medicaid communications / Medicaid Only standards (institutional cap $2,901; resource rules and CSRA). NJ.gov+1
- 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (HHS / ASPE) for the FPL baseline numbers. ASPE
- SSA — 2025 SSI federal benefit rate (used to confirm the 300% SSI institutional cap mapping). Social Security