NJ looks to quell crisis in care by offering student loan relief to health workers

Gene Myers, NorthJersey.com
Updated ·3 min read
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New Jersey announced $17 million in student loan relief for group home aides and other health care workers, part of an effort to attract and retain staff in fields fraught with turnover and vacancies.

Up to $50,000 in student loan relief is available to health care and social service professionals who commit to one year of service at designated agencies, the state said. Gov. Phil Murphy said the program should improve services for New Jersey residents with medical, mental health, and disability needs.

“This student loan redemption program further bolsters our home and community-based services workforce, and it is key in supporting qualified service providers to bring their skills and expertise to communities across the state,” he said.

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“In addition to alleviating the financial burdens of this workforce, this program also builds the capacity to deliver care in the community for more New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.

A large crowd rallies for wage increases for Direct Service Professionals, or DSPs, the workers who help in group homes and day hab programs March 7, 2024 at Kirkbride Hall in Stony Point.
A large crowd rallies for wage increases for Direct Service Professionals, or DSPs, the workers who help in group homes and day hab programs March 7, 2024 at Kirkbride Hall in Stony Point.

The New Jersey departments of Human Services and Children and Families announced the relief, along with the state's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

The program aims to assist a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and counselors, among others.

Funding comes from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is part of a $100 million effort by the state to grow a workforce that has faced significant staffing shortages due to low pay and poor benefits.

In addition to the student loan relief program, the Murphy administration said the money will help establish recruitment, training, and certification programs for direct care staff, as well as more community-based housing options for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions.

“We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communities,” said NJ Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
“We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communities,” said NJ Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

“We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communities,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said in a statement.

“This new student loan redemption program will benefit caregivers who provide vital supports to people with disabilities and with behavioral health needs, as well as older adults living in the community,” she said.

How to apply for NJ loan relief program

The application process for the loan relief program opens on July 1. Selection of recipients will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, with decisions announced by Oct. 1.  Applicants must meet such criteria as being employed full-time in a qualifying role, holding the necessary certifications, and not participating in similar loan relief programs.

For more information on how to apply and detailed eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website starting July 1.

“We are proud to offer this new benefit to dedicated workers who support individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community,” said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services. “Creative steps such as a loan redemption program will help attract and retain workers and build a stronger foundation for the future.”

The one-time student loan relief program provides:

Visit here for applications.

Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: myers@northjersey.comTwitter: @myersgene

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: To lure more health workers, NJ offers student loan relief