Home Care Worker Advocacy in NJ: What Is Being Fought For in 2026
New Jersey's home care workforce is one of the fastest-growing in the region — and one of the most under-compensated. Here is what advocates, unions, and workers are pushing for this year.
Home care workers in New Jersey make up one of the largest workforce sectors in the state, yet many earn close to the state minimum wage despite providing skilled, emotionally demanding care.
The Current Wage Picture
NJ DSPs and home health aides earn $15–22/hr depending on program, employer, and county. Hudson and Essex counties have the highest cost of living in NJ, making even $20/hr insufficient for many workers with families.
What Advocates Are Pushing For in 2026
1. Rate Transparency
Advocates want NJ DDD and Medicaid to publish reimbursement rates publicly so workers can see exactly what agencies receive per hour — and compare it to what workers are paid.
2. A Minimum Wage Floor for DSPs
The NJ Direct Support Professional Workforce Crisis Act would establish $20/hr as the minimum base wage for DDD-funded DSPs, funded through increased state appropriations.
3. Benefits Parity
Most home care workers lack employer-sponsored health insurance, retirement plans, or paid sick leave. Legislation in 2026 seeks to require agencies above 50 employees to provide these benefits to part-time workers.
What Workers Can Do
- Contact your NJ State Legislator (find them at njleg.state.nj.us) - Connect with 1199SEIU NJ Chapter - Attend NJ Care Workers Coalition advocacy events in Newark and Jersey City
Priority Groups' Stance
We support increased reimbursement rates and advocate through the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) for policies that allow us to pay our workers more.