HCBS Loan Redemption Program Opens July 1

On July 1, 2024, New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), will launch the application for its Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Loan Redemption Program. This program offers up to $50,000 in student loan redemption to professionals serving individuals with medical conditions, mental health and substance use disorders, or disabilities in exchange for 12 months of service at certain State-funded home- and community-based provider agencies.

A total of $17 million has been allocated for this initiative and is broken down as such:

• $5 million for eligible employees serving in DHS’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services-contracted agencies;
• $5 million for eligible employees serving in DHS’ Division of Developmental Disabilities-funded agencies and self-directing employees;
• $5 million for eligible employees at DCF-approved settings; and
• $2 million for eligible private duty nurses employed by agencies contracted by NJ FamilyCare’s managed care organizations.

Professionals eligible to apply include psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, board certified behavior analysts, board certified behavior analysts-doctoral, licensed clinical or certified alcohol and drug counselors, licensed professional and associate counselors, licensed or associate marriage and family therapists, DCF care managers, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Self-directed employees are also eligible to apply.

For more information about the Home and Community-Based Services Provider Loan Redemption Program, please see HESAA’s website. The application will remain open until July 31, 2024, and participants will be selected by October 1, 2024. Specific questions about the program should be directed to LoanRedemption@hesaa.org.