Department of Human Services

More Information

The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) is the largest state agency in New Jersey. It serves about 1.5 million New Jerseyans, or about one of every six state residents.
DHS serves seniors, individuals and families with low incomes; people with mental illnesses, addictions, developmental disabilities, or late-onset disabilities; people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; parents needing child care services, child support and/or healthcare for their children; and families facing catastrophic medical expenses for their children.
DHS and its eight divisions provide programs and services designed to give eligible individuals and families the help they need to find permanent solutions to a myriad of life challenges.
This is made possible through the Department’s work to maximize state and federal resources, establish community supports and promote accountability among staff. DHS also provides some assistance for the families served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

DEPARTMENT BUDGET: +/- $11 billion

COMMISSIONER: Jennifer Velez, Esq.

DEPARTMENT STAFF: 15,000+

Contact Information

NJ Department of Human Services
Capital Place One
222 South Warren Street
P.O. Box 700
Trenton, NJ 08625-0700
609-292-3717

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DHS Mission Statement

10:1-1.1 Department Mission

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is dedicated to providing quality services that consistently meet expectations with the goal to protect, assist and empower economically disadvantaged individuals and families, and people with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential. We strive to ensure a seamless array of services through partnerships and collaborations with communities statewide. We seek to promote accountability, transparency and quality in all that we do.