Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP)

The Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)

The Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP) assists Hunterdon County residents with physical disabilities to be active and live independently in their community. This unique program differs from traditional home health services. It is self-directed, provides non-medical personal assistance and is supervised by the participants themselves. 

Eligible applicants must:

• Reside in Hunterdon County.
• Have a permanent physical disability and require assistance with activities of daily living. 
• Be 18 years old or older.
• Live independently in the community.
• Be able to self-direct their program, hire and supervise employees and the services they provide. 
• Currently be employed or are preparing for employment through college or a vocational program or actively volunteering in the community for a minimum of 20 hours a month.

How the PASP works:

A needs assessment is completed to determine the number of hours a participant will receive, up to a maximum of 40 hours a week. Hours are then converted to a monthly budget.  With assistance from a County Coordinator, participants develop a cash management plan (CMP) to decide exactly how their monthly budget will be spent. The CMP includes details such as who they will hire, what services will be provided and what rates each worker will be paid. A fiscal intermediary service organization then distributes the monthly budget to purchase services as identified in the CMP.

PASP participants:

• Receive a monthly budget to purchase services.
• Create their own individualized plan to direct their personal care needs.
• Choose who will provide the services.
• Tailor the services to meet their schedule and needs.

Monthly budgets can be used to:

• Hire workers to assist with tasks related to personal care, household management, driving or using public transportation.
• Purchase chore or errand services to assist with shopping, cleaning, banking, laundry, food preparation or food delivery.
• Purchase supplies and/or equipment to enhance or promote independence.

Who can I hire?

The choice is up to you. Participants can choose to hire neighbors, family members, friends, independent employees or agency services.

For more information about The Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)   
PASP Brochure in English (PDF)
PASP Brochure in Spanish (PDF)

Contact our Hunterdon County PASP Coordinator. 
Helene Pappas at 908-788-1361 or email Helene Pappas