New Jersey § 34:16-20
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 34:16-20, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34:16-20.
As used in this chapter: “ Division ” means the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development , for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities . “ Maintenance ” means payments to cover the basic living expenses of a person with a disability , such as: food, shelter, clothing, health maintenance, and other subsistence expenses
essential to achievement of the individual's vocational rehabilitation or independent living rehabilitation objective. “ Individual with a disability ” means, for the purpose of vocational rehabilitation services, any individual who has a physical or mental disability which constitutes a substantial impediment to employment, but which is of such a nature that vocational rehabilitation services
may reasonably be expected to give the individual suitable skills to achieve gainful employment outcomes . “ Individual with a severe disability ” means, for the purpose of independent living rehabilitation services, an individual
who has a physical or mental disability, as defined by rules and regulations of the division , as to require institutional care or nursing home care or attendance in the individual's household continuously or for a substantial portion of the time, but who reasonably
can be expected as a result of independent living rehabilitation services to achieve
an independent living status. “ Independent living status ” means that degree of independence for individuals with severe disabilities which will eliminate the need for institutional care or nursing home care or eliminate
or substantially reduce the need for an attendant's care at home and which may in
many instances make such persons capable of achieving vocational rehabilitation. “ Prosthetic device ” means any appliance designed to support or take the place of a part of the body,
or to increase the acuity of a sensory organ. “ Vocational rehabilitation services ” means diagnostic and related services (including transportation) incidental to the
determination of eligibility for and the nature and scope of services to be provided;
training, books , and training material, including necessary small tools, such prosthetic devices as
are essential to obtaining or retaining employment, occupational licenses, guidance
and placement services for individuals with disabilities ; and in the case of an individual found to require financial assistance with respect to these services , after full consideration of the individual's eligibility for any similar benefit by way of pension, compensation, and insurance,
any other goods and services necessary to give the individual suitable skills to achieve gainful employment outcomes (including gainful homebound work), including but not limited to the following physical rehabilitation and other goods and services: (1) Corrective surgery or therapeutic treatment to correct or improve a physical or
mental condition which constitutes a substantial impediment to employment; (2) Necessary hospitalization in connection with surgery or treatment specified in
paragraph (1) ; (3) Maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (4) Tools, equipment, initial stocks , and supplies, including equipment and initial stocks and supplies for vending stands; (5) Transportation (except where necessary in connection with determination of eligibility
or nature and scope of services) ; (6) Acquisition of vending stands or other equipment, and initial stocks and supplies
for small business enterprises conducted by individuals with severe disabilities under the supervision of the State agency; (7) The establishment of public and other nonprofit rehabilitation facilities to provide
services for individuals with disabilities and the establishment of public and other nonprofit workshops for individuals with severe disabilities . “ Vocational rehabilitation services ” (for purposes of the determination of rehabilitation potential) also means : diagnosis and related services (including transportation), training, books , and training material, including necessary small tools, prosthetic devices, and guidance,
which are provided to an individual who has a physical or mental disability which
constitutes a substantial impediment to employment, during the period specified to be necessary for and which are provided
for the purpose of ascertaining whether it may be reasonably expected that the individual will be able to achieve gainful employment through the provision of goods and services described in the preceding paragraph;
and in the case of any such individual found to require financial assistance with
respect thereto, after full consideration of the individual's eligibility for any similar benefit by way of pension, compensation , and insurance, any other goods and services necessary to the determination of a rehabilitation
potential, including but not limited to physical rehabilitation and other goods and services. “ Independent living rehabilitation service ” means counseling, diagnostic , and related services (including transportation) provided to individuals with severe disabilities , and needed prosthetic appliances, books training materials , and other devices which will contribute to independent living, training in the use of these devices , and in the case of any individual found to require financial assistance with respect thereto, after full
consideration of the individual's eligibility for any similar benefits by way of pension, compensation , and insurance, such term shall include but shall not be limited to the following:
(1) physical rehabilitation and related services, including corrective surgery, therapeutic treatment, and hospitalization;
(2) maintenance needed to assure the availability of such services, not exceeding
the estimated cost of subsistence; (3) such rehabilitation services necessary for
the achievement of independent living status. “ Rehabilitation facility ” means a facility operated for the primary purpose of assisting in the vocational
rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and individuals with severe disabilities , (1) which provides one or more of the following types of service: testing, fitting,
or training in the use of prosthetic devices; prevocational or conditioning therapy;
physical or occupational therapy, adjustment training, evaluation, treatment, or control
of disabilities; or (2) through which is provided an integrated program of medical,
psychological, social and vocational evaluation and services under competent professional
supervision; provided, that the major portion of such evaluation and service is furnished
within the facility, and that all medical and related health services are prescribed
by, or under the formal supervision of, persons licensed to practice medicine or surgery
in the State. “ Workshop ” means a place where any manufacture or handiwork is carried on, and which is operated
for the primary purpose of providing gainful employment to individuals with disabilities (1) as an interim step in the rehabilitation process for those who cannot be readily
absorbed in the competitive labor market; or (2) during such time as employment opportunities
for individuals with disabilities in the competitive labor market do not exist. “ Gainful occupationemployment ” includes employment in the competitive labor market; practice of a profession;
self-employment; homemaking, farm , or family work (including work for which payment is in kind rather than cash); sheltered
employment; and home industries or other homebound work of a gainful nature.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 34:16-20
What does New Jersey Statutes § 34:16-20 cover?
Section 34:16-20 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 34:16-20?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 34:16-20" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 34:16-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.