Your Gateway to Senior Services: The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
For most seniors and their caregivers in New Jersey, the first step to accessing help is through the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which also serves as the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The ADRC is a critical entry point for information and assistance, offering options counseling and connections to a wide range of community-based services. You can reach the ADRC by calling 1-877-222-3737.
Financial and Healthcare Savings Programs
New Jersey offers numerous programs to help seniors with the cost of living, healthcare, and prescriptions. Many of these can be accessed through a single online application called NJSave.
Key Programs Accessible via NJSave:
- Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD): This program lowers prescription drug costs for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. In 2025, income limits are $53,446 for a single person and $60,690 for a married couple.
- Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program: For seniors with slightly higher incomes, Senior Gold offers reduced prescription costs after meeting a deductible. The 2025 income limits are between $53,446 and $63,446 for single individuals and between $60,690 and $70,690 for married couples.
- Lifeline Utility Assistance Program: Provides an annual benefit to help with utility costs for seniors who meet PAAD income requirements.
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): These state-funded programs help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance. The NJSave application screens applicants for various MSPs.
- Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD): Offers a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for hearing aid purchases.
Additional Financial Programs:
- Tax Relief Programs (ANCHOR and Senior Freeze): New Jersey has multiple property tax relief programs, including ANCHOR and Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement). A newer initiative, the Stay NJ program, offers additional property tax benefits for homeowners aged 65 and older.
- NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid: This program offers comprehensive, low-cost health insurance coverage for eligible individuals, including seniors.
Housing Support and Long-Term Care
New Jersey offers various programs to help seniors with housing and long-term care needs. Local AAAs can provide referrals to affordable senior housing options. Programs like Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) offer home-based care for eligible seniors needing a nursing home level of care. The Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) program also offers in-home services, including respite care.
Caregiving Assistance and Support
For family members caring for older adults, New Jersey provides support through programs like the Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP), offering temporary relief services, and the Care2Caregivers peer support hotline.
Transportation and Community Engagement
Staying mobile is important for senior health, and New Jersey offers transportation options. NJ TRANSIT provides reduced fares for seniors 62 and older, and many counties have local transportation services. Community programs like meal assistance and free online classes are also available.
Comparison of Major NJ Senior Assistance Programs
| Program | Primary Function | Eligibility Criteria (Income, Age) | Key Benefit(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJSave | Consolidated Application | Low-income seniors and disabled individuals | Streamlined application for multiple programs |
| PAAD | Prescription Drug Coverage | Seniors 65+ or disabled, specific income limits ($53k single, $60k married in 2025) | $5/$7 copay for covered generic/brand drugs |
| Senior Gold | Prescription Drug Discount | Seniors 65+ or disabled, specific income limits ($53k-$63k single, $60k-$70k married in 2025) | $15 + 50% of remaining cost for covered prescriptions |
| ANCHOR Program | Property Tax Relief | Homeowners/renters based on income/residency, replaces Homestead Benefit | Property tax or rent relief checks |
| Senior Freeze | Property Tax Reimbursement | Seniors 65+ or disabled, specific income limits | Reimburses for property tax increases |
| JACC | In-Home Caregiving | Seniors 60+ needing nursing home level of care, non-Medicaid | Funds for in-home and community-based services, respite care |
| MLTSS | Long-Term Care | Seniors 65+ (or disabled) with nursing home level of care need, Medicaid eligible | Covers home and community-based services under NJ Medicaid |
Conclusion: Navigating the System
New Jersey has a comprehensive network of programs to support seniors. The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) serves as a key starting point for accessing these services. Programs like NJSave streamline applications for financial and healthcare assistance, while others address housing, in-home care, transportation, and caregiver support. Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance the quality of life and independence for older adults in the state.
Get Started with Your Local AAA/ADRC
To connect with services in your county, the most effective starting point is the Aging & Disability Resource Connection. Your local AAA/ADRC is equipped to assess your specific needs and connect you to the appropriate state and local programs. A simple call to 1-877-222-3737 can help you begin the process.
Authoritative Source
Note: Income limits and program rules can change. It is always best to verify current information on the official NJ.gov website or by contacting the relevant department directly.
