Who is eligible for assisted living in New Jersey?

Oct 20, 2025 3 min read •

senior care assisted living New Jersey

According to a 2024 report by the New Jersey Department of Health, the average assisted living resident was 84 years old, though eligibility is not determined by age alone. This guide explains who is eligible for assisted living in New Jersey, focusing on financial, functional, and program-specific requirements.

Quick Summary

Eligibility for assisted living in New Jersey depends on a combination of financial, functional, and age-related criteria. Key state and federal programs like MLTSS and PACE offer financial assistance, but private funding is also a common option. The state assesses an individual's need for daily living assistance to determine clinical eligibility.

Key Points

MLTSS Requirements: New Jersey's Medicaid-based Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program requires applicants to meet specific income and asset limits, with a 60-month look-back period for asset transfers.
Functional Assessment: Clinical eligibility for state-funded assisted living is determined by an assessment confirming the need for a 'Nursing Facility Level of Care,' which evaluates an individual's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
PACE Program: The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare-Medicaid initiative for adults 55+ requiring a nursing home level of care, available in specific New Jersey counties.
Veterans' Benefits: Veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for the Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension, an additional benefit to help cover assisted living costs.
Private Pay Option: For those who do not qualify for public assistance, assisted living can be funded privately, with costs varying significantly by location and facility.
Other State Assistance: Other state programs like the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) and the Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP) can help reduce overall care expenses.

Navigating the process to determine eligibility for assisted living in New Jersey involves understanding several factors, including financial status, physical and cognitive needs, and potential funding sources. The Garden State offers various programs designed to support seniors and individuals with disabilities in covering the costs of care. The specific requirements vary by program, so it is important to research each option carefully.

Financial Eligibility for New Jersey's MLTSS Program

One of the most significant sources of financial assistance for assisted living in New Jersey is the Medicaid program, administered through the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program. To qualify for MLTSS, applicants must meet specific financial criteria, which include both income and asset limits. These limits are updated annually and are subject to change, so consulting the most current guidelines is essential.

Income and Asset Requirements

For 2025, the income limit for an individual is approximately $2,901 monthly, and the asset limit is $2,000. Married couples have different limits, with specific allowances for the non-applicant spouse. If an individual's income exceeds the limit, a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) may be used.

Medicaid's Look-Back Period

New Jersey has a 60-month 'look-back' period for Medicaid applications. The state reviews financial transactions for the five years prior to application for any uncompensated asset transfers that could lead to a penalty period of ineligibility.

Functional and Medical Eligibility

Beyond financial requirements, applicants must demonstrate a clinical need for care, determined through an in-person assessment. Programs like MLTSS and PACE require a 'Nursing Facility Level of Care'.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

The assessment evaluates the ability to perform ADLs, such as mobility, bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Cognitive functioning and behavioral issues are also considered. Facilities typically do not admit individuals needing continuous skilled nursing or those who pose a danger to themselves or others.

Alternative Programs and Veterans' Benefits

Other programs and benefits are available for those who don't qualify for MLTSS or seek additional options.

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

PACE is for seniors 55 or older who need a nursing home level of care, live in a PACE area, and can live safely in the community upon enrollment. Financial criteria are generally similar to MLTSS.

Veterans' Aid and Attendance Pension

Eligible veterans and surviving spouses may receive the Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension to help with assisted living costs. This requires service during wartime and meeting specific income/asset limits, and is for those needing help with ADLs.

Other New Jersey Programs

State programs like the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) and the Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP) can help offset costs, although they do not directly fund assisted living.

Comparison of Assisted Living Funding Options in New Jersey


Feature	New Jersey Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)	Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)	Veterans' Aid and Attendance (A&A)	Private Pay
Eligibility	Financial (Medicaid) & clinical assessment for Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC)	55+ years, meet NFLOC, live in service area, can safely live in community	War veteran or surviving spouse, meet income/asset limits, require help with ADLs	No eligibility requirements, funded by personal resources
Coverage	Covers services within the facility, not room and board	Comprehensive medical and social services, including in-home and center-based care	Additional monthly payment on top of pension to cover care costs	Covers all costs, including room, board, and services
Look-Back Period	60 months for asset transfers	Based on Medicaid eligibility rules	Based on VA financial qualifications	Not applicable
Service Area	Statewide	Limited to specific counties	Nationwide, with varying local resources	Available at most facilities

Conclusion

Eligibility for assisted living in New Jersey depends on a combination of individual needs and financial resources. Programs like MLTSS offer financial assistance for those meeting specific criteria. Veterans may explore the A&A Pension. Private funding is also an option. Exploring available benefits and consulting with local resources like the Area Agency on Aging or an elder law attorney is crucial for navigating these requirements.

For additional information and guidance on long-term care options in New Jersey, you can contact the state's Division of Aging Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary financial assistance program is the Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), which is part of New Jersey's Medicaid program. It covers facility-based services for those who meet specific income, asset, and functional eligibility requirements.

Not necessarily. New Jersey Medicaid has a home equity limit, and an applicant's primary residence is not counted as an asset if the applicant or their spouse lives there, or if the applicant has an 'intent to return'.

New Jersey has a 60-month (5-year) look-back period. State officials will review financial records for the five years prior to your application to ensure you have not transferred assets to qualify for Medicaid.

The clinical need is determined by an in-person assessment conducted by the state to evaluate the applicant's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), as well as cognitive functioning.

Yes, veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for the Veterans' Aid and Attendance Pension, which can provide an additional monthly payment to cover assisted living costs.

Yes, but your income will be considered during the financial eligibility determination for Medicaid. For most programs, there are specific income limits, but exceptions may exist, such as through the Medically Needy Program for those with high medical bills.

If you don't qualify for state or federal financial aid, assisted living can be paid for privately using personal savings, retirement funds, long-term care insurance, or other resources.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.