Nearly 90% of older adults take at least one prescription medication daily, while a three-day hospital stay averages around $30,000. These costs create significant financial pressure for many seniors living on fixed incomes in New Jersey.

New Jersey offers multiple assistance programs designed to reduce these expenses for older residents. The state’s prescription assistance programs lower medication copays to just $5 for generic drugs. Meanwhile, Medicaid coverage is available for single applicants with income limits up to $30,276.

This guide covers 15 government benefits available to New Jersey seniors over 60 in 2025. These programs provide substantial savings on healthcare costs, property taxes, and utility bills. Each section explains eligibility requirements and application processes to help make retirement more financially manageable for New Jersey’s older residents.

Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)

The Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program helps New Jersey seniors manage high medication costs through reduced copayments and premium assistance. This state-funded initiative provides essential financial relief for older adults struggling with prescription expenses.

PAAD Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for PAAD benefits in 2025, you must meet several criteria:

• Be a New Jersey resident
• Be 65 years or older, OR between 18-64 and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits
• Have annual income below $53,446 for singles or $60,690 for married couples
• Be enrolled in Medicare Part D if Medicare-eligible
• Not be receiving Medicaid benefits

Your assets are not considered during eligibility determination, and you don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify.

How PAAD Works with Medicare Part D

PAAD works alongside your Medicare Part D plan to minimize prescription costs. The program pays the monthly premium for standard Medicare Part D plans with premiums at or below the regional benchmark. Furthermore, PAAD covers premiums for enhanced plans up to $20 over the benchmark that have no deductibles.

When filling prescriptions, you’ll pay just $5 for each covered generic medication and $7 for each covered brand-name medication. Sometimes, you might pay even less if your Medicare plan charges less than the PAAD copayment for generics.

Application Process for PAAD

Applying for PAAD is straightforward through the NJSave online system. Additionally, you can request a paper application by calling 1-800-792-9745. During application, you’ll also be screened for several other beneficial programs including:

• Lifeline utility assistance
• Hearing Aid Assistance
• Property tax freeze
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Most beneficiaries only need to renew every two years. The program sends renewal forms approximately four months before your PAAD card expires.

Average Annual Savings with PAAD

The savings through PAAD can be substantial. Besides the reduced copayments, PAAD covers Medicare Part D premiums that typically range from $30-60 monthly. Consequently, this saves participants up to $720 annually on premiums alone.

For seniors taking multiple medications, paying only $5-7 per prescription instead of full retail prices or higher Medicare copayments results in hundreds or even thousands of dollars saved annually.

Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program

Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program provides medication cost assistance for New Jersey residents whose income exceeds PAAD eligibility limits. This state-funded initiative uses a different copayment structure and higher income thresholds to help seniors manage prescription expenses.

Eligibility Criteria for Senior Gold

To qualify for Senior Gold benefits in 2025, you must:

• Be a New Jersey resident
• Be at least 65 years old, OR 18+ and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits
• Have annual income between $53,446 and $63,446 for singles or between $60,690 and $70,690 for married couples
• Enroll in Medicare Part D if Medicare-eligible
• Not receive Medicaid benefits

Notably, Senior Gold examines only income—not assets—during eligibility determination.

How Senior Gold Differs from PAAD

Unlike PAAD’s flat copayment structure, Senior Gold members pay:

• $15 copay plus 50% of the remaining cost for each covered prescription
• Once out-of-pocket expenses reach $2,000 for singles or $3,000 for married couples (catastrophic cap), beneficiaries pay only a flat $15 copayment for the remainder of their eligibility period

Senior Gold covers prescribed legend drugs, insulin, and insulin supplies, but does not cover diabetic testing supplies like test strips and lancets. Additionally, members must pay Medicare Part D premiums directly to their chosen plan, whereas PAAD covers these premiums for its members.

Applying for Senior Gold Benefits

The application process involves:

1. Completing the NJSave application online or requesting a paper application
2. Providing required documentation (birth certificate, income verification, Medicare card, proof of address)
3. No application fees

After approval, you’ll receive an identification card within approximately 30 days. With this card, present it to pharmacists when filling prescriptions to receive your discounts.

Senior Gold beneficiaries must reapply annually. You’ll receive a renewal form about four months before your card expires. Should you not receive this form within two months of expiration, call 1-800-792-9745 for assistance.

Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze)

New Jersey’s Property Tax Reimbursement program, commonly called “Senior Freeze,” helps older residents manage rising property tax costs by effectively freezing property taxes at a base year level. This program provides significant financial relief for seniors living on fixed incomes.

Who Qualifies for Senior Freeze

To be eligible for Senior Freeze in 2025, you must meet these requirements:

• Be 65 or older as of December 31, 2023, or receiving federal Social Security disability benefits on or before December 31, 2023
• Have owned and lived in your home continuously since December 31, 2020, or earlier
• Have paid all property taxes by June 1 of the following year
• Meet income limits: $163,050 or less for 2023 and $168,268 or less for 2024

Previously, the program had a 10-year residency requirement, which has now been eliminated. Moreover, mobile home residents who lease a site in a mobile home park may qualify if they’ve owned their home since December 31, 2020.

How Much You Can Save

The Senior Freeze program doesn’t literally freeze your tax bill amount; rather, it reimburses you for property tax increases that occur after your “base year.” Your base year is established the first time you qualify for the program.

For many seniors, reimbursements often exceed $1,000 annually. Primarily, the amount depends on how much your property taxes have increased since your base year. Hence, the longer you remain in the program, the more substantial your savings typically become.

Application Deadlines for 2025

New for 2025, Senior Freeze now uses a combined application with ANCHOR and Stay NJ programs. The filing deadline is October 31, 2025. Applications are typically mailed to previous recipients between January and February.

Importantly, if you miss receiving your application by March 15, 2025, you should contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Information Line at 1-800-882-6597. Payments are generally processed beginning July 15, 2025.

Even if your income exceeds the limit in one year, you may still retain your base year as a one-time exemption when applying the following year, provided you meet all other requirements.

Homestead Benefit Program

The Homestead Benefit Program offers New Jersey seniors another option for property tax relief through direct credits on tax bills. Unlike the Senior Freeze program which provides reimbursements, Homestead Benefits directly reduce the amount due on property tax statements.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Homestead Benefit Program, you must meet several criteria:

• You were a New Jersey resident
• You owned and occupied your home as your principal residence on October 1st of the qualifying year
• Property taxes were fully paid for the qualifying year
• Your income does not exceed:
  • $150,000 for homeowners 65 or older, blind, or disabled
  • $75,000 for homeowners under 65 and not disabled

Unlike some other programs, vacation homes, second homes, and rental properties do not qualify. Additionally, if you owned more than one property in New Jersey, you can only file for your main residence.

How to Calculate Your Benefit

The benefit amount varies based on your age, income, and property tax amount:

For seniors 65+ or disabled homeowners:

• Income between $100,000-$150,000: 2.5% of 2006 property taxes (maximum $10,000)
• Income below $100,000: 5% of 2006 property taxes (maximum $10,000)

This calculation structure results in average benefits of $538 for senior and disabled recipients. Notably, benefits are still calculated using 2006 as the baseline year rather than current property tax amounts.

Filing Your Application

Applications must be submitted by April 15 (or the extended due date if applicable). You can file through:

• Form HR-1040 (if filing a regular income tax return)
• Homestead Rebate section of Form NJ-1040EZ
• Electronic filing through NJ Web/PC File or approved vendor software

Once approved, your benefits appear as credits on your May tax quarter bill. Primarily, this means you’ll receive an adjusted tax bill with a lower amount to pay. Should you have questions before making payments, contact your local Tax Office.

Homestead benefits work in conjunction with other property tax relief programs like Senior Freeze and the ANCHOR program, potentially increasing your overall savings.

Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs can quickly drain retirement savings for many seniors in New Jersey. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help eligible older adults by covering various Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The QMB program provides the most comprehensive coverage among MSPs. For eligible seniors, it pays:

• Medicare Part A premiums (if applicable)
• Medicare Part B premiums (saving $185 monthly in 2025)
• Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare-covered services

To qualify in 2025, your monthly income must not exceed $1,325 for individuals or $1,783 for married couples . Resource limits are set at $9,660 for singles and $14,470 for couples .

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

SLMB exclusively covers Medicare Part B premiums, saving recipients approximately $165 monthly . This program has higher income limits than QMB:

• Monthly income: $1,585 or less (individuals) or $2,135 or less (couples)
• Resource limits: Same as QMB – $9,660 (individuals) or $14,470 (couples)

Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

The QI program likewise pays Medicare Part B premiums. However, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to previous year’s recipients . Eligibility requires:

• Monthly income: $1,781 or less (individuals) or $2,400 or less (couples)
• Resource limits: $9,660 (individuals) or $14,470 (couples)

Application Process for Medicare Savings Programs

You can apply for these programs through the NJSave online application or paper form . Primarily, you’ll need to provide:

• Proof of income and resources
• Medicare card
• Identification and residency verification

Once approved, QMB benefits become effective the first month after determination . Both SLMB and QI benefits can be retroactive up to three months before application .

All MSP recipients automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, thus further reducing healthcare expenses .

NJ FamilyCare Medicaid for Seniors

NJ FamilyCare offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for seniors facing financial limitations. This state-administered Medicaid program currently serves over 300,000 older adults and people with disabilities across New Jersey.

Income and Asset Limits for NJ Medicaid

For seniors 65 and older, NJ FamilyCare eligibility depends on both income and assets:

• Single applicants: Monthly income limit of $1,133 with asset limit of $2,000
• Married couples: Asset limits vary by program
• Primary residence: Exempt if equity value is $603,000 or less
• One vehicle: Fully exempt regardless of value

Specifically, the MLTSS program (for long-term care) has a $2,000 asset limit, while the ABD program has a $4,000 threshold. Notably, your home and vehicle don’t count toward these limits.

Covered Services for Seniors

NJ FamilyCare encompasses extensive benefits particularly valuable for seniors:

• Doctor visits and hospitalizations
• Prescription medications
• Dental, vision, and hearing services
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Home-based care services
• Long-term care in nursing facilities

In fact, NJ FamilyCare funds 4 out of 7 nursing home residents, critical support considering nursing home costs average $149,000 annually out-of-pocket.

How to Apply for NJ FamilyCare

Application options include:

1. Online: Visit njfamilycare.org to create an account and apply (fastest method)
2. Phone: Call 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711) Monday-Thursday 8AM-8PM or Friday 8AM-5PM
3. In-person: Visit your County Social Services Agency

Throughout the application process, you’ll need identification, proof of income, and documentation of assets. After submission, you can track status and upload additional requested documents through your online account.

First-time applicants may qualify for the Presumptive Eligibility program, providing temporary coverage while your full application is processed. Afterwards, you’ll need to renew annually to maintain benefits.

Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)

Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) helps seniors who need regular assistance with daily activities maintain their independence while receiving necessary care. This NJ FamilyCare program delivers comprehensive services across multiple settings—from private homes to assisted living facilities.

Services Covered Under MLTSS

MLTSS offers a wide range of benefits that go far beyond standard medical care:

• Care management for coordinating all health services
• Home and vehicle modifications to improve accessibility
• Home-delivered meals for nutritional support
• Respite care to relieve family caregivers
• Personal Emergency Response Systems
• Mental health and addiction services
• Assisted living facility coverage
• Community residential services
• Nursing home care when needed

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for MLTSS in 2025, you must meet both financial and clinical criteria:

Financial Requirements:

• Monthly income up to $2,901 for single applicants
• Asset limit of $2,000 for a single person
• Your primary home (if equity below $603,000) and one vehicle are exempt from asset calculations

Clinical Requirements:

• Need assistance with at least three activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.)
• Alternatively, if you have cognitive deficits, you may qualify with supervision needs for three or more daily activities

How to Access MLTSS in New Jersey

The application process differs depending on your current Medicaid status:

If you already have NJ FamilyCare: Contact your assigned Managed Care Organization (MCO) directly to request an MLTSS assessment

If you don’t have NJ FamilyCare:

• Adults 21+: Contact your County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) or County Board of Social Services
• Children under 21: Call the Division of Disability Services at 1-888-285-3036

Certainly, applying for any benefit program can feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, these services allow many seniors to receive necessary care while remaining in familiar environments rather than moving to nursing facilities.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Utility costs create significant financial strain for many elderly residents living on fixed incomes. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible New Jersey seniors manage their heating and cooling expenses through direct financial assistance.

LIHEAP Eligibility for Seniors

To qualify for LIHEAP benefits in 2025, you must meet these requirements:

• Be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or through your rent
• Have gross income at or below 60% of the New Jersey State Median Income
• For a single-person household, monthly income limit is approximately $3,991
• For a two-person household, monthly income limit is approximately $5,219

Notably, if you live in public housing or receive rental assistance, you’re typically ineligible unless you pay heating costs directly to the fuel supplier .

Benefit Amounts

LIHEAP benefit amounts vary based on several factors:

• Heating benefits range from $118 minimum to $1,278 maximum
• Cooling assistance benefits up to $500 for medically necessary cooling
• Benefit amount depends on your income, household size, fuel type, and heating region

Initially, benefits for natural gas or electric heating are forwarded directly to your utility company . Meanwhile, households using oil, propane, or kerosene receive two-party checks made out to both you and your fuel supplier . Furthermore, if heating costs are included in non-subsidized rent, you receive a single-party check .

How to Apply for Energy Assistance

Applications for LIHEAP are accepted from October 1 to June 30 . Presently, you can apply through several methods:

• Online via the DCAid Screening Tool
• In-person at your local Community Action Agency
• By mail (available for seniors 60+ or disabled individuals)

Required documentation includes proof of identification (Social Security cards), income verification, proof of citizenship or legal residency status, recent utility bills, and housing documentation .

For assistance or questions, call the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-510-3102 .

Universal Service Fund (USF)

The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps New Jersey seniors manage rising utility expenses through monthly bill credits. Established by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, this program makes natural gas and electric bills more affordable for eligible residents.

How USF Reduces Utility Bills

USF provides direct monthly credits ranging from $5 to $180 on your utility bills. These credits appear directly on your statements, eliminating the need to wait for reimbursement checks. The benefit amount varies for each recipient, calculated based on your household income and energy burden. For many seniors, these savings can reach up to $1,800 annually for both electric and gas combined.

The program works exclusively with New Jersey’s seven regulated utility companies, including New Jersey Natural Gas, Elizabethtown Gas, South Jersey Gas, PSE&G, Rockland Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Atlantic City Electric.

Qualifying for USF as a Senior

To be eligible for USF in 2025, you must meet two primary requirements:

• Have gross annual household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Spend more than 2% of your income on electric service or 2% on natural gas (or 4% on electricity if you heat your home with it)

Income limits are substantial, with a single-person household qualifying with monthly income up to $3,991 and a two-person household up to $5,219.

Indeed, USF recipients must reside at the address listed on their utility account, with benefits offered only to the person listed on the utility account.

Combining USF with Other Energy Assistance Programs

USF shares an application with LIHEAP, enabling you to apply for both programs simultaneously. Subsequently, if you receive SNAP (Food Stamps) or PAAD benefits, you’re automatically screened for USF eligibility.

Perhaps the most valuable companion benefit is the Fresh Start Program. If you have an overdue balance of $60 or more when first enrolling in USF, you may qualify for this debt forgiveness program. By making 12 consecutive on-time payments of your current USF-supplemented bills, your entire past-due balance will be erased. As of October 2024, Fresh Start forgiveness is available once every five years.

NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Program

NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Program offers substantial savings for seniors traveling throughout New Jersey. Many older adults fail to take advantage of these valuable transit discounts that could significantly reduce transportation expenses.

Getting Your Senior Reduced Fare ID

This program serves all seniors age 62 or older and people with disabilities. Several forms of identification can be used to receive discounts:

• NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare ID card
• Medicare Card
• Valid driver’s license or passport
• Birth certificate
• Any government-issued ID showing date of birth

To obtain the official NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare ID card, you can apply online at reducedfare.njtransit.com. Alternatively, applications are available at most local banks, savings and loan associations, county Offices on Aging, and NJ TRANSIT customer service offices. The new personalized cards include your photo and remain valid for four years.

Savings on Bus and Rail Services

With proper identification, seniors save 50% or more off regular one-way fares on all NJ TRANSIT busses, trains, and light rail vehicles. Unlike some programs with restricted hours, these reduced fares apply at any time of day.

In addition to personal savings, those requiring assistance can have their personal care attendants ride completely free when proper identification is presented. Importantly, even non-New Jersey residents can take advantage of these discounts when traveling on NJ TRANSIT services.

Additional Transportation Assistance Programs

Coupled with the reduced fare program, seniors with mobility challenges may qualify for Access Link, NJ TRANSIT’s paratransit service. This provides shared, curb-to-curb transportation comparable to fixed bus routes for people unable to use regular transit.

Community Transportation services offer additional options at the county level, utilizing smaller lift-equipped vans and minibusses. Similarly, the New Jersey Travel Independence Program (NJTIP) teaches travel skills to older adults wanting to navigate public transit independently.

These transit savings represent just one component of New Jersey’s comprehensive support system for seniors facing transportation challenges.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps New Jersey seniors afford nutritious meals. Food costs can quickly strain fixed retirement incomes, making this program particularly valuable for older adults.

Special SNAP Rules for Seniors

SNAP offers several advantages specifically for adults age 60 and older:

• No work requirements for anyone 60+
• Extended eligibility period of 24 months before recertification (compared to 12 months for others)
• Higher resource limits and special household status options
• Medical expenses over $35 per month can be deducted from income calculations, potentially increasing benefit amounts

For seniors living with others, you can still apply independently even if you share housing. Moreover, your home, vehicle, retirement savings, and life insurance policies aren’t counted toward asset limits.

Average Monthly Benefits

In New Jersey, all eligible SNAP recipients receive at least $95 monthly. This minimum represents a substantial increase from the federal minimum of just $23. For many seniors, this equals $1,140 annually in extra food purchasing power.

The actual benefit amount varies based on your situation. First, the average SNAP benefit for older adults nationally is approximately $158 monthly or $1,896 annually. Furthermore, those with significant medical expenses or high housing costs often qualify for higher benefit amounts.

How to Apply for Food Assistance

Applying for SNAP in New Jersey can be done through several methods:

1. Online through NJSave or MyNJHelps.gov
2. By phone interview (no in-person visit required for seniors)
3. Through a designated representative if you’re unable to apply yourself

Required documentation typically includes identification, proof of residence, income verification, and evidence of expenses. In most cases, the county has 30 days to determine eligibility after receiving your application.

Depending on your situation, you might qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in available resources.

Home-Delivered Meals Program

New Jersey’s Home-Delivered Meals Program provides nutritious meals to seniors who struggle with meal preparation due to mobility limitations or declining energy levels. The program ensures homebound older adults receive proper nutrition through regular meal deliveries.

Eligibility for Home-Delivered Meals

To qualify for home-delivered meals in New Jersey, you typically must:

• Be at least 60 years old
• Be homebound or unable to leave your home except for medical appointments
• Be unable to prepare meals for yourself
• Live without adequate support from family, friends, or neighbors

Most counties require a medical assessment or doctor’s authorization form confirming your need for meal assistance. Thereafter, a county representative conducts an in-home assessment to determine your specific nutritional needs.

Types of Meals Available

The program provides nutritionally balanced meals that supply at least 1/3 of your daily recommended dietary allowance. Accordingly, meals may come as:

• Hot meals delivered daily
• Frozen meals for weekly delivery
• Shelf-stable options for emergency situations

Special dietary options such as diabetic-friendly or low-sodium meals are available in most counties. Despite misconceptions, these aren’t merely convenience foods – a registered dietitian designs each meal to meet seniors’ specific nutritional requirements.

How to Sign Up Through Your County

Given that application procedures vary slightly by county, follow these general steps:

1. Contact your county’s Division of Senior Services or call the statewide information line
2. Complete a pre-screening process confirming your eligibility
3. Submit a consumer registration form
4. Await a nutrition assessment (typically within three business days)

Once approved, meal delivery usually begins within seven business days. Notwithstanding income considerations, most counties offer meals on a donation basis with a suggested contribution of $2.00 per meal, ensuring no eligible senior is denied service due to inability to pay.

Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)

Hearing loss affects many older adults, yet hearing aids cost between $1,000 to $4,000 per device. The Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program offers financial reimbursements to make these essential devices more affordable for eligible New Jersey seniors.

Qualifying for Hearing Aid Assistance

To be eligible for HAAAD benefits in 2025, you must meet several criteria:

• Be a New Jersey resident
• Be at least 65 years old OR between 18-64 and receiving Social Security Disability benefits
• Have annual income not exceeding $53,446 for singles or $60,690 for married couples

Importantly, Medicaid recipients or those with full hearing aid coverage through other insurance aren’t eligible. For people with partial coverage, HAAAD offers supplementary payments. Additionally, beneficiaries of the Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program cannot qualify for this assistance.

Coverage Details

HAAAD provides substantial financial assistance toward hearing device purchases:

• $500 reimbursement for one hearing aid
• Up to $1,000 reimbursement for two hearing aids

Under program guidelines, a “hearing aid” refers to a “custom-fitted ear-level or body-worn electronic device which enhances communication for the hearing impaired”. Furthermore, you may receive one benefit per calendar year. Should you purchase another hearing aid in a subsequent year, you can reapply for additional reimbursement.

Application Process

Applying for HAAAD follows one of two paths depending on your current enrollment status:

If you’re already enrolled in PAAD or Lifeline programs, submit:

1. Completed HAAAD application
2. Receipt for your hearing aid purchase
3. Physician’s statement confirming medical necessity

Otherwise, you must complete an NJSave application to verify eligibility requirements including age/disability status, residency, and income. After approval, expect your payment within 6-8 weeks. For questions or assistance, call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-792-9745.

Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)

Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) helps older New Jersey residents remain in their homes despite increasing care needs. This program provides customized support services that allow seniors to maintain independence rather than moving to institutional settings.

Services Provided Through JACC

JACC delivers a comprehensive package of supports tailored to each participant’s unique needs. Working with a care manager, seniors receive individualized plans that may include:

• Adult day health services and social adult day care
• Home modifications to improve accessibility
• Homecare and chore services for daily living assistance
• Home-delivered meals for proper nutrition
• Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Transportation services
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies

The program caps monthly services at $1,090 per participant plus care management. Uniquely, JACC allows eligible participants to hire their own family members, friends, or neighbors as caregivers through the participant-employed providers option.

Financial Eligibility

To qualify for JACC in 2025, applicants must:

• Be at least 60 years old
• Have monthly income not exceeding 365% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,760 for individuals; $6,433 for married couples)
• Possess countable assets below $40,000 for individuals or $60,000 for couples
• Not be eligible for Medicaid or Medicaid waiver services

As a result of income considerations, JACC implements a co-pay system based on a sliding scale, with participants contributing according to their financial capacity.

How JACC Helps Seniors Remain at Home

First and foremost, JACC serves individuals who require nursing facility level care—defined as needing assistance with at least three activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, and dressing. Through customized support, the program aims to delay or prevent nursing home placement while maximizing participant autonomy.

Equally important, JACC strengthens the network of informal caregivers surrounding each participant. The program serves approximately 1,500 participants annually, primarily focusing on enhancing community care options for those who wish to age in place but lack sufficient support from other sources.

JACC fills a crucial gap for seniors whose income or assets exceed Medicaid eligibility yet who cannot afford private long-term care services on their own.

Senior Property Tax Deduction

New Jersey offers a $250 Senior Citizens Property Tax Deduction that many homeowners fail to claim. Established by the New Jersey Constitution, this annual deduction applies directly to property tax bills, unlike reimbursement programs that require waiting for payment.

$250 Property Tax Deduction Requirements

To qualify for this property tax deduction, you must meet specific criteria:

• Be age 65 or older, or permanently disabled (with proper documentation) as of December 31 of the pretax year
• Have been a New Jersey resident for at least one year prior to October 1
• Own and occupy your home as of October 1 of the pretax year
• Have an annual income not exceeding $10,000 after permitted exclusions

For surviving spouses, additional qualifications apply. You may remain eligible if:

• You’re at least 55 years old at the time of your spouse’s death
• You haven’t remarried or formed a new civil union partnership
• You continue to reside in the same home where your deceased spouse received the deduction

How to Apply Through Your Municipality

The application process involves several steps:

1. File Form PTD with your local municipal assessor or tax collector between October 1 and December 31 of the pretax year
2. Submit supporting documentation including birth certificate, proof of disability, deed, marriage certificate, New Jersey driver’s license, or other acceptable proofs
3. File Form PD5 annually with your tax collector by March 1 to maintain your deduction

If your application is denied, you can appeal to the County Board of Taxation by filing Form A-1 on or before April 1 following the denial.

Combining with Other Property Tax Benefits

As a whole, this deduction complements other property tax relief programs. Primarily, you can receive this $250 deduction alongside:

• Senior Freeze reimbursements
• Homestead Benefits
• StayNJ benefits
• Veterans’ deductions (if qualified)

Each program has distinct eligibility requirements, especially regarding income thresholds. Given these differences, many seniors qualify for multiple benefits simultaneously, substantially reducing their overall property tax burden.

Comparison Table

Program Name	Program Type	Eligibility Age	Income Limit (Single)	Key Benefits	How to Apply
PAAD	Healthcare	65+	$53,446/year	$5 generic/$7 brand-name prescriptions	NJSave online or phone
Senior Gold	Healthcare	65+	$53,446-$63,446/year	$15 copay + 50% remaining cost	NJSave online or phone
Senior Freeze	Property Tax	65+	$163,050 (2023)	Reimburses property tax increases	Online/paper by Oct 31
Homestead Benefit	Property Tax	65+	$150,000/year	2.5-5% of 2006 property taxes	Form HR-1040 or online
Medicare Savings	Healthcare	65+	$1,325/month (QMB)	Covers Medicare premiums/copays	NJSave online or paper
NJ FamilyCare	Healthcare	65+	$1,133/month	Comprehensive healthcare coverage	Online at njfamilycare.org
MLTSS	Long-term Care	21+	$2,901/month	Home and facility-based care	Through County ADRC
LIHEAP	Utilities	Not specified	$3,991/month	$118-$1,278 heating assistance	DCAid online tool
USF	Utilities	Not specified	$3,991/month	$5-$180 monthly utility credits	Same as LIHEAP
NJ TRANSIT	Transportation	62+	None mentioned	50% off regular fares	Online or local offices
SNAP	Food	60+	Varies	Minimum $95/month food benefits	NJSave or MyNJHelps.gov
Home-Delivered Meals	Food	60+	Not mentioned	Daily nutritious meals	County Senior Services
HAAAD	Healthcare	65+	$53,446/year	Up to $1,000 hearing aid reimbursement	NJSave application
JACC	Long-term Care	60+	$4,760/month	Up to $1,090/month in-home services	County ADRC
Senior Tax Deduction	Property Tax	65+	$10,000/year	$250 annual tax deduction	Local tax assessor

Conclusion

New Jersey seniors face significant financial pressures from rising healthcare costs, property taxes, and daily living expenses. The 15 benefit programs outlined in this guide provide substantial relief through various mechanisms that directly reduce expenses for older residents.

Many of these programs can be accessed simultaneously. For example, a senior using PAAD for prescription coverage could also receive property tax reimbursements through Senior Freeze, lower utility bills via LIHEAP and USF programs, and reduced transportation costs with NJ TRANSIT’s senior discount. These combined benefits often amount to several thousand dollars in annual savings.

The application process varies by program, but tools like NJSave simplify access by screening for multiple benefits through a single application. While income limits and documentation requirements differ across programs, county aging offices can assist seniors with navigating these processes.

Taking time to review eligibility requirements and complete applications for these benefits can significantly improve financial security during retirement for New Jersey’s older residents.

FAQs

Q1. What is the NJSave program and how can it help seniors in New Jersey? NJSave is an online application system that helps low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities in New Jersey save money on various expenses. It screens applicants for multiple benefit programs including Medicare premium assistance, prescription cost savings, and other living expense support through a single application process.

Q2. What are some key health and wellness benefits available to seniors in New Jersey? New Jersey offers several health-related benefits for seniors, including the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program for prescription drug assistance, the Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program, Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and hearing aid assistance through the HAAAD program.

Q3. Is there a property tax relief program for low-income seniors in New Jersey? Yes, New Jersey offers the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) program. This program reimburses eligible seniors for property tax increases, effectively “freezing” their property taxes at a base year level. There are specific age, residency, and income requirements to qualify.

Q4. How can seniors in New Jersey get assistance with utility costs? Seniors can apply for utility assistance through programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF). These programs provide heating assistance and monthly credits on utility bills for eligible low-income residents.

Q5. Are there transportation discounts available for seniors in New Jersey? Yes, NJ TRANSIT offers a Reduced Fare Program for seniors aged 62 and older. This program provides a 50% discount on regular fares for bus, train, and light rail services. Seniors can easily apply for a reduced fare ID card online or at local NJ TRANSIT offices.