Emergency Assistance for Seniors in New Jersey

Last updated: August 2025

This New Jersey–specific guide focuses on real, actionable help for adults age 60+ and caregivers. It prioritizes emergency steps first, then walks through money, housing, food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, legal help, and more. Every claim that needs proof links to an official or well‑established source. Where rules or funding change often, you’ll see reality checks and warnings so you know what to expect.

---

Quick Help Box (keep this handy)

• In an emergency (police, fire, medical): Call 911
• Need quick referrals now (shelter, food, utilities, transportation): Dial 2‑1‑1 or visit the New Jersey 211 Directory: Find help at NJ 211
• Nursing home or assisted living abuse or neglect: Call the New Jersey Long‑Term Care Ombudsman at 1‑877‑582‑6995 or go to NJ Long‑Term Care Ombudsman
• Adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation in the community: Contact your county’s Adult Protective Services through the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): Find your County ADRC and ask for APS
• One application for multiple NJ senior benefits (PAAD, Senior Gold, Lifeline, etc.): Apply at NJSave
• Medicaid/MLTSS or Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) coverage: Start at NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) or call 1‑800‑701‑0710
• Utility shutoff protection and energy help: See NJ DCA programs at Energy Assistance (LIHEAP/USF/WAP) and NJ BPU consumer help at NJ Utility Assistance Programs
• Property tax relief for seniors: Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) and ANCHOR Property Tax Relief

---

What to do first in an emergency

1) Immediate safety and medical care

• Call 911 for urgent medical needs, fire, or danger.
• For behavioral health crises, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: About 988 Lifeline
• For veterans in crisis: Dial 988, then press 1, or visit the Veterans Crisis Line

2) Shelter, heat/cooling, and urgent housing

• Dial 2‑1‑1 to be routed to shelter, warming/cooling centers, or county “Code Blue” resources. See: NJ 211 Code Blue (winter) and Warming Centers
• For risk of homelessness or eviction prevention: Review programs at NJ DCA and call NJ 211 for your county’s Coordinated Entry. See: NJ DCA Housing & Community Resources

Reality check: Emergency rental programs open and close based on funding. Expect waitlists and documentation (ID, lease, income proof, notices). Keep all paperwork handy.

3) Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation

• In facilities (nursing homes, assisted living, board and care): New Jersey Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: 1‑877‑582‑6995; Report to NJ LTCO
• In the community (at home, with family, or caregivers): Adult Protective Services in every county via ADRC/County Office on Aging. Start here and ask for APS: Find your County ADRC
• Fraud and scams (contractor scams, price gouging, identity theft): NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: Report to NJ Consumer Affairs

4) Disaster help and preparedness

• Statewide alerts and preparedness: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM)
• FEMA help (only after a federal disaster declaration): Apply for FEMA Assistance
• “Register Ready” (NJ Special Needs Registry) so local officials know you may need help evacuating or getting to a shelter: Register Ready

Tip: Create a simple “go bag” with meds, eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, copies of ID, a list of prescriptions, and a phone charger.

---

Table: Emergency contacts at a glance

---

How to use NJSave to apply once for many benefits

NJSave is New Jersey’s single application for several senior and disability programs. It can screen and submit for multiple benefits in one sitting.

• Apply online: Apply for NJSave benefits
• Paper help: Contact your County Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) for free application assistance: Find your County ADRC

Programs commonly bundled through NJSave include:

• PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled)
• Senior Gold Prescription Discount
• Lifeline Utility Assistance
• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) coordination
• Hearing aid assistance referrals and more

Note: You may still need to provide proofs (ID, income, address, Medicare card). Keep copies ready.

---

Table: Key NJ benefits you can access via NJSave

Reality check: Processing can take weeks. If your prescriptions are unaffordable now, ask your pharmacist about temporary program cards, lower‑cost generics, or manufacturer patient assistance while your application is pending.

---

Money, utilities, and household bills

Energy and utility assistance (heat, electric, gas, weatherization)

• LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with heating bills and may cover crisis situations. In NJ, it’s managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA): LIHEAP in NJ (DCA)
• USF (Universal Service Fund) lowers monthly electric and gas costs for eligible households: USF Program (DCA)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) improves home energy efficiency at no cost: WAP in NJ (DCA)
• Winter Termination Program (WTP) can prevent shutoffs during heating season for certain customers participating in eligible programs: Winter Termination Program (NJ BPU)
• State Lifeline Utility Assistance provides an annual payment to eligible seniors and people with disabilities, often coordinated via NJSave: Lifeline Utility Assistance

Tip: Contact your utility’s customer service early to set up a payment plan and note that you are applying for LIHEAP/USF/Lifeline. Keep confirmation numbers.

• Phone/Internet discounts: The FCC’s Lifeline program can lower monthly phone or internet costs for low‑income subscribers: FCC Lifeline Program. Note that the Affordable Connectivity Program ended new benefits in 2024 due to lack of funding; check status here: ACP status (FCC)
• Water/sewer assistance: Some local water utilities have hardship programs. NJ previously operated LIHWAP; funding status can change. Check DCA’s utilities page for current programs: NJ DCA Energy & Utility Help

---

Table: Energy and utility help in New Jersey

Reality check: Applications often require proof of income, utility account numbers, and ID. Processing can take 30–60 days. If you have a shutoff notice, call NJ 211 and your utility immediately and mention you’re applying.

---

Property tax and housing costs

• Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) reimburses the difference between your current property taxes and the base year if you meet income, age, and residency rules: Senior Freeze (PTR) – NJ Division of Taxation
• ANCHOR Property Tax Relief provides benefits to eligible homeowners and renters. Amounts and eligibility change by year; always check current details: ANCHOR – NJ Division of Taxation
• $250 senior or disabled property tax deduction (local property tax): Check with your municipality and see Division of Taxation info: Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Persons
• Housing help:
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are managed by local housing authorities and the NJ Department of Community Affairs. Waiting lists open and close: NJ DCA Housing Programs
  • Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) offers limited, short‑term help to avoid eviction when funding is available: HPP – NJ DCA
  • For emergency shelter and Coordinated Entry to housing resources, start with NJ 211: Homeless Services via NJ 211

Reality check: Property tax programs have filing deadlines and exact income tests. Keep tax bills and proof of payment. Renters should keep leases and receipts; some years renters receive benefits through ANCHOR but rules vary.

---

Table: Property tax relief options

---

Food and nutrition

• SNAP (food assistance) for groceries: Apply online at the state portal NJ SNAP or screen at NJHelps. SNAP is a federal program administered by the NJ Department of Human Services.
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Provides coupons for fresh produce from local farmers’ markets to eligible seniors during the summer season. Learn more at the NJ Department of Agriculture: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
• Meals on Wheels/home‑delivered meals: Delivered hot or frozen meals for homebound older adults. Find your local program via your County Office on Aging or search at Meals on Wheels America: Find Meals in Your Area
• Congregate/community senior meals: Offered at senior centers through county aging services. Contact your County ADRC: Find your County ADRC

Note: SNAP interviews can be by phone. Keep ID, Social Security numbers, and proof of income and housing costs to maximize your deduction and benefit.

---

Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and long‑term supports

• NJ FamilyCare – Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) provides comprehensive coverage for seniors with limited income and resources: NJ FamilyCare
• Managed Long Term Services & Supports (MLTSS) can cover in‑home supports, adult day health, assisted living, and nursing home care for those meeting clinical and financial criteria: MLTSS (NJ Medicaid)
• JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving) helps certain seniors remain at home with care and services if not eligible for Medicaid: JACC Program
• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) offers free Medicare counseling to compare Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans: NJ SHIP
• PAAD and Senior Gold help with prescription drug costs. See program details and eligibility at: PAAD and Senior Gold
• Hearing aid assistance for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities may be available through NJ programs; check current details and referrals via NJSave and the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: NJSave and Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Reality check: Medicaid/MLTSS applications require detailed financial information (bank statements, insurance policies, life insurance, property). If a nursing home stay is urgent, ask the facility social worker for Medicaid application help and about “Medicaid pending” admissions.

---

Transportation

• NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Program for seniors age 62+: Pay reduced fares on NJ TRANSIT buses, trains, and light rail with acceptable ID: Reduced Fare Program
• NJ TRANSIT Access Link (ADA Paratransit): Curb‑to‑curb service for people whose disabilities prevent them from using local bus/train service: Access Link
• County paratransit/senior shuttles: Every county runs transportation for older adults to medical and essential trips. Contact your County ADRC: Find your County ADRC

Tip: Book medical rides days ahead when possible. For Access Link, an eligibility assessment is required—start early.

---

Phones, internet, and technology

• FCC Lifeline offers a monthly discount on phone or internet for qualifying low‑income households: About Lifeline
• Computer and smartphone classes may be offered by local libraries and senior centers. Ask your county Office on Aging: Find your County ADRC
• NJ’s broadband initiatives and device programs change over time; check the state’s broadband office page for updates: New Jersey Broadband Office or ask NJ 211 for local digital literacy classes.

Reality check: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new claims in 2024 due to funding. If you were enrolled, your discount may have ended—contact your provider and ask about any “Lifeline‑only” plan.

---

Legal help, consumer protection, and abuse prevention

• Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) offers free civil legal help to income‑eligible residents, including seniors. Call the statewide hotline or find your county office: Legal Services of New Jersey
• Community Health Law Project assists people with disabilities and chronic health conditions: CHLP
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman investigates complaints in nursing homes and assisted living: NJ LTCO, 1‑877‑582‑6995
• Adult Protective Services (APS) handles abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community: Call your County APS via ADRC: ADRC Directory
• Consumer protection and scams: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs

Tip: After storms, be wary of door‑to‑door contractors. Verify licenses at the Division of Consumer Affairs before signing anything or paying deposits.

---

Mental health and caregiver support

• NJ Mental Health Cares: 1‑866‑202‑HELP (4357). Information and referral: NJ Mental Health Cares
• Caregiver support and respite: NJ Statewide Respite Care Program helps family caregivers take breaks from caregiving: Statewide Respite Care
• Alzheimer’s and dementia resources: Alzheimer’s Programs (NJ DHS) and the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline 1‑800‑272‑3900: Alz.org New Jersey Chapter
• Adult day health services: Ask your County ADRC for local centers, or explore coverage through MLTSS/Medicaid.

---

Veterans in New Jersey

• NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) can help with benefits claims, state veterans homes, and more. Find Veterans Service Offices (VSOs): DMAVA Veterans Services
• NJ Veterans Memorial Homes (Menlo Park, Paramus, Vineland): State Veterans Homes
• VA health care in NJ: VA New Jersey Health Care System (East Orange & Lyons)
• VA pension with Aid and Attendance/Housebound can help pay for in‑home care or assisted living if eligible: VA Aid and Attendance
• Transportation to VA: Ask your county VSO or DMAVA about ride options.

Reality check: VA claims can take time. Keep discharge papers (DD‑214), medical records, and financial documents ready. Consider working with a VSO to file accurately.

---

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (run by SAGE): 1‑877‑360‑LGBT (5428) for peer support and resources: SAGE Hotline
• Garden State Equality offers statewide support and can direct you to affirming services: Garden State Equality
• Health care: NJ Department of Health maintains resources for LGBTQ+ health: NJ DOH LGBTQ+ Health
• Housing and discrimination: Report discrimination to the NJ Division on Civil Rights: NJ Division on Civil Rights

Tip: When choosing home care, assisted living, or a nursing home, ask directly about non‑discrimination practices, staff training on LGBTQ+ aging, and private visitation policies. Bring a trusted friend or advocate to tours.

---

Tribal-specific and Native American resources in NJ

New Jersey has state‑recognized tribal communities, including the Nanticoke Lenni‑Lenape Tribal Nation and the Ramapough Lenape Nation. Federally recognized tribes are not based in NJ, so some federal Indian Health Service (IHS) programs may not be available locally. Seniors who are citizens of federally recognized tribes living in NJ may access services through IHS or Urban Indian Health Programs in nearby states.

• Nanticoke Lenni‑Lenape Tribal Nation: Official site
• Ramapough Lenape Nation: Official site
• U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs – Eastern Region: BIA Eastern Regional Office
• National Council of Urban Indian Health directory for urban Indian clinics (check nearest locations): NCUIH Resources

Suggestion: Contact your tribal office first for elder services, documentation (Tribal ID), and referrals. For healthcare, check HRSA’s health center map for clinics that serve all patients regardless of status: Find a Health Center

---

Rural seniors and limited access areas

Rural pockets of NJ (for example, parts of Salem, Cumberland, Sussex, and Warren Counties) can face transportation, broadband, and provider shortages.

• County paratransit and volunteer driver programs: Contact your County ADRC for ride options to medical appointments and grocery shopping: Find your County ADRC
• Telehealth: Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) and many Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth; ask your plan for video/phone visit options.
• USDA Rural Development – Section 504 Home Repair (grants for very low‑income homeowners 62+ to fix health/safety issues): Section 504 Repair Loans & Grants and NJ office: USDA RD New Jersey
• Digital access: Ask your local library about Wi‑Fi hotspots, computer classes, and printing/faxing.

Tip: If you can’t travel easily, ask your medical providers about mobile lab draws, home‑delivered meds, and mail‑order groceries through SNAP online purchasing (availability varies; check your SNAP notice or ask your grocer).

---

Transportation, housing, and food by region (selected highlights)

This section highlights larger regional resources. For more local options, call NJ 211 or your County ADRC.

• North Jersey
  • County Offices on Aging (e.g., Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren): Start at the state’s ADRC portal: Find your County ADRC
  • Food: Community FoodBank of New Jersey (serves many northern and central counties)
  • VA: VA New Jersey Health Care System (East Orange)
• Central Jersey
  • County ADRCs (e.g., Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Union): ADRC directory
  • Food: Fulfill (Monmouth & Ocean)
  • Transit: NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare
• South Jersey
  • County ADRCs (e.g., Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem): ADRC directory
  • Food: Food Bank of South Jersey and Community FoodBank of NJ – Egg Harbor
  • VA: VA NJ Health Care (Lyons campus)

Note: Each county also coordinates senior transportation, home‑delivered meals, caregiver support, and Adult Protective Services.

---

Table: Comparing common healthcare and support options

---

Table: Food assistance options at a glance

---

How to avoid common roadblocks

• Keep a “benefits folder” with copies of: driver’s license or other ID, Medicare card, Social Security card, health plan cards, lease or deed, utility bills, bank statements, and any letters from agencies.
• If you can’t apply online, ask for phone or in‑person help from your County ADRC or SHIP counselor.
• If denied, appeal deadlines are short (often 20–30 days). The notice explains how to appeal. Ask Legal Services if you need help: Legal Services of NJ

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: I can’t afford my prescriptions right now. What should I do this week?
A: Apply through NJSave for PAAD or Senior Gold. Ask your pharmacist about temporary discounts and cheaper generics. If you have Medicare Part D, call your plan and ask about tiering exceptions or preferred pharmacies. For counseling, contact NJ SHIP.

Q2: My power company sent a shutoff notice. Can they shut me off in winter?
A: The Winter Termination Program protects many low‑income customers from shutoff during the heating season if you’re in certain programs or meet criteria. Apply to LIHEAP/USF and call your utility and NJ 211 immediately to flag your situation.

Q3: Are there programs to help me stay in my home instead of entering a nursing home?
A: Yes. Medicaid’s MLTSS can fund home‑based services if you meet medical and financial rules. If you’re over Medicaid limits, ask about JACC. Your County ADRC can explain options.

Q4: Where do I report abuse in a nursing home?
A: Call the NJ Long‑Term Care Ombudsman at 1‑877‑582‑6995. For emergencies, call 911.

Q5: I rent. Do seniors get any property tax relief?
A: Some years, renters are included in ANCHOR. Eligibility and amounts change. Check the current year’s rules on the official site.

Q6: I’m a veteran. Can the VA help pay for assisted living?
A: Possibly. The VA’s Aid and Attendance can add to a VA pension for those needing help with daily activities. Ask a DMAVA VSO to help you apply.

Q7: I live in a rural area and can’t get to the doctor. Any options?
A: Ask about county paratransit rides through your ADRC. Ask your doctor about telehealth. If you own your home and need safety repairs, look at USDA Section 504 grants for 62+.

Q8: I was scammed by a contractor after a storm. Who can help?
A: Report to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and call Legal Services for advice: LSNJ.

Q9: Medicare is confusing. Who can help me pick a plan?
A: Contact NJ SHIP for free, unbiased counseling. Bring your medication list and doctors’ names.

Q10: Does NJ have a one‑stop application for senior benefits?
A: Yes. Apply at NJSave for PAAD, Senior Gold, Lifeline, and more.

---

Official resources (quick links)

• Statewide help and directories
  • NJ 211: Find help now
  • Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): Find your county office
  • NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services: DoAS Home
• Money and utilities
  • NJSave: Apply once for multiple benefits
  • Energy assistance (LIHEAP/USF/WAP): NJ DCA Energy Help
  • NJ BPU Consumer Assistance: Utility programs and protection
• Taxes and housing
  • Senior Freeze (PTR): Program site
  • ANCHOR: Program site
  • Homelessness Prevention: HPP
• Health and caregiving
  • NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/ABD): Apply/learn more
  • MLTSS: Program overview
  • SHIP (Medicare counseling): Find a counselor
• Protection and legal
  • Adult Protective Services via ADRC: County contacts
  • Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Report and get help
  • Legal Services of NJ: Get legal help
• Veterans
  • DMAVA: State veteran benefits and VSOs
  • VA NJ Health Care: VA care in NJ

---

Sources used and cited in this guide

• NJ 211 statewide help: https://www.nj211.org
• NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services (ADRC, SHIP, PAAD, Senior Gold, Lifeline, JACC, caregiver programs): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/
• NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid ABD, MLTSS): https://www.njfamilycare.org/
• NJ Department of Community Affairs (LIHEAP, USF, WAP, HPP): https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/
• NJ Board of Public Utilities – consumer assistance, Winter Termination Program: https://www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/
• NJ Division of Taxation – Senior Freeze and ANCHOR: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/
• NJ Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: https://www.nj.gov/ltco/
• Adult Protective Services overview via DoAS/ADRC: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/
• SNAP in NJ: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (NJDA): https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/fooddistrib/sfmnp.html
• NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare and Access Link: https://www.njtransit.com/
• Legal Services of New Jersey: https://www.lsnj.org/
• NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov
• FCC Lifeline and ACP status: https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline, https://www.fcc.gov/acp
• NJ Office of Emergency Management: https://www.nj.gov/njoem/
• Register Ready (NJ Special Needs Registry): https://www.registerready.nj.gov
• VA and DMAVA: https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/, https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/
• SAGE and Garden State Equality (LGBTQ+): https://www.sageusa.org/, https://www.gardenstateequality.org/
• USDA Rural Development (Section 504 grants): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

---

Disclaimer

Program rules, funding levels, deadlines, and eligibility change. Always confirm details on the official program website or with the agency before you apply or decide. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.

---

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.