How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - county level (NJ has 21 AAAs, one per county) / New Jersey Division of Aging Services (state level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: Yes - nj.gov/health/ltc; nj211.org; medicaid.nj.gov WHERE TO GO: Your county Office on Aging / AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 NJ

Online Option

Yes - nj.gov/health/ltc; nj211.org; medicaid.nj.gov

Where to Go

Your county Office on Aging / AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 NJ

County-specific variations apply

NJ's 21 county AAAs vary considerably in resources. Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County have extensive urban/suburban senior services. Ocean County has a very large and growing senior population (retirement communities). Urban counties (Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union) may have more social services need with different resource patterns. Rural south Jersey counties (Salem, Cumberland, Cape May) have more limited local resources. Always contact your specific county AAA.

New Jersey Notes

Important state-specific details

NJ SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free Medicare counseling - contact your county AAA or call 1-800-792-8820; help with Medicare Advantage, Part D, and appeals.
NJ MLTSS (Managed Long Term Services and Supports): NJ's primary Medicaid program for home and community-based services - apply through NJ FamilyCare; (800) 701-0710.
ANCHOR PROGRAM: New Jersey's major property tax relief for homeowners and renters - seniors particularly benefit; apply at anchor.njdep.nj.gov or (888) 238-1233.
SENIOR FREEZE (Property Tax Reimbursement Program): reimburses eligible seniors for property tax increases - file Form PTR-1 with NJ DOR; income limits apply; significant relief.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through county APS; statewide hotline: (800) 792-8820.
Legal Services of NJ: (888) 576-5529.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

New Jersey Division of Aging Services - nj.gov/health/ltc | (609) 943-3436; NJ SHIP: (800) 792-8820; APS: (800) 792-8820; 2-1-1 NJ: dial 211