Check to see if you are eligible for some of the many programs and services available to Hunterdon County, New Jersey Senior Residents. Please note, this information has been prepared by the Hunterdon County Office on Aging as a general summary, actual eligibility must be determined only by the agency offering the specific assistance.

Food Pantries
Free grocery items
Persons in need and/or referred by social service agencies or religious organizations.

Food Stamps
Debit card for food items at grocery stores
Persons with financial resources of no more than $2000 for individuals or $3000 for couples and income less expenses which meet eligibility guidelines.

Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300

Meals on Wheels / Senior Nutrition
Hot mid-day meals delivered to homebound or served at congregate sites. Donation only.
Persons in need of prepared meals and contact with others.

Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon
908-735-8332

Waste Not Want Not
Free used clothing

Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300
Thurs. 10 am-2 pm

Briteside Adult Day Services
Day care for frail adults. Some reduced fee care
Frail adults in need of supervision and socialization. For reduced fee, inability to pay full fee.

Briteside - Flemington
908-782-8080
Briteside II
Lebanon 908-236-9615
http://www.britesideadultdaycenter.org

EYES Helpline
Medical eye care provided by volunteer physicians affiliated with the National Eye Care Project. Medicare and private insurance payment accepted as payment in full. Does not include glasses, medications, hospitalization, or the services of other medical professionals
US citizens and legal residents 65 and over who do not have access to an ophthalmologist. Emphasis is on helping those without the means to pay.

EYES Helpline
1-800-222-EYES (3937)

Donated Dental Services
Program sponsored by Foundation of Dentists for Handicapped, through which volunteer dentists provide dental care.
Indigent disabled and elderly persons whose dental needs have been neglected.

For an application call
732-821-2977

HAAAD-Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled
$100 refund after purchase of hearing aid
Persons who are on PAAD program (See Below) and have a medical need for a hearing aid verified by a physician.

HAAAD
800-792-9745
Hunterdon County Office on Aging
908-788-1361

Hunterdon Helpline
24 hour hot line for persons in need, AND free reassurance calls to homebound persons
Hunterdon County residents.

Hunterdon Helpline
1-800-272-4630

Hunterdon Hospice
Medical care of terminally ill persons paid for by Medicare, plus free volunteer assistance and counseling
Patients referred to Hospice by their physicians due to advanced illness and limited life expectancy.

Hunterdon Hospice
908-788-6600

Hunterdon Medical Center "Hospital Payment Assistance"
Hospital care at no or reduced cost
Persons with no or insufficient health insurance, whose assets are less than $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples, and whose income is shown on the eligibility chart for this program.

For application and eligibility chart, Hunterdon Medical Center
908-788-6194

Meals on Wheels / Senior Nutrition
Hot mid-day meals delivered to homebound or served at congregate sites. Donation only.
Persons in need of prepared meals and contact with others.

Meals on Wheels in Hunterdon
908-735-8332

Medicare
Federal Health Insurance
Persons age 65 and over receiving Social Security Retirement benefits, or under age 65 having received Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months. (In some cases, persons age 65 and over, but not eligible for Medicare, may buy coverage.)

Three months prior to 65th birthday or after being on Social Security Disability for 24 months, call for an appointment with a Social Security representative.

Social Security
1-800-772-1213

Medicaid
Comprehensive Federal/State Medical Assistance
Persons unable to pay for medical care, with very limited income and resources. Eligibility guidelines vary depending upon living arrangement (Living Alone, Living In Household of Another, Living in Residential Health Care Facility, Living in Skilled Nursing Facility).

Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300

Medicaid Waiver Programs
Variety of Federal/State Medical Assistance programs for persons with special needs. Includes medical expense assistance, in-home care, assisted living, and more.
Persons of very limited income and resources, unable to pay for needed care.

Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

New Jersey Family Care
Federal/state subsidized affordable health insurance program for uninsured parents/guardians and children up to age 19, single adults, and couples without dependent children. Eligibility is based on family size and monthly income. Assets are not considered when determining eligibility.

Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300

PAAD-Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled
Program offering prescriptions for $5 each
New Jersey residents 65 and over or under 65 receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, whose total annual income from all sources is no more than:
(2001) Individuals $19,238 Couples $23,589

PAAD
1-800-792-9745
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

*Note: When you have a PAAD card, you are also eligible for the following:

• Lifeline utility assistance - $225/yr credit
• HAAAD hearing aid assistance - $100 refund on hearing aid
• Vehicle registration fee reduction - Reduced registration fee
• Senior Dent - Reduced-fee care by some dentists
• Senior Medical Courtesy - Doctors accept Medicare assignment
• Senior Legal Courtesy - Attorneys offer reduced-fee services

Qualified/Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiaries Programs QMB, SLMB
Programs to pay all or part of Medicare Part A and B premiums and deductibles
Low-income persons with total resources of more than $4000 (individuals) or $6000 (couples)

PAAD
1-800-792-9745
Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300

Reassurance Calls
Free daily phone calls to check the well-being of homebound persons, or remind them to take their medications
Hunterdon County residents.

Hunterdon Helpline
1-800-272-4630

Reduced Fee Home Care
Subsidized in-home care
Persons unable to pay for necessary care in their home.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Respite Care
Subsidized care for persons requiring an in-home care giver, to provide temporary relief for persons providing the care

Visiting Health & Supportive Services
908-788-2544
Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
6 Gauntt Place
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-788-1300

Senior Dent
15% off regular fees of participating dentists
New Jersey residents 65 and over enrolled in PAAD and/or Lifeline programs, or with incomes at or below eligibility limits for those programs.

Senior Dent
1-800-831-6532

Senior Medical Courtesy Program
Participating Hunterdon County physicians treat income-eligible seniors for the fees approved by Medicare, rather than usual fees
Persons with current PAAD cards.
For list of participating physicians.... Click Here

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

SHIP - State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Volunteer assistance and instruction - by appointment only - for dealing with Medicare and health insurance claims, understanding communications, comparing health insurance policies, filing appeals, etc.
Persons 60 and over or on Medicare.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Volunteer Friendly Visitors
Weekly visit to homebound persons from caring volunteers
Homebound persons 60 and over residing in Hunterdon County.

Hunterdon Helpline
1-800-272-4630

Homestead Rebate*
Rebate for property taxpayers or tenants
Homeowners who pay property taxes on their principal residence in New Jersey and whose gross income does not exceed the following:

• Persons age 65 and over or disabled - $100,000
• Persons under age 65 and not disabled - $ 40,000
• Or tenants whose dwelling has its own separate kitchen and bath facilities, and is subject to local property taxes, and property taxes have been paid.

Apply before April 15 (or extended due date) for Homestead Rebate on NJ-1040 income tax form, or if not required to file income tax forms, call for how to file for rebate.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

NOTE: *=Persons eligible for both the Homestead Rebate and the NJ Saver rebate will receive the higher of the two benefits.

NJ Saver Rebate*
Rebate for property taxpayers
Homeowners who paid property taxes on a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence on October 1.

Apply before June 30.

NJ Saver Rebate Program
1-877-658-2972 or 609-826-4288
File online at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/

*Persons eligible for both the Homestead Rebate and the NJ Saver Rebate
will receive the higher of the two benefits.

Property Tax Deduction/Credit
Deduction from income of property taxes paid on principal residence or $10,000, whichever is less; or refundable credit of $50...which is included in the Homestead Rebate
Homeowners or tenants who pay property taxes directly or indirectly through rent, on their principal residence in New Jersey.

File on state income tax return before April 15.
If not required to file income tax forms, call for how to file for rebate.

VITA Program, Hunterdon County Office on Aging
908-788-1361

Property Tax Reimbursement (Freeze)
(Reimbursement of increases in property taxes paid, over the amount paid in a base year ... the first year the claimant meets eligibility requirements.)
Persons age 65 or over, or receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
Resident of New Jersey for at least 10 years, and lived in owned home for at least 3 years.
Income does not exceed eligibility requirements for PAAD.

Apply before March 15. Call for application.

Property Tax Reimbursement Program
1-800-882-6597
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Senior Citizens/Disabled Property Tax Deduction
$250 annual deduction
Property owner age 65 or older, or under 65 and permanently and totally disabled, or a qualified surviving spouse age 55 or older and not remarried. Must be a legal resident of New Jersey for at least one year prior to October 1, and the dwelling claimed is property owner's principal residence. Property owner's annual income, not counting Social Security, is no more than $10,000.

To request claim form your municipal tax assessor or tax collector

Veterans Tax Deduction or Exemption
Property tax relief
Honorably discharged veterans or surviving spouses.

Veterans Services
908-689-5845

Many recreational opportunities offer senior discounts. You are encouraged to ask about discounts at theaters, beaches, parks, golf courses, cable television companies, etc.

For applications for all discounts listed below call:
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361.

Licenses

• Fishing - New Jersey residents 65-69 reduced fee
  New Jersey residents 70+ no license required (show proof of age) f
• Clams - New Jersey residents 62+ no fee, $2 processing only
  Oysters - New Jersey residents 62+ no fee, $2 processing only
• Hunting (hound & firearms, bow & arrow) - New Jersey residents 65+ reduced fee

NJ Parks

• New Jersey residents 62 and over
  Senior Citizen Pass for free entry and free parking at any park, forest, or historic site administered by the NJ Division of Parks & Forestry.

National Parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, & wildlife refuges

• Blind or permanently disabled persons Free entrance (Golden Access Passport)
• Persons under 62 $50 annual entrance permit
• Persons 62 and over Free lifetime entrance pass,
• $10 processing fee

Emergency Assistance
Financial or other aid in a crisis
Persons experiencing severe financial need, such as having no heat, or food, or other basic necessity.

Hunterdon Helpline
1-800-272-4630

Home Energy Assistance - HEA
Financial aid for winter heating expenses and/or medically necessary summer cooling expenses
Households with total monthly income of no more than (2001):

• One person $1,030
• Two persons $1,383

Generally applications must be filed prior to March 30.

NORWESCAP
1-888-454-4778

Home Renovation and Repair Programs
Municipal and/or federal grants and loans for safety and/or health related home improvements or repairs
Persons who meet household income guidelines and whose proposed home repairs or improvements are approved by the agency.

Municipal funds
Call Your Municipal Office
Federal funds - USDA Rural Development
908-852-2576, ext. 119

HUD Rent Assistance
Federal monthly rent subsidy for HUD approved rentals
Persons who meet eligibility guidelines based on income less expenses.

Hunterdon County Division of Housing
908-788-1336

Lifeline
Utility assistance ... $225 per year for electricity and/or natural gas expenses
New Jersey residents 65 and over or under 65 receiving Social Security Disability benefits, who pay for electricity and/or natural gas either independently or included in their rent, and whose total annual income from all sources is no more than: (2001)

• Individuals $19,238
• Couples $23,589

Lifeline
1-800-792-9745
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Link Up America
50% discount on charge for initial connection of home telephone
Persons who have had no telephone service for at least 3 months, and have had no telephone connection assistance for at least 2 years, and are receiving benefits of one or more of the following programs:

• Lifeline (utility assistance).
• Home Energy Assistance (HEA)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Pharmaceutical Assistance to Aged & Disabled (PAAD)
• General Welfare Assistance
• Medicaid
• Food stamps

Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
908-788-1300

Mr. Fixit Program
Volunteer repair, maintenance, and chores for small home and safety related problems
Hunterdon County homeowners 60 and over, or tenants needing repair of their own lamps or small appliances.

Mr. Fixit Program
908-788-1358

NJ Shares Program
Up to $250 emergency electricity and natural gas assistance
Persons with a warning or shut-off notice, who are not on public assistance, and have no other resources.

NORWESCAP
1-877-661-4357 or 908-454-4850

NORWESCAP Weatherization Program
Free home energy audit and energy-saving home improvements, including insulation, caulking, weatherstripping, storm windows and doors, furnace replacement when necessary, etc.
Homeowners and renters who have annual household income of no more than: (2001)

• Individuals $12,525
• Couples $16,875

NORWESCAP
1-888-454-4778

Safe Housing Program
Safety related repairs and installations....grab bars, railings, ramps, steps, etc., provided by Hunterdon County Housing Corporation
Hunterdon County residents 60 and over or disabled.
For free service, must be eligible for PAAD.
For free estimate, no income requirement.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

WARM Program
Free home energy audit and energy-saving home improvements, including insulation, caulking, weatherstripping, energy-efficient refrigerator, etc.
Homeowners and renters who have electric bills from GPU Energy of at least $75 per month, and meet household income guidelines or are receiving benefits of one or more of the following programs:

• Lifeline (utility assistance).
• Home Energy Assistance (HEA)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Pharmaceutical Assistance to Aged & Disabled (PAAD)
• General Welfare Assistance

WARM
1-800-207-9276
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Full Retirement Age
Your Social Security retirement benefit amount is based on an average of your lifetime earnings, as well as your age at the time you start receiving benefits. To request your personal benefits status, call....

Social Security Hotline
1-800-772-1213

The Full Retirement Age has been increased in gradual steps until it reaches age 67. This change affects workers and spouses born in 1938 and later, as follows:

You can start receiving benefits as early as 62, but your benefit amount will be reduced (less than the amount you would receive at your Full Retirement Age).

If you choose to delay receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your monthly benefit will be increased gradually by a certain percentage (and by your earnings) from the time you reach Full Retirement Age, until your start taking your benefits, or until you reach age 70.

Spousal Benefits
Your spouse may take retirement benefits based on his/her own earning record, or on your earning record, whichever amount is higher. Spousal benefits based on your earning record are less than yours by a percentage linked to your spouse's age when beginning to receive benefits. In the event of your death, your spouse can receive the full amount you had been receiving.

Social Security and Employment
Persons of Full Retirement Age and over receiving Social Security retirement benefits, are not penalized by any amount of earnings.

Persons between age 62 and 64 receiving Social Security retirement benefits, have their benefits reduced $1 for each $2 they receive in earnings above the following earnings limit:

• (2001) $10,680/year ($890/month)

If you will reach Full Retirement Age this year, the special earnings limit is:

• (2001) $25,000/year ( $2,084/month)

If your spouse or other family members receive benefits on your Social Security record, the total family benefits will be affected by your earnings. Earnings of your spouse or other family members affect only his/her benefits.

Airline, and Bus Discounts
Reduced rates and coupon books offered by some American and foreign airlines and bus companies
Persons age 62 or 65 and over with proof of age. (Requirements vary.)

Call airline, bus company, or travel agency of your choice

Amtrak Trains
Reduced fares
Persons age 65 and over with proof of age.

Amtrak
1-800-872-7245

Automobile Rentals and Travel Lodging
Reduced rates
Members of some associations, such as the National Retired Teachers Association - NRTA, and AARP, with proof of membership.

For specific discounts your membership association or travel agency

Automobile Insurance Discount
Some insurance companies offer safe driver discounts
Persons with proof of recent attendance at Safe Driver classes.

For specific information your insurance company
For Safe Driver Classes. . . .Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

LINK
County Consolidated Transportation Service ... Vehicles traveling on loops to major areas of county, and vehicles providing door-to-door service. Nominal fees. Only donations for transport to medical appointment, senior centers, social service offices, senior nutrition sites, and group grocery shopping.
Hunterdon County residents.

LINK
1-800-842-0531

New Jersey Reduced Fare Program
One-half the regular one-way fare on all intrastate bus and rail routes and most interstate bus and rail routes into adjacent states except at rush hours or after 7pm
Persons 65 or over with Medicare card or Reduced Fare ID card
Persons disabled with Reduced Fare ID card
Persons 62-64 with Reduced Fare ID card

For application for Reduced Fare ID card...
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361
New Jersey Transit Reduced Fare
973-378-6401

Vehicle Registration Fee Reduction
Eexemption from paying some increases in car registration fees
Participants in New Jersey's PAAD, Lifeline, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Volunteer Transportation Assistance
Essential transport by volunteers
Hunterdon County residents age 60, unable to use LINK's range of transportation services, and with no other possible means of transport.)

For volunteer dispatch. . .
LINK
1-800-842-0531

Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation Services
Protective action to relieve abusive situations
Persons age 18 and over who are vulnerable to being abused, financially exploited, or victimized by neglect or self neglect

Adult Protective Service Unit
Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
908-788-1300

Emergency Financial Aid
Variety of programs to address emergency needs, including medical expenses, basic utility bills, avoidance of homelessness, etc.
Eligibility requirements vary.

For referral...
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361
Hunterdon County Division of Social Services
908-788-1300

Legal Aid
Free legal assistance regarding housing, entitlements, family law, tenant issues, fraud, etc.
Persons who meet income guidelines.

Hunterdon County Legal Services Corporation
908-782-7979

Legal Consultation
One time consultation with attorney for $20 donation
Persons in need of legal advice.

Northwest New Jersey Regional Women's Center
908-852-9365

Senior Legal Courtesy Program
Professional preparation of simple will or codicil for $75; simple living will for $25; and simple power of attorney for $25
Persons with PAAD cards.

For list of participating attorneys...
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Supplemental Security Income - SSI
Financial assistance for general living expenses
Persons unable to pay for basic living needs, with very limited income and resources. Eligiblity guidelines vary depending upon living arrangement (Living Alone, Living In Household of Another, Living in Residential Health Care Facility, Living in Skilled Nursing Facility).

Social Security
1-800-772-1213

Veterans Benefits & Services
Various programs for US veterans

Persons honorably discharged from the US Military after active service or their dependents.

Regional Veterans Office
908-689-5840
US Department of Veterans Affairs
1-800-877-222-8387
NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs 1-800-624-0508

Volunteer Bill Payers
In-home volunteer assistance with budgeting, record-keeping, and bill paying
Elderly or disabled Hunterdon County residents who are able to make their own decisions, cannot manage their own finances, meet PAAD income guidelines, and have no more than $30,000 in readily liquidable assets.
Homebound persons 60 and over residing in Hunterdon County.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Volunteer Friendly Visitors
Weekly visit to homebound persons from caring volunteers

Hunterdon Helpline
1-800-272-4630

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - VITA
Program sponsored by US Internal Revenue Service, New Jersey Division of Taxation, and Hunterdon County Office on Aging, through which volunteers are trained and then offer free preparation of simple income tax returns, by appointment.
Low income persons of all ages.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361

Volunteer Shoppers
Grocery and prescription shopping by volunteers, with purchases paid for by persons needing the service
Homebound Hunterdon County residents age 60 and over.

Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disability and Veterans Services
908-788-1361