Seniors living in the state of New Jersey may experience financial challenges. This is due to it having a higher cost of living than most other states. Plus, most seniors live on a fixed income, so as the cost of things go up, they may not be able to make ends meet. The good news is that there are programs offering financial assistance for seniors in New Jersey.
The programs that provide financial assistance for seniors will help ensure that their basic needs are being met each month. They will cover such things as food, shelter, and healthcare. This makes it essential that seniors know where to turn when they are experiencing a financial challenge and need assistance.
The programs that are available are mostly funded by the federal and state government. They provide options to help people who may need assistance to pay for their basic needs. To qualify for most of these programs you have to meet the low income requirements each program has, as well as be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There are also organizations that provide helpful programs for people in the communities where they are located.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – One of the most important basic needs that seniors need met is that of obtaining enough food to eat. This program, which is funded by the federal government, will help ensure that they do. SNAP, which is largely still known by food stamps, will provide those who have a low income with a way to pay for groceries each month. Those who are approved for the program will get funds electronically transferred to a debit-style card that they will be supplied with. Each month they get the funds and be able to use the card to pay for their groceries at the store or farmers market. The amount that is provided each month is determined in part by the number of dependents in the home. To qualify for SNAP, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen in addition to meeting the citizenship requirements. There is no time limit on how many months you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization can be found around the state and has a reputation for helping many people. The Salvation Army provides free hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, shelter, and more. Those who want to go to a soup kitchen for free meals can contact their nearby location and inquire about free food services. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Community Food Bank of New Jersey – You can contact this organization to find places to get free food from local food pantries, soup kitchens, and other places that provide help. Food banks and pantries can be helpful in providing seniors with additional food supplies each month. To get more information and find a pantry or food bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The federal government has created this agency to help people in the country with their housing needs. They provide several programs to help those who have a low income and need affordable housing options. In addition to providing a rent assistance program for seniors and others, they also provide government owned housing, help pay for house repairs, and will provide free weatherization services to help reduce utility bills. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to meet the low income and citizenship requirements. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Department of Community Affairs – This is a state agency that is provides rent assistance for those who are legal residents of the state of New Jersey. The program is called the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). They have open enrollment periods when people can apply for the assistance. To get more information and see the next open enrollment period, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is funded by the federal government. It will help people pay for their utility bills if they meet the income requirements. They will help pay past due electric and gas bills. The funds are awarded for this program from October 1 to September 30 each year. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – This program, which is provided by the United Way organization, will help people in need find local assistance programs. You can call the number to let them know where you live and what type of financial assistance you need. They will use their database to find local programs to refer you to. It is a free service that is open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
NJ Family Care / Medicaid – This program, which is provided by the federal government, will help cover the costs of medical bills for those who qualify. This program is for people who are under the age of 65 and meet the low income and residency requirements. They do require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Once approved for this program, it will help cover the cost of going to the doctor, hospital, specialist, and to purchase prescription drugs. There is no time limit for using this program. As long as you continue to qualify you will be able to get the financial assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – Seniors over the age of 65 and who are citizens or legal non-citizens are eligible to sign up with this program, which is federally funded. The program is open to all seniors in the country, regardless of their income level. Once approved, the program will help pay for most types of medical bills, including from doctors, hospitals, specialists, eye doctors, and more. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
