STATEWIDE BENEFITS FOR OLDER PERSONS New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Division of Aging and Community Services State of New Jersey Jon S. Corzine, Governor Department of Health and Senior Services Heather Howard, Commissioner

FOREWORD The following is a guide to programs and services offered to older persons by the State of New Jersey. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. In addition, there are many programs and services offered to senior citizens at a discount or at no charge, by professional associations and by the private sector. For further information on such programs and services in your area, we recommend that you contact your Area Agency on Aging. A list of these offices, together with their addresses and phone numbers, appears in the Appendix.

THIS GUIDE IS UPDATED AT LEAST ANNUALLY. NEW LAWS AMENDING OLD PROGRAMS, LAWS CREATING NEW ONES, OR CHANGES IN REGULATIONS MAY AFFECT THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION ONCE IT IS RELEASED. ALSO, TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND AS YOU READ THIS GUIDE. NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF AGING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES www.aging.nj.gov 1-800-792-8820 (toll-free within NJ) or 1-877-222-3737 (toll-free nationwide) Monday to Friday

8:30 am - 5:00 pmi

STATEWIDE BENEFITS FOR OLDER PERSONS -TABLE OF CONTENTS- DIVISION OF AGING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Services......…..................... 1 New Jersey EASE (Easy Access, Single Entry) (NJ EASE)......……............. 1 Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)...................…............. 2 Wellness Program…………………………………………………….. 2 State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).......................….…… 2 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)........................................................…. 2-3 NJ 2-1-1 Partnership.......................................................................…... 3 NJHelps.................................................................................…..…… 3

Home-Delivered Meals Expansion Program..............................….……... 4 HEALTH/MEDICAL PROGRAMS

Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program (PAAD)...….. 5-6 Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program (Senior Gold).................…… 6-7 Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (HAAAD) Program..…..…….. 8

New Jersey Care (Includes Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)….…......... 8 Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)…........…....... 9 Medically Needy Program........................................…....…......…..... 9 Institutional-Medicaid................................................…....……...… 10 Special Medicaid-Waiver Programs………………………..…..……..… 10 Global Options for Long-Term Care (GO)………..……….……….….. 10-11 ii

HEALTH/MEDICAL PROGRAMS, cont. Global Options Nursing Facility Transition (GO NFT).....................…… 11-12 Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)...................…..... 12-13 Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)…………..……… 13-14 Personal Assistance Services Program.........….....................……... 14-15 Respite Care Program..........................................................….. 15-16 Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program...................................…… 16-17 Community Choice...............................................................…….. 17

Long-Term Care Facilities......................................................…...... 18 Hospital Respite Care Programs for Senior Citizens................….....…..... 18 Boarding Homes/Residential Health Care Facilities........................……... 18

Selection/Evaluation...............................................................….... 19 Pre-Admission Screening Program (PAS)..................................….…... 19 Nursing Home Services.........................................................…….. 20 ―Medicaid" Beds................................................................….…... 20

New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs....................….…... 21 Disabled Veterans.................................................................….... 21

Senior Citizen/Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance..........…...…... 22 One-Half Fare Program.........................................................…….. 22 Reduced Fare Program ID Card.................................................….... 22

Travel Attendant/Guide..........................................................…..... 23 iii

New Jersey Reduced Fare Program, cont.

Rail Service.......................................................................…….. 23 Bus Service.....................................................................…… 23-24

Senior Driver Safety Classes…………………..……………………… 24

Automobile Insurance Reduced Charge.......................................……. 24 Motor Vehicle Registration Fees.....................................….........…… 25 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) ....................................………..….... 25 HOME ASSISTANCE/HOUSING

LIFELINE Credit/Tenants' LIFELINE Assistance Program.........…..…......... 26 New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (New Jersey Shares) .............................…...… 27 Universal Service Fund Program........................…............…...…….. 27 Fresh Start Program………………………………………………..… 28 Water and Sewer Utilities.....................................….........…....... 28-29 Senior Housing Senior Housing Lists.......................................................…..…….. 29 Adult Community Regulations.............................................…...….... 29 Congregate Housing Services Program...................................…..... 29-30 Multiple Dwellings Rent Grace....................................................................…......... 30 Safe Housing and Transportation Program.............................…......…...... 32 Condominium Conversion.......…..................….........……........… 30-31 Pet Ownership..........................................................……............ 31 iv

New Jersey Gross Income Tax.....................................…...........…..... 33-34 Income Exclusions Pension Exclusion.................................................................….... 34 Other Retirement Income.........................................................….... 34 Exclusion of Gain on Sale of Home..........................................…….... 34 Property Tax Homeowner Credit/Rebate Program............................….............…… 35 Senior Citizens/Disabled Property Tax Deduction..........................……... 36 Property Tax Reimbursement Program (Senior Freeze).…………..…… 36-37 Veterans Deduction............................................................…….... 38 Realty Transfer Fee Partial Exemption........................................................….......... 38-39 Inheritance Tax Transfers of Property..........................................................………. 39 Bank Accounts......................................................................…… 39 Safe Deposit Boxes................................................................…… 39 LEGAL Legal Aid Legal Services Providers.........................................................……. 40 Money Management............................................................…... 40-41 Adult Protective Services Program (APS).....................…...............…... 41 Rights of Grandparents Visitation Rights...........................................................….....… 41-42 Kinship Navigator................................................…….................. 42 v

LEGAL, cont. Family Leave Insurance………………...………………………..… 42-43 Criminal Justice Criminal Injuries Compensation Act................................…................. 43 Homeland Security & Preparedness................................……......... 43-44 Identity Theft –Information & Assistance.....................................……... 44 Domestic Violence - Hotline....................................................…...... 44 Discrimination Medicaid Qualified Applicants.............................................…..…..... 45 Mandatory Retirement/Employment Age..................................…….. 45-46 Enforcement of Anti-Discrimination Law.....................................……... 46 Division on Civil Rights Offices....................................................…... 46 ELDER ADVOCACY Public Advocate...........................................................….......….. 47 Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly................................….….. 47 Reports of Abuse................................................................….. 47-48 Assaults Upon Institutionalized Elderly...........................................….. 48 Bill of Rights.........................................................................…... 48 Hospital Abuse.......................................................................….. 49 Guardian/Conservator Responsibilities to Nursing Home Residents..................................……. 49 Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults..........................…..... 49-50 Private Conservators.........................................................…..…... 50 CONSUMER INFORMATION Consumer Facts for New Jersey’s Older Citizens.............................….... 51 vi

CONSUMER INFORMATION, cont. Fire and Burn Safety for Senior Citizens...............................………. 51-52 Predatory Lending...........................................................……... 52-53 New Jersey Predatory Annuities Prevention Law..................................... 53 EDUCATION Adult Basic Education..............................................................…... 54 English as a Second Language....................................................…. 54 High School Diploma................................................................….. 54 College Programs and Services Education Programs..................................................…….......….. 55 Community Services..............................................................……. 55 VOTING Assistance at the Polls..............................................................….. 56 RECREATION, AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT Recreation Beach Fees…………….…………………..………………..…….. 57

Senior Citizen Pass………………………………………………….. 57 Public Golf Courses………………………………………………….. 57 Licenses Fishing…………………………………………….……………….. 58 Clams, Oysters…………………………………….….…………….. 58 Hunting………………………………………...……….………….. 59 Games of Chance - Raffles and Bingo……………………...………….. 59 Cable Television………………………………………………….. 59-60 vii

SPECIAL PROGRAMS (NON-GOVERNMENTAL) Senior Dent...........................................................................….. 61 Senior Citizen Telephone Deposit Waiver Program...............…..…...... 61-62 Communications Lifeline Telephone Service..................................……. 62 Link-Up America Telephone Service...........….....................………. 62-63 Utility Services......................................................................…... 63 Winter Termination Program......................................................…... 63 Heating Oil Cost Assistance......................................................….... 64 CITGO/Citizens Energy................................................................... 64 Underground Storage Tank Funding Program........................................ 64 APPENDIX - Area Agencies on Aging................................................….. 65-66 SUMMARY OF TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS...........................….. 67-69

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SENIOR SERVICES Who we are What we do Whom we serve Our mission is to foster accessible and high-quality health and senior services to help all people in New Jersey achieve optimal health, dignity and independence. We work to prevent disease, promote and protect well-being at all life stages and encourage informed choices that enrich quality of life for individuals and communities.

We will accomplish our mission through leadership, collaborative partnerships, accountability, and advocacy—especially for those who need us most—and a strong commitment to informing and serving the diverse consumers of this state. 1

STATEWIDE BENEFITS FOR OLDER PERSONS NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF AGING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES The Division of Aging and Community Services has compiled this directory to help the older residents of the state learn about programs, services, and benefits available to them and what source to contact for additional information. To foster the efficient implementation of coherent public policy regarding elderly residents of the State, the functions, powers and duties of age related programs were transferred from the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Insurance. This reorganization provided for the consolidation and reorganization of all senior services within the Department of Health and the redesignation of the Department as the Department of Health and Senior Services. The DIVISION OF AGING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES within the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services is the central permanent agency in New Jersey state government for the planning and coordination of programs and services for older New Jerseyans. More detailed information on the coordination of these resources to support functions for the provision of services to the elderly is found within this publication. NEW JERSEY EASE (Easy Access, Single Entry) New Jersey EASE (NJ EASE) is the State initiative that reorganized county senior service networks to provide consumers with services, which are more accessible, responsive and appropriate to their needs. Instead of contracting many agencies, through NJ EASE you dial just one toll-free telephone number and receive information about programs and services for your particular needs and circumstances. This nationwide toll-free telephone number – 1-877-222-3737 – is in operation Monday through Friday, exclusive of state holidays. 2

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) coordinates services for seniors and people with disabilities. This "one-door" access to services offers answers that will help them to age in the community. For further information, please call NJEASE toll-free at 1-877-222-3737. WELLNESS PROGRAM The goal of the Wellness Program is to foster the well-being of older adults and their caregivers through coordinated strategies aimed at health promotion, provider and consumer education, respite care, and the prevention, early detection and prompt management of disease. For information call 1-800-792-8820. STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIP) The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free statewide program administered by the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services. Major funding is provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Trained counselors assist Medicare enrollees of all ages with questions, problems and claim forms related to Medicare and their other health insurance. The counselors will not sell, solicit or endorse any insurance policies. Please call 1-800-792-8820. Staff is available to answer questions about Medicare or you can call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737.

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING, cont. transportation; legal services, meal programs, including home-delivered meals, homemaker services, home repair, recreation, and telephone reassurance. Most of the Area Agencies on Aging distribute a directory of services and resources for older persons, as well as publish a newsletter and other materials. For further information, please contact them directly at 1-877-222-3737. Agency addresses can be found on pages 65-66. NJ 2-1-1 Partnership You can now dial 2-1-1, a 24-hour toll free telephone number, anytime of the day or night to learn about and be connected to social service programs and crisis intervention hotlines. 2-1-1 creates one easy access point to the health, human services, community resources, and government assistance people need every day as well as in times of crisis.

2-1-1 is managed by the New Jersey 2-1-1 Partnership, a subsidiary of the United Ways of New Jersey, 6 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652, www.nj211.org.

NJHelps is an online free and easy way to prescreen for programs that are available to help you and your family. NJHelps provides links to online information about State services. NJHelps is private: they do not ask who you are and they do not share your information with anyone. This website is a collaborative effort by NJ State Departments to give consumers a one-stop shopping resource for a wide range of programs and services to assist individuals, families and communities in New Jersey. This website is maintained by the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, telephone 609-292-3717, www.mynjhelps.com. 4

Home-Delivered Meals Expansion Program Under the federal Older Americans Act, funding is provided through the State Division of Aging and Community Services to the 21 Area Agencies on Aging for the provision of at least one hot meal per day to older persons (age 60 or older) who are homebound due to illness, incapacitating disability, or isolation. A meal may also be provided to the spouse or civil union partner, if it is in the best interest of the homebound older person being served. This federal legislation has been supplemented with state legislation to provide nutrition services on weekends and holidays to eligible participants. Participants will be asked for a confidential donation to help offset costs, but in no event will service be denied to those eligible except for space limitations.

For additional information, or to apply for service under this program, please contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737.

New Jersey has a number of programs designed to assist eligible residents in receiving needed medical care and services. There are varied income and asset limits for most of these programs. A description of these programs follows. Generally speaking, these programs are administered by the Division of Aging and Community Services, NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, www.aging.nj.gov. 5

Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) You are eligible to participate in the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program (PAAD) if you meet the following requirements:

 You are 65 years of age or older, OR, at least 18 years of age and receiving Social Security disability benefits;

 You are single, and meet the annually established income requirements OR, you are married or in a civil union, and your joint annual income meets the annually established income limits. All sources of income, including Social Security and Medicare Part B premiums, if paid, are counted as income. NOTE: The annual income eligibility limits are increased by the amount of the maximum Social Security benefit cost-of-living increase for that year;

 You have been a NJ resident at a permanent address for at least 30 days before applying and your residence is not seasonal or temporary but a legally established residence;

 You do not have equal or superior prescription coverage through another source. If you have only partial or limited coverage, you are eligible;

 You enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), cont. that is at or below the average cost, you will NOT have to pay premiums, deductibles, or any out-of-pocket costs. With the PAAD card, participants must pay $6.00 for generic drugs and $7.00 for brand name drugs and the State pays the remainder. Only drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are covered. Drugs purchased outside the State of NJ are not covered, nor any pharmaceutical products whose manufacturer has not agreed to provide rebates to the State of New Jersey. PAAD allows up to a 34-day supply or 100 doses whichever is greater of a drug when this amount is medically necessary and prescribed by your physician. Once PAAD has determined your eligibility, you should receive an identification card within 30 days. For the annual income limits or additional information, please contact PAAD, Division of Senior Benefits and Utilization Management, NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, PO Box 715, Trenton, NJ 08625-0715, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-792-9745 or 609-588-7048, www.njpaad.gov. Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program (Senior Gold) The State of New Jersey offers a prescription discount program, Senior Gold. The Senior Gold Prescription Discount Plan makes available prescription coverage to residents who are ineligible for the Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program. A new federal program offering prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries began on January 1, 2006. This coverage is provided through private companies whose plans are approved by Medicare. All Senior Gold Beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B are required to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug 7

Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program (Senior Gold), cont. plan in order to participate in Senior Gold. If you choose Medicare prescription drug coverage, you MUST pay the premiums and Senior Gold will help you pay for any other out-of-pocket costs. In Standard Part D plans, the plan usually pays for 75% of the drug cost during the initial coverage period and 95% of the drug cost during Catastrophic Benefit Period. Senior Gold participants will pay the Senior Gold co-pay of $15 plus 50% of the remainder. Senior Gold benefits help to make Medicare prescription drug coverage more affordable by reducing any other out-of-pocket costs associated with that coverage, such as deductibles, co-insurance, and the coverage gap known as the "donut hole." You are eligible to participate in the Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program if you meet the following requirements:

 A New Jersey resident;

 65 years of age or older or 18 years of age or older and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits; and

 You meet the program’s annual income limit (limit is $10,000 higher than for PAAD);

 You enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Applications are available from Senior Gold, local pharmacies, senior centers or the County Office on Aging. For the annual income limits or additional information, please contact Senior Gold, Division of Senior Benefits and Utilization Management, NJ Department of Heath & Senior Services, PO Box 724, Trenton, NJ 08625-0724, telephone toll-free, 1-800-792-9745 or 609-588-7048, www.njsrgold.gov. 8

HEALTH/MEDICAL PROGRAMS Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (HAAAD) The State of New Jersey offers hearing aid assistance for persons not otherwise qualified for Medicaid who meet the age/disability, income and residency requirements of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program (PAAD). A person eligible for assistance under the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled program (HAAAD) is entitled to receive up to $100.00 toward the purchase of a hearing aid. For further information, please contact HAAAD, Division of Senior Benefits and Utilization Management, NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, PO Box 715, Trenton, NJ 08625-0715, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-792-9745 or 609-588-7030, www.state.nj.us/health/seniorbenefits/haaad.shtml.

New Jersey Care provides full Medicaid coverage to NJ residents who are 65 or older, or blind, or permanently disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration, and who meet specified income and asset guidelines. If you are eligible, New Jersey Care will pick up the cost of your monthly Medicare Part B premium, as well as your Medicare Part A premium, if you are required to pay for it. Certain unearned income may be disregarded. For those included in determining eligibility. Regulations regarding resources and spousal impoverishment provisions of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 are equally applicable. For further information, please contact your County Board of Social Services/County Welfare Board or call 1-800-356-1561. 9

New Jersey Care…pecial Medicaid Program, cont. NOTE: The federal Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program, which pays for the Medicare Part B premium only, has slightly higher income guidelines but the same asset guidelines as the New Jersey Care Program. If you do not qualify for New Jersey Care, but would like to find out if you qualify for the SLMB program, please contact the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services at 1-800-792-9745 or 609-588-7281.

New Jersey’s Medically Needy Program is designed to assist certain NJ residents not eligible for Medicaid, to receive medical care and services. Among those eligible for consideration are persons 65 and older, or blind, or disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration. Also included is long-term care and related pharmacy services for eligible individuals residing in Medicaid participating nursing facilities. The program is designed for eligible persons with excessive medical bills, which cause the income to be ―pent down‖to current Medicaid eligibility income. The Medically Needy Program offers basically the same services as Medicaid. People who qualify for the Medically Needy program are entitled to most Medicaid services except for inpatient hospital care and prescribed drugs. Long-term care services are covered. The Medically Needy Program is administered by the Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, NJ Department of Human Services. To find out if you qualify for the program, or for more information, contact your County Board of Social Services/County Welfare Agency or call 1-800-356-1561. 10

HEALTH/MEDICAL PROGRAMS Institutional-Medicaid Applicants for the Institutional Medicaid program are considered on an individual basis and the eligibility process is complex. Once eligibility is established, full Medicaid long-term care and related pharmacy services coverage is provided for eligible individuals residing in Medicaid participating nursing facilities. An eligible individual residing in a facility must apply their individual income to offset the cost of their institutional care. For more information, please call 1-800-356-1561 or you can obtain the address of your local Medical Assistance Customer Center at www.state.nj.us/humanservices.

Effective January 1, 2009 the special Medicaid type programs Adult Family Care (AFC), Assisted Living (AL), Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP) and Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED) were replaced with a single program called Global Options (GO) for Long Term Care. The global options program makes access to programs faster, easier and allows greater choice in care services. Global Options for Long-Term Care (GO) The Medicaid Waivers Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED) is changed to include services in the Assisted Living (AL) Medicaid Waiver. Services through Enhanced Community Options and Assisted Living are terminated. These changes were implemented to develop a long term care system that will enable ―oney to follow the person‖ Medicaid-eligible individuals will be able to receive the services and supports they need in the settings of their choice. As the participant’s specific needs and preferences change, efficiency and access to greater cost effective services are provided. These waiver services will supplement as well as support services provided by families and communities. 11

Global Options for Long-Term Care (GO), cont. Global Options (GO) makes access to services faster, easier and allows greater choice in care. (1) Participants will have the options to hire and direct their own service providers; (2) participants will work with a care manager to create an individualized plan of care; (3) care managers will have greater flexibility in modifying individual care plans as needs and preferences change over time; (4) caregivers will be able to continue in their role as primary support providers and (5) participants will have easier access to long-term care funding to improve support for in-home services and important home and community-based services. Eligibility requirements are:

 An Individual who is assessed by a state Community Choice counselor or an aging and disability assessor as clinically and financially eligible for Medicaid nursing facility level of care;

 Must be 65 years or older or between the ages of 21 and 64 who shall be determined disabled by Social Security Administration (SSA);

 Or be determined disabled by the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, Disability Review Section and;

 There is a reasonable indication that the recipient might need the level of care provided in a hospital, a nursing facility or an intermediate care facility in a month or less.

For additional information contact you local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. Global Options Nursing Facility Transition (GO NFT)

HEALTH/MEDICAL PROGRAMS Global Options Nursing Facility Transition (GO NFT), cont. for the provision of a comprehensive plan of care for the individual in a setting of their choice. Individuals must be able to direct one’s own care. Support services for GO NFT participants can be provided by community agencies or qualified Participant Employed Providers that can include family members, friends, or neighbors. All providers must meet qualification requirements that have been approved by the federal government. Eligibility requirements are:

 An Individual who is clinically and financially approved for nursing home level of care through Medicaid;

 A resident in a nursing facility;

 Assessed by a state Community Choice counselor for transition back to the community;

 Planned discharge has been coordinated through the Interdisciplinary Team.

Individuals interested in receiving service through Global Options Nursing Facility Transition (GO NFT) may contact NJ EASE at 1-877-222-3737. For additional information please contact the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Aging and Community Services, telephone, toll-free, 1-877-856-0877. Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) provides a broad array of in-home services and supports that enable an individual at risk of placement in a nursing facility to remain at home. JACC is a cost-sharing program intended to supplement and strengthen the capacity of caregivers as well as delay/prevent placement in a nursing facility. 13

HEALTH/MEDICAL PROGRAMS Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC), cont. An individual may be eligible for JACC if he or she:

 Is 60 years of age or older;

 Resides in a home which is he/she owns, rents, or is the home of a relative that is not licensed;

 Is financially ineligible for Medicaid or Medicaid waiver services;

 Has countable resources at or below the established amount;

 Has no alternate means available to secure needed services and/or supports;

 Has been determined to be clinically eligible for nursing facility level of care;

 Is a United States Citizen or a Qualified Alien;

 Has income that is a cost sharing of less than 100% of service costs.

Inquiries can be directed to NJ EASE telephone, toll-free, 1-877-222-3737. For additional information contact the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Aging and Community Services, telephone toll-free, 1-800-792-8820 or 609-943-4060. Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that allows people who need nursing home level of care to remain in their homes. PACE provides all needed medical and supportive services while helping participants remain independent as long as possible. PACE becomes the sole source of services for eligible enrollees and assumes full financial risk for participants' care without limits on amount, duration, or scope of services. With PACE, inability to pay will never keep you from getting the care you need. 14

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), cont. Eligibility requirements are:

 Participants must be at least 55 years old,

 Live in the PACE service area

 Be certified as eligible for nursing home care

 Be capable of living safely in the community at the time of enrollment

 Allow the PACE program to become the sole source of services

PACE is a cooperative program with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS). In New Jersey, the Department of Health and Senior Services is responsible for overseeing the program. Individuals interested in receiving service through PACE may contact NJ EASE at 1-877-222-3737. For additional information please contact the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Aging and Community Services, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-792-8820.

Personal Assistance Services Program, cont.

For the provider agency in your county, persons 60 to 65 should contact their Area Agency on Aging. All others should contact the State Division of Disability Services, NJ Department of Human Services, PO Box 700, Trenton, NJ 08625-0700, telephone, toll-free, 1-888-285-3036 or 609-292-7800. Respite Care Program The State of New Jersey offers a Statewide Respite Care Program to provide respite services to families and other uncompensated caregivers experiencing fatigue and stress due to long-term caregiving of frail elderly and/or functionally impaired persons 18 years of age or older. Through these services, caregivers are given relief from the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. The services provided are temporary, short-term and intermittent in nature. They include:

 Companion;

 Homemaker/Home Health Aide;

 Medical adult day care;

 Social adult day care;

 Short-term in-patient care in a licensed medical facility.

Respite Care Program, cont. For further information regarding the location of the sponsoring agency in your county, please contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737 or the Department of Health & Senior Services, Division of Aging and Community Services, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, telephone 609-943-4985. Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program The State of New Jersey, through its Alzheimer's Adult Day Services program, provides for specialized programs statewide that serve persons with chronic progressive dementing diseases and their caregivers. The State pays the participating day care center 75 percent of the daily cost of adult day care and the remaining 25 percent that the State does not pay comes from participant co-payments or other sources as determined by the participating day care center. Persons eligible for this program are those who are:

 Diagnosed by a licensed physician as having Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder/disease;

 Cared for or supervised by a family member or other informal caregiver;

 Residing in the community, but who are not residents of a rooming/boarding home;

 Determined income eligible.

Programs and services offered under this program include: (a) health monitoring, (b) counseling, (c) recreation, (d) socialization, (e) nutritional meals, (f) caregiver education, (g) support groups, (h) information and referrals. For information on whether this program is available in your community, please contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. 17

Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program, cont. This program is administered by the Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Community Programs, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, telephone 1-800-792-8820 or 609-943-3475.

 Provide information on special housing, community programs and in-home services;

 Explain any financial or medical requirements;

 Coordinate with your discharge planner to find services that support dignity, choice and independence;

 Help you and your family make arrangements so that you will be happy, safe and cared for in an appropriate community setting.

Please contact the Division of Aging and Community Services, Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, telephone 1-877-856-0877 or 609-943-4978. 18

INSTITUTIONAL Long-Term Care Facilities Persons in long-term care facilities who are Medicaid eligible are entitled to receive a monthly personal needs allowance. Beneficiaries with Veterans Administration Improved Pensions may receive slightly higher amounts. For information please contact your County Board of Social Services/Welfare Agency.

In accordance with P.L. 1986, Chapter 11, general hospitals in NJ with an average of 20 percent or more weekend vacancy rate over a six-month period may establish a Hospital Respite Care Program for persons 65 or older. Under this program, otherwise empty hospital facilities, in a section separate from medical and surgical patients, may be used to provide shelter, food, recreation, and supervision to persons dependent mainly upon family members or others for their care. For information on whether any hospital in your area has this program, please contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. Any hospital wishing to start this program, should contact the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, Acute Care Facilities, PO Box 367, Trenton, NJ 08625-0367, telephone 609-292-9900 Boarding Homes/Residential Health Care Facilities Residents of boarding homes and residential health care facilities who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or General Public Assistance are entitled to receive a monthly personal needs allowance. SSI recipients who receive their own checks do not receive a personal needs allowance. For information, please contact your County Board of Social Services/ Welfare Agency. 19

NURSING HOMES Selection/Evaluation To assist persons in selecting a nursing home or a residential health care facility, the Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, offers "Selecting a Long-Term Care Facility: A Guide for New Jersey Consumers," which contains general information and location of these facilities by county. In addition, the division maintains a deficiency profile on each nursing home, indicating its size, staff to patient ratio, and the number of valid complaints about the facility. For copies of the above publication or further information, please contact the Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing, Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 367, Trenton, NJ 08625-0367, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-367-6543 or call 609-633-8990, www.state.nj.us/health/ltc/nurshome.shtml.

The State of New Jersey has a Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening Program to determine the needs of Medicaid-eligible individuals, or individuals who will be Medicaid eligible following admission to nursing facilities prior to placement in such facilities. The Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening Program is administered by the Division of Aging and Community Services, Office of Community Choice Options, Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, telephone 1-877-856-0877 or 609-943-4978. 20

All nursing homes are required to provide services to meet the total needs of their patients. Services to be provided include: (a) medical and nursing, (b) diagnostic, (c) dental, (d) pharmaceutical, (e) rehabilitative, (f) dietary, (g) recreational and social, and (h) religious. For further information, or to file a complaint regarding services, please contact the Division of Long-Term Care Systems, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 367, Trenton, NJ 08625-0367, telephone 1-800-792-9770 or 609-292-9900. For complaints concerning mistreatment of patients in a nursing home, age 60+, contact the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, PO Box 852, Trenton, NJ 08625-0852, telephone 1-877-582-6995 or 609-943-4023.

Nursing homes are required to maintain a bed for a period of up to ten days for any resident receiving Medicaid payments that is absent from the facility due to hospital admission or therapeutic leave. In addition, such a person shall continue to be covered by Medicaid for the number of days (up to ten) that the nursing home maintains his/her bed. Should a resident not be able to return to the nursing home before the end of the ten-day period, he/she will have priority for the next available bed in the facility. For further information, please contact the Office of Community Choice Options, Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 367, Trenton, NJ 08625-0367, telephone 1-877-856-0877 or 609-943-4978. 21

The NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs maintains a network of regional offices around the state to assist veterans in obtaining their state and federal benefits. Information is provided on such matters as federal benefits, employment/re-employment, civil service preference, counseling, housing, education, disability pension, nursing homes, burial, cemeteries and tuition assistance. Veterans who may be eligible for the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits should call for information toll-free at 1-877-222-8387.

For further information, please contact your State Veterans Service Office or call the NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs toll-free number 1-888-8NJ-VETS (1-888-865-8387 or 609-530-6868, www.state.nj.us/military. 22

Many NJ senior citizens and people with disabilities require assistance in meeting their need for available and accessible transportation. To meet this need, monies from casino tax revenues are made available to the counties for local para-transit services. Services may include door-to-door and fixed route service and, local/user-fare subsidies. Individuals 60 and over can find out about the availability of services in his/her county from his/her Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-877-222-3737.

Senior citizens age 62 through 64 are eligible to pay no more than one-half the regular one-way fare on all intrastate bus and rail routes and most interstate bus and rail routes into adjacent states (e.g., New York, Pennsylvania) from the hours of 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekdays, and all day Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays. People with disabilities and senior citizens age 65 and older are allowed round-the-clock discounts on bus fares and trains, excluding those not accepting the NJ TRANSIT round trip excursion fare. ID Card

Reduced Fare Program, cont.

People with Disabilities under Age 62 People with disabilities under age 62 who do not have a Medicare Card should write to the Reduced Fare Program, NEW JERSEY TRANSIT, 180 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040, for an application. This form must be completed by the applicant and a physician and returned to New Jersey Transit. Travel Attendant/Guide People with disabilities who require the assistance of a travel attendant or guide in order to use public transportation in NJ may have their travel attendant/guide accompany them without additional charge. To be eligible, one must first obtain a special identification card that will state that the holder requires the assistance of a travel attendant/guide in order to use public transportation. This application must be certified by a physician. To apply for this card, write Reduced Fare Program, NJ TRANSIT, 180 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040, telephone 973-378-6401.

For rail passenger service, presentation of a valid Medicare Card or Reduced Fare ID card, together with the proper reduced fare, is all that is required. NOTE: Not all rail service honors the Reduced Fare Program. Bus Service

TRANSPORTATION Reduced Fare Program, cont. For additional information about the Reduced Fare Program, please contact the Reduced Fare Program, NJ TRANSIT, 180 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040, telephone 973-378-6401 or 1-800-772-2287.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation partners with AARP to provide senior driver safety classes. The course provides techniques to compensate for changes associated with aging as part of a thorough review of the rules of the road, with an emphasis on safety instructions and defensive driving practices. This driver safety course will allow seniors to stay active and independent. Upon completion of the course, students receive a Certificate of Completion entitling them to a 5% discount on automobile insurance for three years. If applicable, two points will also be deducted from their Motor Vehicle record. To remain eligible for this discount, students must repeat the course every three years. For information contact the New Jersey Department of Transportation at 609-530-2943 or visit the AARP website www.aarp.org/drive.

For further information, please contact your insurance company. 25

Motor Vehicle Registration Fees In accordance with the Auto Insurance Reform Program, signed into law on March 12, 1990, participants of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), LIFELINE, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are exempt from paying the increased car registration fees that became effective July 1, 1990. There was no exemption from paying for reflectorized license plates. If you need assistance, or have further questions about this program, please call Motor Vehicle Services at 1-888-486-3339 or 609-292-6500 for general customer information. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Most NJ residents now have the option of selecting their health coverage provider, rather than their auto insurance company, to pay for their no-fault medical expense claims. A health coverage provider may be an insurance company, an HMO or some other type of benefit plan provided by your employer. However, Medicare and Medicaid will NOT provide primary coverage. If your health benefits are provided by either Medicare or Medicaid, you cannot choose this option. If you have further questions, please contact your insurance company. 26

LIFELINE Credit/Tenants' LIFELINE Assistance Program LIFELINE is a utility assistance program that offers a yearly benefit of $225 to persons age 65 years and older, and to certain disabled persons who are receiving Social Security disability payments. You qualify if you meet all of the following:

 You are a New Jersey resident at least 65 years of age, OR at least 18 years of age and receiving Social Security Disability benefits;

 You are single, and meet the annually established income requirements OR, you are married or a civil union couple, and your joint annual income meets the annually established income limits. The income eligibility limits are increased by the amount of the maximum Social Security benefit cost-of-living increase for the year.

 You received utility bills in your name, spouse's or civil union partner’s name, OR you are a tenant and do not receive utility bills, but the cost of your utilities is included in the rent.

You will automatically receive a LIFELINE application if you are enrolled in: Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD); Medical Assistance to the Aged Continuation (MAAC); Medical Assistance Only (MAO); or any of the Special Medicaid-Type Programs. In addition, if you are receiving SSI benefits, your check issued by the Social Security Administration automatically includes a monthly amount which is equal to the annual LIFELINE benefit. This amount will help to pay for the increased cost of utilities. For more information, please contact LIFELINE, NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, PO Box 715, Trenton, NJ 08625-0715, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-792-9745 or your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. 27

HOME ASSISTANCE/HOUSING New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NEW JERSEY SHARES) New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (New Jersey SHARES) provides temporary financial assistance to residents of New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. To be eligible you must have exhausted all other available resources, and have made good faith payments towards past energy bills. For information about New Jersey SHARES call 1-866-657-4273 or visit their website at www.njshares.org. The Universal Service Fund (USF) Universal Service Fund is a program created by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to help make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers. You are eligible for USF if you meet income guidelines and you are paying at least 3 percent of your yearly income on electric bills and at least 3 percent of your yearly income on gas bills. If you have electric heat in your home, you must be paying more than 6 percent of your yearly income on electricity. If you are eligible, USF can lower the amount you have to pay for your gas and electric bill. Applications for USF are accepted throughout the year. For more information about these program2s, call toll-free, 1-866-240-1347. To find out where you can obtain and file and application, call 1-800-510-3102. Applications are available from the website www.energyassistance.nj.gov. 28

As part of the USF Program, Fresh Start allows enrollees the chance to have past due utility bills forgiven if they start paying their monthly bills in full and do so for an entire year. If you have past-due bills over $60, USF will forgive that outstanding balance if you simply keep up with your current monthly bills for one year after you first start to receive a USF credit. This part of the program is called Fresh Start. You should be placed in the Fresh Start program automatically if you qualify. The utility company cannot disconnect your service for nonpayment of overdue bills that are part of the Fresh Start program. For more information about these programs, call toll-free, 1-866-240-1347 or to find out where you can obtain and file an application, call 1-800-510-3102. Applications are available at www.energyassistance.nj.gov.

 Age 65 or older; OR less than 65 years of age and disabled according to the federal Social Security Act; OR disabled under any law administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs where the disability is rated as 60 percent or higher;

 Annually eligible to receive assistance under the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program (see pages 5-6) or has a total income not in excess of $10,000 per year exclusive of certain governmental retirement programs.

Water and Sewer, cont.

For further information, please contact your municipal or county utilities or sewerage authority. Senior Housing Senior Housing Lists The New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Services maintains lists of the following types of senior housing in New Jersey: adult retirement communities, government subsidized housing, shared housing, and house-matching programs. Information on housing options and reverse mortgages is also available. For copies of any of these lists, please contact the NJ Division of Aging and Community Services PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-792-8820 or 609-943-3437.

Congregate Housing Services Program, cont.

 One/two meals per day served in a congregate setting, for an average of 30 meals per month;

 An average of four units a month of personal care services, including assistance with dressing, bathing, hair washing; assistance with shopping; escort service;

 An average of four units per month of light/heavy housekeeping services, depending on the needs of the participant.

For further information on the Congregate Housing Services Program, please contact the Division of Aging and Community Services, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 807, Trenton, NJ 08625-0807, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-792-8820 or 609-943-3437. MULTIPLE DWELLINGS

Any Railroad Retirement Pension, or any other governmental pension in lieu of Social Security must be given a five-day grace period for payment when the rent is due on the first of the month. For a copy of the law, please write to the Office of Landlord-Tenant Information, NJ Department of Community Affairs, PO Box 805, Trenton, NJ 08625-0805 or call 1-800-792-8820 or 609-292-4174.

 The building in which they reside contains at least three rental units;

 The dwelling unit in which they or their spouse or civil union partner reside has been the principal residence for at least one year immediately preceding the conversion recording;

 Their income is no higher than three times the county per capita personal income (which changes annually), or $50,000, whichever is greater.

Before the landlord can begin the conversion process, an application package for protected tenancy must be sent to the municipal administering agency. For copies of the law and regulations concerning the Senior Citizens & Disabled Protected Tenancy Act, write to the Office of Landlord-Tenant Information, NJ Department of Community Affairs, PO Box 805, Trenton, NJ 08625-0805, FAX 609-530-5034; or call 1-800-792-8820 or 609-292-4174; or contact your municipal administrative agent.

In addition to the rights given to senior citizens in federally assisted housing projects, effective November 1, 1990, New Jersey gives residents 62 years of age or older of all senior citizen projects the right to have pets. This law applies to buildings containing three apartments or more, and owner-occupied buildings of four or more units. Landlords have the right to issue reasonable written rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of the law. In addition, nothing in the law limits the rights of a municipality to prohibit, by ordinance, the owning, harboring or keeping of certain species of animals in the municipality. For a copy of the law, please write to the Office of Landlord-Tenant Information, NJ Department of Community Affairs, PO Box 805, Trenton, NJ 08625-0805, or telephone 1-800-792-8820 or 609-292-4174. 32

The purpose of the Safe Housing and Transportation Program is to provide a safe environment for senior citizens through the provision of home repair services, safety improvements, and escorted transportation services. The escorted transportation program is prioritized to serve seniors living in high crime areas with special emphasis being placed on frail elderly 75+ and elderly living alone. Programs funded under Residential Maintenance focus on alleviating existing conditions which are detrimental to the health and safety of the elderly. The Safe Housing and Transportation Program is administered through the 21 Area Agencies on Aging. For additional information, please contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737 or please call the NJ Division of Aging and Community Services, toll-free, 1-800-792-8820 or 609-943-3437. 33

New Jersey Gross Income Tax, cont

For more information on exemptions and deductions in calculating taxable income, please contact the Division of Taxation, NJ Department of the Treasury, 50 Barrack Street, PO Box 269, Trenton, NJ 08646-0269, telephone toll-free, 1-877-225-1312 or 1-800-323-4400 (pre-recorded information) or 609-292-6400. INCOME EXCLUSIONS Pension Exclusion - The New Jersey gross income tax pension and other retirement income exclusions for certain taxpayers has been eliminated. The exclusion remains available for taxpayers that have gross income of not more than $100,000. Other Retirement Income Exclusion - If you and/or your spouse or civil union partner are 62 years of age or older you may be entitled to exclude other retirement income on Line 28 of your NJ-1040. Complete the Other Retirement Income Exclusion Worksheet in your NJ-1040 instruction booklet to determine if you quality for any additional exclusion. Exclusion of Gain on Sale of Home - If you are age 55 or over and you sell your principal place of residence, you may be entitled to a once in a lifetime exclusion of up to $500,000 ($250,000 in the case of individuals or civil union partners filing separately) of the capital gain on your New Jersey income tax return, if you owned your home and resided in it for two years before the sale. 35

TAXES/FEES Homestead Credit/Rebate Program The eligibility for and the granting of Homeowner and Tenant Rebates are subject to the approval of the state budget. The Homestead Credit/Rebate Program reduces the amount of taxable income (credit reduces amount of tax due) for eligible homeowners and tenants who pay property taxes directly or through rent. The income eligibility limits have been reduced from last year’s levels and rebate amounts for these residents may also be affected depending on income. The homestead property tax credit/rebate is in addition to the State’s other property tax relief programs. You can still apply for and receive benefits under those programs if you qualify. You are eligible for a homestead credit/rebate if you meet the following conditions:

 You must have been domiciled and maintained a principal residence as a homeowner or tenant in New Jersey on October 1, 2008; and

 Your gross income for the entire year must meet the income guidelines; and

 Your principal residence must be subject to local property taxes, and property taxes must have been paid on that residence; and

 Your principal residence is a full living unit with its own separate kitchen and bathroom.

Tenants living in dwellings which are not subject to local property tax are not eligible for the rebate. For further information on any of the aforementioned, please contact the Division of Taxation, NJ Department of the Treasury, 50 Barrack Street, PO Box 266, Trenton, NJ 08646-0266, telephone toll-free, 1-888-238-1233 or 609-292-6400. 36

 You are a legal resident of New Jersey for at least one year prior to October 1st;

 You reside in and own the dwelling claimed; OR you reside in and own the dwelling which is assessed as real property; OR you reside as a tenant shareholder in a cooperative or mutual housing corporation; and it is your principal place of residence;

 Your income, exclusive of Social Security (or similar governmental pension, disability and retirement program) does not exceed $10,000 during the year for which the deduction is granted;

 You are a surviving spouse or civil union partner 55 or more years of age before December 31st of the previous year, and were 55 or more years of age at the time of the death of the decedent and have not remarried or recommitted.

To find out if you qualify for the tax deduction, please contact your Municipal Tax Assessor. For additional information, please contact the Division of Taxation, NJ Department of the Treasury, 50 Barrack Street, PO Box 269, Trenton, NJ 08646-0269, telephone toll-free, 1-877-225-1312 or 1-800-323-4400 (pre-recorded information) or 609-292-6400. Property Tax Reimbursement Program (Senior Freeze)

TAXES/FEES Property Tax Reimbursement Program (Senior Freeze), cont. for which you are claiming the reimbursement, provided the amount paid in the current year was greater. You must meet all the eligibility requirements for the base year and for each succeeding year, up to and including the current year to qualify for the reimbursement. You are eligible if you meet the following requirements:

 You are age 65 or older or receiving Federal Social Security disability benefits; and

 You have lived in New Jersey continuously for at least the last 10 years, as either a homeowner or a renter; and

 You have owned and lived in your home (or have leased a site in a mobile home park on which you have placed a manufactured or mobile home that you own) for at least the last 3 years; and

 You have paid the full amount of property taxes (or site fees if you are a mobile home owner) that were due on your home for the base year and for each succeeding year, up to and including the year for which you are claiming the reimbursement; and

 You meet the income limits for the base year and for each succeeding year, up to and including the year for which you are claiming the reimbursement; and You file the application by the specified date.

Income eligibility limits for the Property Tax Reimbursement Program (Senior Freeze) have been increased. As a result, you may be eligible for a reimbursement even if you were not eligible in prior years because your income was above the previous limits. For information about the Homestead Property Tax Reimbursement Program (Senior Freeze) please call 1-800-882-6597. 38

TAXES/FEES Veterans Deduction Veterans who were honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service during a time of war may claim real estate tax deductions of $250 annually on homes they own and occupy in New Jersey. A surviving spouse or civil union partner is also entitled to the deduction as long as the widow, widower or civil union partner does not remarry or recommit. There are no income limitations for the Veterans Deduction. Under certain conditions, permanently and totally disabled war veterans or their surviving spouse or civil union partner may be granted a full property tax exemption on their dwelling house and lot. An application for the deduction must be filed in duplicate with the Municipal Tax Assessor on or before December 31 of the pre-tax year. Once the claim has been filed and allowed by the Municipal Tax Assessor, it will continue in force from year to year without the necessity for further claim so long as the claimant is entitled to a veterans deduction. To determine if you qualify for the Veterans Property Tax Deduction, or to obtain the necessary form, please contact your Municipal Tax Assessor. REALTY TRANSFER FEE Partial Exemption If you are age 62 or older, or blind or disabled, you may be entitled to partial exemption on your New Jersey Realty Transfer Fee when you sell your principal place of residence (one or two-family residential dwelling only). Where the value of the deed is more than $350,000, an additional ―eneral purpose fee‖and other changes in fees and clarifications in the provisions governing realty transfer fees may be applicable. To obtain the proper form, contact your Municipal Tax Assessor, or contact the Local Property Tax Branch, Division of Taxation, NJ Department of the Treasury, 50 Barrack Street, 39

TAXES/FEES Partial Exemption, cont. Trenton, NJ 08646-0269, telephone 609-292-1793. Inheritance Tax Transfers of Property Any property inherited from a spouse or civil union partner is not subject to inheritance tax. Inheritance tax on transfers of property to a decedent's parent(s), grandparent(s), child(ren) or grandchild(ren) has also been phased out. For the brothers, sisters, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law of a decedent, the first $25,000 of property received is exempt. For transfers of property to any other individual, there is no tax for transfers under $500. Bank Accounts Funds belonging to or held in the name of the decedent which are deposited in financial institutions, and which are payable at death to the surviving spouse or civil union partner, parent(s), grandparent(s), child(ren) or grand child(ren), may be transferred without prior clearance from the Division of Taxation. If, however, there is real estate in the decedent's name alone, clearance for transfer must still be obtained from the Division of Taxation. Safe Deposit Boxes Safe deposit boxes are no longer inventoried by the New Jersey Division of Taxation. On January 12, 2007, the Division reissued a blanket release from the Director, Division of Taxation, to all banking institutions, safe deposit companies, trust companies, and other institutions which serve as custodians of safe deposit boxes. The contents of the boxes may be released without inspection by the Division. For further information, please contact the Inheritance Tax Branch, Division of Taxation, NJ Department of the Treasury, PO Box 249, Trenton, NJ 08646-0249, telephone

609-292-5033. 40

All Area Agencies on Aging fund legal assistance to provide access to the system of justice to residents 60 years of age and older who have a legal problem which falls within the priorities established for the program. Under the supervision of a lawyer, legal advice, assistance, and/or representation is provided in order to protect and secure the rights of older persons. Legal assistance is provided in priority areas, such as public entitlements, planning/protecting autonomy, health care/long term care, family/domestic, housing/utilities, individual rights and consumer issues. Preference for service is given to individuals with the greatest social and economic need. Community legal education which benefits a large number of clients is an important component of the legal program. For additional information contact the Area Agencies on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. Money Management The Money Management Program is a bill paying service developed by AARP and coordinated by the New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Services. The goal of the service is to provide guidance and non-intrusive bill paying assistance to maximize client independence. It provides older or disabled people with volunteer assistance in budgeting, processing of routine bills, check writing, managing financial matters and/or reconciling bank accounts. Fully trained and screened volunteer bill payers are matched by the program coordinator with clients in need of service. They set up a budget, organize bills and prepare checks for the client's signature. Volunteer monitors regularly review volunteer bill payer reports, comparing them with the established budget, bank statements and canceled checks. 41

LEGAL Money Management, cont.

In New Jersey, the County Offices on Aging in, Cumberland, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs in Burlington and Hudson Counties and the Sussex County Division of Social Services provide bill paying service to clients. A privately funded program is operating out of Family Services of Morris County and the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services. For additional information contact the Area Agencies on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. Adult Protective Services Program (APS) This program helps NJ residents 18 years of age or older who lack the capacity to understand their circumstances and cannot protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Trained workers from APS programs in each county respond to requests for help by making a personal visit and finding ways to reduce the risk of harm. Every effort is made to maintain people in their own homes. To find out what agency provides Adult Protective Services in your county, telephone toll-free, 1-800-792-8820 or 609-943-3437. This program is administered by the Division of Aging and Community Services, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 812, Trenton, NJ 08625-0812. Rights of Grandparents Visitation Rights

Visitation Rights, cont. For additional information, persons 60 or over should contact his/her Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-222-3737. The NJ Department of Human Services has available information for grandparents who take on a parenting role or have issues regarding child visitations. To request information, please contact the Kinship Navigator Program, NJ Department of Human Services, PO Box 716, Trenton, NJ 08625-0716, telephone toll-free, 1-877-816-3211.

Through the Kinship Navigator program, the NJ Department of Human Services offers a variety of support services and financial aid that helps kinship caregivers identify available resources and then advocates on their behalf to access those services. By dialing 2-1-1, eligible Kinship caregivers can get help addressing immediate problems, and they will also be referred to a local Kinship agency that will work with caregivers to access additional services. To learn more about how assistance is available to help navigate through the various governmental systems providing services, which includes grandparenting, child care, educational issues and more, please contact the Kinship Navigator Program, NJ Department of Human Services, PO Box 716, Trenton, NJ 08625-0716, telephone toll-free, 1-877-816-3211.

Family Leave Insurance, cont.

PO Box 387, Trenton, NJ 08625-0387, http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor. Criminal Justice Criminal Injuries Compensation Act - Older Crime Victims For persons who are victims of violent crimes who have suffered personal injuries and are at least 60 years of age or disabled, there is no minimum out-of-pocket loss required before seeking compensation. However, in no case shall the amount of compensation exceed the limit established by regulations. To file a complaint, or to obtain additional information, contact your County Prosecutor, or the NJ Victims of Crime Compensation Agency, 50 Park Place, Suite 1010, Newark, NJ 07102, telephone 973-648-2107 or call the Board's toll-free telephone number 1-877-658-2221.

Homeland Security & Preparedness, cont.

For Homeland Security Updates and Information call 2-1-1. Further information is available from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, P.O. Box 091, Trenton, NJ 08625-0091, 24-Hour Reporting number 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365) or 609-584-4000, www.state.nj.us/njhomelandsecurity.

The federal government reports that identity theft is the fastest-growing financial crime. The crime usually involves the interception of personal financial data or the fraudulent acquisition of credit cards or other financial products in another person’s name. Protecting consumers from crimes of identity theft has become a major law enforcement challenge. Measures have been put into place that enable agencies to combat these crimes and other remedies. If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, report the crime to your local police department. For additional information on how to file a complaint and what to do if you believe you are the victim of identity theft, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846, askconsumeraffairs@lps.state.nj.us. Domestic Violence - Hotline Information and referrals in areas of concern for women is provided through a bilingual statewide 24-hour, seven day a week toll-free telephone line. The telephone line is accessible to the hearing impaired. The U.S. Department of Justice, NJ Department of Law and Public Safety and the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Division on Women provides (609-292-8840) funds. The NJ statewide domestic violence hotline is at 1-800-572-7233. 45

LEGAL Discrimination Medicaid Qualified Applicants The NJ law against discrimination prohibits discrimination against Medicaid qualified applicants and patients by NJ skilled nursing homes/intermediate care facilities accepting Medicaid. Nursing homes participating in the NJ Medicaid program are not allowed to deny admission to Medicaid qualified applicants when a bed becomes available and when that nursing home is below the Statewide Occupancy Level. And, even if the facility should cease to be a Medicaid provider, it may continue to provide skilled nursing/intermediate care services to those of its patients who are currently/prospectively Medicaid qualified, without being required to admit any new qualified applicants. In addition, there is to be no solicitation, charge, or acceptance of any sum of money, gift, donation, or other consideration, as a condition of admitting a Medicaid applicant, or as a condition of such person's continued stay. Any person found in violation of these provisions shall be guilty of a crime in the third degree, and shall also be civilly liable to the paying individual and to the State of New Jersey. Further information is available from the Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, NJ Department of Human Services, PO Box 712, Trenton, NJ 08625-0712, telephone 1-800-356-1561 or 609-588-3828 if calling from out-of-state. Mandatory Retirement/Employment Age No state, county, or municipal governmental entity may discriminate against job applicants because of age; but bona fide occupational age qualifications may be established. Nothing shall prevent an employer from refusing to accept for employment, or to promote, any person over 70 years of age. An employer may require the retirement of an employee who, for the two-year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bonafide executive 46

LEGAL Mandatory Retirement/Employment Age, cont. or high policy-making position if that employee is entitled to an immediate non-forfeitable annual retirement benefit which equals in the aggregate at least $27,000. Enforcement The Division on Civil Rights, NJ Department of Law & Public Safety, has responsibility for the enforcement of New Jersey's age discrimination law. The Division on Civil Rights offices and the counties they serve are listed below.

Division on Civil Rights OfficesAtlantic City Office (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem) 26 Pennsylvania Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-441-3100 Camden Office (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester) One Port Center Suite 402 2 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103 856-614-2550

Jersey City Neighborhood Office Walk-in Office Only Hudson County Housing Resource Center, 3rd Fl. 574 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306 Newark Office (Essex, Hudson, Parts of Middlesex, Union) 31 Clinton St., 3rd Fl. Newark, NJ 07102 973-648-2700

Patterson Office (Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren) 100 Hamilton Plaza, 8th Fl. Paterson, NJ 07505 973-977-4500 Trenton Office (Hunterdon, Mercer, Parts of Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset) 140 E. Front St., 6th Fl. Trenton, NJ 08625-0090

Public Advocate Originally formed in 1974, the Department of the Public Advocate was dissolved in 1994 and reopened in 2006. The department works to protect the interests of the public, with a special focus on the elderly, people with mental illness or developmental disabilities, consumers and children. The Public Advocate’s mission is to act as a voice for the people on a range of critical issues; expanding home care, improving assisted living facilities and improving nursing home care. This is accomplished through many avenues: legal advocacy, policy research and reform, investigation of abuse and neglect, community partnerships, legislative and regulatory action, education and outreach. The Public Advocate has subpoena power, and the power to bring lawsuits on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey against state and local governments. Before resorting to litigation, the department will exhaust all possible means to resolve disputes by working together with all interested parties.

Further information is available from the Department of the Public Advocate, 240 West State Street, 16th Floor, PO Box 851, Trenton, N.J. 08628-0851, 609-826-5090, www.state.nj.us/publicadvocate. Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly The Office is a unique State agency created to promote and protect the rights, health, safety and welfare of elderly patients 60 years of age and older in Nursing Homes, Residential Health Care Facilities, State/County Psychiatric Hospitals, Rehabilitation Hospitals, Class "C" Boarding Homes, Developmental and Adult Day Care Centers. Reports of Abuse - Ombudsman's Office

Reports of Abuse - Ombudsman's Office, cont. care; a resident or patient has been physically, verbally, or emotionally abused; or a resident or patient has been financially exploited. The telephone number is 1-877-582-6995 or 609-943-4023 if calling from out-of-state. Assaults Upon Institutionalized Elderly A person committing an assault upon an institutionalized elderly person is guilty of a crime. Any person, who has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that an institutionalized older person is being/has been abused or exploited, shall report such information to the Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly in a timely manner. Persons failing to make such a report are subject to a fine pursuant to the penalty enforcement law. Investigation of complaints of alleged assaults will be made by the Office of the Ombudsman and, if warranted, complaints will be forwarded to the County Prosecutor for action. For further information contact the Department of the Public Advocate, Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, PO Box 852, Trenton, NJ 08625-0852. To lodge a COMPLAINT, telephone, toll-free, 1-877-582-6995 or 609-943-4023 if calling from out-of-state, Bill of Rights The State Legislature declared that for the well being of all residents or patients within facilities in the State, a bill of rights was required. These rights are listed in the Nursing Home and the Boarding Home Residents' Bill of Rights. All residents should receive a copy at the time of their admission. Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Department of the Public Advocate, Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly, PO Box 852, Trenton, NJ 08625-0852, telephone, toll-free, 1-877-582-6995 or 609-943-4023. 49

ELDER ADVOCACY Hospital Abuse All reports of abuse of persons age 60 or older who are in an acute care hospital should be referred to the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services at 1-800-792-9770 or 609-292-9900 if calling from out-of-state. GUARDIAN/CONSERVATOR Responsibilities to Nursing Home Residents In the event of impending exhaustion of funds paid by a fiduciary (defined as a guardian, a trustee acting under a will, or a non-testamentary trustee as set forth in N.J.S.A. 3B:17-9) to a nursing home care facility for the provision of care to a resident age 65 or older, the fiduciary shall give written notice at least 90 days in advance of such impending exhaustion. Such notice shall be in writing to:

 The resident concerned, and his/her next of kin, or designated responsible party;

 The particular nursing home facility and any other agency concerned.

Following such notification, should the fiduciary or resident encounter a problem with the resident remaining in the nursing home care facility, the fiduciary or resident should contact the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly at 1-877-582-6995 or 609-943-4023 regarding the rights of the resident. Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) for Elderly Adults is appointed guardian by the New Jersey Superior Court when there is no willing or appropriate family or friend to become the guardian of an incapacitated person 60 years of age or older. The OPG is usually appointed plenary guardian of both person and property. In this capacity, OPG addresses all the physical and mental health and property issues of the ward. 50

ELDER ADVOCACY Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults, cont. As guardian, the OPG works with the ward as much as he or she is able in order to have input into their decision-making process. For example, the OPG attempts to keep the ward in the least restrictive living environment as possible, utilizing both private and public assistance as appropriate. At the request of the court the OPG can also serve as an elderly adult conservator. A conservator works on a voluntary basis with the elderly person to administer their property and finances. The OPG also administers the Professional Guardian Registration Act. Under this law, the OPG oversees the registration process for guardians, maintains a directory of registered professional guardians, and conducts training, and monitors on a sampling basis the registered guardians’ performance. The OPG also receives numerous telephone calls about guardianship and other elder issues and assists the public on those issues. For information on public guardianship or its programs contact the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults, PO Box 812, Trenton, NJ 08625-0812, telephone 609-530-8810. Private Conservators In the event that there are responsible adults willing to serve as guardians or conservators for persons, who by reason of advanced age, illness or physical infirmity, have become unable to manage their property, or unable to provide for themselves or others dependent upon them for support, they may be appointed by the courts to serve in such a capacity.

For information on the appointment of private conservators, contact your County Surrogate. 51

CONSUMER INFORMATION Consumer Facts for New Jersey’s Older Citizens The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs was established in 1971 to protect the consumers of New Jersey from dishonest and unscrupulous practices. The Division is responsible for administering and enforcing the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act that protects your rights before, during and after purchasing a product or service. A unit within the division is dedicated solely to investigating fraud against the elderly. Often New Jersey’s older citizens are the intended victims of various types of fraud, scams and other unscrupulous practices. The division’s handbook "New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Senior Fraud Education and Protection Program (Senior FED•UP)" offers advice and provides information that will help you to make informed decisions and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Also available are Consumer Alerts to educate consumers about emerging frauds and topics that affect their daily lives. For copies of the consumer publications and more information about your safety and consumer rights, please contact the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, PO Box 45027, Newark, NJ 07101, telephone toll-free senior hotline 1-877-746-7850.

CONSUMER INFORMATION Fire and Burn Safety for Senior Ciizens, cont. fire prevention education and appropriate corrective action. The division’s booklet "Fire & Burn Safety for Senior Citizens" focuses on providing fire prevention instructions in areas of major concern to the elderly. For a copy of the booklet or general information, contact the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety, PO Box 809, Trenton, NJ 08625-0809, 609-633-6071.

 making unaffordable loans based on the assets of the borrower, rather than on the borrower's ability to repay an obligation ("asset-based lending")

 inducing a borrower to refinance a loan repeatedly in order to charge high points and fees each time the loan is refinanced ("loan flipping")

 engaging in fraud or deception to conceal the true nature of the loan obligation from an unsuspecting or unsophisticated borrower.

For information on reverse mortgages see our companion publication Federal Benefits for Older Persons. 53

Predatory Lending, cont.

1-800-446-7467, or contact Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) at 1-888-576-5529. LSNJ provides free legal help to low-income homeowners who are victims of predatory mortgage lending. For additional information visit the Anti-Predatory Lending project website www.lsnjlaw.org. New Jersey Predatory Annuities Prevention Law The Predatory Annuities Prevention Law protects vulnerable consumers from predatory annuity sales. The senior population is very dependent on their investments, yet susceptible to disingenuous investment practices. The law seeks to protect seniors from dangerously risky annuities and deceptive practices that lead a vulnerable population to lose much of their hard-earned savings. Protecting residents from receiving bad advice from bogus advisors is essential. The predatory annuities prevention law provides certain requirements for marketing, information disclosure and product suitability. The law prohibits those who sell annuities from falsely representing their expertise on marketing material. Annuities salespersons are required to clearly outline the important facts of the purchase to the buyer, the investment objectives as well as contract terms. For further information of Predatory Lending or Predatory Annuities Prevention Law, please contact New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, 20 West State Street, PO Box 325, Trenton, NJ 08625, telephone, toll-free, 1-800-446-7467 or 609-292-7272, www.state.nj.us/dobi. 54

EDUCATION Adult Basic Education The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides funds for English basic skills instructional programs which are offered statewide free of charge. These programs are designed for persons who are the least educated and lacking the most basic educational skills. Adult basic education programs provide developmental reading, mathematics, and employability skills which are needed for productive employment and effective citizenship.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development also funds free English as a Second Language Programs. These programs are designed to improve the English language communications skills of persons whose native language is not English and who are limited English proficient. Instruction takes place in English and stresses the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed to function in an English-speaking environment. High School Diploma There are various ways for adults to earn a high school diploma in NJ: a locally issued adult high school diploma by completing high school course requirements, a state-issued high school diploma through successful completion of the General Educational Development test issued high school diploma through successful completion of the General Educational Development test (GED) exam; a state-issued high school diploma through completion of 30 college credits leading toward an undergraduate degree. There are 31 GED Testing Centers located in 20 counties throughout the state. For further information on the above programs, please contact Workforce Readiness and Literacy, 609-943-5921. 55

Each public institution of higher education in NJ may, if they so choose, permit persons of the age of 65 or more years to enroll in regularly scheduled courses without the payment of any tuition charges, provided that available classroom space permits, and provided that tuition-paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course. The courses may be for either credit or non-credit. Registration fees may be required. The age requirement may vary from institution to institution. For additional information, please contact the Registrar's Office of the public college you may be interested in attending. Community Services In addition to college courses, most of New Jersey's community colleges offer community service programs, many of which are geared toward the older adult. For further information on community service programs, contact your local community college. 56

VOTING Assistance at the Polls Voters who are blind or disabled, or unable to read and write, are entitled to receive assistance at the polls. In any election any elderly or physically disabled voter assigned to an inaccessible polling place will, upon advance request of that voter, either be permitted to vote at the alternative, accessible polling place nearest to that voter's residence which has a common ballot or be provided with a civilian absentee ballot as an alternative means of casting a ballot on the day of election. Persons desiring further information on assistance at the polls should contact their County Commissioner of Registration which is either the County Board of Elections or Superintendent of Elections.

Any questions regarding absentee ballots should be directed to their County Clerk or the Division of Elections, NJ Department of State, 225 West State Street, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 304, Trenton, NJ 08625-0304, toll-free at 1-877-658-6837 or 609-292-3760, TTD/TYY 1-800-292-0039 and 24 Hour Assistance (toll-free) 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837) 57

RECREATION, AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT RECREATION Beach Fees The governing body of any municipality bordering on the Atlantic Ocean, tidal water bays or rivers, may, by ordinance, provide for reduced beach fees, or no beach fees, to persons 65 or more years of age and to persons receiving disability benefits under the federal Social Security Act. This is permissive legislation, not mandated. For further information, please contact the governing body of the municipality where the beach is located.

New Jersey residents age 62 or older are entitled to a Senior Citizen Pass which allows the holder free entry and free parking at any park, forest, or historic site administered by the Division of Parks & Forestry. (This pass does not include overnight camping or other fees within the facilities). They will receive a $2 per night reduction in campsite rates. Applications for a Senior Citizen Pass should be made to Administrative Services, Division of Parks & Forestry, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, PO Box 404, Trenton, NJ 08625-0404, telephone 1-800-843-6420 or 609-984-0370. Proof of age must be submitted with the application.

New Jersey residents of at least six months, ages 65 through 69, may obtain a fishing license at a reduced fee instead of the regular fee. If blind, there is no charge for a fishing license to New Jersey residents. For residents over the age of 70 no license or trout stamps are required. A driver's license or other acceptable proof of age containing date of birth and physical description will function as the actual fishing license for those 70 or over. For those who have never tried fishing, or have been away from the sport, or to

advance from beginner to expert, free classes and programs are offered throughout the year including two Free Fishing Days in June. To apply for a license, write to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, Marine Fisheries Administration, PO Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400. Proof of age must be submitted with the application. To obtain additional information about classes and programs please telephone 609-292-2965, www.njfishandwildlife.com. Clams, Oysters New Jersey residents age 62 or older desiring to dig for clams or oysters may obtain a license for only a processing fee. Lifetime Resident Senior Clam Licenses sold prior to June 17, 2008, have been expanded to include all molluscan (shellfish) species, with the exception of conchs. To apply for a license, write to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, Marine Fisheries Administration, PO Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400 or telephone 609-984-5546. Proof of age should be submitted with the application. 59

RECREATION, AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT Hunting New Jersey residents age 65+ are entitled to a license to hunt with hounds, firearms or with bow and arrow for a reduced fee instead of the regular fee. To obtain one or both types of hunting licenses, apply in writing to the Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, PO Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400, telephone 609-292-2965. Proof of age should be submitted with the application.

Games of Chance - Raffles and Bingo

Cable Television Discount, cont.

For information or to file an unresolved complaint, contact the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Two Gateway Center, Newark, NJ 07102, 1-800-624-0331 or you may use the convenient on-line complaint form at www.state.nj.us/bpu/home/complaintForm.shtml. For further information about discounts or a complaint contact your local cable office. 61

SPECIAL PROGRAMS (NON-GOVERNMENTAL) THESE PROGRAMS ARE PROVIDED AS A SERVICE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES ARE DETERMINED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY, NOT BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY. SENIOR DENT Sponsored by the NJ Dental Association, this agency affords eligible seniors the opportunity of obtaining comprehensive oral health treatment from participating dentists at a minimum courtesy discount of 15 percent. To qualify, persons must be 65 years of age or over and meet the guidelines of the PAAD program (see pages 5-6). To obtain a list of participating dentists for your area, please contact the Division of Aging and Community Services at 1-800-792-8820 (toll-free within NJ) or 609-943-3437. Staff at this number will take your name, address and certain other information and forward it to the NJ Dental Association. The Dental Association will then forward you a list of participating dentists. LISTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE OVER THE PHONE. The NJ Dental Association, One Dental Plaza, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, telephone 908-821-9400, sponsors this program. SENIOR CITIZEN TELEPHONE DEPOSIT WAIVER PROGRAM

SPECIAL PROGRAMS (NON-GOVERNMENTAL SENIOR CITIZEN TELEPHONE DEPOSIT WAIVER PROGRAM, cont. Individuals receiving the waiver will be responsible for all other telephone costs, including purchase of a phone, installation costs and monthly service charges. In order to enable low-income people to afford phone service, Verizon offers three basic service plans, including two low-cost options. These plans will be discussed when the individual calls to apply for phone service. To find out if you are eligible for the deposit waiver, please contact your County Board of Social Services/County Welfare Agency. COMMUNICATIONS LIFELINE TELEPHONE SERVICE Through the Verizon Telephone Company discounted residential telephone service is available for households that make less than three local calls per day which last five minutes or less, or that spend less that one and a half hours a week on local calls. To be eligible for this program you must receive benefits from one of the following programs: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/Work First New Jersey (TANF/WFNJ), Lifeline Utility Credit/Tenants Lifeline Assistance, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), General Assistance (GA), Food Stamp Program, Supplemental Security Income(SSI)/Medicaid, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and you must not be dependent for Federal Income Tax purposes unless you are 60 years of age or older. For eligibility and enrollment information call NJ SHARES at 1-888-337-3339.

LINKUP AMERICA, cont.

Lifeline Utility Credit, or Medicaid/SSI should call 1-800-792-9745 for details. Persons receiving benefits form HEAP or Food Stamps please contact your County Board of Social Services/County Welfare Agency. For additional communication and eligibility information please call NJ SHARES at 1-888-337-3339. UTILITY SERVICES If you are an elderly customer having financial problems paying your electric or gas bill, you should request the utility company to enroll you in a budget plan in accordance with your ability to pay. You are required to make good faith payments of all reasonable bills for service. A utility may not shut off residential service on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday or the day before a holiday, or if a valid medical emergency exists in your household. RESIDENTIAL SERVICE CAN BE SHUT OFF AFTER PROPER NOTICE The Winter Termination Program The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities manages the Winter Termination Program whereby your residential gas or electric service shall not be discontinued during the period of November 15 through April 1 or later if extended by the BPU as long as you make good faith payments if you have the ability to do so. If you have questions about your rights as a utility customer, please call New Jersey Natural Gas Company, toll-free, at 1-800-221-0051 or 1-908-938-7977. For unresolved issues, you may call the Board of Public Utilities at 1-800-624-0241. 64

For more information call New Jersey Citizen Action, toll-free, at 1-800-464-8465, www.njcaoilgroup.com.

In partnership with CITGO, Citizens Energy works with thousands of oil heat dealers and local fuel assistance agencies to provide deliveries of home heating oil to those in need. The Oil Heat Program provides eligible families a one-time delivery of 100 free gallons of home heating oil. For information on this program call: 1-800-JOE-4-OIL or 1-800-563-4645, www.citizensenergy.com.

Appendix Area Agencies on Aging NJ EASE NATIONWIDE TOLL-FREE 1-877-222-3737 ATLANTIC COUNTY DIVISION OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICES 609-645-7700 X4700 Shoreview Building, Office 222, 101 South Shore Road, Northfield 08225 BERGEN COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES 201-336-7400 One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hackensack 07601-7000 BURLINGTON COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING 609-265-5069 County Office Building, 49 Rancocas Road, PO Box 6000, Mt. Holly 08060 CAMDEN COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR & DISABLED SERVICES 856-858-3220 Parkview on the Terrace, 700 Browning Road, Suite 11, West Collingswood 08107 CAPE MAY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING 609-886-2784/2785 Social Services Building, 4005 Route 9, South, Rio Grande 08242 CUMBERLAND COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING and DISABLED 856-453-2220/2221 Administration Building, 790 East Commerce Street, Bridgeton 08302 ESSEX COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES 973-395-8375 50 South Clinton Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 3200, East Orange 07018 GLOUCESTER COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES 856-384-6900 115 Budd Boulevard, Woodbury, NJ 080968 HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING 201-271-4322 595 County Avenue, Building 2, Secaucus 07094 HUNTERDON COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR, DISABILITIES and VETERANS SERVICES

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING, cont. MERCER COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING 609-989-6661 640 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton 08650 MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEPARTMENT ON AGING 732-745-3295 John F. Kennedy Square, 5th Floor, New Brunswick 08901 MONMOUTH COUNTY DIVISION ON AGING, DISABILITIES & VETERANS INTERMENT 732-431-7450, 21 Main and Court Center, Freehold 07728 MORRIS COUNTY DIVISION ON AGING, DISABILITIES AND VETERANS 973-285-6848 340 West Hanover Avenue, Ground Floor, PO Box 900, Morristown 07963-0900 OCEAN COUNTY OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES 732-929-2091 1027 Hooper Avenue, Building #2, P.O. Box 2191, Toms River 08754-2191 PASSAIC COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR, DISABILITY SERVICES, & VETERANS’ AFFAIRS 973-569-4060, 930 Riverview Drive, Suite 200, Totowa, NJ 07512 SALEM COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING 856-339-8622 98 Market Street, Salem 08079 SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING 908-704-6346 92 East Main Street, PO Box 3000, Somerville 08876 SUSSEX COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES 973-579-0555 Administrative Center, 1 Spring Street, 2nd Floor, Newton 07860 UNION COUNTY DIVISION ON AGING 908-527-4870/4872 County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth 07207 WARREN COUNTY DIVISION OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES 908-475-6591

SUMMARY OF TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS USED IN THIS PUBLICATION Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services Program..................................1-800-792-8820 Adult Protective Services..........................................................1-800-792-8820 Assaults Upon Institutionalized Elderly.....................................1-877-582-6995 Bill of Rights.......................................................................…...1-877-582-6995 Board of Public Utilities........................................................….1-800-624-0241 CITGO/Citizens Energy...........................................................1-800-JOE-4-OIL 1-800-563-4645 Congregate Housing Services Program............................…...1-800-792-8820 Division of Elections………………………………………………1-877-658-6837 Crime Injuries Compensation.............…..........................…....1-877-658-2221 Domestic Violence...............................................................….1-800-572-7233 Environmental Protection Hotline…………………......……..1-877-WARNDEP 1-877-927-6337 Fresh Start Program.....................…………........................….1-866-240-1347 Global Options for Long-Term Care (GO for LTC)…………….1-877-222-3737 Global Options Nursing Facility Transition ………………….…-877-222-3737 1-877-856-0877 Grandparent Rights.......….......................................................1-800-792-8820 Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (HAAAD)........1-800-792-9745 Heating Oil Assistance……………………………………………1-800-464-8465 Homeland Security & Preparedness...................................…1-866-4-SAFE-NJ 1-866-472-3365 Identity Theft – Information & Assistance.................................1-800-242-5846 Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)..............1-877-222-3737 Kinship Navigator......................................................................1-877-816-3211 Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) for Predatory Lending...1-888-576-5529 Medicaid..............................................................................….1-800-356-1561 Medically Needy........................................................................1-800-356-1561 68

SUMMARY OF TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS, cont Motor Vehicles...........................................................................1-888-486-3339 New Jersey Citizen Action.........................................................1-800-464-8465 New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Service.............1-800-792-8820 New Jersey Easy Access Single Entry......................................1-877-222-3737 New Jersey Gross Income Tax (Division of Taxation)..............1-877-225-1312 New Jersey Homestead Credit/Rebate Program......................1-888-238-1233 New Jersey Natural Gas Co......................................................1-800-221-0051 NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs..........................1-888-8NJ-VETS 1-888-865-8387 New Jersey Parks & Forestry....................................................1-800-843-6420 New Jersey Predatory Annuities Prevention Law………….…1-800-446-7467 NJ Property Tax Deduction/Credit Program..............................1-888-238-1233 Nursing Home Facility Services................................................1-800-792-9770 Nursing Home Lists...................................................................1-800-367-6543 Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly.............................1-877-582-6995 PACE…………………………………………………………….…-877-222-3737 1-800-792-8820 Passaic County Meals on Wheels.............................................1-800-223-0556 Personal Assistance Service Program......................................1-888-285-3036 Pet Ownership...........................................................................1-800-792-8820 Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD).1-800-792-9745 Predatory Lending………………………………………….…….1-800-446-7467 Rent Grace................................................................................1-800-792-8820 Responsibilities to Nursing Home Residents............................1-877-582-6995 Reduced Fare Program.............................................................1-800-772-2287 Safe Housing and Transportation..............................................1-800-792-8820 Selection/Evaluation..................................................................1-800-367-6543 Senior Citizen Park Pass...........................................................1-800-843-6420 Senior Citizens/Disabled Property Tax Deduction....................1-877-225-1312 69

SUMMARY OF TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS, cont Senior Dent...............................................................................1-800-792-8820 Senior Housing..........................................................................1-800-792-8820 Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)...............1-800-792-9745 State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).................1-800-792-8820 Universal Service Fund.............................................................1-866-240-1347 US Department of Veterans Affairs...........................................1-877-222-8387 Utility Service-Residential..........................................................1-800-221-0051 VERIZON Information Line........................................................1-800-409-8773 Victims of Crime Compensation................................................1-800-242-0804 Voting……………………………………………….…………….1-877-NJVOTER 1-877-658-6837 Winter Termination.……………................................................1-800-792-8820 Wellness and Family Support....................................................1-800-792-8820