When are you a Senior Citizen?
Social Security
Health Related Services
Social Day Care
Home Health Care
Medical Day Care & Alzheimer’s Care
Nutrition
Transportation
Energy Assistance
Taxes
Legal Assistance
Education
Volunteer Work
Recreation
Housing
Handyman Program
Miscellaneous

There is no set age when a person becomes a "senior citizen." The age requirements for federal and state programs and entitlements are established by legislative action.

You are eligible...

at 60 for: 

• Social Security benefits to surviving spouse
• Railroad Retirement Benefits
• Local programs funded under the Older Americans Act-
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) 

• Reduced Fare Program (transportation)
• Senior citizen federally subsidized housing and congregate housing
• 80% Social Security/Railroad Retirement benefits for retirees

• Full Social Security benefits (if income is less than $14,500)
• Medicare/Medicaid coverage
• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged And Disabled (PAAD
• Lifelong Credit Program
• Hunting and Fishing Licenses at a reduced fee
• Tuition-free or reduced fee courses at NJ public institutions of higher learning and some private institutions
• Senior citizen property tax deduction if eligible

• Full Social Security benefits regardless of the amount of earned income

    Thinking about retirement?

    To find out how much you will be receiving in benefits, request a copy of Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement from Social Security. 1-800-772-1213.

    Social Security benefits are reduced if earnings exceed:

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    MEDICARE is a federal health insurance program for citizens 65 and older. It has two parts: Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). To assure coverage, please apply three months before your birthday. 1-800-772-1213

    MEDICAID is a program to assist the low income blind, disabled, and elderly with their medical expenses. There are many different programs available such as Community Care for the Elderly & Disabled Jersey Care. Help is also available for persons remaining in the community as well as in nursing homes. Eligibility varies depending on the specific program. 965-2700 (Elizabeth), 791-7000 (Plainfield)

    SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) provides minimum income and Medicaid benefits to the aged (65), blind, and disabled. Call 1-800-772-1213 for details.

    PAAD provides prescription drugs for eligible persons for a fee of $5/prescription. To be eligible, you must be a legal resident of NJ, 65 years or older, and have an annual gross income of less than $18,151 (single) and $22,256 (couple), or be receiving Social Security disability payments. 1-800-792-9745

    COUNSELING FOR HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MEDICARE ENROLLEES (CHIME) Trained volunteers will assist seniors and the disabled receiving Medicare to understand responses from insurance carriers and evaluate specific health needs. No fee. 497-3948

    MEDICAL COURTESY PROGRAM persons with PAAD eligibility may register with the Senior Citizens Council who will provide them with the names of physicians who accept Medicare assignment. 964-7555

    FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC is held the 1st Friday of the month from September to June at Borough Hall from 10 a.m. to noon. 232-4406

    SENIOR HEALTH wellness program for people 50 and over. Offers health talks, screenings, support groups, walking programs, social events, trips, and discounts. 964-0444

    DENTAL HYGIENE the UMDNJ has opened a clinic on the Scotch Plains campus of Union County College (1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains). Cleaning, x-ray, screening for cavities and gum disease is provided. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The fee is $15 for seniors (more if x-rays are needed). This program is open to all ages. For an appointment, call 889-2411.

    COMPREHENSIVE & ROUTINE DENTAL SERVICES as well as full and partial dentures are available at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Grant money is provided to help those on fixed incomes on a case by case basis. This program is available to all ages. Call 201-926-7338.

    DENTAL CARE PROGRAM - by filing an application with the Senior Citizen Council, dental care will be given at a reduced fee. Eligibility is the same as PAAD except ages 60 & up. Call 964-7555.

    HEARING AID ASSISTANCE TO THE AGED & DISABLED provides a $100 reimbursement toward the purchase of a hearing aid. Same eligibility as PAAD. In addition, you will need a physician’s prescription and a receipt for the recent purchase of a hearing aid. Call 1-800-792-9745 or 232-4406.

    THE NJ COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED provides education, rehabilitative, social, and medical services and conducts eye screening programs for the visually impaired. Call 1-800-962-1233.

    NJ LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED offers over 30,000 recorded books as well as cassette players. Both available free of charge. Delivery by postage free mail. Service provided for the visually handicapped as well as the physically impaired who are unable to hold a book. Call 1-800-792-8322.

    AREA HOSPITALS provide free screenings and educational lectures throughout the year. Information can be obtained by calling the hospitals directly.

    HYACINTH FOUNDATION: free, anonymous, and confidential HIV testing and counseling. Call 755-0021 (local callers) or 1-800-433-0254.

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Mountainside Public Library: LARGE PRINT books and books on tape. New titles every three months. Call 233-0115.

Telecommunications:

    The Bell System has a wide variety of aids and services available to help those with hearing, sight, speech, or motion impairments. Consult the Customers Guide pages in the front of your telephone directory.

    E.I.E.S. (Electronic Information & Education Service): closed circuit network which reads aloud current newspapers, magazines, and novels. Special transmitter provided free. A donation is requested. Call for application. Call 973-762-0552.

    Audiovision: provides same reading services for Southern New Jersey. Expects to cover the entire state by the end of 1998. 1-800-792-8322 or 609-530-3258.

SOCIAL DAY CARE, HOME HEALTH CARE, AND MEDICAL/DEMENTIA CARE:

A fee is charged for these services. HOWEVER, sliding scale fees and grant funding are available for they financially disadvantaged.

SOCIAL DAY CARE

Social adult day care programs are designed to provide socialization and therapeutic activities to those in reasonably good physical and mental health. 

• Engel Center, Cranford 497-3944
• Spend-A-Day, Summit 464-8217
• Wise Center, Union 687-2993

    Home Health Care provides visiting nurses and/or home health aides, etc. at your residence.

    Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey: provides homemakers to assist with light housekeeping, shopping, etc. Nursing care not available. Non-sectarian. 352-8375

Atlantic Home Care (Overlook Hospital), skilled nursing/therapy referral by a physician necessary. 973-379-8400

SAGE, 273-8400 (north side of Route 22 only)

Visiting Home Care, 709 0530

Visiting Nurse and Health Services, Housekeeping grant available, 233-3113

Visiting Nurse and Health Services, also provides psychiatric home care 352-5694

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WISE Center, Union 687-2993

SAGE, Summit 464-8217

Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, 668-2328

HOSPICE CARE

    Hospice programs provide home health care, patient and family counseling and bereavement seminars for the terminally ill and their families.

Center for Hope: home hospice care. There is also an in-house hospice located in Elizabeth available for those having no one to care for them. 486-0700

Visiting Nurse & Health Services, 352-5694

Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, 668-2253

A;tantic Hospice Care (Overlook Hospital), 973-379-8400

Rahway Hospital, 732-499-6169
 
 

ALZHEIMER’S INFORMATION

Copsa Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders at the New Jersey University of Medicine & Dentistry provides: 

• medical diagnostic services, counseling information and referral services, self-help groups. Also provides information & treatment of depression in the elderly. 1-800-424-2494
• separate Dementia Management Clinic for patients with special needs. 1-800-424-2494
• clinical drug trials provides assessment of medication(s) for people with memory disorders. 732-235-4919

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    Mobile Meals: home delivered hot and cold meals for the sick and elderly five days a week. A fee is charged. 233-6146

    Meals on Wheels: home delivered meals five days a week. North of Route 22, call 273-5554. South of Route 22, call 486-5100

    Nutrition sites: there are 26 sites (2 kosher) in Union County where any resident 60 or older can receive a hot meal and take part in social activities. Meals are served Mondays through Fridays. There is a suggested donation of $1.50. 232-4406

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    Free Transportation for the elderly (60 & up) and anyone with a physical or mental disability is available weekdays for non-emergency medical appointments. Friday morning shopping in the Westfield area is also available. Reservations are required (1 week in advance). 241-8300

    Reduced fare program: ride public transportation at half fare during non-rush hours & weekends. Personage 62 & over are eligible for the program on INTERSTATE buses & trains.

    People over 65 may use their Medicare card. People ages 62-65 must apply for an ID card available at the Borough Hall from Lisa Cassidy. 232-4406

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    LIFELINE provides a total credit of $225 for gas & electric bills each heating season for eligible seniors. This credit is available to both homeowners and tenants. Same eligibility as PAAD. 1-800-792-9745

    HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP) provides a one-time payment each heating season for eligible low income households. Payment is available to owners as well as renters who pay for heat as a part of their rent. 

    Help for cooling your home is also available (physician’s authorization needed). 232-4406

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    IRS: forms and information about filing your tax return are available by calling 1-800-829-1040. Tax forms are also available at the Public Library.

    Property Tax Deduction: to qualify for the $250 deduction, you must be 65 years of age and have a gross yearly income of $10,000 or less excluding Social Security. Gross income includes you and your spouse. 232-4406

    Veterans Tax Deduction: eligible persons are now able to claim property tax deductions both as senior citizens and veterans. The veterans deduction is $50. 232-4406

    Homestead Property Tax Rebate: applications for the homestead rebate are now a part of the NJ State income tax form. To receive a rebate, the NJ State income tax form must be filed by April 15th, whether or not any taxes are due. This applies to tenants as well as homeowners.

    Tax Counseling for the Elderly: help is available to assist senior citizens in filling out federal and state tax forms. This free program is sponsored by the IRS and AARP. Available February through April each one day/week at the Mountainside Library. 232-4406

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    Union County Surrogate Ann Conti is available to answer questions about wills and other related matters. 527-4280

    The Legal Referral Program provides assistance with estate planning, wills, and nursing home finances. PAAD eligibility guidelines must be met to take advantage of this program. 964-7555

    Union County Legal Aid provides counseling and advice. It is available Wednesday only from 12 noon to 3 p.m. 527-4769

    Union County Legal Services provides attorneys to advise and represent clients in civil manners, including Social Security issues and benefits under Medicare/Medicaid. Financial eligibility. No fee for senior citizens. 354-4340

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    Kean College provides free tuition on a space available basis to senior citizens.

    The LIFE Center at Union College is located on the Cranford campus and offers a Senior Citizens Studies Center, classes, and a resource area for people 65 & older.

    The college also offers free courses to seniors throughout Union County. A course will be offered September 1999.  Call to register 232-4406.

    The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County provides information and educational programs to county residents. A quarterly newspaper is available which lists the courses. Call for a copy. 654-9854

    Regional adult education courses are offered at our three regional high schools. $20 deduction is available to senior citizens. 499-4628

    ELDERHOSTEL is a network of over 700 colleges, universities, and other educational institutions in the U.S. and abroad which offer low cost, short term, residential academic programs for adults ages 60 and older. For information, call 232-4406. In addition, the Mountainside library also has a copy of the program offerings.

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    Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) serves the community by placing workers ages 60 and older in local hospitals, schools, libraries, day care centers, nutrition sites, etc. Every effort is made to match the volunteer’s interests to the types of services needed. The amount of time given is usually one day per week. 497-3941

    SAGE Tel-Assurance Program: volunteers are needed for this daily (weekdays) telephone reassurance program. To volunteer, call 273-4598

    Telephone reassurance program will make daily phone calls to seniors.  Volunteers are always needed.  497-3950.

    Friend/Advocate Program: trains volunteers to provide assistance to the frail elderly, i.e. obtaining entitlements and services, paying bills, arranging medical care, and companionship. (973) 680-5599

    Mobile Meals: volunteers are needed to deliver meals (1.5-5 hours per month).233-6146

    Recreation Office volunteers: help to collate and staple the Mountainside Recreation NEWSLETTERS that are mailed to borough residents. Three or four times a year, volunteers are asked to work for 2 hours. 232-0015

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    The Senior Citizens Club of Mountainside meets the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 12 noon at the Community Presbyterian Church on Deer Path. Call 232-4406.

    The Mountainside Active Retirees (MAR) meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 10 am at Borough Hall. Call 232-4406.

    Membership in the Mountainside Community Pool is available to Senior citizens ages 62 and above for a discounted rate. Call the Recreation Department at 232-0015 for membership details and an application.

    50+ and 60+ Senior Softball in Union County seeks players, teams, and sponsors. If you will be 50 by December 31,1999 or 60 by December 31,1999 and are interested, contact Union County Director Tony Muccia at 272-3140.

    Reduced Greens Fees at the three Union County public golf courses that are available with the Union County ID card. It may also be accepted on weekdays at public golf courses in other counties. ID cards may be purchased at any of the three golf courses. Call 527-4900.

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    Housing Rehabilitation Program - financial assistance for the renovation or replacement of substandard heating, electrical, or plumbing systems, insulation, structural repairs, or modifications and other repairs designed to reduce operating costs and bring the house to standard condition. May also be used to make home barrier free.

    The county will provide funds through direct subsidy and revolving loans. 

    Direct Subsidy Assistance: non-interest deferred payment loans. Loans are repaid at the time of property sale or transfer. 

    Revolving Loans: 6 to 15 year term at 1% interest. Gross yearly income is : $33,450 (1 person), $38,250 (2 people), $43,000 (3 people). 527-4227

    Reverse Mortgage: program permits the older homeowner to transform the equity in their homes into income without having to repay the loan from current monthly income. There are three types of loans available in NJ. Homeowners should seek expert financial counseling and legal advice in order to make an informed decision. 232-4406

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    The Handyman Program provides assistance to seniors to keep their homes in good condition through minor repairs and improvements, as well as preventive maintenance. Eligibility requirements are: resident of Mountainside, age 62 or older, with income limits of $43,050 (1 person ), $49,200 (2 people), or $55,350 (3 people) including Social Security. Seniors pay only the cost of the materials. There is no charge for labor.

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    SHARE- participants pay $14/month plus 2 hours of community service and receive a food package worth $35. No eligibility requirements; food stamps accepted. Call 973-344-2400 for the nearest organization.

    Special Greetings from the President- A card sent to those celebrating birthdays (80 & older) and wedding anniversaries (50th and above). Send request at least 6 weeks in advance to The Greetings Office, The White House, Washington, DC 20500. Be sure to include the name, address, and birth or anniversary date of the person or couple you wish to honor. 

    Emergency Response Systems: enable individuals to summon outside help 24 hours a day in case of emergency. 232-4598

    Telephone Reassurance Program: 497-3950

    SAGE Tel-Assurance Program: telephone call to seniors living alone each weekday morning from a trained volunteer prepared to follow emergency procedures if the call is unanswered. 273-4598

    Food shopping program: a volunteer will shop for you every other week; to be eligible you must have no means to get food. 497-3943.

    Adult Protective Services: investigates reports and provides help for abused adults ages 60 and up, or the disabled. Includes physical and psychological abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, & self neglect. 497-3902.

    NJ Self-Help Clearinghouse: information on any one of over 4,000 self-help groups currently meeting in New Jersey. Guides to starting a needed self-help group are also available. 1-800-367-6274

NJ DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS ACTION LINES:

For information about a company’s complaint history, call 201-504-6260.

Charities Registration identifies & regulates charitable organizations 201-504-6215

Consumer Service Center: central clearinghouse for complaints & referrals 201-504-6200

State Office of Consumer Protection 1-800-242-5846

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