"Launched in 2003, the Aging and Disability Resource Connection initiative supports state efforts in better coordinating and integrating their existing access functions to create a new interface between consumers and the long-term care system. [...] ADRC programs provide information and assistance to individuals needing either public or private resources, professionals seeking assistance on behalf of their clients, and individuals planning for their future long-term care needs. ADRC programs also serve as the entry point to publicly administered long term supports, including those funded under Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, and state revenue programs." (Administration for Community Living)

The purpose of ADRC NJ is to simplify information about the complex long-term care supports and services system in order to help individuals make the most informed possible choice for themselves or someone they care for. This information can be found using the tools available on this website or with the help of our professional staff, which can be reached by calling 1-877-222-3737. A link to our "About Us" page, complete with additional information about how to get the best use out of the ADRC, can be found under the "Who We Are" menu above.

Below are a few ways to use the ADRC NJ website:

• If you are uncomfortable navigating the site, the "I Need Help With..." page may be the best place to start. This page lists dozens of potential needs, from bathing assistance to health topics to housing to insurance and displays the services available to address those needs within a given number of miles of your ZIP code.
• The "Learn About" page, under the "ADRC Resources" tab, has compiled information in eighteen categories, such as caregiver support and transportation, to help you make informed choices about a given topic.
• The "Find Services & Providers" tool, also under the "ADRC Resources" tab, is a powerful way to search for services throughout the State. In addition to entering a search term, you can also refine your query with search parameters, such as "Alzheimer Services" or "Senior Centers", that ensure that you don't get overwhelmed with too many unhelpful results; you also have the ability to limit your search to a specific county.
• An alphabetical "Directory of Organizations" is also available under the "ADRC Resources" tab if you'd like to browse providers by name.
• Certain counties have created resource guides outlining the local programs available in their area. ADRC has compiled a list of these guides in the "ADRC Resources" tab.

In addition, you can call the ADRC NJ hotline at 1-877-222-3737 to talk to a professional and find information about all available services.

No! Any conversation with an ADRC professional is free of charge, as is any help received from staff at the NJ Department of Human Services, your county Area Agency on Aging, or your local senior center.

• ADRC Hotline: 1-877-222-3737
• Call this number if you need help finding information (or would like additional information) on any of the resources available to older adults in New Jersey.
• Your Local AAA: Listed here
• Call the number of your county's Area Agency on Aging if you would like details on the specific local programs available to you, or if you need help enrolling in these programs and others.
• Community Assistance: 2-1-1
• Call 2-1-1 if you need 24/7 live assistance in finding health and human service resources; need to access the State Homeless Hotline, the Utilities Assistance Hotline, or information about COVID-19 in New Jersey; or need help fulfilling your basic human needs, such as food and shelter.
• SHIP: 1-800-792-8820
• The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their health insurance.

Different programs may have different ways of determining eligibility. The Department of Human Services has worked to make determining eligibility requirements and filling out applications as simple as possible; the NJSave Application, for example, uses a single application to enroll applicants in multiple different programs with similar eligibility requirements (such as PAAD, Medicare Savings Programs, and four others) while also checking eligibility for NJ SNAP and other social services.

If you need to talk to a professional, however, calling the ADRC hotline at 1-877-222-3737 or contacting your local Area Agency on Agency is always an option for those looking for help.

The New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, helps Medicare beneficiaries who have questions about or problems with their health insurance. Over 400 volunteer counselors provide assistance to callers who have questions about claims or benefits; they are available by calling the program's hotline at 1-800-792-8820. The services offered by SHIP are free, funded by a grant from the federal Administration for Community Living, and should be the first step you take to talk through any Medicare-related questions you may have.

If you have any other questions about the enrollment process, contact your local Social Security Administration office or call the national Medicare hotline at 1-800-772-1213.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers a wide variety of career services tools that can help people find employment. One-Stop Career Centers can give one-on-one, personalized support for job seekers; you can request an appointment online on the program's website, which also lists the location and phone number of all nineteen in-person locations. The department's Workforce 55+ program is a federally funded program committed to empowering economically disadvantaged seniors to achieve economic independence and control of their futures. To learn more about the program, visit its website or call your local One-Stop Career Center.