Union County, NJ – The Union County Department of Human Services will send trained personnel out to public libraries in different parts of the County starting on May 9, to help senior citizens apply for local, state and federal assistance programs. The program is free and available to all Union County senior citizens.
Persons with disabilities who are under age 60 may also qualify for some forms of assistance, and are welcome to attend.
“This outreach program is designed to help ensure that every Union County senior citizen obtains the assistance for which they are eligible,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “If are not sure if you qualify, or if you have tried to work through the process before and found the paperwork too daunting, I urge you to come to one of the events and let our trained staff give you a hand.”
At each event, outreach staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection will help seniors apply for home energy and medication assistance through the LIFE LINE, HEAP, and PAAD programs.
The events include screening for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility. Information on other resources, including the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), will also be available.
The dates and locations are:
- Thursday, May 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Summit Public Library, 75 Maple Avenue.
- Tuesday, June 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Westfield Public Library.
- Thursday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry Street.
- Thursday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Mountainside Public Library, at Constitution Plaza.
The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection was formed in response to a 2012 state initiative. The goal is to bring seniors and persons with disabilities together with resources that can help them continue living in their homes and communities.
It builds on longstanding programs of Union County’s formerly titled Division on Aging, which has roots in the 1965 Older Americans Act.
The Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection provides care management services for Medicaid Waiver Programs and other popular programs that help to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. These include respite care, nutrition programs including Meals on Wheels, the Farmers Market food voucher program, and nutrition education.
For more information about assistance and resources through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call toll-free 888-280-8226, or visit Union County online at ucnj.org.
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