County of Bergen
Department of Human Services
Division of Senior Services/Aging and Disability Resource Connection
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
Phone: (201) 336-7400
Fax: (201) 336-7424

BERGEN ADRC: 1-877-22-3737

The Best 15 Ways for Seniors to Save $$$

1. Senior Discount/Reduced Fare for N.J. Transit Bus & Rail:

Seniors age 62 years or people who have been determined disabled 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. Call the Division of Senior Services (If you have a Medicare card, you should not apply and should use your Medicare card to receive reduced fares).

Phone: (201) 336-7400/(973) 378-8401

2. Supplemental Security Income: (SSI):

Must be 65 years of age, blind or have a disability and have limited assets. There are income eligibility requirements.

Phone: 1-(800)-772-1213

3. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP):
Bergen County Community Action Program (BCCAP)
241 Moore Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Helps low income people meet heating and cooling costs (e.g. heating and cooling assistance). Assists eligible households with high energy bills. Other assistance includes: weatherization, insulation, storm windows/doors, caulking, etc.

Phone: (201) 968-0220, ext. 7008/(201) 488-5100

4. New Jersey Care/Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

Residents of NJ who are 65 years of age or older, blind or permanently and totally disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration. May be eligible for this Special Medicaid Program. You must meet income and resource guidelines. The program provides complete Medicaid coverage to eligible people, including payment of Medicare Part B premium.
*NOTE: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB): to qualify for QMB Program, you must be receiving Medicare Parts A and B. QMB pays Medicare Part A premium, if you are required to pay for it. Call above number to inquire about coverage. i.e. covered services, etc. (*Use the term “New Jersey Care” when inquiring about QMB coverage.)

Phone: 1-800-792-9745

5. MEDICAID (Regional Office):
63 Hamilton Street, 5th Floor
Paterson, NJ 07505

Phone: (973) 977-4077

6. Bergen County Board of Social Services:
216 Route 17 North Building A
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

Provides information on special Medicaid programs i.e. NJ Care, Medically Needy, etc. and institutional Medicaid for nursing homes.

Phone: (201) 368-4200

7. Communications Lifeline Service/Link-Up America
c/o Bergen County Board of Social Services
216 Route 17 North Building A
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

Affordable telephone service for qualified low-income residential customers or discount on telephone connection charges. (Only eligible if you receive benefits from TANF, PAAD, Lifeline Utility Credit, Food Stamps, SSI/Medicaid, HEAP or general assistance).

Phone: (201) 368-4200/1-800-427-9977

8. Catholic Community Services:
Parish Access Center
425 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652

Information and Assistance on food referrals, i.e. food pantries etc.

Phone: (201) 689-6200/(201) 689-6209

9. Center for Food Action
192 Demarest Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631*
(*There are offices throughout the county)

Operates the Statewide Emergency Food and Anti-Hunger Network (SEFAN) which works as a clearinghouse for information, training and technical assistance to other emergency food providers. Clients must be referred by a social service agency or clergy person. (NOTE: Emergency utility assistance and housing assistance are also available to prevent homelessness. Emergency utility assistance for those who have received shut-off notices may be available.)

Phone: (201) 569-1804

10. Food Stamp Program:
Bergen County Board of Social Services
216 Route 17 North, Building A
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

Phone: (201) 368-4355

11. Salvation Army:
436 Union Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Food Pantry; serves lunch during the week and on Sundays for those in need.

Phone: (201) 342-6531

12. CHORE Program:
Volunteer Center Bergen County
64 Passaic Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Save $$$ on minor home repairs. Make minor household repairs without charge (except for materials). Volunteer run program. *No emergencies.

Phone: (201) 489-7790

13. PSE&G:

HELP SAVE $$$ ON HEATING BILLS. E-Team Partners: A free service sponsored to help you save energy and energy dollars. Call to find out eligibility requirements to qualify for this service. (May also be eligible for energy saving measures such as wall insulation, draft seal-up, digital thermostat, water saving devices, etc.)

Phone: 1-888-773-8326

14. New Jersey Board of Public Utilities:
2 Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102

Winter Termination Program” Prevents qualified customers who participate in the Lifeline, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), SSI, PAAD, TANF or welfare programs from having their gas or electric disconnected during the winter months (*A good faith payment must be made to participate in this program.) Call the above number to Inquire about eligibility requirements for this program.

Phone: 1-800-624-0241

15. Shared Housing:
Women’s Rights Information Center
108 West Palisade Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631

Shared housing is a transitional housing arrangement for some; for others, it in be a permanent arrangement.

Phone: (201) 568-3942

Disclaimer: I have never used these services so I don’t have an opinion one way or another. Please call the services for the latest information.