Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, seniors aged 65 and older who require long-term care and fall under monthly income requirements qualify for financial assistance with assisted living. New Jersey’s Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program offers this assistance. The program does not pay for room and board, but it will cover the cost of facility-based assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, eating and grooming. MLTSS can be used to pay for care at all licensed New Jersey assisted living facilities.

Seniors who make more than the income cap can apply for the Medically Needy Program if they can prove that most of their income goes to their medical bills. The income limit for the medically needy program is $367 per month for single adults and $434 for couples.

The Program of All-Inclusive Health for the Elderly (PACE) is available to residents aged 55 and older of seven New Jersey counties: Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer and Salem. PACE has the same monthly income cap as the MLTSS program: $2,250 for single adult seniors and $3,375 for couples. Seniors may opt for PACE over MLTSS because PACE offers a dedicated team of professionals that provides comprehensive medical services.

According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in New Jersey costs an average of $6,495 per month. However, some cities in the state have lower average costs than the statewide median. In Atlantic City, assisted living averages over $800 less, while the Vineland area averages about $100 less. Ocean City costs almost $1,000 more. Prices are highest in the Trenton area at almost $2,000 more than the state average.

• New Jersey: $6,495
• United States: $4,500
• Atlantic City: $5,807
• Ocean City: $7,490
• Trenton area: $8,145
• Vineland area: $6,400