Social Services

An estimated half-million people were homeless in the United States from 2007 through 2020, and many of these individuals were seniors and veterans. Unfortunately, seniors who live on the street have little access to resources that can help them maintain their mental and physical health, and on top of that, many are living without the support of their loved ones.

Homeless seniors face more risks than those who reside at home or in long-term care facilities. In fact, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless, the estimated average life expectancy for homeless people is just 50 years, which gives little hope to seniors who don’t have a place to call home.

Thankfully, there are programs available throughout the country to help homeless seniors find stable housing and meet other basic needs. Click here to learn more about your financial options for long-term care, or call (855) 481-6777.

Social Security serves people like you, and has provided an informational newsletter that details ways that you can expand your Social Security knowledge.

• Click here to view and/or download the informational newsletter from the Social Security Administration in English.
• Click here to view and/or download the informational newsletter from the Social Security Administration in Spanish.

Expand your Social Security knowledge with four terms:

• Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). To access the glossary of Social Security terms and acronyms, click here.
• Credits. For more information, click here.
• Earnings Record. Review your earnings record with a personal my Social Security account here.
• Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). To access the glossary of Social Security terms and acronyms, click here.

Whether you’re nearing retirement age, have a significant disability or are struggling to meet your basic needs, you may be entitled to Social Security. This federal program includes several different components that can provide valuable financial assistance regardless of your age. Click here to learn what you need to know about eligibility and how to claim your benefits.

Type of Social Security Benefits

• Social Security Retirement.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Survivors’ Benefits. The Social Security Administration also provides a lump-sum death benefit.
• Spousal Benefits.

For a more personalized look, try the Social Security calculator, or create a My Social Security account to review your work history and estimated benefits.

Governor Murphy’s Administration announces opening of wait list for State Rental Assistance Program

The open enrollment period for pre-applications is from Monday, July 11, 2022 at 9am until Friday, July 22, 2022 at 5pm. Click here to view and/or download more details regarding the State Rental Assistance Program.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced that its Division of Housing and Community Resources (DHCR) will be accepting pre-applications online for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) Waiting List. Pre-Applications will be accepted to enter a lottery for the statewide SRAP program in the Elderly, Family, Disabled, and Homeless categories.

Elizabethtown Gas can connect you to financial assistance programs.

• Financial assistance programs available include:
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Universal Service Fund (USF)
  • Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
  • Lifeline Assistance Program
  • NJ Shares
  • NJ Comfort Partners

For more information, call customer service Monday through Friday from 7am until 8pm at 1(800) 242-5830, or click here to view and/or download the Elizabethtown Gas information sheet in English and Spanish.

The final moratorium on home energy terminations ends on June 15th and shut offs will proceed. There is help to pay old bills, pay future bills and to get protection from being shut off.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs is offering utility bill help. Don’t get shut off, get protected. Click here to view and/or download the utility bill help flyer that details various utility assistance offerings.

There are several ways to receive assistance: visit the DCAid Services Custom Portal for more information, call NJ 2-1-1 or (811) 652-1148, or email here.

Union County, Hillside Family Success Center and United Way of Greater Union County announce financial services and/or educational services available through the Family Support and Prevention Program

• Do you have past due bills? You may be eligible to receive financial services. We can help you with rental arears, utility arears, child care expenses, food and other one-time financial emergency needs (subject to approval).
• Does your child have a health issue? Does your child struggle with learning? We can help you with coaching/guidance in addressing barriers to your child’s success, connect your with community resources, caregiver education and life skills and getting involved in family engagement activities.
• Must be a Union County, NJ resident, and have a dependent under the age of 18 or differently abled living in the household.
• For more information and to make an an appointment, please contact the Program Manager, Sydney Pentland during office hours Monday-Friday at (908) 353-7171 ext 130, or email here.
• Click here to view and/or download the financial services flyer for this program in both English and Spanish.
• Click here to view and/or download the educational services flyer for this program in both English and Spanish.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the launch of the “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program. Now open to applicants, this program is run by the Union County Division of Youth Services and is offered to County residents ages 16 through 24 years old.

This employment program is offering both full-time and part-time positions at various locations at $15 an hour. The “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program can provide uniforms, transportation, and childcare to those looking for summer jobs.

• The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 19, 2022
• Click here to view and/or download an informational flyer for this event.
• Participants must meet WIOA qualifications, submit a complete application, and provide copies of birth certificate, social security card and unexpired ID for certification.
• Participants must attend orientation, interview, and career/skills assessment to start program.
• Apply online by clicking downloading the fillable PDF and filling it out, and then either dropping it off or emailing the completed application. You can also print out the application and fill it out.
  • Drop-Off: 1143-1145 East Jersey Street, 4th Floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
  • Email: summeryouth@ucnj.org
  • In Person: Want to fill out the application in person? No problem. Go to one of the following locations.
    • DYS Youth Forward in Elizabeth, 1143-1145 East Jersey Street, 4th Floor
    • One-Stop Center in Elizabeth, 921 Elizabeth Avenue
    • American Job Center in Plainfield, 200 West Second Street, #4

Please contact Jasmine Sowah at 908-558-2523 with any questions.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is kicking off the Fresh Start program on April 27th, 2022, providing shower and laundry on a first come first basis.

• Please click here to view and/or download the flyer.  
• For more information, please call the DHS Action Line at (888) 845-3434