TRENTON – The 2005 annual income limits will rise for beneficiaries of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold Prescription Discount programs, Lifeline energy assistance, and the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program.

Under state law, income limits for the programs rise by the same percentage as the federal Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment which takes effect at the beginning of each year.  For 2004, the cost-of-living adjustment will be 2.7%.  Consequently, the income limits for the PAAD, Lifeline energy assistance, and HAAAD programs will also rise by 2.7%.  Simultaneously, the Senior Gold income limits will increase to $10,000 above the new PAAD limits for both single and married participants.

The new PAAD 2005 income limits will be $20,989 for single persons and $25,735 of combined income for married couples.  These income guidelines also apply to the Lifeline energy assistance and HAAAD programs.

Senior Gold 2005 income limits will be between $20,989 and $30,989 for single persons and $25,735 and $35,735 of combined income for married couples.

In order to be eligible for PAAD, Senior Gold, Lifeline or HAAAD, the applicant must be a permanent resident of New Jersey; be either at least 65 years of age or at least 18 years of age and receive Social Security disability benefits; and have income within the program limits.

PAAD and Senior Gold offer access to prescription drugs at a significantly reduced rate.  PAAD beneficiaries can obtain each covered prescription for a $5 co-payment.  Senior Gold participants pay a co-payment of $15 plus half the remaining cost for each prescription.  Senior Gold also includes an annual catastrophic cap.  After an individual has paid $2,000 or a couple has paid $3,000 out-of-pocket, the beneficiary can obtain prescriptions for a flat $15 co-payment for the remainder of his eligibility period.

Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet the PAAD eligibility requirements or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged & Disabled provides a $100 reimbursement to eligible persons who purchase a hearing aid.

          For information or to obtain an application, call 1-800-792-9745 or visit the Department of Health and Senior Services website at www.state.nj.us/health/seniorbenefits.