New Jersey has a high Elder Economic Insecurity Rate, with over half of retired elder households lacking sufficient income. Housing costs represent a large burden, accounting for up to half of expenses. Basic living costs vary significantly by location, with elder renters in expensive counties like Bergen needing nearly $31,000 annually compared to $23,472 for homeowners in less costly Ocean County. Stakeholder groups are examining issues like a lack of affordable and accessible senior housing options and limited assistance programs. Recommendations aim to address housing security challenges facing New Jersey's senior population.

1. AGE FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE
(FOR ALL)
Melissa Chalker, MSW

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New Jersey’s statewide Elder Economic Insecurity Rate (EEIR) is 54%.
More than five in ten New Jersey retired elder only households lack
annual incomes that will insulate them against poverty as they age.

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New Jersey elders cannot meet their basic living expenses
whether they live at the Federal Poverty Level or the level of
the average Social Security benefit.
This is true of elders statewide, whether they rent or own a home.
o Eight percent of New Jersey’s older adults live at or below the federal poverty level.
o Social Security is the only source of income for 30% of older adults in New Jersey.
o Expenses vary widely across types of communities.
For example, elder homeowners with no mortgage who live alone in Ocean
County need $23,472 per year
In contrast, elder renters living alone in Bergen County need
as much as $30,984 to cover basic expenses.
The statewide average for single older
adults is $27,696 for an owner with no mortgage,
$29,016 for a single renter, and
$41,016 for an owner with a mortgage.

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Housing costs (mortgage or rent, taxes, utilities and
insurance) put a heavy burden on some elder households,
representing as much as half of their total expenses.
The Elder Index reflects a wide variation in housing costs depending on whether
older adults own or rent, and by county.
• The monthly housing costs for elder homeowners without a mortgage range
from a low of $682 per month in Cumberland County to a high of $1,264 per
month in Essex County.
• The monthly housing costs for older adults paying fair market rent for a one
bedroom
apartment range from a low of $819 per month in Cape May County to
a high of $1,243 per month in Bergen and Passaic Counties.
• The monthly housing costs for elder homeowners with a mortgage range from a
low of $1,331 per month in Cumberland County to a high of $2,594 per month in
Bergen County.

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10. WHAT HELPS A SENIOR CLOSE THE GAP?
With high housing and food costs, what programs and services are helping seniors close their
income vs expenses gap and what could help more.
Nutrition programs like SNAP, congrete meals, Meals on Wheels and Farmers market coupons
help off set other costs for seniors.
Likewise, pharmaceutical assistance programs, Medicare Savings Programs and Utility Assistance
also alleviate some expenses for seniors.
But what has proven the most effective is assistance with housing.

11. CONVERSATIONS ON SENIOR HOUSING
A STAKEHOLDER GROUP
• Partners from various organizations meeting
for over a year
• Examining why housing security is different
for seniors and the issue of the “hard to
house”
• Developing recommendations for
distributions to policymakers and influencers

12. COMMON THEMES/ISSUES
System silos for consumer access to information about affordable housing
Housing stock not accessible or affordable in a seniors community of choice
Limited senior specific vouchers for rentals
Research shows that models like supportive housing and housing first not only
secure affordable and appropriate housing for older adults but also have a great
impact on their overall health.

13. NJFA Reports and Housing Stakeholder Work:
www.njfoundationforaging.org/policy-reports
NJ DHS, Div. of Aging Services Reports:
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/news/reports/doasreports.html
Melissa Chalker, MSW
mchalker@njfoundationforaging.org