Who qualifies for unclaimed senior benefits?

Most Americans age 65 and older qualify for at least one benefit program they are not currently enrolled in. Income limits are often higher than people assume and most programs exclude your primary home, one vehicle, and personal property from asset calculations. The only way to know for certain is to check at GetSilverBenefits.com.

Do I need to give my Social Security number?

No. The free screening tool at GetSilverBenefits.com only asks for general information — your age, an income range, household size, and your state. We never ask for your SSN, bank account information, Medicare number, or any other sensitive personal data.

I am already enrolled in Medicare and Social Security. Can I still qualify for more?

Almost certainly yes. Medicare and Social Security are just two of the 2000+ programs available to seniors. Most people enrolled in both programs still qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help for prescription drugs, SNAP food assistance, energy assistance, and more — programs that could be worth thousands of additional dollars each year.

What if I am checking for a parent or family member?

This tool is designed for exactly that situation. Adult children managing their parents affairs are one of the most common users. You can complete the questionnaire on behalf of a parent or loved one and the report is designed to be shared, printed, and discussed as a family.

Is the benefits check really free?

Yes. The basic eligibility screening at GetSilverBenefits.com is completely free. You will see the programs you likely qualify for and an estimated total annual value at no cost. No registration required. No Social Security number required.

NJ HAAAD Program 2026: How NJ Seniors Can Get Free or Subsidized Hearing Aids

Hearing aids cost between $2,000 and $8,000 per pair out of pocket. For many seniors living on Social Security or retirement income, that cost makes hearing treatment feel impossible.

What most New Jersey residents do not realize is that the state has a little-known program that may cover most — or even all — of the cost of hearing aids for eligible seniors. It's called the HAAAD program.

This program is administered by the NJ Division of Aging Services and is available to NJ residents who meet PAAD income requirements.

If you or a loved one struggles with hearing loss, this guide explains how the NJ HAAAD hearing aid program works, who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply.

What Is the NJ HAAAD Program?

HAAAD stands for Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled. The program helps eligible New Jersey seniors and disabled residents pay for hearing aids and related hearing services.

HAAAD exists because hearing loss can significantly affect:

Safety
Communication
Independence
Cognitive health
Social isolation
Quality of life

Yet hearing aids remain one of the least-covered medical expenses for seniors. The HAAAD program helps bridge that gap for qualifying residents.

What Does HAAAD Cover?

The NJ HAAAD hearing aid program can help pay for:

One Hearing Aid Per Eligible Ear

Eligible applicants may receive assistance for:

Left ear hearing aid
Right ear hearing aid
Both ears if medically necessary

Coverage depends on documented hearing loss and medical recommendations.

Hearing Aids Valued Between $1,000–$4,000 Per Ear

Depending on the device and hearing needs, the program may cover hearing aids worth thousands of dollars. This can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors who otherwise could not afford treatment.

Hearing Evaluations and Audiology Documentation

The application process requires hearing evaluations from a licensed audiologist. Testing helps determine:

Degree of hearing loss
Medical necessity
Appropriate amplification devices

Audiologist documentation is required during the approval process.

Who Qualifies for HAAAD in New Jersey?

There are three main eligibility requirements.

1. You Must Qualify for PAAD

HAAAD eligibility is tied directly to PAAD eligibility. That means applicants must first qualify for Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD).

PAAD has income-based eligibility requirements. You can review our guide to NJ PAAD eligibility requirements for current income limits and application details. Many residents discover they qualify for both programs simultaneously.

2. You Must Have Documented Hearing Loss

Applicants must have medically documented hearing loss requiring amplification. This determination is made through:

Audiology testing
Hearing evaluations
Physician or audiologist documentation

The state reviews medical evidence before approving benefits.

3. You Cannot Already Have Full Hearing Aid Coverage

HAAAD is designed to help residents who do not already have complete hearing aid coverage through:

Private insurance
Medicare Advantage supplemental hearing plans
Other assistance programs

Many seniors discover their insurance only partially covers hearing devices — or does not cover them at all. In these cases, HAAAD may help reduce remaining costs.

Not sure if you qualify for PAAD and HAAAD? Run a free 5-minute eligibility check across NJ senior programs.

Run My Free Eligibility Check →

How to Apply for the NJ HAAAD Program

The process usually starts with PAAD.

Step 1: Apply for PAAD Through NJSave

If you are not already enrolled in PAAD, you must first complete the NJSave application. NJSave screens applicants for multiple New Jersey senior benefit programs simultaneously.

Programs may include:

PAAD
HAAAD
Senior Gold
Lifeline Utility Assistance
Medicare Savings Programs

This "stacking" approach helps seniors identify every available benefit program with one application.

Step 2: Complete the HAAAD Application

After establishing PAAD eligibility, applicants complete the HAAAD application through the NJ Division of Aging Services. The state reviews:

Income eligibility
Hearing evaluations
Insurance coverage
Medical documentation

Step 3: Submit Audiologist Documentation

Applicants must provide:

Audiology testing results
Hearing aid recommendations
Medical necessity documentation

Incomplete medical records are one of the biggest causes of delays.

Need Help Applying?

Applicants can contact the NJ Division of Aging Services directly: 1-800-792-9745. Representatives may answer questions about:

PAAD eligibility
HAAAD applications
Documentation requirements
Program coordination

Why the HAAAD Program Is So Underutilized

Despite offering potentially thousands of dollars in hearing aid assistance, most New Jersey seniors have never heard of HAAAD. There are several reasons:

It Is Rarely Advertised

Many seniors only discover the program accidentally through:

PAAD enrollment
Social workers
Senior services offices
Audiologists

The Program Is Buried Within State Benefit Listings

Unlike Medicare or Medicaid, HAAAD is not widely promoted. As a result, many eligible residents never realize help exists.

PAAD Is Required First

Because HAAAD requires PAAD eligibility, some applicants become discouraged before realizing they may qualify for both programs. This is one reason benefits screenings can be valuable.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited hearing benefits, but coverage varies widely. Many plans still leave seniors paying thousands of dollars out of pocket. That's why programs like HAAAD can be extremely valuable.

Why Hearing Treatment Matters for Seniors

Untreated hearing loss can contribute to:

Social isolation
Depression
Falls and accidents
Communication difficulties
Cognitive decline

Improving hearing often helps seniors maintain independence and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to apply for PAAD before I can get HAAAD?

Yes. HAAAD requires applicants to first qualify for PAAD.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids in NJ?

Original Medicare usually does not cover routine hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited hearing coverage.

How long does HAAAD approval take?

Approval timelines vary depending on documentation completeness and application volume. Delays often happen when audiology records are incomplete.

Can I get hearing aids for both ears through HAAAD?

Yes. Eligible applicants may receive assistance for hearing aids in both ears if medically necessary.

Get Help Screening for PAAD, HAAAD, and Other NJ Benefits

Many seniors qualify for more assistance programs than they realize. A full screening may identify benefits that reduce prescription, hearing, utility, healthcare, and Medicare-related expenses.

You can also review our guide to NJ senior benefits programs.

Start your free eligibility scan to check eligibility for PAAD, HAAAD, and other New Jersey senior assistance programs.

Start My Free Eligibility Scan →

Sources

NJ Division of Aging Services — NJSave
NJ Department of Human Services — PAAD & HAAAD program pages
Medicare.gov — Hearing & Balance Coverage
NIDCD — Hearing Aids Overview

Last updated: May 2026

About the Author

James Robinson is a New Jersey-based consultant with over 25 years working in the senior care ecosystem. He serves as marketing consultant for Vitality Healthcare, a home health agency serving seniors across Union, Essex, and Bergen counties, and is the founder of Legacy Business Partners. He built GetSilverBenefits to help NJ seniors and their families find and claim every benefit they've earned.