New Brunswick, NJ – Ann Lippel has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2025 AARP New Jersey Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.
As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
Starting January 2026, Social Security payments will increase by 2.8%. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) means the average monthly retirement payment will rise by about $56, from $2,015 to $2,071. Survivor benefits will go up by roughly $52, and disability payments will increase by $44. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see their first boosted payment on December, payable in January 2026.
Protect yourself from identity theft by safely shredding sensitive documents at Access Information Management in Kailua Kona and Wailuku on June 21. You can also help the hungry at the same time by bringing food donations.
Free tickets are still available for An Evening of Comedy at Aunty Sally’s in Hilo with Augie T and An Afternoon of Comedy at the Kaua`i Community College in Lihue.
Governor Shapiro’s state budget proposal included an increase of $20 million for the PENNCARE line item, which is the funding that supports older adults in their communities through local Area Agencies on Aging. While we sincerely appreciate the proposed increase, it is not enough to ensure that older adults receive the services and supports they need to age in place.
More is needed — $30 million — to serve a growing aging population at home, where they want to be. According to AARP’s latest “Home and Community Preferences Survey,” older adults overwhelmingly want to stay in their homes (75 percent) and communities (73 percent).
AARP Pennsylvania is celebrating a big win for Philadelphia residents 50-plus following the City’s new budget agreement. In a statement issued June 12, 2025, State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh praised Mayor Parker and City Council for advancing priorities like affordable housing, safe streets, and livable communities.
The Illinois Commerce Commission is currently considering a proposal from Nicor that would raise customers’ gas rates by $316 million. If approved, this would be the largest gas hike in history and customer rates are expected to rise by more than $90 a year.