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.
On Friday, March 27, AARP New Jersey hosted a coronavirus Telephone Town Hall with Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli and New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. Listen here to a recording of the live conversation.
We’re writing with an important message to let you know that we have canceled our external events until further notice. While convening events is a core part of our mission, we have changed our approach in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
John Vajda exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer – and he isn’t new to it, either. He has been an AARP New Jersey volunteer for nine years, and before that, he spent 20 years volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as a Scout Master, district and council committeeman and national Jamboree staff member.
Our volunteers work within Garden State communities to empower people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. Volunteers strengthen our communities and focus on issues important to New Jersey residents like health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.