How to apply for Independent Living Services for Older Adults with Vision Loss (NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired) in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Human Services, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI)
Who it's for
The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired helps people with serious vision loss keep living on their own. Its Older Blind services are for people 55 and older. Staff assess your needs and make a plan with you. Help can include training in daily living skills such as cooking safely and using Braille or talking devices, learning to travel safely at home and in the community, eye health education from a nurse, and low-vision aids. Free computer and iPad classes with speech and magnification tools are offered at libraries, and peer support groups meet in all 21 counties. To qualify, your vision must be 20/70 or worse in your better eye with glasses, or your field of vision must be 40 degrees or less. Call 1-877-685-8878, or your regional office: Newark 973-648-2111, Freehold 732-308-4001, Cherry Hill 856-482-3700.
CBVI serves New Jersey residents whose best corrected vision is 20/70 or worse in the better eye, or whose field of vision is 40 degrees or less. That is a lower bar than legal blindness, so people with low vision can qualify. The Older Blind services are for people 55 and older; CBVI has other services for younger people. CBVI decides who qualifies after reviewing an eye report.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- An eye report from your eye doctor showing your vision
- Proof of New Jersey residency
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-877-685-8878
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Independent Living Services for Older Adults with Vision Loss (NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need an eye report from your eye doctor showing your vision, proof of New Jersey residency — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
per service plan
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.