Veterans in New Jersey

15 verified resources.

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

15 Resources

1. NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — Free

State agency providing benefits, services, and support to New Jersey veterans and their families. Oversees veteran service offices, memorial homes, and statewide programs including education, employment, and housing assistance. Located in Lawrenceville. Call 609-530-4600 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Administers state veteran benefits supplemental to federal VA programs. Veterans can access their local county service office for personalized claims assistance. Visit nj.gov/military for a complete list of benefits available to NJ veterans.

609-530-4600 · 101 Eggert Crossing Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. East Orange VA Medical Center — Free

Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to veterans in northern NJ as part of the VA NJ Health Care System. Located at 385 Tremont Ave in East Orange. Call 973-676-1000 for appointments; emergency room available 24/7. Services include primary care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, oncology, surgery, and specialty care. Veterans must be enrolled in VA healthcare. Bring discharge papers (DD-214) and insurance information when registering for the first time.

973-676-1000 · 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Lyons VA Medical Center — Free

VA medical center in central NJ at Lyons providing specialized care including mental health inpatient and outpatient services, PTSD programs, substance abuse treatment, and long-term care. Located at 151 Knollcroft Rd. Call 908-647-0180 Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Veterans must be enrolled in VA healthcare to receive services. Bring DD-214 discharge papers when enrolling. Specialty in geriatric and extended care. Serves central and southern NJ veterans needing inpatient psychiatric or residential recovery services.

908-647-0180 · 151 Knollcroft Rd, Lyons, NJ 07939 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Newark VA Clinic — Free

Community-based VA outpatient clinic providing primary care, mental health services, and specialty referrals for veterans in the Newark metropolitan area. Located at 20 Washington Pl in downtown Newark. Call 973-676-1000 Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Services include primary care, mental health counseling, pharmacy, and telehealth options. Veterans must be enrolled in VA healthcare. Convenient urban location for Essex and Hudson County veterans who need routine care without traveling to the East Orange main campus.

973-676-1000 · 20 Washington Pl, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Newark VA Regional Benefit Office — Free

Federal VA regional benefit office in Newark processing disability compensation, pension claims, GI Bill education benefits, home loan guarantees, and vocational rehabilitation for NJ veterans. Located at 20 Washington Pl. Call 1-800-827-1000 Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm. Veterans can submit claims, check status, and attend scheduled appointments. Bring DD-214 discharge documents and medical records when filing claims. County veteran service officers can help prepare and submit claims free of charge.

1-800-827-1000 · 20 Washington Pl, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

6. Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs — Free

Camden County veterans service office providing free claims assistance, benefits counseling, and referrals to federal and state programs for Camden County veterans. Located at 200 College Dr in Blackwood. Call 856-374-5801 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Accredited service officers help veterans file VA disability claims, appeals, and access education, housing, and employment benefits. Bring your DD-214 and service records. Services are free and confidential for all Camden County veterans and their families.

856-374-5801 · 200 College Dr, 3rd Floor, Blackwood, NJ 08012 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. NJ Veterans Benefits Hotline — Free

Dedicated NJ state hotline helping veterans navigate state and federal benefits, connect with local county service offices, and access housing, education, and employment programs. Call 1-888-865-8387 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Hotline staff can explain NJ-specific veteran benefits including property tax deductions, tuition waivers, disability programs, and burial benefits not covered by federal VA programs. A first call for NJ veterans unsure where to begin with the benefits process.

1-888-865-8387 · Statewide phone service · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Veterans Crisis Line — Free

Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support specifically for veterans, service members, and their families. Also text 838255 or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Responders are trained VA staff who understand military culture and service-related challenges. Serves all NJ veterans regardless of VA enrollment or discharge status. Available for crises involving PTSD, depression, substance use, suicidal thoughts, or any mental health emergency. Free, anonymous, and available any time of day or night.

988 (press 1) · National (serves all NJ veterans) · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. NJ County Veterans Service Offices — Free

Network of county-based veteran service officers across all 21 NJ counties providing free claims assistance, benefits counseling, VA healthcare enrollment, and state program connections. Call 609-530-4600 or visit nj.gov/dva/veterans/services/vso to find your county office. Office hours vary by county but are generally Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Service officers are VA-accredited and can help with disability ratings, appeals, education benefits, and state-specific programs for NJ veterans and their families.

609-530-4600 · Various locations statewide (see website) · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm (varies by county) · Visit Website

10. American Legion – New Jersey — Free

The American Legion operates 400+ NJ posts providing free VA claims assistance, family support programs, and community service opportunities for veterans and their families. State headquarters at 135 W Hanover St in Trenton. Call 609-695-5418 Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm. Local posts provide accredited service officers for VA claims, emergency financial assistance, youth programs, and community networking. Find your nearest NJ post at njamericanlegion.org to connect with local veteran support services.

609-695-5418 · 135 W Hanover St, Trenton, NJ 08618 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

11. VFW – New Jersey — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across New Jersey provide camaraderie, VA claims assistance, community grants, and support for veterans and their families. State headquarters at 607 River Dr in Trenton. Call 609-695-3636; hours vary by post. VFW service officers are trained to help with VA disability claims, appeals, and benefits enrollment. Local posts also offer emergency financial assistance and patriotic community programs. Find your nearest NJ post at vfwnj.org for local schedules and services.

609-695-3636 · 607 River Dr, Trenton, NJ 08611 · Varies by post · Visit Website

12. DAV – New Jersey — Free

Disabled American Veterans provides free VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, and transportation services to VA medical appointments for NJ veterans. Multiple NJ chapters statewide. Call 877-426-2838 Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. DAV National Service Officers help veterans file disability claims and appeals at no cost. The DAV transportation network provides free van rides to VA hospitals for veterans who cannot drive. Find your nearest NJ DAV chapter at dav.org to access local services.

877-426-2838 · Multiple NJ chapters · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

13. Essex County Veterans Service Office (Newark) — Free

Essex County Veterans Service Office provides free VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, and emergency financial aid for Essex County veterans and their families. Located at 465 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Newark. Call 973-621-5390 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Accredited service officers assist with disability compensation, pension, healthcare enrollment, and state benefit applications. Bring your DD-214 discharge papers. Emergency financial aid available for qualifying veterans facing crisis situations.

973-621-5390 · 465 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. Bergen County Veterans Services — Free

Bergen County Veterans Services office provides free VA claims assistance, emergency financial aid, and referrals to state and federal programs for Bergen County veterans and their families. Located at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack. Call 201-336-6325 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Service officers help file disability claims and appeals. Emergency assistance available for qualifying veterans. Bring your DD-214 military discharge document to initial appointments for fastest service.

201-336-6325 · One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans — Free

VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides a 24/7 hotline connecting homeless or at-risk veterans to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services. Call 877-424-3838 any time. Operators can connect veterans to local NJ VA homeless programs including HUD-VASH vouchers, Grant and Per Diem transitional housing, and outreach services. Any veteran experiencing housing instability, including those sleeping rough or staying in unsafe conditions, should call immediately for same-day assistance.

877-424-3838 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.