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.
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.
More Veterans in New Jersey
NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — State agency providing benefits, services, and support to New Jersey veterans and their families. Oversees veteran service offices, memorial
East Orange VA Medical Center — Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to veterans in northern NJ as part of the VA NJ Health
Lyons VA Medical Center — VA medical center in central NJ at Lyons providing specialized care including mental health inpatient and outpatient services, PTSD programs
Newark VA Clinic — Community-based VA outpatient clinic providing primary care, mental health services, and specialty referrals for veterans in the Newark metr
Newark VA Regional Benefit Office — Federal VA regional benefit office in Newark processing disability compensation, pension claims, GI Bill education benefits, home loan guara
Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs — Camden County veterans service office providing free claims assistance, benefits counseling, and referrals to federal and state programs for
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.