More than 413,000 veterans and their dependents call the state of New Jersey home, and their honorable service has earned them a long list of benefits. Veterans at times may need assistance accessing these benefits or connecting with the organizations whose goal is to assist veterans. A great place to start is the state’s veteran service organizations (VSOs).

If you are needing assistance filing a claim or have questions on benefits – including those relating to employment, education, burial, counseling, housing, social, and medical services – the state’s network of county-based VSOs and state-operated VSOs can be a valuable resource near to home. Additionally, the Veteran Organization VSO headquarters office located at 20 Washington Place in Newark serves as a contact point for nine additional service organizations such as the American Legion, Disabled War Veterans, religion-based VSOs, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The state of New Jersey also offers several unique programs that assist with veterans readjusting to civilian life, including the NJ Vet to Vet Helpline that connects veterans and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Operated by Rutgers University and funded by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, is a peer-counseling program for assessing a Veteran’s mental health needs, and offers veteran peer support, family support, clinical assessment, case management, and help with referrals. Veterans can reach the free hotline by calling (866) 838-7654.

Veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and their families, can access help with another free helpline by contacting a Veterans’ Service Officer at (888) 8NJ-VETS. These State Veterans Service Officers can assist with scheduling counseling and filing of any applicable VA claims. Additionally, contracted clinicians experienced in PTSD counseling can help determine the best course of treatment for the veteran and family.

For veterans and their families, accessing quality health care is a primary concern, and the VA New Jersey  Health Care System has numerous medical care locations across the state, including two full medical centers in East Orange and Lyons, one outpatient clinic in Camden, and 16 community-based outpatient clinics. VA medical facilities offer a wide range of services and treatment, from primary care to specialties, drug and rehab programs, assistance for homeless veterans, referral services, and programs to support caregivers. You must be enrolled in the VA Health Care System to receive services, and you can begin the enrollement process online or download the form to mail in.

The New Jersey Transportation Program assists veterans in need of transportation by offering free transportation to VA medical centers and clinics, other hospitals, private physicians, VA Regional Offices, and local Veteran Service Offices. Contact your local Veterans Service Officer to make arrangements or contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau at (609) 530-6949.

For veterans looking to enjoy the nature and wildlife New Jersey has to offer, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife annually issues certain licenses for free to each qualified disabled veteran, including a firearm, bow and arrow, fishing or all-around hunting license, a pheasant and quail stamp, and a trout stamp.

New Jersey residents must be honorably discharged and declared by the VA to have a service-connected disability. For more information, you can call (908) 637-4125.

For New Jersey veteran seniors looking for affordable housing option, the state runs three Veteran Memorial Homes in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland. The homes are open to veterans who were honorably discharged, as well as certain widows of eligible veterans and Gold Star parents. Around-the-clock medical and nursing care is provided by a full-time staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. Rehabilitative services, such as occupational and physical therapies, speech therapy, and recreational therapy are provided under the direct supervision of licensed staff, as well as a wide range of additional services including dental, podiatric, ophthalmological care, and more. Support groups, counseling, and educational programs are also available in some locations.

The state of New Jersey is also home to two national veteran cemeteries, one in Beverly and one in Finn’s Point. Eligible veterans and certain dependents and spouses can receive free burial benefits at these or any of the 135 national cemeteries, including burial with military honors and perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Some veterans may also be eligible for a burial allowance. These national cemeteries also offer a solemn and beautiful site for families and fellow veterans to visit and reflect.

To find out what veterans benefits exist in other states in the U.S. please visit our complete Veterans Benefits by State guide here.

New Jersey Veterans Benefit for Assisted Living

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit is available to New Jersey senior veterans and their spouses to help pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. Here is more information on how the Aid and Attendance benefit helps New Jersey veterans.

Written By Megan Hammons