Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in New Jersey

Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in New Jersey (Authority Hub)

Last updated: August 2025


Quick Help Box (keep this handy)

If you need… Contact What to say/ask
Mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide Call or text 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line; or chat via the Veterans Crisis Line website Say you’re a veteran in crisis. You can also text 838255. More info: Veterans Crisis Line (official)
Emergency housing now Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 (24/7) Ask for help in New Jersey. They can connect you to HUD-VASH, SSVF, and shelters
Any social service help in NJ (food, housing, utilities) Dial 2-1-1 or visit NJ 211 Ask for benefits screening and veteran-specific resources
Immediate safety (crime, fire, medical emergency) Call 911 Tell them your location and any medical needs
Help applying for benefits (free) Contact a New Jersey Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Ask for help with VA claims, state tax relief, and more

How this guide helps

This is a practical, state-specific road map for senior veterans and families in New Jersey. It focuses on money savings, health care, housing, long-term care, transportation, food, legal help, and special supports for disabled, women, rural, and LGBTQ+ veterans. Every claim points to official sources so you can check details.

Reality check: some applications are slow, income limits change, and paperwork can be frustrating. We flag common delays, pitfalls, and easy wins. Use a New Jersey Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free help with VA and state benefits.


Emergency and urgent supports in New Jersey

Tips:

  • If you’re at risk of losing housing within 14 days, say so. It can speed up help (HUD-VASH/SSVF).
  • If you’re a caregiver in crisis, call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

Proving your service and getting claims help


Money-saving benefits for NJ senior veterans

New Jersey tax relief, income exemptions, and fees

New Jersey offers several state tax breaks and fee savings for veterans. Details and income limits can change yearly. Always confirm on the official pages below.

Overview table: Taxes and fees that help senior veterans in NJ

Benefit What it is Who qualifies (summary) Where to apply/learn more
Veterans Property Tax Deduction Annual $250 property tax deduction Eligible NJ veterans and surviving spouses (peacetime service included following constitutional change) NJ Division of Taxation – Property Tax Relief Programs: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml; contact your municipal tax assessor
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Full property tax exemption on primary home 100% permanent and total service-connected disability (or qualifying surviving spouse) NJ Division of Taxation – Property Tax Relief: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml; local tax assessor
NJ Income Tax – Veteran Exemption $6,000 NJ income tax exemption per eligible veteran Honorably discharged veteran; applies to NJ return NJ Division of Taxation – Veterans: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/
Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Reimburses increases in property taxes for eligible seniors Age, residency, and income limits apply (updated annually) NJ Division of Taxation – Senior Freeze: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/
MVC Veteran Status & License Plates Veteran designation on license/ID; Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart plates; placards NJ veterans with proper documentation; certain plate types have extra requirements NJ Motor Vehicle Commission – Military and Veteran Services: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/
Free or discounted hunting/fishing (Disabled Veterans) Free licenses for certain disabled veterans Qualifying disabled veterans NJDEP Fish & Wildlife – Disabled Veteran/PH: https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/licenses/disabled-veterans.htm

Notes:

  • For property tax benefits, you’ll apply through your municipal tax assessor. Bring your DD‑214 and VA disability letter if applying for the disability exemption.
  • Senior Freeze income limits and the application window change each year; check the official page before filing.
  • The NJ income tax veteran exemption is separate from federal taxes.

Sources:


Health care, medicines, and long‑term care

VA health care in New Jersey

The VA New Jersey Health Care System serves the state from two main campuses (East Orange and Lyons) with community clinics.

Reality check:

  • If you have Medicare and VA, you can use both. Keep track of which doctor handles which prescriptions.
  • You may wait longer for specialty care. Ask about community care if eligible under the VA MISSION Act.

Medications: PAAD and Senior Gold (state pharmacy help)

New Jersey’s PAAD and Senior Gold programs can lower drug costs for seniors, including veterans.

Tip: If you use VA and a local pharmacy, bring all your medication lists to your appointments to avoid duplicates and interactions.

Long‑term care: nursing homes, assisted living, home care

New Jersey operates three state Veterans Memorial Homes and offers state Medicaid managed long-term services.

Reality check:

  • Veterans Homes have had periods of high demand and federal oversight. Ask about current staffing, infection control, and inspection reports when choosing a facility.
  • MLTSS financial eligibility can be complex (look‑back rules apply). Consider free counseling via your county Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/

VA pensions and extra help for those who need daily care

Tip: Filing for Aid & Attendance takes time. Gather doctor statements about your need for help with bathing, dressing, medications, and mobility.

Caregivers


Housing, homelessness prevention, and utility help

Housing programs veterans use in NJ

Program What it does Who it helps Where to learn/apply
HUD‑VASH VA health care plus a Housing Choice Voucher for long‑term rental housing Homeless veterans and families HUD‑VASH overview: https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/; VA NJ Health Care: https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) Rapid rehousing or prevention; pays deposits, short‑term rent, utilities; case management Very low‑income veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness Find local SSVF providers: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
Veterans Haven North/South (DMAVA) State residential programs with housing, treatment, and employment services Homeless veterans in recovery Veterans Haven North: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/veterans-haven-north/; Veterans Haven South: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/veterans-haven-south/
NJ State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) State rental help for seniors, people with disabilities, and others (when open) Income limits apply; waitlists open/close NJ DCA – Rental Assistance: https://www.nj.gov/dca/
Affordable senior housing Subsidized apartments for seniors Age/income limits; waitlists common Check NJHousing.gov (NJHMFA) and local housing authorities: https://njhousing.gov/

Reality check:

  • Waitlists are long. Apply to multiple properties and housing authorities. Ask about veterans preferences where available.
  • For quick help (within 30 days), SSVF is often the fastest path to stabilize a rent situation.

Utility and weatherization help

Program What it does Who it helps Where to apply
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Helps pay heating and sometimes cooling bills Low‑income households NJ DCA – Utility Assistance: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid/services/utility-assistance/
USF (Universal Service Fund) Reduces monthly electric and gas bills Income‑qualified NJ households NJ DCA – Utility Assistance: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid/services/utility-assistance/
Weatherization Assistance Program Lowers energy costs through home repairs/upgrades Low‑income households Through NJ DCA/local agencies: https://www.nj.gov/dca/
Winter Termination Program Protects eligible customers from shutoffs during winter Certain income‑eligible or medically dependent customers NJ Board of Public Utilities info via NJ 211: https://www.nj211.org/utility-assistance

Tips:

  • Apply for LIHEAP/USF early in the season. Bring ID, proof of address, income, and utility bills.
  • If you have breathing or temperature‑sensitive conditions, ask your doctor for a medical certificate to protect utilities during treatment windows.

Transportation and mobility

Benefit What it is Who qualifies Where to learn/apply
NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Discounted fares for seniors (62+) and people with disabilities Seniors with ID; disabled riders Reduced Fare details: https://www.njtransit.com/
NJ TRANSIT Access Link Door‑to‑door paratransit aligned with bus routes Riders who can’t use local bus due to disability Access Link: https://www.njtransit.com/accessible/access-link-paratransit
County Paratransit Low‑cost rides to medical, shopping, and services Seniors and people with disabilities Contact your county Office on Aging (ADRC): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/
VA Beneficiary Travel Mileage or common carrier reimbursement for eligible veterans going to VA care Income/disability criteria apply VA Travel Pay: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/
MVC Disabled Veteran Plates & Placards Parking privileges and special plates Disabled veterans NJ MVC – Military/Veterans: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

Reality check:

  • Access Link trips must be booked in advance. Provide the exact pickup and drop‑off details.
  • For VA appointments, ask your VA clinic about shuttle options between facilities (East Orange ↔ Lyons). Schedules can change.

Food and nutrition

Tip: If you use VA health care, ask your VA primary care team for a dietitian referral. VA offers nutrition counseling and classes.


Work, income, and legal protections

Legal help and courts:

Consumer protection:

Reality check:

  • Veterans preference helps with hiring lists, but you still need to meet job qualifications and pass exams where required.
  • If debt collectors contact you about VA copays or other bills, ask for an itemized bill and consider talking to a VSO or legal aid before paying.

Burial and memorial benefits

Tip: Record your DD‑214 with your county clerk and tell your family where originals are kept. Pre‑need eligibility for national cemeteries can be determined in advance: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/


Special situations: inclusive supports

LGBTQ+ senior veterans

Tip: If you experienced harassment or bias in care, ask to speak with the VA Patient Advocate at your facility and the LGBTQ+ care coordinator.

Disabled senior veterans

Female senior veterans

Tip: If you faced sexual trauma in service (MST), you can get counseling and related care through VA without needing a disability rating. Ask the VA or a Vet Center.

Rural senior veterans and limited access

Reality check: Home internet programs can change and may have waitlists or limited providers in rural areas. Ask your county ADRC to check all local options.

Tribal connections for veterans in NJ

New Jersey has state-recognized tribes and Native communities. Tribal veterans can use:

If you identify as Native/Indigenous, tell your VSO and VA care team; it can help with outreach and cultural connections.


Step‑by‑step: applying for common NJ veteran benefits

  1. Get your documents together
  • DD‑214 (or a certified copy), proof of NJ residency, and any VA rating letters.
  • For tax benefits: recent tax bill, proof of home ownership, and marital status documents if needed.
  • For MLTSS/Medicaid: proof of income, assets, and 5‑year financial history (look‑back rules apply).
  1. Meet with a New Jersey VSO
  1. File for state property tax relief
  1. Lower your drug costs
  1. Check long‑term care options early
  1. If housing is unstable
  1. Transportation to care
  1. Keep records and follow up
  • Mark deadlines on a calendar.
  • Don’t hesitate to call and ask for status updates. VSOs can nudge the process.

Resources by region (statewide links first, then local)

Statewide cornerstone links:

North Jersey highlights:

Central Jersey highlights:

South Jersey highlights:

Tip: County ADRC lines know the local veteran transportation schedules, food pantries, home‑delivered meals, and low‑cost dental/vision clinics for seniors.


Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Missing paperwork: Keep copies of every application and letter. If you mail something, use certified mail or submit online when possible.
  • Income/asset limits change yearly: Always check the current limits on the official page before you apply (PAAD, SNAP, MLTSS, Senior Freeze).
  • Long waitlists: Apply to multiple housing lists. Ask about preferences for veterans or seniors. Use SSVF for urgent help.
  • Medicare + VA confusion: Tell each provider about the other’s prescriptions and specialists to avoid duplication or dangerous interactions.
  • Scams: If someone guarantees VA benefit approval for a fee, walk away. Use accredited VSOs: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/vso/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do New Jersey veterans still get only wartime property tax benefits?
A: New Jersey voters approved expanding certain veteran property tax benefits to include peacetime service. The $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction and the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption are administered locally by municipal tax assessors. Always confirm current rules and forms here: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml

Q: What is the NJ income tax exemption for veterans and how do I claim it?
A: NJ allows an income tax exemption (currently $6,000) for each honorably discharged veteran on your NJ return. See the NJ Division of Taxation for forms and updates: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/

Q: How do I get into a New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home?
A: Visit the DMAVA page for Menlo Park (Edison), Paramus, and Vineland. You’ll find admissions information, eligibility, and contacts. Waitlists are common. Start here: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/memorial-homes/

Q: Can I use VA health care and Medicare at the same time?
A: Yes. Many veterans use VA doctors for some care and Medicare doctors for others. Keep both providers informed. Learn about VA enrollment: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

Q: I need help at home (bathing, dressing). What can help pay for that?
A: Check VA Aid and Attendance (if you receive VA pension): https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/. Also ask about NJ MLTSS (Medicaid long‑term supports): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/ltc/mltss.html. Your county ADRC can screen you for options: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/

Q: I’m a homeless veteran. What’s my fastest path to housing?
A: Call 877-424-3838 (24/7) to connect with HUD‑VASH or SSVF. In New Jersey, DMAVA also runs Veterans Haven North and South: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/

Q: Where can I get free help filing a VA claim?
A: New Jersey Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) provide free help: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/vso/

Q: How do I get a veteran designation on my NJ driver license or ID?
A: Check the NJ MVC Military and Veteran Services page for current steps and documents: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

Q: Are there discounts for NJ Transit?
A: Yes. Seniors (62+) can use the Reduced Fare Program. Details: https://www.njtransit.com/. Disabled veterans may also qualify for Access Link paratransit: https://www.njtransit.com/accessible/access-link-paratransit

Q: I’m a surviving spouse. Do I qualify for property tax relief or VA benefits?
A: Surviving spouses may qualify for the NJ $250 deduction or continue the disabled veteran exemption if they meet criteria. Contact your municipal assessor and see: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml. For VA survivors benefits (DIC, burial), see: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/


Key program snapshots (what they are, what they do, who they serve)

  • NJ Veterans Memorial Homes: State-run long‑term care in Edison (Menlo Park), Paramus, and Vineland. They provide skilled nursing and memory care for veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents. Expect waitlists, clinical screening, and standard nursing home admission steps. Official: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/memorial-homes/
  • Veterans Haven North and South: State residential treatment and transitional housing for homeless veterans. They combine safe housing with counseling, job help, and case management to get veterans back into stable community housing. Official: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
  • PAAD and Senior Gold: State pharmacy programs that cut prescription costs for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. They coordinate with Medicare Part D and pharmacies to reduce out‑of‑pocket spending. Official: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/paad/
  • HUD‑VASH and SSVF: Federal VA partnerships that move homeless veterans into permanent housing (HUD‑VASH vouchers plus case management) or prevent homelessness with short‑term financial help and support (SSVF). Official: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
  • MLTSS (NJ FamilyCare): Medicaid pathway that funds nursing homes, assisted living, or home care for seniors who meet medical need and financial rules. Complex but vital for long‑term support. Official: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/ltc/mltss.html

More comparison tables to help you choose

Health and long‑term care options at a glance

Option Setting Typical wait time Who it fits best Where to start
VA NJ Health Care Outpatient/inpatient Varies by clinic/specialty Veterans enrolled in VA who want integrated care https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/
NJ Veterans Memorial Homes Skilled nursing Waitlists possible Veterans and spouses needing 24/7 nursing care https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/memorial-homes/
MLTSS (home/assisted living) Home or facility Weeks to months for eligibility Seniors with low income/assets or after spend‑down https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/ltc/mltss.html
VA Aid & Attendance Home or facility Months (claim processing) Veterans on VA pension who need help with ADLs https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Housing help at a glance

Program Speed Financial help Case management Best for
SSVF Fast (days/weeks) Deposits, short‑term rent/utilities Yes Prevention or rapid rehousing
HUD‑VASH Slower (voucher search) Long‑term rental subsidy Yes (VA case manager) Chronic homelessness with ongoing support needs
Veterans Haven (N/S) Intake needed Transitional housing Yes Recovery with structured support

Documents and forms checklist

  • DD‑214 (Member 4 copy preferred)
  • Government photo ID (NJ driver license or ID with veteran status if you have it)
  • Proof of NJ residency (utility bill, lease, or tax bill)
  • VA disability rating letter (if applying for tax exemption or benefits tied to disability)
  • Social Security and pension award letters (for income‑based programs)
  • Bank statements and asset proof (for MLTSS/Medicaid and some housing programs)
  • Medical records or doctor statements (for Aid & Attendance, disability claims)

Keep everything in a folder. Bring copies to your VSO appointment.


Resource directory (official links)


About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: August 2025
  • Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.


Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified professional or the official agency. Program rules, income limits, forms, and phone numbers can change. Always confirm details with the official sources linked in this guide or with your local Veterans Service Officer.