Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Thank you for your service. If you're a veteran and things are hard right now, you earned real help, and you don't have to go it alone. Let's get you connected.
Here is the easy first step: if you don't have a safe place to stay, call the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise benefits, a bed or a spot in any program.
- You don't have to pay anyone to file a VA claim or get your records.
- In danger right now? Call 911. In crisis? Dial 988, then press 1.
Call the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, any time. The VA says it's open 24/7 for veterans who are homeless or at risk, and for people calling for them.
Staff connect you to VA homeless programs near you.
In New Jersey, you can also call your County Social Services Agency during business hours, or dial 211 after hours, for emergency shelter. See Guide 2.
Sources: https://department.va.gov/homeless/ and https://nj211.org/initiative/state-homeless-hotline
What to do today, step by step
- Call 877.424.3838 and say you're a veteran who needs housing help.
- Tell them where you are in New Jersey, and if you have family with you.
- If you need a bed tonight, also call your county agency or dial 211.
- Ask about VA health care, even if you've never used it.
- Write down who you talked to and what's next.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm a veteran, and I don't have a safe place to stay."
"I'm in (town or county). What's open near me?"
"Can you connect me to VA health care too?"
Don't have your DD 214?
That's okay. Call anyway. Staff can often help you get started while you request your papers. See section 5.
How do I get VA health care in New Jersey?
VA New Jersey Health Care has two main locations, in East Orange and Lyons, plus clinics in Hackensack, Hamilton, Jersey City, Morristown, Newton, Paterson, Piscataway, Tinton Falls and Toms River. They're listed by county at the end of this guide.
- Apply for VA health care online at va.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA location.
- Or apply by phone. The VA's health benefits hotline is 877.222.8387, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern.
Sources: https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/ and https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
Have these ready when you apply, if you can
Say you left the Army years ago and never used the VA
Say you served in the Army, got out years ago and never signed up for VA health care. You live in Hamilton. You could call 877.222.8387 to apply by phone, with your DD 214 if you have it. Once you're enrolled, the VA Hamilton clinic on Quakerbridge Road is one of the VA New Jersey Health Care locations near you.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ and https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Who can help me with benefits?
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) helps veterans with state and federal benefits. Its site lists Veterans Service Offices and the state's Veterans Memorial Homes.
Call DMAVA at 609.530.4600.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
Say you want to file a disability claim
Say you hurt your knee in the service and it's gotten worse. You could call DMAVA at 609.530.4600 and ask for a Veterans Service Office near you. A service officer could help you gather your records and file a VA disability claim.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
What kinds of help can veterans get?
- Housing help through VA homeless programs. Call 877.424.3838.
- VA health care, including mental health care.
- Disability compensation and pension, with help from a Veterans Service Office.
- State benefits and the Veterans Memorial Homes, through DMAVA.
- Job help. One Stop Career Centers serve veterans too. See Guide 6.
Sources: https://department.va.gov/homeless/ and https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
What to bring to your claims appointment
How do I get my discharge papers back?
- The National Archives keeps military service records, including the DD 214. You can request them online, by mail or by fax with a Standard Form 180 (SF 180). The Archives warns that some companies charge to get copies, but you don't have to pay them.
- DMAVA also keeps copies of many DD 214s. It says you can send a completed SF 180 to its Office of Records and Archives by email, fax at 609.530.7193 or mail.
Sources: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records and https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
Where can I get help if I'm struggling?
The Veterans Crisis Line is for veterans and the people who care about them, any time. Dial 988, then press 1.
Or text 838255. It's private.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Tell them you served
When you call 211, a shelter or a clinic, say you're a veteran. Some programs are only for veterans. Just say it!
How do I keep my benefits on track?
Staying on track, step by step
- Keep copies of every letter from the VA and DMAVA in one folder.
- Write down your claim or file number, and keep it with your ID.
- Update your address with the VA when you move, so letters reach you.
- Go to every appointment, or call ahead to reschedule.
- If you're denied, read the letter right away. Ask a Veterans Service Office about next steps.
Things to tell the VA about, if they apply
Where can I find work or legal help as a veteran?
- One Stop Career Centers help veterans with job search and training. See Guide 6.
- For no cost civil legal help, call the LSNJLAW Hotline. See Guide 13.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/contact-us/one-stops/ and https://www.lsnj.org/
Who do I call if I'm a homeless veteran?
The VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, 24/7.
How do I reach the Veterans Crisis Line?
Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
Where are the VA medical centers in New Jersey?
VA New Jersey Health Care's main locations are in East Orange and Lyons.
How do I reach DMAVA?
Call 609.530.4600.
How do I get my DD 214?
Request it from the National Archives, or send an SF 180 to DMAVA's Office of Records and Archives.
How do I apply for VA health care by phone?
Call 877.222.8387, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern.
Do I have to pay to get my records?
No. The National Archives warns that some companies charge, but you don't have to pay them.
Sources: https://department.va.gov/homeless/ and https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ and https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/ and https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ and https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
You served, and you matter
Thank you, friend. Reaching out is a strong move. Make it a great day!
Here are VA locations and other local help, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk, and for people calling on their behalf. Staff connect you to your nearest VA homeless program.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838.
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Veterans Crisis Line
What it offers Private, no cost crisis support 24/7 for Veterans, service members and the people who care about them. You don't have to be enrolled in VA care.
How to reach Dial 988, then press 1.
Source https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
What it offers State Veterans Service Offices help Veterans and families apply for state and federal benefits.
How to reach Call 609.530.4600. Learn more at https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
Source https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA New Jersey Health Care
What it offers VA health care for Veterans at medical centers in East Orange (385 Tremont Avenue) and Lyons (151 Knollcroft Road), with clinics in Hackensack, Jersey City, Piscataway and other towns.
How to reach See locations and phone numbers at https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ 211
What it offers New Jersey's statewide information and referral line. Trained staff connect you to housing, food, health care and other help, 24/7.
How to reach Dial 211. Chat, text and search at https://nj211.org/
Source https://nj211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
VA Hackensack clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 385 Prospect Avenue, Prospect Plaza, 1st Floor, Hackensack.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Middlesex County (New Brunswick and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
VA Piscataway clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 14 Wills Way, Building 5, Piscataway.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
East Orange VA Medical Center
What it offers A main location of VA New Jersey Health Care, with medical and mental health care for veterans.
How to reach 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
VA Jersey City clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 115 Christopher Columbus Drive, Suite 201, Jersey City.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
VA Tinton Falls clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 55 North Gilbert Street, The Atrium, Building 4, Suite 4101, Tinton Falls.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)
Here are some places to start.
VA Toms River clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 1055 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)
Here are some places to start.
VA Paterson clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 11 Getty Avenue, DePaul Center, Building 275, Paterson.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Morris County (Morristown and Dover)
Here are some places to start.
Lyons VA Medical Center
What it offers A main location of VA New Jersey Health Care.
How to reach 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA Morristown clinic
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 540 West Hanover Avenue, 2nd Floor, Morristown.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (VA clinics)
Here are some places to start.
VA Hamilton clinic (Mercer County)
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
VA Newton clinic (Sussex County)
What it offers A VA New Jersey Health Care clinic for enrolled veterans.
How to reach 222 High Street, Suite 103, Newton.
Source https://www.va.gov/new-jersey-health-care/locations/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My veteran plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Thank you again for your service. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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