Office of Veteran’s Services

Welcome to the Union County Veteran’s Affairs Services

We are committed to serving veterans of all ages, their spouses, and family members.
About

Our office acts as your representative and liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), helping you navigate the often complex benefits and claims process with guidance, advocacy, and support.

Veteran Crisis Hotline

24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones

Call – Dial 988 and press 1

Text – 838255

Chat – Click here

Contact

W. Geoff Smith, Coordinator
908-527-4918
908-352-3980
W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org

For the most efficient service and quickest response, email communication is preferred.

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Walk-in appointments are not accepted at this time. Please review the information you will need to provide for your appointment below.

Scheduling your Appointment

Please review all information to setup your appointment.
Required Documentation

Please submit your DD-214

If unavailable, please visit this link to request a replacement. This document is required to proceed with your claim.

If unavailable, please visit this link to request a replacement.

Required Information

Please include all of the following information in your e-mail:

  • Place of birth
  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • Type of claim and any questions you may have
Setup your Appointment

Please e-mail all required documentation and information to UCveterans@ucnj.org.

Location

We look forward to assisting you at our office, located at:

10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Administration Building
Elizabeth, NJ 07207

Reminder: Walk-in appointments are not accepted. Please email UCveterans@ucnj.org to schedule an appointment before visiting.

Who is Eligible for VA Benefits?

Many New Jersey Veterans are unaware of the numerous federal, state, and local benefits, programs, and services available to them.
You or your family member may be eligible if you are:
  • An active-duty service member
  • A Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
  • A Veteran’s dependent
  • A surviving spouse or child of a deceased or disabled Veteran
  • A parent of a deceased Veteran
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific benefit or program

Our office can help you determine what you may qualify for and guide you through the application process.

How We Assist Veterans & Families

The Union County Office of Veteran’s Services provides advocacy, guidance, and hands-on assistance to veterans and their families at every stage from initial claims to long-term support.

Health and Disability Compensation

If you have an injury, illness, or condition that started during your military service, was made worse by your service, or is connected to your time in uniform, you may qualify for disability compensation.
This can include:
  • Back, knee, or shoulder pain
  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • PTSD, anxiety, or depression
  • Breathing or respiratory issues
  • Chronic or long-term medical conditions
  • Conditions related to Agent Orange or burn pit exposure

Disability compensation may provide monthly tax-free payments and expanded access to VA health care and support services.

Our office assists veterans in preparing and submitting service-connected disability claims to ensure they are properly developed, supported, and positioned for the strongest possible outcome.

We assist with:
  • Initial service-connected claims
  • Increased rating claims
  • Secondary condition claims
  • Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
  • Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Provides additional compensation for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities, such as:

  • Loss or loss of use of a limb
  • Blindness or significant vision impairment
  • Need for regular caregiver assistance
  • Severe mobility limitations
VA Health Care Enrollment & Eligibility

We also provide guidance on enrolling in VA medical care and understanding eligibility categories, including access to:

  • Prescription coverage
  • Primary care
  • Specialty care
  • Mental health services
VA Health Care Enrollment & Eligibility

We also provide guidance on enrolling in VA medical care and understanding eligibility categories, including access to:

  • Primary care
  • Specialty care
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription coverage
Local VA Healthcare Facilities
VA New Jersey Health Care System – Lyons Campus

151 Knollcroft Road
Lyons, NJ 07939
Phone: 908-647-0180

VA New Jersey Health Care System – East Orange Campus

385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone: 973-676-1000

Piscataway VA Clinic

14 Wills Way, Building 5
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Main Phone: 732-981-8193 ext. 295481
VA Health Connect: 800-877-6976
Mental Health Care: 973-676-1000 ext. 1421

Official VA Resources

Our office is here to guide you through the process. For additional information about these benefits, you can review the official VA resource here.

Pension and Financial Support

This benefit is for wartime veterans or eligible surviving spouses who are older, disabled, or facing financial hardship and need help covering daily living or care expenses.
You may qualify if:
  • You are age 65 or older, or permanently disabled
  • You have limited income and assets
  • You need assistance at home, receive in-home care, or live in assisted living

These benefits provide monthly financial support to help with housing, food, medical care, and long-term care expenses.

Our office assists with income-based benefit applications to ensure they are accurate, complete, and fully supported.

We Assist With:
  • VA Pension – An income-based monthly benefit for eligible wartime veterans.
  • Aid & Attendance – Additional financial support for veterans or surviving spouses who require help with daily living activities.
  • Housebound Benefits – Supplemental support for individuals substantially confined to their home due to disability.
Eligibility & Application Support Includes
  • Income and asset review
  • Medical eligibility assessment
  • Documentation guidance
  • Application preparation and submission support

These benefits often help offset the cost of assisted living, in-home care, long-term care, and other essential daily living expenses.

Official VA Resources

Our office is here to guide you through the process. For additional information about these benefits, you can review the official VA resource here:

Education and Training Benefits

For Veterans and Eligible Family Members Pursuing Education or Career Advancement. Our office helps ensure education claims are properly submitted and coordinated with approved institutions and training programs.
We Assist With:

GI Bill Programs

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Montgomery GI Bill

Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

  • Education benefits for eligible spouses and children of veterans

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)

  • Education and career training support for veterans with service-connected disabilities

Training & Certification Programs

  • Apprenticeships
  • Trade schools
  • Professional certifications
  • Workforce development programs

Beyond benefits assistance, we serve as a connector to local academic partners including UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and Kean University as well as career training resources that help veterans build sustainable education and employment pathways.

Federal Student Aid for Military Service

You may be eligible for additional federal financial aid for college or career school based on your or your family member’s military service. Learn more by visiting this website.

Official VA Resources

Our office is here to guide you through the process. For additional information about these benefits, you can review the official VA resource here:

Housing & Property Benefits

Need Help with Housing, Home-Ownership, or Stability? Veterans and eligible surviving spouses may qualify for housing-related benefits, home loan programs, property tax relief, or support during times of housing instability.
You may qualify if:
  • You are purchasing, refinancing, or adapting a home
  • You have a service-connected disability affecting mobility
  • You are seeking property tax relief as a disabled veteran
  • You are at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing instability

These programs can help make homeownership more affordable, improve accessibility, reduce property taxes, or provide support during housing hardship.

Stable housing is essential and there are programs designed specifically for veterans.

Our office provides guidance on federal, state, and local housing-related veteran benefits and assists with understanding eligibility requirements and application processes.

We Assist With

VA Home Loan Benefits

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) guidance
  • VA-backed purchase and refinance programs
  • Information on loan guaranty benefits

Property Tax Relief

  • Guidance on New Jersey property tax exemptions and deductions for eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses

Home Adaptation Grants

  • Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants
  • Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants
  • Home modification support for service-connected disabilities

Homelessness & Housing Stability Support

  • VA homeless assistance programs
  • HUD-VASH referrals
  • Connection to local housing and support resources

We help ensure veterans understand their housing options and are connected to the appropriate programs to support long-term stability.

Official VA Resources

Our office is here to guide you through the process. For additional information about these benefits, you can review the official VA resource here.

Family and Survivor Benefits

When a Veteran Passes Away (Survivor / DIC Claims) Certain benefits are available to spouses, children, and eligible dependents after a veteran’s passing.
You may qualify if:
  • The veteran’s death was connected to their military service, or
  • The veteran was rated 100% disabled due to service-connected conditions

 These benefits provide ongoing financial support and assistance to surviving family members.

This is about honoring the veteran’s service by ensuring their family continues to receive the support they deserve.

We provide compassionate guidance to surviving spouses, children, and dependents navigating federal and state veterans’ benefits during a difficult time.

Our office works to ease the administrative burden by helping families understand eligibility requirements and properly complete benefit applications.

We Assist With

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) – Monthly compensation for eligible surviving spouses, children, or dependents of veterans whose death was service-connected or who were rated totally disabled.

Survivor Pension – An income-based benefit for eligible surviving spouses and dependents of wartime veterans.

Burial & Memorial Benefits

  • Burial and funeral reimbursement
  • Headstones and grave markers
  • Burial flags
  • Assistance with national or state veterans cemetery eligibility

Additional Benefit Review

  • Accrued benefits
  • Dependent additions
  • Review of any pending or unresolved claims

We are here to help families understand their options and ensure benefits are properly developed and submitted with care and accuracy.

Official VA Resources

Our office is here to guide you through the process. For additional information about these benefits, you can review the official VA resource here:

Appeals and Decision Reviews

Disagree With a Decision? If the VA denied your claim, gave you a lower rating than expected, or overlooked important information, you have options.
You may need an appeal if:
  • Your claim was denied
  • Your disability rating seems too low
  • Key medical or service evidence was not considered

An appeal gives you the opportunity to strengthen, clarify, or correct your claim.

If you disagree with a VA decision, our office helps you understand your options and guides you through the appropriate review process.

Appeal Options May Include:

Supplemental Claim – Submission of new and relevant evidence to support your case.

Higher-Level Review – A senior VA reviewer re-examines your claim for errors.

Board of Veterans’ Appeals – Formal appeal reviewed by a Veterans Law Judge.

We advocate on your behalf, ensure deadlines are met, and help present your case clearly and effectively at every stage.

Official VA Resources

Our office is here to guide you through the process. For additional information about these benefits, you can review the official VA resource here:

Check Your VA Claim Status

Once your claim has been submitted, you will receive updates and correspondence directly from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

Please note that the VA does not contact our office directly regarding decisions.

Processing times depend on the VA’s workload and may take months before a decision is made.

You may also check the status of your claim directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by:

  • Visiting: va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status
  • Calling the VA at: 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711)
  • Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

Please keep me informed when you receive any notifications or decisions. Once you hear back, we can review the next steps together if needed.

Resources and Support Services

In addition to benefits and claims assistance, Veterans and their families may have access to additional programs that support employment, entrepreneurship, and career development.
Parking & Mobility Assistance

Veterans with service-connected disabilities or mobility limitations may qualify for special parking privileges.

Union County Veteran Parking Placard Program – In honor of Veterans, multiple locations throughout Union County offer designated parking spaces reserved for military Veterans. These parking spaces feature signage identifying them as Veteran Parking, and may be used by any Veteran whose vehicle displays the official Union County Veteran Parking Placard issued by the Union County Office of Veterans Services. Veterans may apply for a placard through our office. Once approved, the placard allows access to participating Veteran-designated parking spaces across Union County.

Parking Spot Locations

sites

Application

sites

External Links

New Jersey Disabled Veteran License Plates – Available to Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.

New Jersey Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard – Temporary or permanent parking placards for individuals with qualifying medical conditions.

Purple Heart License Plates – Special recognition plates for recipients of the Purple Heart.

Transportation Assistance – Union County Paratransit Services

Veterans may qualify for transportation programs that help them travel to medical appointments, community services, and other essential destinations.

Union County Paratransit Provides transportation service for Union County Veterans to access the major, in- out-of-county VA medical clinics. Transportation is available to schedule on the following days:

  • Monday & Wednesday to East Orange VA Medical Center
  • Tuesday & Thursday to Lyons VA Medical Center
  • Daily to the Piscataway VA Clinic
External Links

VA Beneficiary Travel Program – Reimbursement for eligible Veterans traveling to VA medical appointments.

VA Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) – Transportation assistance to VA medical facilities for eligible Veterans.

NJ TRANSIT Reduced Fare Program – Discounted fares for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Veterans interested in starting or growing a business may qualify for specialized training, mentorship, and contracting opportunities. Resources for Veteran entrepreneurs include:

Veteran Employment Opportunities

Many employers actively seek to hire Veterans because of their leadership, discipline, and technical skills. The following resources connect Veterans with employers who value military experience. Veteran-focused hiring programs and job boards:

Mental Health Support

Veterans and their families have access to confidential mental health services, crisis support, and counseling resources. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

  • Veterans Crisis Line – 24/7 confidential support for Veterans and their loved ones.
  • VA Mental Health Services – Information about counseling, therapy, PTSD support, and other mental health services available through the VA.
  • Vet Centers – Community-based counseling centers offering free and confidential services for Veterans and their families.
Homeless Veteran Assistance

Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness may qualify for housing assistance, emergency services, and support programs.

NJ SOS Veterans / Catholic Charities – Emergency Housing Assistance and provides emergency housing referrals and support services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.

  • Contact: NJ SOS Vets: 1-855-289-8527
  • Welcome Home Vets of NJ: 1-973-245-9505
  • njsosvets@gmail.com
  • info@welcomehomevetsofnj.org
Social Security Disability Benefits for Veterans

Veterans may qualify for expedited processing of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications. Military service members are also eligible for Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. Veterans who served between 1957 and 2001 may receive special extra earnings credits that could increase their Social Security benefits.

Office of the Union County Clerk

The Union County Clerk’s Office offers several services and resources for Veterans, including:

Learn more :  ucnj.org/ctyclerk 

Phone: 908-527-4787

Office of the Union County Surrogate

The Union County Surrogate’s Office assists families with probate and estate matters following the passing of a loved one. Services include:

  • Probate of Wills
  • Administration of Estates

Families of Veterans may also contact the Union County Office of Veterans Services for assistance applying for VA burial benefits and memorial benefits.

Learn more: ucnj.org/surrogate
Phone: 908-527-4280

Downloadable Veteran Guides