How to apply for New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement ($150/Month for Severe Service-Connected Disabilities)

Who it's for

New Jersey pays $150 a month — $1,800 a year — to resident veterans with certain severe, permanent service-connected disabilities from wartime service. Qualifying conditions include loss of sight, amputation of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot, paraplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia, osteochondritis with permanent loss of use of both legs, and multiple sclerosis with loss of use of both feet. The payment is on top of any federal VA compensation, and a surviving spouse can continue receiving it. Apply through the Veterans Benefits Bureau with the VA rating decision showing the qualifying condition.

What you'll need

• Completed Catastrophic Entitlement application
• VA rating decision or award letter documenting the permanent service-connected disability
• DD-214 or other proof of wartime military service
• Proof of New Jersey residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement ($150/Month for Severe Service-Connected Disabilities). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need completed catastrophic entitlement application, va rating decision or award letter documenting the permanent service-connected disability, dd-214 or other proof of wartime military service — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that your service-connected disability is one of the qualifying catastrophic conditions: loss of sight; amputation of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot; hemiplegia; paraplegia; quadriplegia; osteochondritis with permanent loss of use of both legs; or multiple sclerosis with loss of use of both feet. The disability must have resulted from wartime service. If you are unsure whether your VA rating qualifies, contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau at 888-865-8387 or vbb@dva.nj.gov before applying.
2. Gather the required documents: your completed Catastrophic Entitlement application, your VA rating decision or award letter showing the permanent service-connected disability, your DD-214 or other proof of wartime military service, and proof of New Jersey residency.
3. Apply online through the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Bureau, or call 888-865-8387 to apply by phone or get help completing your application.
4. Submit your completed application along with all required supporting documents to the Veterans Benefits Bureau.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the Veterans Benefits Bureau will review your documents to confirm that your condition and wartime service meet the program's requirements. Processing times vary, so contact the Bureau at 888-865-8387 or vbb@dva.nj.gov for a status update or timeline estimate. If approved, you will receive $150 per month ($1,800 per year), which is paid in addition to any federal VA compensation you already receive. A surviving spouse may be eligible to continue receiving this benefit. Check with the Veterans Benefits Bureau about any renewal or recertification requirements that may apply to your case.