How to apply for New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes (Long-Term Care)

Who it's for

New Jersey runs three long-term care nursing homes for veterans: the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park (Edison), Paramus, and Vineland. They provide 24-hour skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, dining with special diets, and recreation programs. Honorably discharged veterans of war or peacetime service may apply, along with spouses and Gold Star parents. Residents pay according to ability, based on income — not a fixed private-pay rate. Preference goes to New Jersey residents of at least two years, and admission depends on the home being able to meet the applicant's care needs and on bed availability.

What you'll need

• Completed application for admission to a New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home
• DD-214 or other proof of discharge under other than dishonorable conditions
• Medical records supporting the need for 24-hour skilled nursing care
• Financial records (income and assets) for the admission and fee assessment
• Marriage certificate for spouse eligibility

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes (Long-Term Care). 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 application for admission to a new jersey veterans memorial home, dd-214 or other proof of discharge under other than dishonorable conditions, medical records supporting the need for 24-hour skilled nursing care — 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 eligibility before applying. The applicant must be an honorably discharged veteran of war or peacetime service, a qualifying spouse (generally at least 50 years old and married to the veteran for at least 10 years), an unremarried surviving spouse, or a Gold Star parent. New Jersey residency of at least two years is preferred. Admission also requires a need for 24-hour skilled nursing care and depends on the chosen home's ability to meet the applicant's care needs and on bed availability.
2. Gather your required documents. You will need: a completed application for admission to a New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home; a DD-214 or other proof of discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; medical records supporting the need for 24-hour skilled nursing care; financial records showing income and assets for the admission and fee assessment; and, if applying as a spouse, a marriage certificate.
3. Choose your preferred home. The three locations are the Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park (Edison), Paramus, and Vineland. Call the admissions office at your preferred home to discuss your specific situation, care needs, and current bed availability.
4. Apply online or by phone. Submit the completed application and supporting documents through the online application portal or by calling 609-530-4600.
5. Be prepared for the fee assessment. Fees are not a fixed private-pay rate — they are set based on income under state rules. Assets above the program's limits are spent toward care first. Have financial records ready to support this review.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the admissions team will review your eligibility, medical records, and financial information to determine whether the home can meet the applicant's care needs and whether a bed is available. Processing times vary, so contact the admissions office at your preferred home for an estimate. If admitted, the monthly fee will be calculated based on income under state rules. There is no fixed annual renewal, but residents' fees may be reassessed as income or financial circumstances change — the admissions office can explain what to expect for ongoing reviews.