Mercer County Veteran Services - Trenton, NJ

Overview of Veteran Services

The Mercer County Veteran Services, a division under the Department of Human Services, is dedicated to advocating for and assisting military veterans and their families residing in Mercer County. Located in the McDade Administration Building in Trenton, this office serves as a vital link between local veterans and the complexities of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The division is staffed by accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who provide free counseling and expert assistance in navigating the claims process for federal and state benefits. Their mission is to ensure that every eligible veteran receives the entitlements they have earned through their service, ranging from healthcare and disability compensation to housing and burial honors.

Key Services and Benefits

The office provides comprehensive support for a wide array of veteran-related matters:

• VA Claims Assistance: Professional guidance in filing claims for service-connected disability compensation, non-service-connected pensions, and education benefits.
• Burial and Memorials: The division assists with burial registration at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Uniquely, Mercer County also provides burial plots at no charge and mausoleums at a reduced cost for eligible county veterans at Greenwood Cemetery.
• Discharge Papers: Assistance with recording and retrieving the DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which is essential for proving eligibility for benefits.
• Survivor Benefits: Helping spouses and dependents apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and other survivor entitlements.
• Medals and Awards: Assisting veterans in obtaining replacement medals and awards earned during their service.

Medical Transportation

Recognizing the challenge of accessing healthcare, the office coordinates with the Mercer County T.R.A.D.E. transportation system to provide shuttle services for veterans. This includes scheduled trips to the Lyons VA Medical Center (typically on Tuesdays) and the East Orange VA Medical Center (typically on Wednesdays). Veterans are encouraged to contact the office or T.R.A.D.E. directly to schedule these rides in advance.

Veteran ID Cards

While the Veteran Services office handles benefits and claims, veterans seeking a Mercer County Veteran ID Card for local discounts and identification purposes should note that these are issued by the County Clerk's Office (located nearby at 209 South Broad Street), not directly at the Veteran Services division. However, the VSO can assist in ensuring veterans have the necessary DD-214 required to obtain the ID.

Location and Visiting

The office is situated on the second floor of the McDade Administration Building. As a county government facility, strict security protocols are in place. All visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors, and must present a valid photo ID to enter the building. Visitor parking is available in the main lot across the street from the administration building.