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New Jersey Veteran benefits

37 benefits from New Jersey for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in New Jersey

New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 888-865-8387 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you New Jersey's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
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37 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    $250 Annual Veteran Property Tax Deduction

    Honorably discharged veterans, or their unremarried surviving spouse, may deduct $250 each year from the property taxes owed on their New Jersey home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran of active U.S. Armed Forces service who owns real or personal property in NJ, or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran or of a serviceperson who died on active duty.
    How to apply
    File the Property Tax Deduction Claim by Veteran or Surviving Spouse (Form V.S.S.) with the municipal tax assessor or collector.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

    New Jersey gives a full exemption from local property taxes on the home and lot of a veteran the VA has certified as 100% permanently and totally disabled, or their unremarried surviving spouse.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Honorably discharged veteran with active U.S. service, VA-certified 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, NJ resident who owns and occupies the dwelling; unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran or of a serviceperson who died on active duty may also qualify.
    How to apply
    File the Claim for Property Tax Exemption on Dwelling of Disabled Veteran (Form D.V.S.S.E.) with the local municipal tax assessor or collector.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Active Military Service Property Tax Deferment

    NJ residents deployed or mobilized for active military service in time of war can defer paying their property tax bill without interest until 90 days after their deployment or mobilization ends.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. NJ resident serviceperson deployed or mobilized for active service in time of war, including National Guard or Reserve members mobilized for federal active duty.
    How to apply
    File Form AMSPTD and documentary proof with the municipal tax collector.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Property Tax Deduction for Surviving Spouses

    Annual property tax deduction available to surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans who served during specified wartime periods. Surviving spouses must meet the same eligibility criteria as the veteran.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans with active wartime service, property ownership, and timely application. Veterans who served after 1975 must have served at least 14 days in a combat zone.
    How to apply
    File application at local tax assessor's office with appropriate documentation. Establish eligibility as of October 1 of the pre-tax year.
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

  • 100% P&TFor family or survivors

    Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Disabled Veterans

    Property tax exemption available to surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating. Property must be owned and occupied by the surviving spouse as their legal residence.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Surviving spouses of veterans with 100% VA Certificate of Disability that is permanent and total, non-partial and non-temporary. Property must be owned and occupied by the claimant as legal residence.
    How to apply
    Contact the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs at 888-865-8387 for application procedures.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    $6,000 Veteran Income Tax Exemption

    Veterans honorably discharged from active duty can claim a $6,000 exemption on their NJ income tax return in addition to other exemptions; a veteran spouse filing jointly may also claim it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Military veteran honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty on or before the last day of the tax year; a spouse/civil union partner who is also a veteran may claim on a joint return.
    How to apply
    Submit veteran discharge documentation with the Veteran Income Tax Exemption Submission Form online, by mail, or by fax before filing; a one-time submission establishes eligibility.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Combat Zone Pay Exclusion

    Combat pay is not taxable for New Jersey income tax purposes for Tax Year 2021 and after, and service members hospitalized for a combat-zone injury are exempt from tax on their wages during hospitalization.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service members receiving pay that qualifies as combat zone compensation under federal definitions, for Tax Year 2021 and later; the law is not retroactive to earlier years.
    How to apply
    Exclude combat zone compensation when reporting gross income on Form NJ-1040; no separate application is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Status Retirement (PERS/TPAF)

    NJ public employees enrolled in PERS or TPAF who qualify for Veteran Status can retire earlier, at age 55 with 25 years of service or age 60 with 20 years, with a more generous pension calculation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. PERS or TPAF member honorably discharged who served on active duty during a qualifying war era, including at least 14 days in a combat theater (90 days of active duty for the Vietnam era).
    How to apply
    Submit WD Form 53-55 or DD Form 214 and an Honorable Discharge Certificate to the Division of Pensions and Benefits to establish Veteran Status.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Pension and Survivor Benefit Tax Exemption

    New Jersey does not tax U.S. military pensions or survivor's benefit payments issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, regardless of the recipient's age or income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Recipients of U.S. military retirement pay or survivor's benefit payments resulting from service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.
    How to apply
    Do not report the military pension or survivor's benefit as income on Form NJ-1040; no application is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Any rating

    Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient Parking Placard

    Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients can get a special MVC placard exempting them from municipal parking meter fees for up to 24 hours when displayed in their own vehicle.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. The vehicle must be owned by the disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient, who must be the driver or a passenger, and the vehicle must display the MVC-issued placard.
    How to apply
    Submit a completed Application for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipient Placard (Form SP-47) with proof of eligibility, in person or by mail to the MVC Special Plate Unit.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Free Vehicle Registration for Blind or Adaptive-Equipment Disabled Veterans

    Certain disabled veterans, including those blinded in war service or who received a free automobile grant from the VA with adaptive equipment, can register their vehicle in New Jersey for free.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran without sight from war service eligible for state compensation under N.J.S.A. 38:18-1, or a veteran with a service-connected disability who received a VA automobile grant, has adaptive equipment on the vehicle, and is properly insured by a NJ-licensed company.
    Blind from war service, or service-connected disabled veteran who received a VA automobile grant with adaptive equipment installed
    How to apply
    Call the MVC Government Unit for an application and mail the certified VA application with seal or stamp to the MVC Government Unit in Trenton.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military and Veteran Organization License Plates

    The MVC offers a range of special plates honoring military and veteran status, including National Guard, Disabled American Veterans, Combat Infantryman Badge, Navy Cross plates for $15, and free Congressional Medal of Honor, Gold Star Family, Silver Star, and Prisoner of War plates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility varies by plate and requires proof of the specific military award, unit membership, or veterans' organization affiliation being honored.
    How to apply
    Call the MVC Special Plate Unit for an application and mail the completed application to the Special Plate Unit, PO Box 015, Trenton, NJ 08666-0015.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

    New Jersey offers a permanent imprinted veteran designation on a driver license or non-driver ID card at no additional fee, to visibly recognize a person's veteran status.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Individuals who can show satisfactory proof of veteran status, such as a DD-214/DD-215, an official county-issued veteran ID card, or activation orders under Title 10.
    How to apply
    Request the designation when applying for or renewing a license/ID at any MVC agency, or by mailing a photocopy of your current license/ID and discharge documents to MVC.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

    Honorably discharged NJ resident veterans with any degree of VA-recognized service-connected disability qualify for free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps, including deer and turkey permits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Honorably discharged veteran with a VA service-connected disability of any degree. Must be a New Jersey resident with NJ as your main home for at least 6 months. Certification is one time, but it ends if you move out of state.
    How to apply
    Create an online account at nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales to get a Conservation ID. Fill out the Disabled Veteran Certification application. Mail it with copies of your VA disability letter or card, DD-214, and NJ license or ID to NJ Fish and Wildlife, Attn: Disabled Veteran Licensing, Mail Code 501-3, PO Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420. Approval takes about 3 weeks.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for National Guard Members

    Eligible New Jersey National Guard personnel in good standing are entitled to free sporting licenses, permits, and stamps, issued through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. New Jersey National Guard personnel in good standing.
    How to apply
    Contact the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs hunting and fishing license benefits program to obtain licenses.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Free State Park Beach Motor Vehicle Permit for Disabled Veterans

    New Jersey does not charge disabled veterans a fee to obtain, replace, or renew a permit to operate a motorized vehicle on a State Park beach.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Disabled veterans seeking a permit to operate a motorized vehicle on a New Jersey State Park beach.
    How to apply
    Apply through the New Jersey State Park or Forest office where the beach is located.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free State Park Entry for Veterans' Organization Events

    Veterans are authorized free entry to a State Park or Forest during an event held by a veterans' organization, and the organization is not charged a facility fee for using the park or forest.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans attending an event held by a recognized veterans' organization at a New Jersey State Park or Forest.
    How to apply
    The sponsoring veterans' organization arranges the event directly with the State Park or Forest.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family Free State Park Entry

    Gold Star Family members who hold a New Jersey driver license or ID card with the Gold Star Family designation are authorized free entry to State Parks and Forests.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Immediate family members of a fallen service member who obtain the Gold Star Family designation on a New Jersey driver license or non-driver ID card.
    How to apply
    Apply for the Gold Star Family license or ID designation through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, then present it for free park entry.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Academic Credit for Military Service and Training

    NJ public and independent colleges must review a student's military experience and, after considering ACE credit recommendations, award appropriate academic credit toward a degree program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Students at a NJ public or independent institution of higher education who have documented military training or experience aligned with courses at that institution.
    How to apply
    Contact the educational institution's registrar to have military training records evaluated for credit under C.18A:3B-42a.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Jersey National Guard Tuition Waiver Program (NJNGTP)

    Active New Jersey National Guard members in good standing can take classes at New Jersey public colleges and universities without paying tuition, up to 16 credits per semester. It covers tuition only, not fees or books.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Member of the NJ National Guard who completed Initial Active Duty Training, is in good standing, is enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, and has applied for other available state and federal student aid.
    How to apply
    Each year, apply for financial aid first and accept any grants or scholarships. Then, each semester, give your school a signed Commander's Certificate of Eligibility (NJDMAVA Form 621-2-R). Some schools also want a program registration form.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    POW/MIA Tuition Benefit Program

    Children born or adopted before or during the time a parent was officially declared a prisoner of war or missing in action after January 1, 1960 receive free undergraduate tuition at any NJ public or private college.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child of a POW/MIA service member who was a NJ resident at the time of entering service or whose official residence is NJ; the child must attend a public or private NJ institution and submit a copy of DD Form 1300.
    How to apply
    Submit an application with a copy of DD Form 1300 to the Veterans Benefits Bureau.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Tuition Credit Program

    Vietnam-era veterans can receive partial tuition reimbursement paid directly to their NJ school, up to $400 a year for full-time students or $200 a year for part-time students.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran on active duty between December 31, 1960 and May 7, 1975 who was a legal NJ resident at entrance into or discharge from service.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Veterans Benefits Bureau; reimbursement is paid directly to the educational institution.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    War Orphans Tuition Assistance

    Children of NJ service members who died in the military, died from a service-connected disability, or are officially listed as missing in action can receive $500 per year for up to four years of college or equivalent training.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child between the ages of 16 and 21 who has been an NJ resident for at least one year immediately before applying; the veteran parent must have been a NJ resident.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Veterans Benefits Bureau at 609-530-6949 or vbb@dva.nj.gov.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Civil Service Veterans Preference

    New Jersey gives qualified veterans who pass a civil service exam an absolute preference, placing them at the top of open competitive employment lists ahead of non-veterans; disabled veterans receive the highest preference.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran with an honorable discharge from active duty during a qualifying war era; disabled veterans and, in some cases, surviving spouses of veterans who died in or out of service are also eligible.
    What you get at each level
    • absolute preference for qualifying veterans
    • highest preference for disabled veterans
    How to apply
    Submit a Civil Service Veterans Preference Claim Form with supporting discharge documents; preference can be established as late as 8 days before an open competitive list is issued.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Jersey Veterans Transportation Program

    DMAVA-coordinated free transportation is offered to veterans traveling to VA medical centers, clinics, pharmacies, private physicians, regional veterans service offices, or job service offices in most NJ counties.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans needing transportation to VA and related medical or benefits appointments; availability and level of service vary by county.
    How to apply
    Contact the local county DMAVA Veterans Service Officer to schedule transportation and learn county-specific requirements.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Preference During Layoffs

    During a New Jersey state employment layoff, disabled veterans get first preference in retention, followed by veterans, ahead of non-veterans.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. State civil service employees who hold Veteran or Disabled Veteran status as determined by the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
    How to apply
    Veteran status for layoff preference is established through the same Civil Service Veterans Preference process with the Civil Service Commission.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Civil Service Veterans Preferences for Surviving Spouses

    Surviving spouses of disabled veterans or parents of veterans who died in service are eligible for civil service employment preference if the veteran would have been eligible.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouses of disabled veterans or parents of veterans who died in service, provided the veteran would have been eligible for veterans preference. Requires proper documentation.
    How to apply
    Submit DD Form 214, Honorable Discharge Certificate, and VA Disability Award Letter. Contact New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs at 888-865-8387.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB) Certification and Set-Aside

    New Jersey certifies Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses and reserves a share of state contracts for them through a dedicated set-aside program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Business with its principal place of business in NJ, at least 51% owned and controlled by disabled veterans, or officially verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a service-disabled veteran-owned business.
    How to apply
    Complete and submit the NJ Disabled Veteran Owned Business Registration Application; certification must be reverified annually through the state portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) Certification

    New Jersey certifies businesses that are majority-owned by veterans as a Veteran-Owned Business, giving official recognition that can help with government and private contracting.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Business with its principal place of business in NJ, independently owned and operated, with at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans who served at least 90 days and were honorably discharged.
    How to apply
    Register online through the Uniform Certification Service with a copy of the principal owner's DD-214; the $100 filing fee has been waived indefinitely.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery

    New Jersey's state-operated veterans cemetery in Arneytown provides burial for eligible veterans, certain dependents, and current service members at no cost to the family.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans, members of the Armed Forces or reserve units on active duty at death, certain dependents, and certain merchant marines and civilians awarded veteran status; the veteran must have established NJ legal residence prior to death or been a NJ resident for at least 50 percent of their lifetime.
    How to apply
    At the time of need, the funeral director contacts the cemetery's Interment Office with proof of honorable military service and NJ residency.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors

    Provides full military funeral honors for eligible veterans and active duty service members. Honorably discharged veterans receive 2 military representatives from their service branch, flag presentation, and Taps. Retirees and Medal of Honor recipients receive enhanced honors.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans and service members who died on active duty are eligible. Retirees and Medal of Honor recipients receive expanded honors.
    How to apply
    Funeral director typically arranges honors. For Army burials in New Jersey, contact Casualty Assistance Center at Fort Dix. For other branches, contact the branch or state of burial.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes

    New Jersey operates three long-term care nursing homes for veterans, at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland, providing 24/7 nursing, medical, and rehabilitative care.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged NJ resident veterans in need of nursing home level care; admission criteria and residency requirements are set by the Department of Veterans Affairs and NJ Department of Health licensing rules.
    How to apply
    Contact the Division of Veterans Healthcare Services or the specific memorial home directly to begin the admissions process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    NJHMFA First-Time Homebuyer Requirement Waiver for Veterans

    Qualified veterans do not need to meet NJHMFA's usual first-time homebuyer requirement to be eligible for its first mortgage or down payment assistance products, as long as they do not own another primary residence at closing. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Qualified veterans purchasing a home in New Jersey with an NJHMFA participating lender who do not currently own another primary residence.
    How to apply
    Contact an NJHMFA participating lender to apply for an NJHMFA first mortgage or down payment assistance program noting veteran status.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Haven Transitional Housing Program

    New Jersey operates two state-run transitional housing facilities, Veterans Haven North and South, offering homeless veterans housing along with psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation services.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Homeless veterans who are medically evaluated at a VA Medical Center and agree to program requirements, including sobriety and participation in rehabilitation services.
    How to apply
    Contact Veterans Haven North or South directly, or a local DMAVA Veterans Service Officer, to begin the admissions process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • Certain disabilities

    Blind Veterans' Allowance Program

    New Jersey pays a lifetime annual allowance to a veteran who sustained a total loss of sight as a result of wartime service, continuing to the surviving spouse after the veteran's death.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). A veteran who sustained total loss of sight as a result of service during a war period listed in R.S.38:18-1, and who remains a NJ resident; the surviving spouse continues to receive the payment.
    total loss of sight as result of wartime service
    How to apply
    Submit evidence of service and disability to the Division of Veterans Services of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for certification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Veterans' Allowance Program

    New Jersey pays a lifetime annual allowance to veterans with certain severe wartime service-connected disabilities, such as paraplegia, hemiplegia, or loss of use of limbs, continuing to the surviving spouse.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). A veteran who served in the active military or naval forces and has paraplegia, osteochondritis, hemiplegia, amputation of hands or feet, or loss of use of both feet/legs from multiple sclerosis, sustained through enemy action, accident, or disease contracted in active service.
    Paraplegia, hemiplegia, osteochondritis, amputation of hands or feet, or loss of use of both feet/legs from multiple sclerosis, sustained through enemy action, accident, or disease in active service
    How to apply
    Submit evidence of service and disability to the Division of Veterans Programs of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for certification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family Support Services

    Comprehensive support for immediate relatives of service members killed in combat including access to Veterans Service Officers, PTSD counseling, housing assistance, employment services, and other social and medical services.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Immediate relatives of United States Armed Forces members killed in combat or in support of military activities.
    How to apply
    Contact local Veterans Service Officers or call 1-888-865-8387 (1-888-8NJ-VETS) for information and guidance on available benefits.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.