New Jersey Veteran Benefits 2026: Complete Guide to State Programs and Resources

Key Takeaways

• New Jersey exempts military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments from state income tax, plus offers a $6,000 veteran income tax exemption
• Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled receive complete property tax exemption; wartime veterans receive a $250 annual deduction
• National Guard members get free tuition at public colleges (up to 16 credits per semester), with benefits extending to surviving spouses and children
• Disabled veterans with any VA rating receive free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps
• Three state veterans homes in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland provide 24-hour nursing care

Table of Contents

• New Jersey Veteran Tax Benefits
• Property Tax Benefits
• Education Benefits
• Veterans Homes and Housing
• Employment Benefits
• Recreation Benefits
• License Plates and Vehicle Benefits
• Burial Benefits
• New Jersey Veteran Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions

New Jersey is home to approximately 350,000 veterans and offers a comprehensive package of state benefits, including tax-free military retirement pay, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and generous education assistance for National Guard members. With one of the highest property tax rates in the nation, the state’s veteran property tax benefits are particularly valuable.

This guide covers every New Jersey veteran benefit available in 2026, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and contact information for the agencies that administer these programs.

New Jersey Veteran Tax Benefits

New Jersey provides multiple tax advantages for veterans, making it one of the more veteran-friendly states for retirees despite its high overall tax environment.

Military Retirement Pay Exemption

U.S. Armed Forces pension payments are completely exempt from New Jersey state income tax. This applies to retirement pay from all branches of service, including reserve and National Guard retirement. Veterans simply exclude this income on their state tax return.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Exemption

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) annuities are also exempt from New Jersey income tax.

Veteran Income Tax Exemption ($6,000)

Honorably discharged veterans are eligible for a $6,000 exemption on their New Jersey income tax return. This exemption is available to:

• Veterans discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty at any time before the last day of the tax year
• Spouses filing jointly who are also qualifying veterans (each spouse can claim the exemption)

This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions you’re entitled to claim and is available on both resident and nonresident returns. To claim it for the first time, submit your DD-214 or other documentation of honorable discharge to the Division of Taxation.

Active Duty Pay

Active duty military pay is taxable in New Jersey, with one important exception: combat zone pay is not taxable. New Jersey also follows federal guidelines and offers filing extensions for service members serving in combat zones.

VA Disability Compensation

VA disability compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are not taxable at the state level (they are also exempt from federal taxes).

Property Tax Benefits

Given New Jersey’s high property taxes, the state’s veteran property tax benefits can provide significant savings.

100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Honorably discharged veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled as a result of active wartime service may qualify for a complete exemption from property taxes on their home. This is a full exemption—not just a reduction.

Eligibility Requirements

• Honorably discharged veteran
• 100% permanent and total disability caused by active wartime service
• VA certification of disability status
• Own and occupy the property as primary residence
• New Jersey resident

How to Apply

File Form D.V.S.S.E. with your local tax assessor’s office, along with your DD-214 and VA Certificate of Disability. Applications must be filed annually (typically by April 1, though some counties have January 15 deadlines).

Surviving Spouse Eligibility

The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who was 100% permanently and totally disabled may continue to receive the exemption if the veteran was a New Jersey resident at death and the spouse maintains the property as their primary residence.

Veteran Property Tax Deduction ($250)

Wartime veterans who served at least 14 days in a combat zone may receive an annual $250 property tax deduction. Requirements include:

• Honorable discharge
• Own the property for which the deduction is sought
• Active service during a time of war
• New Jersey resident

Widows and widowers of eligible veterans may also claim this deduction. Apply through your local tax assessor’s office.

Note: Proportional Property Tax Exemption

New Jersey has enacted legislation creating proportional property tax exemptions for veterans with disability ratings of 30-90%, with benefits capped at $10,000 in annual property tax relief. Contact your local assessor’s office for current implementation status and eligibility details.

Education Benefits

New Jersey offers several education programs for veterans, National Guard members, and their dependents.

New Jersey National Guard Tuition Waiver Program (NJNGTP)

Active National Guard members can attend any New Jersey public college or university tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester. The program covers undergraduate and graduate studies.

Eligibility Requirements

• Active member of the New Jersey National Guard
• Satisfactorily participating in required training
• Accepted and in good standing in a course of study
• Must apply for financial aid (FAFSA) each year
• The waiver applies after all other financial aid is used

Family Member Eligibility

Surviving spouses and children of New Jersey National Guard members killed in the line of duty are also eligible for this benefit.

POW/MIA Tuition Benefit

Free undergraduate college tuition is available to children born or adopted before or during the period their parent was officially declared a POW or MIA (after January 1, 1960). The service member must have been a New Jersey resident when entering service. Eligible students can attend any public or private institution in New Jersey.

War Orphans Tuition Assistance

Children of veterans who died while in service, were MIA, POW, or died from a service-connected disability may receive up to $500 per year for four years of college or equivalent training. Requirements:

• Child must be a New Jersey resident for at least one year prior to application
• Child must be between ages 16 and 21 at time of application
• Parent/guardian must have been a state resident

Vietnam Veterans Tuition Credit Program

Veterans who served between December 31, 1960, and May 7, 1975, may receive partial tuition reimbursement at New Jersey public institutions of higher education:

• Full-time students: Up to $400 per year
• Part-time students: Up to $200 per year

Veterans must have been New Jersey residents when entering or leaving service, or for two years prior to application. Contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau at (609) 530-6949 or vbb@dmava.nj.gov.

Operation Recognition

New Jersey awards honorary high school diplomas to veterans who left a New Jersey high school to serve in WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam. Contact your local school district to apply.

Veterans Homes and Housing

New Jersey operates three veterans memorial homes and transitional housing programs for homeless veterans.

New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes

• Menlo Park (Edison): 312 beds | 732-452-4100 | Admissions: 732-452-4272
• Paramus: 336 beds | 201-634-8200 | Admissions: 201-634-8435
• Vineland: 300 beds | 856-405-4200 | Admissions: 856-405-4217

Services Provided

• 24-hour medical and nursing care
• Full-time physicians, nurse practitioners, RNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants
• Rehabilitation services (occupational, physical, and speech therapy)
• Recreational activities
• Beauty and barber shops

All three homes are inspected and licensed annually by the New Jersey Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility

• Wartime veterans who served on active duty and were honorably discharged
• Spouses and Gold Star parents of eligible veterans
• Preference given to New Jersey residents (2+ years)
• Must meet asset limitation criteria

Payment is based on ability to pay according to income.

Veterans Haven Transitional Housing

Two Veterans Haven facilities provide transitional housing for homeless veterans:

• Veterans Haven North: Glen Gardner (Hunterdon County)
• Veterans Haven South: Winslow Township (Camden County)

The program is divided into three phases: treatment, self-reclamation, and community reintegration, each lasting three to six months. To be admitted, veterans must be drug and alcohol-free, eligible for VA healthcare, employable, with income less than $1,800 per month.

Employment Benefits

New Jersey provides strong hiring preferences for veterans in state employment.

Civil Service Preference

Veterans receive an “absolute preference” when applying for New Jersey civil service positions. This means:

• Veterans who receive a passing score on civil service exams go to the top of open competitive employment lists, ahead of non-veterans regardless of their scores
• Disabled veterans with at least 10% disability receive the highest preference, above other veterans

Spouse and Surviving Spouse Preference

• The spouse of a disabled veteran may receive the same preference as the disabled veteran (but the veteran loses entitlement if the spouse uses it)
• Surviving spouses of disabled veterans or veterans who died in service receive preference until remarriage

Veterans Retirement Benefits

Veterans employed by the state who are enrolled in certain pension funds qualify for special Veterans Retirement benefits. This applies to those in:

• New Jersey Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS)
• Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF)
• State Police Retirement System (SPRS)

Veterans Retirement includes the ability to retire at age 55 (with 25 years of service) and a more generous calculation of maximum annual allowance during retirement.

Military Service Credit

State pension members may purchase credit for up to 10 years of active military service performed before enrollment. Veterans receiving military retired pay generally aren’t eligible, but reserve retirees may purchase credit.

CDL License Exemption

Veterans who held a military commercial driver’s license are exempt from the behind-the-wheel portion of the civilian CDL exam.

One-Stop Career Centers

Staff specialists at New Jersey One-Stop Career Centers provide priority services to veterans, including job referrals, resume assistance, and training opportunities.

Recreation Benefits

New Jersey offers generous recreation benefits for disabled veterans, National Guard members, and their families.

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Honorably discharged New Jersey resident veterans with any degree of service-connected disability from the VA are eligible for free:

• Hunting and fishing licenses
• Pheasant, quail, and trout stamps
• Turkey permits (two spring, one fall, plus additional when available)
• All permits and stamps

There is no minimum disability rating required—any VA-rated disability qualifies. Apply through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at (609) 292-2965 or NJDFWLicenses@dep.nj.gov.

National Guard Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Active National Guard members who have completed initial active duty training and participated in unit training within the last 90 days receive free hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps. Learn more at the NJ Department of Military Affairs website.

Active Duty Service Members

Active duty military members, regardless of where stationed, may purchase New Jersey hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at resident rates with proof of service.

State Park Benefits

New Jersey offers several state park benefits:

• Free entry to State Parks and Forests: Available to National Guard members who have completed initial training and honorably discharged disabled veterans
• Free beach vehicle permits: Disabled veterans may receive free permits to operate motorized vehicles on state park beaches
• Free entry during veterans’ organization events: Veterans attending events held by veterans’ organizations receive free admission

Sea Girt Beach and Recreation Facility

The National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt offers a private beach with covered pavilion, campsites, cottages, and picnic areas available to service members, veterans, retired service members, and their families.

License Plates and Vehicle Benefits

New Jersey offers various military and veteran license plates recognizing service and providing identification benefits.

Disabled Veteran Plates

Veterans with permanent service-connected disabilities may qualify for disabled veteran license plates, which provide recognition and may include parking privileges.

Military Service Plates

New Jersey offers license plates for:

• Purple Heart recipients
• Combat veterans by era
• Branch-specific plates
• Gold Star family members
• Various campaign and service recognitions

Burial Benefits

New Jersey provides burial benefits through its state veterans cemetery and a disability compensation program.

Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Located in Wrightstown (Burlington County), this state veterans cemetery provides:

• Free interment for eligible veterans
• Perpetual care at no charge

Eligibility

• Veterans whose service ended under other than dishonorable or undesirable conditions
• Must have been a legal New Jersey resident before death, or a resident for at least 50% of their lifetime
• Dependents are also eligible: spouse, unmarried children under 21 (or 23 if in college), and unmarried adult children who are incapable of self-support

Catastrophic Disability Monthly Payment

Certain permanently and totally disabled resident wartime veterans may receive a monthly payment of $150 (or $62.50 in some cases). Qualifying disabilities include loss of sight, amputation of limbs, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries. Surviving spouses may also qualify. Contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau for eligibility details.

New Jersey Veteran Resources

New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Note: New Jersey has recently reorganized its departments. Veterans services are now administered by the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs.

Regional Veterans Service Officers throughout the state provide free assistance with:

• VA claims and benefits
• State benefits applications
• Connecting to healthcare and housing programs
• Employment assistance

Call toll-free: 888-8NJ-VETS (888-865-8387)

NJ Vet to Vet Helpline

A 24/7 counseling line operated by Rutgers University in partnership with DMAVA, offering counseling, case management, family support, and live chat options.

VA Healthcare Facilities

New Jersey is served by the VA New Jersey Health Care System, including:

• East Orange Campus
• Lyons Campus
• Numerous community-based outpatient clinics statewide

Military Installations

New Jersey hosts Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, one of the nation’s premier joint bases combining Air Force, Army, and Navy/Marine Corps operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is provided by USMilitary.org, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. For official benefit information and applications, visit veterans.nj.gov or call 888-8NJ-VETS.