New Jersey Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in New Jersey, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: New Jersey veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
New Jersey offers full property tax exemption for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, a $250 annual property tax deduction for honorably discharged veterans, and full military retirement pay exemption.
Getting help in New Jersey
Accredited claims help
New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (888) 865-8387
101 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Some New Jersey counties have a veterans service office.
Veterans Service Offices (state, one per county)
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% P&T; $250 deduction for honorably discharged veterans
Veterans with 100% P&T disability receive full property tax exemption on primary residence. Honorably discharged veterans with active-duty service receive a $250 annual deduction. Surviving spouses and domestic partners also eligible.
Income Tax Benefits
Military pension fully exempt
U.S. Armed Forces pension payments are completely exempt from New Jersey state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for any disabled veteran
New Jersey gives free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps to honorably discharged resident veterans whom the VA has declared to have a service-connected disability of any degree, after a one-time certification by mail. Certified veterans can also get free deer, turkey and bear permits.
Education Benefits
Tuition-free for dependents of KIA/disabled; Guard tuition waiver
Full tuition for children of veterans who died or are permanently disabled from service at any NJ public college. Active National Guard members attend any NJ public college tuition-free for up to 16 credits/semester (undergrad and grad). Guard KIA survivors also eligible.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state civil service
New Jersey grants veterans preference in state and local civil service — disabled veterans receive absolute preference (top of eligible list). Non-disabled veterans receive preference over non-veterans with equal scores. The state also offers the Helmets to Hardhats program for construction trades.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; free tolls for DV plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. Veterans with DV plates receive free tolls on all New Jersey toll roads (Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway).
State Parks
Free state parks for disabled veterans
New Jersey state parks provide free admission and parking for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes
New Jersey operates 3 Veterans Memorial Homes (Paramus, Menlo Park, Vineland) providing skilled nursing and assisted living for eligible veterans.
Veterans in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to roughly 270,000 veterans and has a military history dating back to the Revolution. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is in the state, and the Picatinny Arsenal is a major Army research facility. The VA New Jersey Health Care System operates medical centers in East Orange and Lyons, with clinics across the state. The New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs runs three state veterans memorial homes (Menlo Park, Paramus, Vineland) and maintains a network of veteran service officers at the county level.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Veteran Benefits
Does New Jersey offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% P&T; $250 deduction for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans with 100% P&T disability receive full property tax exemption on primary residence. Honorably discharged veterans with active-duty service receive a $250 annual deduction. Surviving spouses and domestic partners also eligible.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in New Jersey?
Military pension fully exempt. U.S. Armed Forces pension payments are completely exempt from New Jersey state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does New Jersey offer veterans?
Tuition-free for dependents of KIA/disabled; Guard tuition waiver. Full tuition for children of veterans who died or are permanently disabled from service at any NJ public college. Active National Guard members attend any NJ public college tuition-free for up to 16 credits/semester (undergrad and grad). Guard KIA survivors also eligible.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in New Jersey?
Free hunting/fishing for any disabled veteran. New Jersey gives free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps to honorably discharged resident veterans whom the VA has declared to have a service-connected disability of any degree, after a one-time certification by mail. Certified veterans can also get free deer, turkey and bear permits.
Does New Jersey give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state civil service. New Jersey grants veterans preference in state and local civil service — disabled veterans receive absolute preference (top of eligible list). Non-disabled veterans receive preference over non-veterans with equal scores. The state also offers the Helmets to Hardhats program for construction trades.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in New Jersey?
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes. New Jersey operates 3 Veterans Memorial Homes (Paramus, Menlo Park, Vineland) providing skilled nursing and assisted living for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in New Jersey?
Free state parks for disabled veterans. New Jersey state parks provide free admission and parking for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
New Jersey benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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