Find Your Benefits:
New Jersey is home to over 69,000 veterans receiving VA disability compensation, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But the state offers many programs and resources in addition to monthly payments, and many veterans are still leaving benefits on the table.
The biggest money saver for 100% disabled veterans is New Jersey’s 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption, which provides a full property tax waiver on the veteran’s primary residence. The state also offers free state park access and free hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with any service-connected disability rating, making New Jersey one of the more generous states for outdoor recreation benefits.
If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to receive, based on your rating or your family’s situation, this guide is for you. It explains the requirements for the wide range of VA disability benefits offered by New Jersey and how to access them.
Tax Exemptions and Financial Assistance
Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in New Jersey?
Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition are fully exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence in New Jersey. This exemption applies only to the veteran’s principal home and requires the veteran to own and occupy the property. There is no partial exemption for veterans with disability ratings below 100%.
How to Get the Property Tax Exemption
- Eligibility requires honorable discharge, New Jersey residency, and VA certification of 100% permanent and total disability.
- Required documentation includes the VA award letter, DD-214, and proof of New Jersey residency.
- Apply by filing Form D.V.S.S.E. with your local municipal tax assessor.
Surviving spouses retain the full property tax exemption as long as they remain a New Jersey resident, do not remarry or enter a new civil union, and continue to own and occupy the home as their primary residence.
$250 Annual Veteran Property Tax Deduction
Separate from the disability exemption, New Jersey provides a $250 annual property tax deduction available to all honorably discharged veterans, regardless of disability rating. The veteran must be a New Jersey resident and own the property.
Surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty may also claim this deduction, provided they have not remarried. Apply by filing Form V.S.S. with your local tax assessor or tax collector.
Do Veterans Pay Sales Tax in New Jersey?
There is no general sales tax exemption for veterans in New Jersey. The only veteran-specific sales tax benefit applies to vehicle purchases funded by VA or NJDVA grants. If the VA or NJDVA provides the funds to purchase a vehicle, that portion is exempt from sales tax. Any amount paid with personal funds remains taxable.
Income Tax Benefits
New Jersey does not tax military retirement pay or VA disability compensation and veterans don’t need to report military pensions (paid by DFAS) on their state income tax return. Additionally, all honorably discharged veterans receive a $6,000 personal exemption on their New Jersey income tax return, regardless of disability rating. Combat pay is also exempt from New Jersey income tax. Find out more about NJ veteran tax benefits.
Housing Assistance
New Jersey Programs for Homeless Veterans
New Jersey operates two state-run transitional housing facilities specifically for homeless veterans. Both programs provide up to two years of housing along with psychosocial rehabilitation, addiction support, vocational rehabilitation, and on-site Veterans Service Officers to help residents access benefits.
Veterans Haven South
Located at 301 Spring Garden Road, Winslow, NJ 08095, Veterans Haven South provides transitional housing with 24-hour staffing, mental health and addiction counseling, medical transportation, and support group access. Veterans must be registered with the VA and substance-free at admission. Phone: 609-561-4990 or toll-free 888-849-7188.
Veterans Haven North
Located at 200 Sanatorium Road, Suite 101, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826, Veterans Haven North offers the same range of rehabilitative services including nursing care and vocational training. Phone: 908-537-1999 or toll-free 877-648-0091.
The VA also provides homeless veteran outreach and services across New Jersey, including immediate food and shelter assistance, permanent housing navigation, employment support, and mental health treatment. Learn more about VA homeless veteran services in NJ.
Transportation Benefits
Free Veterans Transportation Program
All 21 counties in New Jersey operate their own veterans transportation services, generally providing free curb-to-curb rides to VA hospitals and clinics. All county programs offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and allow a caregiver or escort to ride along.
Contact the NJ Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-865-8387 or download the NJ Veterans Transportation Guide from nj.gov/dva for county-specific phone numbers and scheduling details.
Do Veterans Get Free Car Registration in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not exempt disabled veterans from standard vehicle registration fees. Registration costs vary by vehicle type, and there is no veteran-specific fee waiver available through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.
Disabled Veteran License Plates in New Jersey
The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission issues a Disabled Veteran (DV) placard that exempts the holder from municipal parking meter fees for up to 24 hours. The vehicle must be owned by the veteran, who must be either the driver or passenger. The placard is renewed every three years.
- Apply using Form SP-47 in person at any MVC agency or by mail to the NJMVC Special Plates Unit.
- Required documents: DD-214 and a VA Award of Disability letter.
- The DV placard does not grant access to designated disability parking spots. Veterans who qualify medically may separately obtain a Person with a Disability (PWAD) placard for those spaces.
Find out more about NJ disabled veteran plates and placards.
Education Benefits
New Jersey offers education programs that can help veterans and their dependents pay for college. These state benefits can be combined with federal GI Bill education benefits and VA disability compensation.
Does New Jersey Cover Tuition for Veterans?
Yes, through the Veterans Tuition Credit Program. This program provides partial tuition reimbursement for veterans who served on active duty between December 31, 1960 and May 7, 1975 and were New Jersey residents at the time of entry, discharge, or for two years prior to application.
The benefit is $400 per year for full-time students and $200 per year for part-time students, paid directly to the institution. This is a modest credit, not a full tuition waiver.
Do Children of Veterans Go to College for Free in New Jersey?
Not generally, but there are two programs that may help: the War Orphans Tuition Assistance and the POW-MIA Tuition Benefit Program.
War Orphans Tuition Assistance
Children (ages 16 to 21) of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability, or who are listed as MIA, may receive $500 per year for up to four years of college. The child and the veteran parent must be New Jersey residents.
POW-MIA Tuition Benefit Program
Children born or adopted before or during the period a parent was officially declared a POW or MIA (after January 1, 1960) may receive free undergraduate tuition at any public or private New Jersey institution. The child must be an NJ resident for at least one year prior to application. This is the only program in New Jersey that offers truly free college tuition for a veteran’s dependents.
Contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau at 609-530-6949 or visit the NJ DVA website for details on all education programs.
Employment Benefits
New Jersey State Veterans Hiring Preference
New Jersey provides an absolute veterans preference in state civil service employment, rather than a point-based system. Eligible veterans with passing exam scores are automatically ranked above all non-veterans on competitive employment lists, regardless of actual exam scores.
Disabled veterans (with a minimum 10% VA disability rating) receive the highest tier of preference, placed above both regular veterans and non-veterans.
How to Apply
- Eligibility requires honorable discharge and service during a qualifying war era.
- Submit the Civil Service Veterans Preference Claim Form to the NJ DVA up to 8 days before employment lists are issued.
- Contact: 888-865-8387 or NJ DVA, PO Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625.
Employment Resources
The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program, which provides assessments, resume assistance, interview preparation, targeted training, and job referrals. Veterans receive first priority for all job and training opportunities through the state’s American Job Centers (One-Stop Career Centers), available statewide for walk-in or appointment-based services.
Professional License Fee Waivers
NJ Consumer Affairs maintains a Military Licensee Portability program that provides licensing accommodations for military members and veterans. This program helps veterans who hold professional licenses in other states transfer their credentials to New Jersey more easily. Contact NJ Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6210 for specific details about your profession.
Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise Certification
New Jersey offers Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB) certifications through the state’s Uniform Certification Services. The business must have its principal place of business in New Jersey and be at least 51% owned and controlled by a veteran. The $100 application fee has been waived indefinitely since June 2021.
Certified businesses qualify for state procurement set-aside opportunities under the NJ Small Business Set Aside Program. Find out more about NJ veteran business certifications.
Recreation Benefits
Free Access to New Jersey Parks for Disabled Veterans
Under N.J.S.A. 13:1L-12, New Jersey resident veterans who have been honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability of any degree receive free admission and free parking at all New Jersey State Parks and Forests.
Disabled veterans also pay no fee to obtain, replace, or renew a motorized vehicle permit to operate on a state park beach. There is no minimum disability rating required. Find out more about NJ state park fees.
Free Beach Access for Veterans
New Jersey law allows shore municipalities to waive beach access fees for veterans who received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions and either served 90 or more days on active duty or were discharged due to a service-connected injury or disability. Many shore towns offer free beach tags for veterans upon showing military identification (check with your local beach office to confirm availability).
Free Fishing and Hunting Licenses for New Jersey’s Disabled Veterans
New Jersey offers free hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans who have been honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability of any degree. There is no minimum percentage required. The benefit also includes:
- All permits and stamps (deer, bear, turkey) at no cost
- Unlimited antlerless deer permits per Permit Deer Season
- One free antlered deer permit per season
- Two free spring turkey permits and one free fall turkey permit per year
- Free bear permits via over-the-counter sales
- Transaction fees waived at license agent locations
How to Apply
Initial certification must be done by mail only (not online or at agents) to the NJ DEP Fish and Wildlife office in Trenton. Required documents include a VA certification letter or VA wallet card showing service-connected disability, DD-214, and proof of New Jersey residency. Once certified, licenses are obtained online or at agents at no cost. No annual reapplication is needed. Contact: (609) 292-2965 or visit the NJ Fish and Wildlife website.
Healthcare Benefits
Access to quality medical care is the most critical need for most disabled veterans. New Jersey has a network of VA medical centers and clinics serving the veteran population across the state.
The primary healthcare hubs for New Jersey veterans are the East Orange VA Medical Center (385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018, phone 973-676-1000) and the Lyons VA Medical Center (151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, NJ 07939, phone 908-647-0180). These facilities provide a full range of services including emergency care, surgery, mental health treatment, and specialized clinics for conditions like traumatic brain injury.
VA outpatient clinics are located throughout the state in Hackensack, Hamilton, Jersey City, Toms River, Morristown, Paterson, Piscataway, Sussex (Newton), and Tinton Falls, making it easier for veterans to access routine care close to home. Find a VA location near you.
New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Homes
New Jersey operates three state veterans memorial homes providing around-the-clock skilled nursing care, occupational, physical, and speech therapies, recreational activities, and other support services.
Eligibility extends to honorably discharged veterans, Gold Star Parents, and spouses who are at least 50 years of age and have been married to the veteran for at least 10 years. Preference is given to applicants with two or more years of NJ residency.
- Paramus – 1 Veterans Drive, Paramus, NJ 07652 | Phone: 201-634-8200 | Admissions: 201-634-8435
- Menlo Park (Edison) – 132 Evergreen Road, Edison, NJ 08818 | Phone: 732-452-4100 | Admissions: 732-452-4272
- Vineland – 524 North West Boulevard, Vineland, NJ 08360 | Phone: 856-405-4200 | Admissions: 856-405-4217
Burial and Survivor Benefits
New Jersey operates one state veterans cemetery serving families across the state: BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery (350 Provinceline Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562; phone 609-738-2400).
This 225-acre cemetery offers in-ground grave sites and columbarium niches. Burial is provided at no cost to eligible veterans, and the state provides a grave liner at no charge. Military funeral honors are available. Eligible spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried adult dependent children may also be buried alongside the veteran at no cost.
Pre-registration is available in person at the cemetery, at any NJ Veterans Service Office, or by mail. This process confirms eligibility in advance and helps remove the administrative burden from your family. Find out more about the Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Surviving spouses and dependents of New Jersey veterans are eligible for death and burial benefits, DIC, and accrued benefits. If a veteran was 100 percent disabled at the time of death, the surviving spouse may retain the full property tax exemption as long as they remain in the home and do not remarry. Learn more about getting survivor benefits.
Federal Benefits Available to New Jersey Veterans
In addition to New Jersey’s specific benefits, disabled veterans also get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including:
- Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here)
- Medical care, including mental health services and counseling
- Home loans and housing benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
- Education benefits through the GI Bill
- Survivor benefits
- Federal hiring preference
Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits disabled veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.
- 50% VA disability benefits
- 60% VA disability benefits
- 70% VA disability benefits
- 80% VA disability benefits
- 90% VA disability benefits
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits
New Jersey veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:
- Full monthly VA compensation
- Full VA healthcare coverage
- Dental care
- Adaptive equipment grants
See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled New Jersey veteran →
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents
Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits:
- CHAMPVA healthcare
- DIC eligibility
- Education benefits
- Continued property tax exemption
- Access to New Jersey state resources
Benefits for Toxic Exposure
Veterans who served at contaminated military bases or who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other environmental hazards may qualify for additional VA benefits. Bases in or near New Jersey with known toxic exposure issues include:
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (Wrightstown, NJ)
- Naval Weapons Station Earle (Colts Neck, NJ)
- Picatinny Arsenal (Wharton, NJ)
If you served at a different base or in a different state, check the Military Base Toxic Exposure Map or get in touch with us for a free evaluation of your claim.
Getting VA Disability in New Jersey
Getting through the VA disability claims process can be tricky, but there are local and national resources to help guide you. These resources include local veteran groups, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys.
How to Apply for VA Benefits in New Jersey – Free Guide
Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free ebook for easy, immediate access.
New Jersey State Assistance and Resources
- NJ Department of Veterans Affairs
- NJ DVA Veterans Benefits and Resources
- New Jersey VA Health Care Network
Help from Experienced Lawyers
Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent New Jersey veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!