State veteran benefits

Veteran Benefits in New Jersey

New Jersey offers veteran property tax relief, exempts military retirement pay, and provides National Guard tuition benefits. State veterans service offices connect veterans with claims help and other benefits.

Checked against official state sources on October 2, 2026.

Free help in New Jersey

New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs

Provides services, support, and advocacy for veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.

Agency website (opens in a new tab) · Phone: 609-530-6892

Free help with VA claims

Use the state veterans service office directory for local assistance. VA-accredited VSO representatives provide free help with VA benefit claims.

Find a local office (opens in a new tab)

Not sure what applies to you?

Answer seven questions and the Benefits Finder builds a checklist of federal and state benefits, deadlines and free help.

Open the Benefits Finder

Property tax relief

Veterans Property Tax Deduction

Who qualifies
New Jersey residents who own the property and were honorably discharged from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. All requirements must be met by October 1 of the year before the tax year.
What you get
An annual $250 deduction from property taxes.
How to apply
File the claim with the municipal tax collector from January 1 through December 31 of the tax year.

Official page (opens in a new tab) N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.10 through 54:4-8.17

Sources (4)

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Who qualifies
New Jersey resident veterans honorably discharged from active service who have VA certification of a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. They must own all or part of the home and use it as their primary residence.
What you get
Exempts the qualifying home and its lot from property taxation.
How to apply
File the D.V.S.S.E. claim with the municipal tax assessor at any time during the tax year.

Official page (opens in a new tab) N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 and 54:4-3.31

Sources (4)

State income tax

Military retirement pay: Exempt

Military retirement and survivor benefit exemption

Who qualifies
Recipients of U.S. military pensions or military survivor benefit payments.
What you get
New Jersey does not tax these payments.
How to apply
Leave military pension and survivor benefit payments off the New Jersey income tax return.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

Education and tuition

New Jersey National Guard tuition waiver

Who qualifies
Active New Jersey National Guard members in good standing who completed Initial Active Duty Training and are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate study in good standing at a public institution. Members must apply for eligible state and federal grants and scholarships, and eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefits unless transferred under federal law.
What you get
Up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free at New Jersey public institutions. State payment covers tuition not paid by eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
How to apply
Apply for the required student aid. At Rutgers, complete and sign the Commander's Certificate with the commanding officer and upload it through the linked university process.

Official page (opens in a new tab) N.J.S.A. 18A:62-24

Sources (2)

State jobs and hiring preference

Civil service veterans preference

Who qualifies
This entry covers honorably discharged veterans whose active duty meets New Jersey's qualifying-war service requirements and who pass the examination.
What you get
Qualified veterans rank ahead of nonveterans on open competitive employment lists, regardless of their scores.
How to apply
Submit the Civil Service Veterans Preference application and DD214 to the Department of Veterans Affairs by mail or email. Obtain the state status determination no later than eight days before the employment list is issued.

Official page (opens in a new tab) N.J.S.A. 11A:5-1; P.L. 2007, c.115

Sources (4)

Licenses, plates and parks

Veteran driver license or ID designation

Who qualifies
Veterans with an honorable military discharge or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions.
What you get
Adds a veteran designation to a driver license or non-driver ID card.
How to apply
Request a replacement credential with the designation in person at a motor vehicle agency or by mail, following the linked instructions.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

Emergency financial help

Bringing Veterans Home housing assistance

Who qualifies
People experiencing homelessness in New Jersey who meet the state statutory definition of veteran.
What you get
Connects eligible veterans with rent and move-in financial assistance, case management, and supportive services.
How to apply
Use the Bringing Veterans Home website's Make a Referral option to refer yourself for services.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

State veterans homes

Before you apply

This page summarizes state law and agency guidance as checked on October 2, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Eligibility depends on your records, and laws change, so confirm the details on the official page linked with each benefit, or ask a free accredited representative. This page covers the main state programs. Your county veterans service officer can tell you about smaller or local benefits.

Federal VA benefits apply in every state. See the Veteran Resource Directory and the Benefits Finder.