State file · NJ
Veteran benefits in New Jersey
New Jersey pairs tax-free military retirement pay with property tax deductions, a one-time discharge-year deduction, and three state veterans homes plus transitional housing for homeless veterans. Here is the full picture.
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Financial benefits
Income tax treatment
Military retirement pay is tax-free, and active-duty income is not subject to state taxes for members who were New Jersey residents before service, provided they do not maintain a permanent home in the state, spend fewer than 30 days in-state, and keep a permanent residence elsewhere.
Veteran income tax deduction
Honorably discharged veterans qualify for a one-time $3,000 tax deduction in the year they are discharged from active duty.
Property tax deduction & exemption
Honorably discharged New Jersey resident veterans who served at least 14 days in a combat zone are eligible for an annual $250 property tax deduction, and totally disabled war veterans receive a full property tax exemption.
Catastrophic entitlement
Veterans rated 100% disabled receive a monthly payment of $62.50.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 6.625%, with prescription medications, unprepared foods, and clothing exempt.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing licenses
Honorably discharged New Jersey disabled veterans can obtain a free hunting and fishing license as well as free pheasant, quail, and trout stamps. Eligible active-duty New Jersey National Guard personnel also qualify for a free license, permit, and stamp.
Education programs
War Orphans Tuition Assistance
Children of deceased military members can get $500 per year for four years of college. Applicants must be New Jersey residents for one year and between ages 16 and 21.
Veteran housing
New Jersey State Veterans Homes
State veterans homes operate at Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland.
Veterans Haven
A transitional housing program for homeless veterans with campuses in Glen Gardner and Winslow, structured in three phases lasting three to six months each.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Qualified veterans receive preference on state job lists, with disabled veterans rated at least 10% given the highest preference.
CDL exam exemption
Veterans with military commercial driving experience are exempt from the behind-the-wheel portion of the CDL license exam.
Pension benefits
Special retirement is available through PERS, PFRS, or TPAF, allowing qualified veterans to retire at age 55 with 25 years of service.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in New Jersey
Options include Beverly National Cemetery and Finn's Point National Cemetery in Pennsville.
VA resources in New Jersey
Newark Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving New Jersey for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteVA New Jersey Health Care System
VA medical care through the East Orange and Lyons campuses.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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