New Jersey Veteran Benefits

New Jersey offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you may qualify for and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Full exemption from property tax on a primary residence for veterans with a 100% permanent & total service-connected disability (peacetime included since 2020). A separate $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction exists for eligible honorably discharged veterans and surviving spouses. Apply with your municipal tax assessor.
• DMV: “Veteran” indicator available on driver license/ID. Disabled Veteran and other military plates offered. With a DV plate or MVC-issued DV/Purple Heart placard, you are exempt from municipal parking meter fees (up to 24 hours) when you’re in the vehicle.
• Education: War Orphans Tuition Assistance provides $500/year up to 4 years for eligible children of NJ service members who died in service or from a service-connected cause (or are MIA).
• Income Tax Notes: Military retirement pay is tax-free in New Jersey. Honorably discharged veterans can claim a $6,000 NJ income-tax exemption each year; VA disability compensation isn’t taxed.

Property Tax Relief

New Jersey provides a 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption on a qualified primary residence for honorably discharged veterans rated 100% permanent and total (or eligible surviving spouses/partners). In 2020, voters expanded eligibility to include peacetime service. File with your municipal tax assessor; prorated exemptions may apply if eligibility begins mid-year. Many veterans also qualify for the separate $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction.

DMV & License Benefits

Add a Veteran indicator to your NJ driver license/ID with proof of honorable service. NJ MVC offers military plates, including Disabled Veteran. When a vehicle displays DV plates or an MVC-issued DV/Purple Heart placard, the driver (or passenger) who is the qualifying veteran is exempt from municipal parking meter fees for up to 24 hours (some local limits apply). Standard registration rules still apply.

Education Benefits

War Orphans Tuition Assistance pays $500 per academic year (max four years) at approved institutions for eligible children of NJ service members who died on active duty, from a service-connected cause, or are listed as MIA. Coordinate state aid with federal VA education benefits through your school’s veterans office.

Hunting & Fishing

Honorably discharged resident veterans with a service-connected disability of any degree receive free NJ hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps (initial certification by NJ Fish & Wildlife required). Separate tags/lotteries may still apply.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Unremarried surviving spouses/partners of veterans eligible for the 100% Disabled Veteran property-tax exemption may continue the benefit if statutory criteria are met. Eligible children may receive War Orphans Tuition Assistance; some institutions offer additional supports.

New Jersey Veterans Agency

NJ Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) – Benefits & Resources

VA Regional Office

Newark VA Regional Benefit Office
20 Washington Place, Newark, NJ 07102

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• East Orange VA Medical Center — East Orange
• Lyons VA Medical Center — Lyons
• Hackensack VA Clinic — Hackensack
• Jersey City VA Clinic — Jersey City
• Toms River VA Clinic — Toms River

Not sure what you qualify for in New Jersey?

We’ll map your benefits and build your VA claim strategy — fast.

Book Your Free Strategy Call
 | 
Contact Us

Sources

• NJ Treasury — 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
• NJ Public Question No. 2 (2020) — Extends exemption to peacetime vets
• NJ MVC — Veteran Indicator & Military Services
• NJ MVC — Disabled Veteran & Purple Heart Placards (meter-fee exemption)
• NJ Fish & Wildlife — Disabled Veteran License Information
• DMAVA — War Orphans Tuition Assistance
• NJ Treasury — Military & Veteran Tax Benefits
• VA New Jersey Health Care — Locations
• VA — Newark Regional Office

Last verified: August 26, 2025