New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs

Garden State Gratitude: New Jersey's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

New Jersey offers a robust and comprehensive package of benefits to honor its veterans, providing significant financial relief that is especially valuable in a high-cost-of-living environment. Administered by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA), these programs address key areas like taxation, housing, and long-term care. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering support.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs:

  1. Full Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: Arguably the most valuable benefit in New Jersey, veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability are completely exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence. In a state with one of the nation's highest property tax rates, this benefit can save homeowners thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars annually.
  2. State Income Tax Exemption for Veterans: New Jersey provides an annual $6,000 exemption from state income tax for honorably discharged veterans. This direct reduction in taxable income provides a meaningful financial benefit to nearly every veteran taxpayer in the state.
  3. New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes: A cornerstone of long-term care, New Jersey operates three excellent Veterans Memorial Homes in Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing and rehabilitative care in a comfortable, veteran-centric environment, an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
  4. Veterans' Property Tax Deduction: For veterans not eligible for the full exemption, the state offers a $250 annual deduction from their property tax bill. While smaller than the full exemption, this is a widely accessible benefit that provides a helpful reduction in yearly taxes for a broad range of homeowners who have served.
  5. State Employment Preference (Absolute Veterans Preference): New Jersey provides one of the strongest employment preferences in the nation. Disabled veterans are placed at the top of civil service employment lists, followed by non-disabled veterans. This "absolute preference" gives veterans a powerful advantage in securing stable and rewarding government careers.
  6. No State Income Tax on Military Retirement Pay: New Jersey does not tax military retirement or survivor's benefit pay, provided the veteran meets certain income requirements. For most retirees, this allows them to keep more of their hard-earned pension, a significant financial advantage.
  7. Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery: The state operates a beautiful, meticulously maintained Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. It provides a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot and interment, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
  8. Educational Benefits for Dependents: The state offers scholarships and tuition assistance for the children of service members who were killed in action or who are listed as Missing in Action. These programs help ensure that the children of these heroes have an opportunity to pursue higher education.
  9. Free Admission to State Parks, Forests, and Beaches: All honorably discharged New Jersey veterans are granted free admission to the state's parks, forests, and beaches for themselves and their guests. This is a wonderful quality-of-life perk that encourages enjoyment of New Jersey's natural beauty.
  10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their New Jersey driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state as a gesture of appreciation.

These premier benefits showcase New Jersey's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
101 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Main Number: 1-609-530-6892
Benefits Hotline: 1-888-8NJ-VETS

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory

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