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New Jersey Veteran Benefits (2026)

What New Jersey offers veterans on top of federal VA benefits — property tax relief, state income-tax treatment of retirement pay, and education programs. Compiled from official state sources.

Property tax exemption

Honorably discharged veterans with a VA-rated 100% permanent and total service-connected disability qualify for a full property-tax exemption on their principal residence; eligible surviving spouses and domestic partners can also claim it. Other honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty qualify for an annual $250 property tax deduction. Both are claimed through the local assessor or tax collector.

Military retirement pay & state income tax

New Jersey does not tax U.S. military pensions or military survivor benefit payments — they are fully exempt from state income tax with no age or income limits.

Education benefits

New Jersey National Guard members in good standing qualify for tuition-free enrollment (up to 16 credits per semester) at New Jersey public colleges and universities, and children of service members declared POW/MIA after January 1, 1960 receive free undergraduate tuition. The Veterans Tuition Credit Program also provides partial reimbursement of up to $400 per year for eligible veterans.

Also worth knowing

The department, which recently became a standalone state agency separate from the Department of Military Affairs, operates a Veterans Service Office in each of New Jersey's 21 counties along with veterans memorial homes and cemetery services.

Where to apply & verify

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Other states

MontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth Dakota All 51 →

About this information: Compiled July 2026 from official state sources and verified references. Benefit rules change through legislation — always confirm details with New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Updated August 23, 2026