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Veterans Benefits in New Jersey

9 benefit programs available in New Jersey.

Healthcare

New Jersey Veterans Homes (3 Locations)

Subsidized skilled nursing and memory care

New Jersey operates three state veterans memorial homes in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland providing skilled nursing care and memory care for eligible veterans.

Agency: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Note: Three facilities: Menlo Park, Paramus, Vineland. VA per diem offsets costs.

Housing

New Jersey Veterans Transitional Housing Program

Free transitional housing and support services

New Jersey provides transitional housing assistance for homeless veterans through the Veterans Haven program, with residential facilities in Glen Gardner (North) and Winslow Township (South).

Agency: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Note: Two locations: Veterans Haven North (Glen Gardner) and South (Winslow Township). Provides housing, job training, and support services for homeless veterans.

Employment

New Jersey Veterans Employment Preference

Absolute hiring preference for civil service positions

New Jersey grants veterans an absolute preference in civil service hiring for state, county, and municipal positions. Disabled veterans receive additional absolute preference, ranking ahead of non-disabled veterans.

Agency: New Jersey Civil Service Commission

Note: NJ has one of the strongest veteran employment preferences — absolute preference, not just points. Disabled veterans rank above non-disabled veterans.

Financial

New Jersey Veteran's Bonus Program

$500–$1,000 one-time bonus (stateside vs. in-theater service)

Provides a one-time cash bonus to New Jersey veterans who served during specific wartime periods (including the Persian Gulf War era). Bonus amounts vary based on service location: veterans who served in-theater (hostile fire zone) receive a higher bonus than those who served stateside during the qualifying period.

Agency: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Note: One-time payment — check eligibility for your specific period of service. Must have been a NJ resident at time of entry into service or at time of application. Apply through DMAVA.

Tax

New Jersey 100% Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Full property tax exemption

Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes on their primary residence in New Jersey.

Agency: New Jersey Division of Taxation / Local Tax Assessor

Note: One of the most valuable state veteran benefits in the country given NJ's high property taxes. Must be 100% P&T. Surviving spouses retain exemption if they do not remarry and continue to reside in the home.

New Jersey Veterans Property Tax Deduction ($250)

$250 annual property tax deduction

Veterans who served during a period of war and meet residency requirements may deduct $250 annually from their property tax bill. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans also qualify.

Agency: New Jersey Division of Taxation / Local Tax Assessor

Note: Available to all wartime veterans regardless of disability rating. File with your municipal tax assessor. Surviving spouses and civil union partners also qualify if they meet residency requirements.

Recreation

New Jersey Free State Parks for Veterans

Free admission to all state parks and historic sites

New Jersey provides free admission to all state parks, forests, recreation areas, and historic sites for all veterans and active-duty military.

Agency: New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry

Note: Free for all veterans and active duty. Covers all state parks, forests, and historic sites.

New Jersey Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License

Free hunting and fishing licenses (100%)

New Jersey veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with lesser disabilities receive discounted licenses.

Agency: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

Note: 100% disabled veterans get free licenses. Lower ratings may get discounts.

Other

New Jersey State Veterans Cemetery (Arneytown)

Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)

The Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown is the largest state veterans cemetery in the nation, providing burial at no cost for eligible veterans.

Agency: New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Note: Largest state veterans cemetery in the nation. Located in Arneytown, Burlington County.

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