New Jersey Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
New Jersey provides 9 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 6 categories. Notable programs include a homestead property tax exemption worth up to $250, 2 vehicle-related benefits including Free Vehicle Registration (VA Auto Grant / Blind Veterans), absolute veterans preference (civil service). NJ also provides financial benefits, hunting and fishing license benefits, small business benefits. 1 of these benefits require Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in New Jersey as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for NJ Veterans
- New Jersey offers 9 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- $250 Annual Veteran Property Tax Deduction: worth up to $250/year
- Vehicle benefits: Free Vehicle Registration (VA Auto Grant / Blind Veterans), Disabled Veteran License Plates ($15)
- Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses (Any SC Disability)
- 1 benefit requires Permanent & Total (P&T) status
- Employment: Absolute Veterans Preference (Civil Service)
9
State Benefits
6
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
427+
Discounts
See exactly what New Jersey benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedNew Jersey State-Specific Benefits
New Jersey Employment Benefits (1)
Absolute Veterans Preference (Civil Service)
Absolute hiring preference in NJ state civil service: veterans who pass an open-competitive exam are placed at the top of the employment list ahead of non-veterans, and disabled veterans rank above all others.
New Jersey Financial Benefits (1)
$6,000 Annual Veteran Income Tax Exemption
An additional $6,000 exemption on the New Jersey gross income tax return for honorably discharged veterans. A qualifying veteran spouse filing jointly may claim a second $6,000 exemption.
New Jersey Hunting & Fishing (1)
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses (Any SC Disability)
Free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps for NJ resident veterans who are honorably discharged and certified by the VA with a service-connected disability of any degree.
New Jersey Property Tax Exemptions (2)
$250 Annual Veteran Property Tax Deduction
A $250 annual deduction from property taxes for honorably discharged wartime and (as of Dec 2020) all-era veterans on their principal residence. Available to eligible surviving spouses.
100% P&T Full Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption from property tax on the principal residence of honorably discharged veterans certified by the VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition. Extends to eligible unremarried surviving spouses.
New Jersey Small Business Benefits (2)
New Jersey Veteran Business Benefits
New Jersey offers procurement preferences, license fee waivers, tax exemptions, and other benefits for veteran-owned businesses. Visit the New Jersey veterans affairs website for complete state-specific programs and eligibility.
Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB) 3% Set-Aside
New Jersey sets a goal that state agencies award at least 3% of contracting and purchase-order dollars to certified Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, with contracts eligible to be set aside exclusively for certified DVOBs.
New Jersey Vehicle Benefits (2)
Free Vehicle Registration (VA Auto Grant / Blind Veterans)
Free motor vehicle registration for veterans who qualified for a VA automobile grant due to service-connected disability, and for veterans blinded as a result of war service.
Disabled Veteran License Plates ($15)
Special Disabled Veteran license plates for qualifying disabled veterans, issued for a $15 fee, carrying disabled-veteran parking privileges.
How New Jersey Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
New Jersey state benefits are separate from and stack on top of your federal VA disability compensation. The federal compensation rate table below shows what you receive from the VA — your NJ state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in NJ, this means federal compensation plus the $6,000 Annual Veteran Income Tax Exemption (up to $6,000/year) and 8 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some NJ benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. 1 benefit in NJ specifically requires Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-New Jersey benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. New Jersey state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how New Jersey's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does New Jersey offer in 2026?
New Jersey offers 9 state-specific veteran benefits across 6 categories, such as $6,000 Annual Veteran Income Tax Exemption, $250 Annual Veteran Property Tax Deduction. These cover employment benefits, financial benefits, hunting and fishing license benefits, property tax exemptions, and more — all in addition to federal VA disability compensation and healthcare.
Does New Jersey offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. New Jersey offers 2 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Veterans rated 100% disabled or with Permanent & Total (P&T) status may qualify for a full property tax exemption. Some exemptions are available at any disability rating. The $250 Annual Veteran Property Tax Deduction can be worth up to $250 per year depending on assessed home value. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
Does New Jersey offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. New Jersey provides 2 vehicle-related benefits: Free Vehicle Registration (VA Auto Grant / Blind Veterans), Disabled Veteran License Plates ($15). Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for New Jersey veteran benefits?
Most New Jersey benefits require proof of your VA disability rating, available through VA.gov or your eBenefits account. Some programs require Permanent & Total (P&T) status. Certain benefits require a rating of 100% or higher. Contact your local NJ Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service office for application help.
Can I receive both New Jersey state and federal VA benefits at the same time?
Absolutely. New Jersey state veteran benefits are separate from and stack on top of federal VA disability compensation, healthcare, and other federal programs. For example, a 100%-rated veteran in NJ receives federal compensation plus the $6,000 Annual Veteran Income Tax Exemption (up to $6,000/year) and all other eligible state programs.
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Benefits by VA Disability Rating
Your disability rating determines which federal and New Jersey state benefits you qualify for: