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Summary of New Jersey Military and Veterans Benefits: New Jersey offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including income tax exemptions on military retired pay and property taxes, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, New Jersey Military Service Medals, burial benefits, free state park admission, free private beach facilities, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Officers: The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has trained regional Veterans Service Officers who can assist Veterans and their families find and apply for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.
New Jersey Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?
New Jersey Income Tax on Military Pay: Military pay is taxed in New Jersey.
Military pay received in a combat zone, or when hospitalized due to an injury received in a combat zone that is excluded from a service member’s federal income taxes is also excluded from New Jersey income tax.
In addition, New Jersey follows federal guidelines and offers an extension to file New Jersey income taxes for service members serving in a combat zone. Service members have 180 days after redeploying, or release from hospitalization due to injuries or illness they received in a combat zone to file and pay any owed taxes.
IRS, Combat Zones Approved for Tax Benefits
New Jersey, Military Personnel and Families Income Tax Guide
New Jersey Taxes on Nonresident Military Spouse’s Income: A nonresident Military spouse who lives in New Jersey does not have to pay income tax on wages earned in New Jersey. For state taxation purposes a Military spouse can choose their home state, the state where their service member spouse is stationed, or the same state of legal residence as the service member. Spouses can make this choice even if they never lived in that state, or did not live with the service member during the tax year.
New Jersey Military Retired Pay Tax Exemption: U.S. Armed Forces pensions are exempt from New Jersey income tax.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. Early TSP distributions may incur higher taxes.
New Jersey Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: New Jersey does not tax total and permanent VA disability income.
New Jersey Division of Taxation, Information for Military Personnel and Families
Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:
New Jersey Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency andIndemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
New Jersey Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are exempt from New Jersey Income Tax.
New Jersey Veteran Income Tax Exemption: Veterans are eligible for a $6,000 exemption on their New Jersey income tax return if they are a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty any time before the last day of the tax year. The spouse (or civil union partner) of an eligible Veteran may also claim this exemption if they are filing a joint return. This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions they are entitled to claim and is available on both the resident and nonresident returns.
A taxpayer who’s military spouse died during the tax year can claim the deceased Veteran exemption if they meet the following requirements:
A surviving spouse may not claim the Veterans exemption for the deceased spouse in any following year.
New Jersey 100% Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Honorably discharged Veteranswho have a service-connected 100% total and permanent disability rating, may qualify for an complete property tax exemption on their primary residence. An eligible Veteran’s surviving spouse or domestic partner is also eligible.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey 100% Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption?
To qualify, Veterans must meet the following requirements:
To qualify, surviving spouses (civil union, or domestic partners) must meet the following requirements:
New Jersey Veteran $250 Property Tax Deduction: Honorably discharged Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, may qualify for an annual $250 property tax exemption on their primary residence. An eligible Veteran’s surviving spouse or domestic partner is also eligible. If both spouses or domestic partners are Veterans, each can claim a deduction.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Veteran $250 Property Tax Deduction?
To qualify, Veterans must meet the following requirements:
To qualify, surviving spouses/civil union/domestic partners must meet the following requirements:
New Jersey Income Tax Exemption for Combat Related Death: New Jersey will not tax the income of a resident service member who dies while serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area, or who dies as a result of wounds, disease, or injuries received in a qualifying area in the year of their death. New Jersey will also cancel any assessments of unpaid tax.
In addition, New Jersey will not assess taxes for previous years that the service member was in the combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area, and their estate is eligible for a refund of any taxes already paid.
New Jersey Wounded Warrior Caregivers Relief Act: The New Jersey Wounded Warrior Caregivers Relief Act provides a tax credit to qualified family caregivers who take care of a U.S. Armed Forces service member who has a disability from service in any war or conflict on or after September 11, 2001. The credit is equal to 100% of the Veterans disability compensation, or $675, whichever is less.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Wounded Warrior Caregivers Relief Act? To be eligible for this credit individuals must provide care for a relative service member and have a gross income of $100,000 or less (married, filing joint; head of household; qualifying surviving spouse) or $50,000 or less (single; married, filing separate). Family members who are eligible include:
(the above relatives include those through marriage (e.g., stepchild, in-laws, etc.)
Complete the Wounded Warrior Caregivers Credit, Schedule NJ-DOP and NJ-WWC to calculate the credit. If two or more people care for the same person, the credit is distributed based on the share of total care expenses for the year.
New Jersey Active Military Service Property Tax Deferment: Service members deployed or mobilized for active duty service in a time of war may qualify for a deferment of their property tax bill.
The deferment is limited to:
Service members will have 90 days after their deployment or mobilization to pay their property taxes. This deferment does not apply to any tax payments that were delinquent prior to deployment or mobilization. Any interest on late deferral payments is assessed back to their original due date. This deferment does not apply to sewer, water, electric, or other municipal charges.
To apply for a property tax deferment, service members must file a completed application and provide all required documentation (listed on the application) to their local assessor or tax collector. Service members may authorize someone to apply for the deferment on their behalf while they are deployed or mobilized.
New Jersey County Boards of Taxation Directory
Active Military Service Property Tax Deferment Application, Form AMSPTD
New Jersey Division of Taxation, Property Tax Programs for Veterans Brochure
New Jersey Income Tax on Social Security Benefits: Social Security Benefits are not taxed in New Jersey.
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Education Benefits?
New Jersey “Operation Recognition” High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: NewJersey will award a state high school diploma to Veterans who left a New Jersey high school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, or the Korean or Vietnam conflicts.
Who is eligible for New Jersey “Operation Recognition” High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must meet the following requirements:
Diplomas may also be issued posthumously. For more information, please call 888-865-8387, or email VBB@dmava.nj.gov.
New Jersey Revised Statutes 18A:7C-4.1
New Jersey National Guard Tuition Waiver Program (NJNGTP): NJNGTP will waive tuition at public institutions of higher education for New Jersey National Guard Service members and their surviving spouse and children.
Those eligible can receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition free. NJNGTP pays after all other financial aid has been applied towards the student’s tuition. This waiver does not apply for all other expenses, including lab fees and books.
Who is eligible for the NJNGTP? To qualify New Jersey National Guard Service members must meet the following requirements:
The surviving spouse and children of a New Jersey National Guard Service member who is killed in the line of duty are also eligible for this benefit.
Students must apply for and use any available state or federal financial aid each year, either through the institution’s financial aid office or online using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply for a NJNGTP students must request a Form 621-2 from their unit.
New Jersey Veterans Tuition Credit Program, Vietnam Veterans Tuition Aid Program: The Veterans Tuition Credit Program provides a partial reimbursement of tuition at a New Jersey public institution of higher education for Veterans who served during the Vietnam conflict. The maximum reimbursement is $400 per year for full-time students and $200 for part-time students.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Veterans Tuition Credit Program, Vietnam Veterans Tuition Aid Program? To qualify, the Veteran must have served on active duty between December 31, 1960, and May 7, 1975, and was a legal resident of New Jersey at the time of entry into, or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, or for at least two years immediately prior to application.
New Jersey Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) Tuition Benefit Program: New Jersey offers free undergraduate college tuition at a New Jersey public or private educational institution to a child born or adopted before, during,or after the time their service member parent was declared a POW or MIA, after January 1, 1960.
Who is eligible for New Jersey Prisoner of War or Missing in Action Tuition Benefit Program? The POW or MIA service member parent must have been a New Jersey resident at the time they entered the U.S. Armed Forces, or whose official state of residence is New Jersey. Students must provide a copy of their parent’s DD1300 when they apply. For more information, please contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau by calling 609-530-6949, or by email to vbb@dmava.nj.gov.
New Jersey College and University Directory
New Jersey War Orphans Tuition Assistance: Children of service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, due to service-connected disabilities, or who are declared missing in action are eligible for $500 per year for four years of college or equivalent training.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey War Orphans Tuition Assistance? To qualify, the child must be a resident of New Jersey for at least one year immediately before applying and be between the ages of 16 and 21. The Veteran parent must have been a state resident. For more information, please contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau by calling 609-530-6949, or by email to vbb@dmava.nj.gov.
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program: Each year the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation awards two $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors for use at a college, university, or trade/technical school.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program? To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
Application Process:Applicants are required to provide the following:
To assist students the foundation offers Veteran-led guided tours of the memorial on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. from early February to mid-April.
Winners are notified in early May and will be awarded their scholarship during the Memorial Day ceremony held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. Applicants can apply online at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation Scholarship Application webpage.
New Jersey Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
Points of Contact
Phone: 856-327-6001 / 609-893-8141
New Jersey Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: Recent legislation authorized the New Jersey Purple Star School program for military-friendly schools. The Purple Star School program recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.
For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Award they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families.
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?
New Jersey State Employee Leave for Military Service: New Jersey public employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized up to 30 paid workdays of military leave per calendar year for federal active duty service.
Who is eligible for New Jersey State Employee Leave for Military Service? Service members serving in the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who are permanent, at-will, or full-time temporary state employees are eligible for 30 days paid military leave for federal active duty.
Any leave of absence for active duty service for more than 30 workdays is without pay but without loss of time.
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Veterans Services: Staff specialists at local New Jersey One-Stop Career Centers help Veterans find suitable jobs and opportunities. Veterans will receive first priority referral for all job and training opportunities they qualify for. Veterans can also receive:
New Jersey State Employment Veterans Civil Service Preference: New Jersey Veterans are provided an absolute Veterans Preference when applying for a New Jersey civil service position. This means that qualified Veterans who receive a passing score are placed at the top of open competitive employment lists, ahead of non-Veterans, regardless of their scores.
Disabled Veterans are given the highest preference, being placed above both Veterans and non-Veterans on open competitive employment lists.
Veterans can apply for preference as late as eight days prior to an open competitive employment list being issued.
New Jersey Civil Service Commission, Open Competitive Exams for Veterans Webpage
Who is eligible for New Jersey State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference?
Qualifying for Veterans Preference: To qualify for Veterans Preference, honorably discharged Veterans must have served on active duty U.S. Armed Forces during a New Jersey Statute Defined Qualifying War Era.
The following documents are required:
The unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran may also claim this preference.
Qualifying for Disabled Veterans Preference: Only one of the following are eligible for disabled Veteran hiring preference:
The following documents are required:
Other New Jersey State Employment Benefits with Veterans Preference: The following various preferences are provided by New Jersey law for qualifying Veterans.
Compensation of Public Officers while in Military Service: State employees who are serving in a reserve component of the U.S.Armed Forces and called to state or federal active duty may be eligible to receive pay that when added to their military pay will equal their state employment salary. New Jersey Revised Statute 38:23-3
Application of Statutes to Promotions: Veterans who are state employees are given preference for promotion over non-Veterans.
New Jersey Revised Statute 11A:5-7
Preference in Appointment in Noncompetitive Employment: Veterans are given preference in hiring for state noncompetitive jobs over non-Veterans.
New Jersey Revised Statute 11A:5-8
Preference to Veterans During Layoffs: During a state employment layoff, disabled Veterans are given first preference in retention, followed by Veterans over non-Veterans.
New Jersey Revised Statute 11A:5-9
Hearing on Dismissal of Veterans:Before any department head can dismiss a Veteran, they must provide the reason for their release to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The Veteran is authorized to appear before the Civil Service Commission regarding their retention. New Jersey Revised Statute 11A:5-10
Veterans not to be Discriminated Against Because of Physical Disability: Veterans who have a service-connected disability cannot be discriminated against in an examination, classification, or appointment, unless this disability would prevent them from performing the duties required of their state employment.
New Jersey Revised Statute 11A:5-11
Employment or Promotion of Veterans Awarded the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy Cross: A resident Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy Cross can be hired or promoted in state employment, without complying with the rules of the Civil Service Commission. This benefit applies to all promotions or appointments the eligible Veteran applies for. New Jersey Revised Statute 11A:5-12
Purchasing Military Service Credit for New Jersey Civil Service Pensions:
Military Service before Enrollment: New Jersey Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) and State Police Retirement System (SPRS) members are eligible to purchase credit for up to 10 years of active military service in the U.S. Armed Forces that was performed prior to enrollment in the retirement system.
Veterans who are receiving, or are eligible to receive military retired pay or a pension from any other state or local source are not eligible. Retired service members from a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who are receiving, or eligible to receive, military retired pay are allowed to purchase military service credit.
Active military service eligible for purchase means full-time active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces. It cannot include periods of service less than 30 days and does not include basic training, weekend drills, or annual summer training of a reserve component service member.
Wartime Veterans are authorized to purchase an additional five years of military service credit.
Note: All members must provide a DD214, which includes their character of service, active/entry dates of service and discharge/ending dates of service.
Military Service after Enrollment: State employees who are enrolled in a New Jersey State retirement system can receive credit for military service performed after October 13, 1994. The employee must have entered the peacetime U.S. Armed Forces, and when discharged from or otherwise ended their military service then return to state employment within the time periods under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This credit will only be used to determine eligibility for benefits unless the employee pays the required pension contributions for their period of military service.
USERRA — Military Service After Enrollment Fact Sheet
Veterans Status for New Jersey Pensions: Veterans who are enrolled in the following state operated pension funds qualify for Veterans Retirement:
Veterans Retirement is different than the standard Service Retirement and has special benefits.
These benefits include the ability to retire at age 55 (with 25 years of service) and a more generous calculation of the Maximum Annual Allowance during retirement.
A Veteran can qualify for Veteran Retirement with either:
For Veterans retiring with 25 years of service at age 55+, OR 20 years of service at age 60+, the Maximum Annual Allowance calculation is:
For Veterans retiring with 35 years of service at age 55+, the Maximum Annual Allowance calculation is:
Veterans can choose a Service Retirement over a Veterans Retirement if they prefer. This benefit does not transfer to a surviving spouse.
Who is eligible for Veterans Status for New Jersey Pensions? To qualify for Veterans Status, the Veteran must have been honorably discharged and served on active duty during a qualifying war era. Veterans must have served 14 days in a combat theater during specified time periods, except for during the Vietnam Conflict which requires 90 days active duty service on or after December 31, 1960, and must have begun on or before May 7, 1975.
Applicants for Veterans status are required to provide the following documents:
New Jersey Helmets to Hardhats Program (NJ H2H): NJ H2H is designed to help service members and Veterans from active or reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces find careers in the building and construction industry.
NJ H2H helps those eligible to find jobs in the following career fields:
NJ H2H offers Veterans assistance in preparing for and applying to any of New Jersey's registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. These services include:
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Helmets to Hardhats Program? NJ H2H is offered to active duty service members who are transitioning to civilian employment soon, as well as honorably discharged Veterans of the active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. To begin the process please visit the NJ H2H “Get Started” webpage.
Free New Jersey License to Vend for Veterans: Honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for a free license to sell goods, wares, merchandise, or to solicit trade in New Jersey.
New Jersey Revised Statute 45:24-9
Licenses are provided by the county clerk's office and regulated by municipalities. For more information Veterans should contact their local county clerk.
New Jersey Revised Statute 45:24-10
New Jersey Municipalities and Local Government Contact Directory
Vendors must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation as well as collect and pay sales tax. For more information on registering contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation using the New Jersey Division of Taxation, online contact page, or by phone at 609-292-6400, or 800-323-4400.
Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to five or ten points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a Federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that anindividual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA? Veterans, Reservists, or National Guard members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all having claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance?
New Jersey Unemployment Insurance (UI): The New Jersey UI program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income.
All applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applicants can file a claim for UI online at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, UI Online Claim Portal, or by calling one of the following numbers:
There is limited UI in person assistance available at selected New Jersey One Stop Career Center.
New Jersey UI Appointment Scheduler
Applicants will need the following information to file a claim:
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicles Benefits?
New Jersey Veteran Designation on Driver Licenses and ID Cards: The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offers an imprinted Veteran designation on driver licenses and non-driver ID cards for eligible Veterans. Applicants will need the following to apply:
Veterans must visit an MVC office for initial issue or renewals. Replacement licenses may be requested at an MVC office or by mail.
New Jersey MVC, Licensing Center Directory
Gold Star Family Member Designation on New Jersey Driver Licenses: The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offers a Gold Star Family Member designation on driver licenses and probationary licenses for eligible family members of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Who is eligible for the Gold Star Family Member Designation on New Jersey Driver Licenses? The Gold Star Family Member designation is offered to the following family members (includes whole, half, step or adoptive relatives) of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces:
Applicants are required to provide a DD1300 (Report of Casualty), or DD2064 (Certificate of Death Overseas) and official documentation of proof of family relationship to the deceased service member.
For more information and to apply please contact the nearest MVC licensing office.
New Jersey MVC, Licensing Centers Directory
New Jersey License, Registration and Inspection Document Extensions for Deployed Service Members and their Families: Deployed service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, (this includes activated New Jersey National Guard and the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members), and their immediate family are eligible for automatic extensions for their New Jersey driver license, registration, and inspection requirements.
Drivers should carry an extension letter along with their active duty military ID when operating a vehicle. Instructions for requesting an extension letter are contained in the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Instruction for Extension During Military Deployment Fact Sheet.
New Jersey Registration Refunds for Active Duty Service Members: Residents who enter the U.S. Armed Forces and have a valid New Jersey registration, can get a refund for the remainder of the registration period if they re-register their vehicle at their out of state duty location. To request a refund service members must do the following:
Application instructions and documentation requirements are on page two of the application.
Free New Jersey Registration for Disabled or Blind Veterans: Disabled Veterans may qualify for a free vehicle registration if they meet the following requirements:
To request an application please call 609-292-6500 extension 5076. Mail the certified application with a seal or stamp from the VA to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Government Unit
P.O. Box 016
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016
Once the free registration status has been established, all following renewals can be completed by mail, or at any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Agency.
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office Directory
New Jersey Military and Service Organization Special Vehicle License Plates: The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offers 34 distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, Veterans, retired service members, eligible family members, and for participation in Veterans Organizations.
Organizational License Plate Information:
Military Personnel License Plates: Those interested in applying must call 609-292-6500, extension 5061 to request an application.
Completed applications can be mailed to:
New Jersey MVC
Special Plate Unit
P.O. Box 015
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0015
New Jersey Medal of Honor License Plate: No Charge
New Jersey Purple Heart Recipient License Plate: $15 fee
New Jersey Disabled Veteran License Plate: $15 fee
New Jersey Gold Star License Plate: No Fee.
Applicants for the New Jersey Gold Star Family license plates must apply through the American Gold Star Mothers Department of New Jersey
New Jersey Military Commercial Driver License (CDL) Skills Waiver Program: The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will waive the CDL Skills Test (behind-the-wheel exam) for qualified Veterans who have experience driving the military equivalent of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
Steps to request a CDL Skills Test Waiver:
Free Parking at New Jersey Parking Meters for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients: Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart recipients can request a New Jersey Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart recipient placard that authorizes them to park at municipal parking meters, free of charge, for up to 24 hours under the following circumstances:
Placards are available at any Motor Vehicle Commission office or by mail. When applying in person, applicants must submit a completed New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Application for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipient Placard and proof of eligibility (listed on the application). When applying by mail, applicants must send a photocopy of proof of eligibility and a completed application to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Plates Unit
P. O. Box 015
Trenton, NJ 08666-015
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve service members (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:
The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
New Jersey Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Readjustment Counseling: The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) provides Veterans and their families with a Readjustment Counseling Program that provides services ranging from individual counseling, group counseling, biofeedback, and medication monitoring. The clinicians provide services to Veterans and their families to address the problems encountered when reintegrating into civilian life.
For more information, please contact a New Jersey DMAVA, Veterans Service Officer, or by calling 888-8NJ-VETS (888-865-8387).
New Jersey Veteran Service Office Directory
New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement: New Jersey will pay $150 per month to severely disabled Veterans or their surviving spouse.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement? To be eligible the Veteran must be a New Jersey resident who has a permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA for injuries received during wartime service that meets one of the following criteria:
The surviving spouse of eligible Veterans can continue to receive this benefit. For more information contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau at 888-865-8387 or vbb@dmava.nj.gov.
New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement Application
New Jersey National Guard Compensation for Injury, Disease, Disability and Death Incurred while Serving on State Active Duty: New Jersey National Guard Service members serving on state active duty who suffer an injury, disease, disability or death in the line of duty are eligible for compensation and benefits provided under New Jersey Workmen's Compensation laws.
New Jersey Revised Statutes, Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation
Who is eligible for New Jersey National Guard Compensation for Injury, Disease, Disability and Death Incurred while on State Active Duty? New Jersey National Guard service members who suffer injury, disease, or death in the line of duty, while serving on state active duty are eligible.
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?
Free Fishing, Trapping and Hunting Licenses for New Jersey National Guard Service Members: New Jersey National Guard Service members are eligible for free hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, permits and stamps.
Who is eligible for Free Fishing, Trapping and Hunting Licenses for New Jersey National Guard Service Members? New Jersey National Guard Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
New Jersey Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active Duty Service Personnel: Nonresident service membersserving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may purchase hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices. Service members must provide proof of active duty service when purchasing their license. Completion of an approved hunter education course is required for hunting licenses.
Who is eligible for New Jersey Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active Duty Service Personnel? Nonresident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible.
Licenses may be obtained with proof of active duty service at an agent location, or by contacting NJDFWLicenses@dep.nj.gov.
Free New Jersey Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Resident Disabled Veterans: Honorably discharged New Jersey resident Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability are eligible for free New Jersey hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps.
Who is eligible for Free New Jersey Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans? Resident Veterans who have been honorably discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a service-connected disability of any degree from the VA are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps. Veterans must provide the following:
Veterans who have a Disabled Veteran license are eligible for the following additional benefits:
New Jersey State Park Benefits: New Jersey offers the following State Park and Forest benefits to National Guard Service members, disabled Veterans and Gold Star Families.
Free Entry to State Parks or Forests for National Guard Service Members and Disabled Veterans: New Jersey resident National Guard Service members who have completed initial active duty training and honorably discharged resident Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the VA are authorized free entry to New Jersey State Parks or Forests.
New Jersey Revised Statute 13:1L-12 a
Free permit to Operate a Motor Vehicle on a State Park Beach for Disabled Veterans: New Jersey offers free permits to operate a motorized vehicle on a state park beach to disabled Veterans. New Jersey Revised Statute 13:1L-12 b
Free entry to State Parks and Forests for Veterans attending a Veterans’ Organization Event: Veterans are authorized free entry to a State Park or Forest during an event held by a Veterans' organization. In addition, no facility fee is charged to the Veterans' organization using a State park or forest for an event.
New Jersey Revised Statute 13:1L-12.1
Gold Star Families Authorized Free Entry to State Park: Gold Star Family members who have a New Jersey driver license or ID card with the Gold Star Family designation are authorized free entry to State Parks and Forests.
New Jersey Revised Statute 13:1L-12.1
For more information of these benefits please contact the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry calling 866-337-5669, 609-777-3373, or by using the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection online contact form.
National Guard Training Center (NGTC) at Sea Girt Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facility: The NGTC at Sea Girt has a private beach with a covered pavilion, campsites, cottages and a picnic area that is available for the use by service members, Veterans, retired service members and their families.
Who is eligible to use the NGTC at Sea Girt Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facility? All active and reserve component service members, retired service members, Veterans and their dependents are eligible to use the NGTC at Sea Girt facilities. In addition, Gold Star Spouses and parents are also authorized access.
NGTC Beach Parking Pass Policy
What are my New Jersey Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?
New Jersey Veterans Transportation Program: The Veterans Transportation Program offers transportation for Veterans to go to:
Veterans should contact their local New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Offices for more information and to schedule transportation.
New Jersey Veterans Service Offices Directory
New Jersey Homeless Intervention and Housing Assistance: The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers referral assistance to Veterans and their family members who are homeless, involuntarily displaced, or in imminent danger of losing their home. For more information, please call 609-530-6826.
New Jersey Veterans Transitional Housing Program, Veteran’s Haven Facilities: The Veterans Transitional Housing Program, Veteran’s Haven North, and South, are New Jersey State-operated facilities for homeless Veterans. After being medically evaluated at a VA Medical Center, eligible Veterans must agree to a long-term program focusing on psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation.
Transitional Housing Program residents must be willing to maintain their sobriety while enrolled. Random drug and alcohol testing is constantly performed, and violators are immediately placed in an Intensive Outpatient Program to assist with maintaining sobriety.
Veteran’s Haven North and South offer three different programs to meet the needs of homeless Veterans:
Bridge Housing: Individual Service Plans (ISP) designed for the short-term with the focus on a rapid move to permanent housing. Rather than the completion of treatment goals, Veterans will receive case management and support, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF), or other available community based programs. Veterans will receive support in accessing services as needed or requested by the Veteran.
Clinical Treatment: Treatment programs will work to increase income and find permanent housing. Program stays are individualized based on the ISP for the Veteran. Staff are licensed or credentialed to treat substance-use disorders and provide mental health services.
Service Intensive Transitional Housing: This ISP works to increase the Veteran’s income through employment and benefits to obtaining permanent housing. Services provided will vary based on the specific needs of the Veteran and resources available in the community.
Who is eligible for the New Jersey Veterans Transitional Housing Program, Veteran’s Haven Facilities? To be eligible for admission Veterans must meet the following requirements:
** A limited number of Veterans who do not meet these requirements may still be eligible for admittance under the VA Grant and Per Diem Program.
For more information, please contact Veteran’s Haven staff:
Veteran’s Haven South
P.O. Box 80
301 Spring Garden Road
Winslow, NJ 08095-0080
Phone: 609-561-0269 / 609-567-5806 / 888-849-7188
Fax: 609-567-5186
Veteran’s Haven North
200 Sanatorium Road, Suite 101
Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
Phone: 908-537-1999 / 877-648-0091 / 908-255-2571
Fax: 908-537-1987
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes: The Division of Veterans Healthcare Services operates three Veterans Memorial Homes that provide long-term care to Veterans and their eligible family members.
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes Locations:
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus – 336 bed facility
1 Veterans Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
Main Phone: 201-634-8200
Admissions: 201-634-8435
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park – 312 bed facility
132 Evergreen Road, P.O. Box 3013
Edison, NJ 08818
Main Phone: 732-452-4100
Admissions: 732-452-4272
New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland – 300 bed facility
524 North West Boulevard
Vineland, NJ 08360
Main Phone: 856-405-4200
Admissions: 856-405-4217
The Veterans Memorial Homes offer around-the-clock medical and nursing care, provided by a full-time staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and trained nursing assistants.
Each home offers rehabilitative services, such as occupational, physical and speech therapies, and recreational activities provided under the direct supervision of licensed therapists.
Who is eligible for care at the New Jersey Veteran Memorial Homes? To be eligible for admission the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Veteran’s spouse, surviving spouse of a deceased eligible Veteran, or the Gold Star Parents of a service member who was killed in action during a wartime period.
Preference is given to applicants who were New Jersey residents for at least two years immediately prior to application for admission.
New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Application for Admission to a New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery: The Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery provides a dignified final resting place for eligible Veterans and their families.
Cemetery facilities include a chapel, outside committal shelter and designated memorial sections for the interment of cremated remains and for Veterans whose remains have never been recovered.
The Veterans Memorial Cemetery provides:
Who is eligible for Interment at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery? Eligibility requirements for burial are the same as for VA National Cemeteries, except for a New Jersey residency requirement. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
New Jersey Service Medals: The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers seven medals to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible New Jersey resident Veterans. No Veteran can receive more than one award of the same medal. All medals may be awarded posthumously.
New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal: Awarded to Honorably Discharged Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in a combat theater during a time of war or national emergency. Recipients must have been a resident of New Jersey at the time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces or who has been a resident for at least 20 years in total. Recipients who received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal or equivalent medal will receive the Distinguished Service Medal with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.
New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded to Veterans who received an honorable discharge from service in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Recipients must have been a resident of New Jersey at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, or who has been a resident for at least five years in total.
New Jersey Korean Service Medal: Awarded to New Jersey residents who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea, Japan, or their contiguous waters or airspace, on or after June 23, 1950, through January 31, 1955, and received an honorable discharge.
New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal: Awarded to New Jersey residents who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or Cambodia, or their contiguous waters or airspace, on or after December 31, 1960, through May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge.
New Jersey POW-MIA (Prisoner of War or Missing in Action) Medal: Awarded to Veterans who while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in a combat theater of operations during a time of war or emergency, was taken prisoner and held captive or listed as missing in action. Recipients must have received an Honorable Discharge and was a resident of New Jersey at the time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces or is a current resident.
New Jersey Desert Storm Medal: Awarded to New Jersey residents who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Persian Gulf from August 1, 1990, through October 1, 1991, and received an honorable discharge.
New Jersey Global War on Terrorism Medal: Awarded to honorably discharged Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in one of the following Operations:
Recipients must have been a resident of New Jersey at the time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces, or for 20 years in total.
To apply for Service Medals applicants must mail a completed New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Application for State Medals and required documentation (listed on the application) to:
NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs
Attn: DVS-VBB (Medals)
P.O. Box 340
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in New Jersey
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in New Jersey: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in New Jersey: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains two national cemeteries in New Jersey. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Military Installations in New Jersey
