Resources For NJ Veterans: Senator Shares 'Handbook' Ahead Of Holiday

NEW JERSEY — Some military veterans can step to the head of the line for state and federal jobs. Others can get free college tuition through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. And yet other veterans who are having a suicidal crisis can get immediate care at an emergency room (at no cost). These are just a few of the services that are available to veterans and their families, a U.S. senator from New Jersey says.

With a salute to Veterans Day 2023, Sen. Cory Booker recently released an updated version of his “Veterans Handbook” this week. View it online here.

According to Booker, the handbook is designed to help New Jersey veterans with the transition from military to civilian life. It includes information on crucial programs that can help people get health benefits, employment opportunities, education and crisis support, among other services.

There are 309,333 veterans currently living in New Jersey, according to the senator’s handbook. The vast majority – about 91 percent – are males, although that’s a number that is beginning to reverse across the nation, recent statistics show.

• See Related: More Women Than Ever Are Serving In Military, NJ Congresswoman Says

“After being elected to the United States Senate 10 years ago, one of the very first meetings I had as a senator was with a group of New Jersey veterans,” Booker said.

“We must remain committed to honoring the incredible service and sacrifices made by veterans and their families,” Booker continued. “I’m proud to have played a part in passing legislation that will close critical gaps in education benefits, increase access to timely, quality and inclusive health care options, expand access to VA housing assistance programs, and help veterans whose health was forever affected by exposure to toxic burn pits.”

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In addition to federal services such as health care, military veterans may also be eligible for some special perks in the Garden State. See Related: Veterans Day 2023 Freebies And Deals In NJ

According to Booker, current programs in New Jersey include:

Property Tax Exemption – The state of New Jersey allows for an exemption from property tax for certain veterans on their principal residence. This exception is authorized for certain veterans who are totally and permanently disabled war veterans along with their surviving spouse. The surviving spouse of service men and women who died during wartime active-duty service may also be exempt. (Download the form online here)

Veteran Tax Deduction – A deduction of up to $250 from taxes which are due on the real or personal property is available annually to certain war veterans or their surviving spouse.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses – Veterans who are New Jersey residents and were discharged with a service-connected disability are entitled to free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps.

Free Beach Tags – Veterans with a proper military ID are entitled, at the discretion of each New Jersey town, to obtain a free beach tag. Please contact your municipality to inquire about its policies on free beach tags.

No Fee Automobile Registration – Veterans are entitled to a no fee automobile registration if they are 100 percent disabled, eligible for automobile financial assistance from the VA and have sustained the loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands, or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a prescribed degree. Additionally, Medal of Honor recipients are also eligible for a no-fee registration.

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