NJ Veteran Journal
Fall 2005 Edition
 
Your New Jersey Veterans Benefits
Compiled by Veterans Benefits Bureau

Education Benefits/ POW/MIA/War Orphans
The Veterans Tuition Credit Program provides an educational support entitlement to full-time and
part-time students who are resident veterans and served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States from December 31, 1960 to May 7, 1975.

POW/MIAs program is available to any dependent of a prisoner of war or missing in action that
was a resident upon being accepted to pursue a course of undergraduate study in any private
institution of higher education. The dependent shall be allowed to obtain a bachelor’s degree free of tuition.

For further information contact your school official in charge of veteran’s affairs or by calling New
Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at 609-530-6854.

Veterans Preference for Civil Service and Pension Purposes
Effective March 1, 2001, NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is the agency to determine veterans preference for hiring in New Jersey civil service and veterans status for New Jersey civil service pension plans.

War period veterans who pass state civil service examinations are given absolute preference over non-veterans when applying for state, county and municipal employment. Absolute preference is not extended to promotions, but if a veteran ranks highest on a promotional
certification, a non-veteran cannot be offered the appointment before the veteran. Veterans with
service-connected disabilities (at least 10 percent) who pass civil service examinations are given
preference over other veterans and non-veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference, file the claim form with a copy of your separation papers (DD Form 214.) Mail the form to the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Bureau, PO Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340. You must obtain a veteran preference from the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs BEFORE CLOSE DATE for a job or a test.

For information call Veterans Benefits Bureau at 609-530-6958, 609-530-6954, or 1-800-624-0508 or visit any state Veterans Service office.

Veterans Property Tax Deduction/Exemption
The New Jersey Property Tax Deduction is an annual property tax deduction of $250 for veterans honorably discharged from active wartime period. Filing must be done prior to Dec. 31 of the pre-tax year.

Documentation will include the property deed and discharge (DD-214) for the veteran. Widows will need to re-submit the property deed, marriage certificate, death certificate and discharge (DD-214).

Eligibility criteria requires service during a specified wartime period, honorable discharge and
rated 100 percent permanent service-connected by Veterans Affairs.

Catastrophic Entitlements
Residents of the state who served in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States
during a wartime period and who have a 100 percent permanent service-connected disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for one of seven disabilities declared to be catastrophic in nature by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. A monthly entitlement of $62.50 is available. To apply see a State VSO for a New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement Application or contact the Division of Veterans Programs at 609-530-
6854.

Transportation Program
Free transportation is offered to VA medical centers and clinics, other hospitals, private physicians, VA Regional Office and local Veterans Service Offices.

For more information, contact your county State Veterans Service Officer.

PTSD Counseling
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) in conjunction with the
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey developed a free 24 hour confidential helpline staffed by veterans, volunteers, counselors, and clinical professionals who understand what our service members are going through.

Veterans participating in this program will receive peer support, clinical assessments and case
management. Veterans are referred to a Comprehensive Mental Health Vet work of providers within their home of record. The hotline number is 1-866-VETS-NJ 4 U (1-866-838-7654)

 

Table of Contents
Be Powerful, Be Heard
DCVA Message
Governor's Letter
WWII Memorial
Kiosk Highlights Benefits
Veterans Homes Criteria
Reconstitution Process
NJ Vets Benefits
Stand Down 2005
One Shots
Grave Blankets
VSO Listing

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