U.S. states offer Veterans a wide range of benefits. State representatives provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with a list of the most popular benefit available to Veterans in each state. Readers can find the list of the most popular VA benefit in each state on the VA website, here: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76439/veterans-benefits-2020-popular-state-benefit/

A description of the most popular VA benefit available in New Jersey and New York follows:

New Jersey

“Veterans are eligible for a $6,000 exemption on your income tax return if you are a military Veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States on or any time before the last day of the tax year. Your spouse (or civil union partner) is also eligible for an exemption if he/she is a Veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances and you are filing a joint return. This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions you are entitled to claim and is available on both the resident and nonresident returns.” – Patricia A. Richter, acting director, Division of Veterans Services

More information is at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/military/vetexemption.shtml

New York

“New York’s most popular state benefit is the FreshConnect Checks program. This program in collaboration with Agriculture and Markets, allows Veterans and their families to access $20 in fresh food vouchers to be used at farmers markets across New York.” – Joel Evans, executive deputy director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services

New York Veterans can learn more about the program at https://agriculture.ny.gov/consumer-benefits-farmers-markets#freshconnect-benefits-for-veterans-and-servicemembers.

For VA benefits, readers can download and print the VA Welcome Kit at https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit. In addition, readers can provide general feedback and suggestions on ways VA can improve the Welcome Kit via email at vawelcomekit@va.gov.  A YouTube video on the VA Welcome Kit is reproduced below:

For additional information concerning VA compensation and pension benefits, visit:

VA Compensation and Pension Benefits