Gold Star Family Benefits in New Jersey
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
Gold Star families—survivors of service members killed in action—receive federal Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) starting at $1,733 monthly for surviving spouses (2024). New Jersey adds an in-state tuition waiver for Gold Star children at public colleges and universities, property tax exemptions, and special license plates. These benefits apply whether the death occurred in combat or from service-connected illness.
Key Facts
- •Gold Star families receive federal DIC payments starting at $1,733/month for surviving spouses.
- •New Jersey offers in-state tuition waiver for Gold Star children at public universities.
- •Eligible survivors must have discharge papers and death certificate for federal benefits.
- •Gold Star license plates and property tax exemptions available in New Jersey.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
Gold Star family benefits, formally called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), apply to survivors of service members who died in service or from a service-connected condition. Under 38 U.S.C. § 1311, eligible survivors include surviving spouses, children under age 23 (if enrolled full-time in an accredited school), and dependent parents.
The service member must have received an honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge. Death must have resulted from service-connected causes or occurred while on active duty. There is no minimum service length requirement if the death occurred in active duty; however, if death resulted from a service-connected condition diagnosed after discharge, the member must have been honorably discharged and have a service-connected rating at the time of death under 38 U.S.C. § 1315.
Surviving spouses remain eligible for life unless they remarry. Children qualify until age 18, or age 23 if enrolled full-time in an approved school. Dependent parents (age 55 or older) may qualify if the deceased service member provided at least half of their financial support.
There are no income limits for DIC eligibility. The key requirement is establishing the causal link between military service and the death. Applicants must provide the service member's discharge papers (DD Form 214), death certificate, and proof of the dependent relationship. Benefits are not reduced by other veteran or survivor benefits received.
Benefit Amounts
Federal Dependency and Indemnity Compensation rates for 2024:
Surviving Spouse (no children): $1,733/month
Surviving Spouse with one child: $2,120/month
Surviving Spouse with two children: $2,460/month
Surviving Spouse with three children: $2,768/month
Each additional child: +$260/month
Surviving Child (no spouse): $1,153/month per child (shared equally if multiple)
Dependent Parent (one): $873/month
Dependent Parent (two): $582/month each
Rates increase annually with cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Payments are tax-free. Rates vary based on the service member's military rank at time of death for certain categories. Children's payments may increase if the surviving spouse is also a student or becomes unable to work.
New Jersey Benefits on Top of Federal
New Jersey provides significant additional benefits to Gold Star families beyond federal DIC payments. The most valuable state benefit is the in-state tuition waiver for Gold Star children attending public colleges and universities in New Jersey, including Rutgers University, NJIT, and county colleges. Under N.J.S.A. 18A:62-1 et seq., eligible children receive full tuition coverage regardless of family income or assets. This benefit covers undergraduate and graduate programs and is stackable with federal educational benefits like GI Bill proceeds.
Gold Star families in New Jersey also qualify for property tax exemptions under state law. Surviving spouses who own and occupy residential property may claim exemptions on a portion of their home's assessed value, similar to veteran exemptions. The specific exemption amount varies by county and municipality but typically ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 in assessed value reduction.
New Jersey issues special Gold Star license plates (designating the vehicle as belonging to a Gold Star family member) at no additional fee. These plates provide recognition and, in some cases, parking privileges at state facilities. Additionally, Gold Star families may receive priority registration at state universities and colleges, as well as special consideration for state employment opportunities.
Gold Star children may also qualify for the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) grants and scholarships, which stack with tuition waivers. Unlike some federal programs, New Jersey allows simultaneous use of multiple educational benefits, maximizing financial support for survivors pursuing higher education.
New Jersey in-state tuition waiver: 100% of tuition at public universities and colleges (no dollar limit). Property tax exemption: $25,000–$50,000 assessed value reduction (varies by county). Gold Star license plates: No additional fee.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
To apply for federal DIC benefits, submit your application to the Department of Veterans Affairs using VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Compensation, and Accrued Benefits by Surviving Spouse or Child). This form is available at VA.gov/find-forms or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
You can apply online through VA.gov or eBenefits.va.gov by creating or logging into your VA account. Upload required documents directly: the service member's original DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), original or certified death certificate, and proof of dependent status (birth certificate, marriage certificate for spouse, school enrollment for children).
Alternatively, submit the completed form by mail to the VA Regional Office serving your state. The VA will typically acknowledge receipt within two weeks. Processing time averages 30–90 days for straightforward claims; more complex cases may take 6 months or longer.
After submission, you can check claim status through VA.gov, eBenefits, or by calling the Veterans Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000. The VA will mail a decision letter outlining the award decision and payment start date. If approved, your first payment posts to your bank account within 7–10 business days. You must notify the VA of address changes or changes in dependent status (remarriage, child aging out of school).
State Application
To apply for New Jersey state benefits (tuition waiver and property tax exemption), contact the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) at 609-530-6854 or visit nj.gov/military. The DMVA serves as the central point for state Gold Star family benefits coordination.
For the in-state tuition waiver, contact your chosen New Jersey public college or university directly. Provide documentation of the service member's death (death certificate) and proof of your relationship (birth certificate or marriage certificate). Most institutions have a dedicated veterans or student financial aid office that processes Gold Star applications. Rutgers University and county colleges maintain streamlined waiver processes. Submit applications as early as possible before the academic year, though mid-year applications are accepted.
For the property tax exemption, contact your county assessor's office or municipal tax assessor (find the office at your county or township government website). Bring the service member's death certificate, your proof of ownership (deed or property tax bill), and your proof of residence. Each county has slightly different deadlines and procedures, so contact your local assessor early.
For Gold Star license plates, visit your nearest New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office with proof of Gold Star status (VA notification letter or death certificate) and your vehicle registration. Processing is immediate.
Your county Veterans Service Officer can assist with all state applications at no cost. Locate your county VSO at nj.gov/military or by calling the DMVA. VSOs provide free document preparation and submission support.
Common Reasons for Denial
Gold Star DIC claims are most often denied or delayed due to missing or unclear discharge documentation. If the service member's DD Form 214 does not clearly reflect an honorable discharge, the VA will request clarification or order records from the National Archives. Claims are frequently denied when survivors cannot establish service-connection for the death—for example, when a service member dies years after discharge from a condition that was not documented as service-connected at time of discharge.
Another common denial reason is insufficient documentation of the dependent relationship. Survivors must provide original or certified birth certificates for children, marriage certificates for spouses (or divorce decrees if claiming as former spouse), and proof of current school enrollment for children over 18. Missing or illegible documents cause processing delays and can result in denials.
Surviving spouses who remarried after the service member's death are ineligible unless the remarriage occurred after age 57. This is a bright-line rule that frequently triggers denials when not disclosed upfront. Additionally, claims for dependent parents are denied if the applicant cannot prove the deceased service member provided at least 50% of the parent's financial support.
To avoid denial, gather original discharge papers, death certificate, and dependent documentation before applying. If the service member's death was not officially attributed to service-connection, request a VA Regional Office medical nexus determination. Working with a free County Veterans Service Officer or VSO significantly improves claim strength and reduces the risk of denial. Early submission allows time to correct deficiencies rather than being forced into appeal.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
If your Gold Star DIC claim is denied, you have three appeal options under the VA's three-lane system outlined in 38 U.S.C. § 7251 et seq.
**Supplemental Claim (Lane 1):** File a VA Form 20-0995 within one year of the denial letter if you have new evidence (e.g., a previously undiscovered medical record proving service-connection). This lane is fastest, typically resolving in 4–6 months. No hearing is granted. Use this lane if you simply missed submitting key documents or evidence the first time.
**Higher-Level Review (HLR, Lane 2):** File a VA Form 20-0996 within one year of denial if you believe the VA misinterpreted existing evidence. An HLR officer (not the original decision-maker) will review your file without new evidence. HLR is faster than Board appeal (4–6 months) and appropriate when the original decision was procedurally flawed. You may request an informal phone hearing but cannot present new evidence.
**Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA, Lane 3):** File a Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 10182) within one year of denial for a full formal appeal. The BVA is an independent board within the VA. You may request an in-person, video, or phone hearing and present new evidence. BVA appeals average 12–24 months but are appropriate when your case requires thorough legal or medical review.
All appeals are free. The VA provides free representation through Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), Veteran Service Agents, and accredited attorneys. Contact your New Jersey county VSO (found at nj.gov/military) or the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for free appeal assistance. VSOs will prepare and file your appeal at no cost.
Get free help applying for Gold Star benefits through your New Jersey County Veterans Service Officer. Call the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at 609-530-6854 or visit nj.gov/military to locate your county VSO. VSOs provide no-cost assistance with federal and state applications, document gathering, and appeals.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DIC and military death gratuity?
Military death gratuity is a one-time lump sum of $100,000 paid to the service member's estate or designated beneficiary immediately after death. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is an ongoing monthly benefit for surviving family members (spouse, children, dependent parents) who meet eligibility criteria. A family may receive both benefits. Death gratuity is paid by the Department of Defense; DIC is administered by the VA. Most survivors receive the death gratuity first, then apply for ongoing DIC benefits. DIC provides long-term financial stability, whereas the gratuity is designed as an immediate emergency assistance payment. If you received military death gratuity but have not applied for DIC, do so immediately—you are likely eligible, and DIC provides substantially more lifetime financial support.
Can a surviving spouse remarry and still receive Gold Star DIC benefits?
A surviving spouse loses DIC eligibility if they remarry before age 57. However, if the spouse remarries at age 57 or older, DIC eligibility is restored and payments continue. This rule applies regardless of when the original service member died. If you remarried before age 57 and are now 57 or older, you can reapply for DIC benefits with your new marital status. The effective date of restoration is typically the month you reach age 57 or the month of remarriage after that age, whichever is later. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to restart your DIC claim if this applies to you. New Jersey's state benefits (tuition waiver, property tax exemption) do not have remarriage restrictions and remain available to eligible Gold Star family members regardless of marital status.
How does the New Jersey in-state tuition waiver work with federal GI Bill benefits?
New Jersey's Gold Star in-state tuition waiver and federal GI Bill benefits (such as the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, or DEA) are stackable and can be used simultaneously. The tuition waiver covers 100% of in-state tuition, while the GI Bill can pay for room, board, books, and fees. This combination allows Gold Star children to attend a New Jersey public university with zero out-of-pocket tuition cost while the GI Bill covers living expenses and other costs. The order of payment is typically: the institution applies the tuition waiver first, then the child's GI Bill benefits are applied to remaining eligible charges. If the child attends a private college or out-of-state school, only the GI Bill applies; the tuition waiver is limited to New Jersey public institutions. Contact your school's financial aid office to confirm how the two benefits will be coordinated on your specific bill.
What documents do I need to prove Gold Star status for New Jersey state benefits?
To claim New Jersey state benefits (tuition waiver, property tax exemption, license plates), you must provide: (1) an original or certified death certificate for the service member, (2) proof of the dependent relationship (birth certificate for children, marriage certificate for spouse), (3) the service member's DD Form 214 showing honorable discharge, and (4) if the death occurred after discharge, evidence of service-connection (VA rating letter or disability determination). For tuition waiver applications, many colleges will accept a copy of the VA's DIC award letter, which consolidates much of this information. For property tax exemptions, your county assessor may require additional documentation specific to your county. Your County Veterans Service Officer can help gather and organize all required documents at no cost. Contact your county VSO through nj.gov/military to schedule a free appointment.
How long does it take for New Jersey to process a Gold Star property tax exemption?
Processing time for a property tax exemption varies by county and municipality, typically ranging from 30–90 days after submission of all required documents. Some counties process within 2–3 weeks if documents are complete and submitted early in the tax year. However, if documents are missing or incomplete, processing can extend 4–6 months. The exemption becomes effective for the tax year in which you apply, though some counties backdate exemptions if the application is filed within a set window (e.g., by April 1). Deadlines and procedures vary significantly by county, so contact your county assessor immediately. Your County Veterans Service Officer can contact the assessor on your behalf and ensure your application meets all local requirements. Submit your application as early as possible in the calendar year to avoid missing deadlines and ensure the exemption applies to the current tax bill.
Related Benefits in New Jersey
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. § 1311 — Establishes Dependency and Indemnity Compensation eligibility
- 38 U.S.C. § 1315 — Sets DIC rates for surviving spouses and children
- N.J.S.A. 18A:62-1 et seq. — New Jersey in-state tuition waiver for Gold Star children
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-27.86 — Gold Star license plate authorization
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 4 statutes. Last reviewed September 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by September 2027.
See our editorial policy for how content is created and verified, or report an inaccuracy.