Every Veteran deserves to know about the benefits they’ve earned, yet many of the most impactful state‑level programs remain hidden in plain sight.

Beyond federal programs like the GI Bill or VA health care, each state offers unique perks that can make a real difference in your life in addition to these—and often go unused. We’re talking tax exemptions, education grants, free licenses, and even full property tax forgiveness. You don’t want to miss out on the benefits you’ve earned!

We’ve done the research for you. Below are the biggest Veteran benefits in every U.S. state—a one‑stop guide to opportunities you may not even know you’re eligible for.

How to Use This Guide:

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• Look for your state to see your top benefit.
• Verify with your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs or local VSO to confirm eligibility.
• Share with fellow Veterans—we all deserve access to what we’ve earned.

Veteran Benefits by State: Top 50 Offers

Alabama

Veterans who are 100% disabled are completely exempt from property taxes on their primary residence.

Alabama also offers free vehicle license plates and priority access to state Veterans’ homes.

Alaska

Veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating can get a free lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping license.

Bonus: All Alaskans, including Veterans, receive an annual cash dividend from the state’s oil revenue through the Permanent Fund.

Arizona

Post-9/11 Veterans who are Arizona residents may qualify for free tuition at any state university.

There’s also a $3,000 state property tax exemption available to Veterans with disabilities.

Arkansas

100% disabled Veterans are exempt from all state taxes on their homestead and personal property.

They also get free hunting and fishing licenses and discounts on camping and park access.

California

The College Fee Waiver Program for dependents of disabled or deceased Veterans covers tuition at California public colleges.

Plus, disabled Vets can receive major property tax reductions through the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption.

Colorado

Disabled Veterans rated 100% P&T qualify for a 50% property tax exemption on the first $200,000 of their home value.

Colorado also offers free admission to state parks and a wide selection of specialty license plates.

Connecticut

Military retirement pay is tax-exempt in Connecticut.

Veterans also qualify for education assistance programs and tuition waivers at state colleges.

Delaware

Delaware offers free tuition at state schools for children of Veterans who died or are permanently disabled from service.

There's also a property tax credit available to senior Veterans.

Florida

100% permanently disabled Veterans receive a full homestead property tax exemption.

The state also waives out-of-state tuition for all honorably discharged Veterans.

Georgia

Veterans can qualify for property tax exemptions and access to Georgia’s skilled nursing homes for Veterans.

There are also reduced fees for hunting and fishing licenses.

Hawaii

Veterans with a 100% disability rating are exempt from vehicle registration fees.

Hawaii also offers burial at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery at no cost to the Veteran and eligible family members.

Idaho

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may qualify for a property tax reduction of up to $1,500.

Idaho also provides employment preference and job assistance through the Idaho Division of Veterans Services.

Illinois

Veterans with specially adapted housing due to a disability may be eligible for full property tax exemption.

Illinois also offers the Veterans Grant Program, covering full tuition and fees at state-supported colleges.

Indiana

Disabled Veterans can receive up to a full exemption on property taxes.

Indiana also provides tuition and fee waivers for children of disabled or deceased Veterans at state schools.

Iowa

The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency assistance with housing, utilities, and medical care.

Property tax exemption is also available for qualified disabled veterans.

Kansas

Kansas offers tuition waivers for dependents of Veterans who died from service-connected causes.

Veterans may also qualify for employment services and hiring preferences.

Kentucky

100% disabled Veterans receive a full exemption on property taxes for their primary residence.

Kentucky also offers reduced fees for state park camping and hunting licenses.

Louisiana

Veterans enjoy free hunting and fishing licenses.

The state also provides a property tax exemption for Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%.

Maine

Property tax exemptions are available for Veterans who are 62 or older, disabled, or have received certain medals.

Maine also offers free admission to state parks for disabled Veterans.

Maryland

Maryland offers a full real property tax exemption for 100% disabled Veterans.

There’s also free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for qualified Veterans.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts provides a $2,000 annual annuity for 100% disabled Veterans.

There are also generous property tax exemptions and educational assistance programs.

Michigan

Michigan Veterans rated 100% disabled qualify for a full property tax exemption.

The state also offers financial assistance and grants through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund.

Minnesota

Disabled Veterans can qualify for a market value exclusion of up to $300,000 on their homestead.

Educational assistance is also available for eligible dependents.

Mississippi

Honorably discharged Veterans with a total disability are exempt from ad valorem taxes on their homestead.

There are also Veterans’ homes and long-term care facilities across the state.

Missouri

Missouri offers skilled care at its seven state-run Veterans’ homes.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities also receive license plate discounts and tax exemptions.

Montana

Montana offers property tax assistance for low-income, 100% disabled Veterans.

Veterans may also qualify for tuition waivers at state schools.

Nebraska

Veterans with post-9/11 service and an honorable discharge can receive full tuition waivers at Nebraska public colleges.

The state also provides property tax exemptions for certain disabled Veterans.

Nevada

Nevada provides property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans and surviving spouses.

There's also a no-cost state park pass for honorably discharged residents.

New Hampshire

Veterans may qualify for a standard $750 property tax credit or more if disabled.

Tuition benefits are also available for children of certain disabled or deceased Veterans.

New Jersey

Veterans are eligible for a $6,000 income tax exemption. Property tax deductions and free access to state parks are also available.

New Mexico

Veterans rated 100% disabled are exempt from property taxes and can get special license plates.

New Mexico also provides tuition scholarships for war Veterans.

New York

The Veterans Tuition Award gives up to $6,195 annually for eligible Veterans attending approved New York institutions.

The state also offers multiple property tax exemptions.

North Carolina

Veterans with a 100% disability rating may receive a full property tax exclusion.

North Carolina also has scholarship programs for children of disabled, deceased, or POW/MIA Veterans.

North Dakota

Veterans with disabilities can receive a property tax credit up to $8,100. Preference in state employment is also given to Veterans and certain spouses.

Ohio

Ohio offers the Ohio Veterans Bonus for post-9/11 service members.

Property tax reductions are also available for low-income Veterans.

Oklahoma

Veterans rated 100% disabled receive a lifetime sales tax exemption card.

Oklahoma also waives fees for hunting and fishing licenses.

Oregon

Veterans receive free access to state parks and can get a special low-interest home loan.

Oregon also offers property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans.

Pennsylvania

100% disabled Veterans may qualify for a real estate tax exemption.

The state also offers Veteran-specific job assistance and educational benefits.

Rhode Island

Veterans receive discounts or exemptions on vehicle registration and driver’s license fees.

There's also a property tax exemption for certain qualifying Veterans.

South Carolina

100% disabled Veterans are fully exempt from property taxes. South Carolina also offers free tuition for children of eligible Veterans.

South Dakota

Veterans with a 100% disability rating can receive full property tax exemptions.

The state also provides employment assistance and a bonus for certain wartime service.

Tennessee

Property tax relief is available to 100% disabled Veterans or their surviving spouses.

Tennessee also offers tuition-free college through the Helping Heroes Grant.

Texas

Texas offers a 100% property tax exemption for fully disabled Veterans.

The state also provides a Hazlewood Act tuition exemption at public colleges.

Utah

Qualified disabled Veterans can receive property tax exemptions based on their disability rating. There’s also free admission to state parks for disabled veterans.

Vermont

Vermont offers a property tax reduction for disabled Veterans and survivors.

The state also provides tuition assistance and Veterans' employment services.

Virginia

100% disabled Veterans are eligible for a full real estate tax exemption.

Virginia also offers education benefits for dependents and priority state employment.

Washington

Veterans rated 100% disabled get free lifetime access to state parks.

Washington also offers a property tax reduction for low-income disabled Veterans.

West Virginia

100% disabled Veterans qualify for a homestead property tax exemption. WV also provides Veteran nursing homes and license fee waivers.

Wisconsin

Veterans may receive the VetEd Reimbursement Grant for tuition costs.

The state also offers full property tax exemptions for 100% disabled Veterans.

Wyoming

Veterans can qualify for property tax exemptions and free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. Wyoming also provides tuition assistance at state community colleges.

Veterans with Disabilities: Special State Benefits

If you identify with one or more of these groups, you may be eligible for additional benefits. Here's what you need to know:

Veteran Entrepreneurs

Some states offer grants, tax breaks, and priority procurement through Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) programs.

These states include:

• California – State certification and procurement goals for SDVOSBs.
• Texas – Veteran-Owned Business designation with franchise tax exemption.
• New York – Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development.
• Virginia – SWaM and SDVOSB certifications, with contracting advantages.
• Florida – Veteran Entrepreneurship Program and state contract preferences.
• Illinois – State Veteran Business Program and contracting set-asides.
• Nevada – Emerging Small Business program includes Veteran preferences.
• Minnesota – Procurement preference programs for Veteran-owned businesses.
• Indiana – Veteran Business Enterprise Program for procurement.
• Arizona – Small Business Certification and access to resources.

Military Spouses & Dependents

Many states offer free or reduced tuition, license reimbursement, and hiring preferences for spouses and dependents:

• California – College fee waivers for dependents of disabled Veterans.
• Texas – Hazlewood Act includes legacy benefit for children.
• North Carolina – Scholarships for children of Veterans.
• Florida – Education benefits and license fee waivers.
• Virginia – Dependents’ education and hiring assistance.
• South Carolina – Free college tuition for dependents.
• Massachusetts – Education benefits and professional license reimbursements.
• Illinois – Tuition waivers for dependents.
• New York – Scholarships and license reimbursement for spouses.
• Georgia – Hiring preference and tuition benefits.

National Guard & Reservists

While not all benefits apply, many states extend key programs—like education aid or tax relief—to Guardsmen and Reservists:

• Ohio – Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program.
• Texas – Tuition assistance through the State Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• California – CalVet education assistance and state employment preference.
• Minnesota – State Tuition Reimbursement for Guard members.
• Alaska – Tuition assistance and job protections.
• South Dakota – Reduced tuition and enlistment bonuses.
• Florida – Education and employment preference programs.
• Mississippi – Tuition assistance for Guard members.
• North Dakota – Education aid and tax credits.
• Georgia – State scholarships and Guard bonuses.

Universal How-to: Claiming Your Benefits

These quick steps will help you confidently access your state and local Veteran benefits:

1. Connect with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO): Your county or state VSO can walk you through paperwork and eligibility—for free.
2. Create a VA.gov or eBenefits account: These secure sites are your key to unlocking federal and state-level benefits.
3. Get your documents in order: Most states require your DD-214, VA disability rating letter, and proof of residency.
4. Double-check the fine print: Some benefits have income limits or service-era restrictions—always confirm on your state’s veterans affairs website.
5. Reapply or update regularly: If your disability rating changes or you move, benefits may shift too.

Tools to Help You Claim Benefits

Save time and get the answers you need with these trusted resources:

• National Association of County Veterans Service Officers – Find trained VSOs near you
• VA.gov Benefits Navigator – Start federal and state benefit applications
• VetResources Weekly Newsletter (VA) – Get benefit updates, discounts, and event alerts delivered to your inbox

Summary of State Benefits for Veterans

Each state offers unique, powerful ways to support its Veterans—some worth thousands of dollars each year. From property tax relief and free education to lifetime hunting licenses and bonus checks, these are not just perks—they’re promises kept.

Head straight to your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website or contact a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO). They’ll help you unlock every benefit you’ve earned. You served—now let your benefits serve you.

Visit your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website and connect with a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO). They can guide you through eligibility, paperwork, and lesser-known programs you may qualify for.

Don’t leave anything on the table. This is your guide, your gateway, and your well-deserved advantage.

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