5 Lesser-Known Veteran Benefits Worth Thousands in 2026
The Hidden Veteran Benefits Most People Miss
Every year, billions of dollars in veteran benefits go unclaimed. While most veterans know about VA disability compensation and the GI Bill, far fewer know about the programs we're about to share.
These aren't obscure, hard-to-qualify-for programs. They're substantial benefits that many veterans are eligible for right now—and the VA doesn't tell you about most of them because they're administered by states, not the federal government.
Combined, these five benefits can be worth $10,000 to $50,000+ annually depending on your situation. How many are you currently receiving?
Benefit #1: State Property Tax Exemptions
This is arguably the most valuable overlooked benefit for veteran homeowners—and it's not automatic. You must apply.
What It Is
Most states offer property tax reductions or complete exemptions for veterans, particularly those with disability ratings. The savings can be extraordinary:
| State | 100% Disabled Vet Exemption | Typical Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Full exemption on homestead | $5,000-20,000+ |
| Florida | Full exemption (requires P&T status) | $4,000-15,000+ |
| Illinois | Up to $250,000 assessed value exempt | $5,000-8,000 |
| California | $161,083 exemption (basic) or $241,627 (low income) | $2,000-7,000 |
| Virginia | Full exemption (requires P&T status) | $4,000-12,000+ |
Why Most Veterans Miss It
- It's not automatic—you must apply
- The VA doesn't tell you about state benefits
- Each state has different rules and application processes
- Many veterans assume it's only for 100% rated (many states offer partial exemptions at lower ratings)
How to Get It
- Check your state's requirements at your state VA website
- Gather documentation: DD-214, VA rating letter, property deed
- Apply through your county assessor's office (not the state VA)
- Meet deadlines: Most states have specific filing periods
Property tax exemption deadlines vary by state—some have spring deadlines for the following tax year. Check your state's timeline to avoid missing a year of savings.
Pro Tip: Partial Exemptions at Lower Ratings
Even if you're not 100% disabled, you likely qualify for something. Texas, for example, offers exemptions based on rating:
| VA Disability Rating | Texas Property Tax Exemption |
|---|---|
| 10-29% | $5,000 off assessed value |
| 30-49% | $7,500 off assessed value |
| 50-69% | $10,000 off assessed value |
| 70-99% | $12,000 off assessed value |
| 100% | Full exemption (entire property) |
California, Illinois, and many other states offer similar tiered exemptions. Some states even offer exemptions for all honorably discharged veterans regardless of disability status.
This one benefit alone can save you more than your annual VA disability COLA increase.
Benefit #2: Federal and State Veteran Hiring Preferences
If you're job hunting or considering government work, veteran hiring preference can be the difference between getting hired and getting passed over.
What It Is
Federal and state governments give veterans preferential treatment in hiring through legally mandated preference programs.
Federal Veterans' Preference:
- 5-point preference: For veterans who served during wartime or in a campaign/expedition
- 10-point preference: For disabled veterans (any rating), Purple Heart recipients, and certain family members
- When agencies use numerical scoring, these points are added to passing scores
- For many positions, qualified veterans must be considered before non-veterans
State Preferences:
- Every state offers some form of veteran preference for state government jobs
- Many extend to county and city positions as well
- Some states have "absolute preference" (qualified veteran must be selected over non-veterans)
Why It Matters
- Government jobs offer stability, benefits, and pensions
- Competition is fierce—preference gives you a real edge
- Many government positions pay competitive salaries
- Healthcare and retirement benefits are typically excellent
States with Strongest Preferences
| State | Type of Preference |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Absolute preference (veteran selected if qualified) |
| New York | 5-10 extra points on civil service exams |
| California | Interview guarantee for qualified veterans |
| Texas | Strong preference in state hiring |
| Florida | Preference points plus employment initiatives |
How to Use Federal Veterans' Preference
- Create a USAJobs.gov profile and upload your DD-214 (Member 4 copy)
- Claim veteran status on every federal application—don't assume they'll find it
- Submit SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) if you're a disabled veteran or qualify for 10-point preference
- Target veteran-friendly agencies: VA, DoD, DHS, and CBP actively recruit veterans and have strong veteran cultures
The federal government is the largest employer in the country with over 2 million civilian employees. With veteran preference, you have a legally protected advantage over equally qualified non-veteran candidates. Many federal positions are also eligible for military service credit toward retirement.
Benefit #3: Free National and State Park Access
This benefit is simple but valuable, especially if you enjoy outdoor recreation. And as of recent policy changes, all veterans are now eligible—not just those with disabilities.
Federal: America the Beautiful Military Pass
Free Lifetime Pass for:
- All veterans (anyone who served in the US Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserves)
- Gold Star Families
- Current military (active duty, Reserve, National Guard)
What It Covers:
- All national parks (entrance fees)
- National forests
- National wildlife refuges
- BLM lands
- Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas
- Over 2,000 federal recreation areas total
Value: $80/year (the standard annual pass price)—free for life if you're a veteran
How to Get It
- In person (free): Visit any national park entrance station with a valid form of ID:
- Veteran designation on state driver's license or ID
- Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veterans ID Card
- DoD ID card showing veteran status
- Online: Order through the USGS store for a $10 processing/shipping fee
State Park Programs
Most states offer free or reduced state park access to veterans:
| State | Benefit |
|---|---|
| California | Free day use pass for disabled veterans |
| Texas | Free state park pass for veterans |
| Florida | Free annual entrance pass |
| Colorado | Free annual pass for 60%+ disabled veterans |
| Washington | Free Discover Pass for disabled veterans |
Between federal and state programs, veterans can access hundreds of parks, forests, and recreation areas for free. If you visit even a few times per year, this benefit pays for itself many times over.
Benefit #4: State Education Benefits for Dependents
This benefit can be worth $100,000+ over time and is frequently overlooked by veteran families.
What It Is
Many states offer free or reduced tuition at state colleges for children and spouses of veterans—separate from and in addition to the GI Bill.
Notable Programs
Texas Hazlewood Act (Legacy Act)
- Eligible veterans receive up to 150 credit hours of free tuition at Texas public colleges
- Veterans can transfer unused hours to one child at a time (Legacy Act)
- Covers tuition and most mandatory fees at state schools
- Requirement: Veteran must have served 181+ days of active duty and been discharged honorably
- Age limit for children: Must be 25 or younger when starting, loses eligibility at age 26
- Value: Potentially $60,000-100,000+ per child
Illinois Veterans Grant + Dependents
- Veterans: 120 credit hours free at state schools
- MIA/POW dependents: Full tuition waiver
- Value: $40,000-80,000
California CalVet Fee Waiver
- Children of disabled or deceased veterans
- Waives tuition at UC, CSU, and community colleges
- Value: $50,000-100,000+
Other Strong Programs:
- Wisconsin: Full tuition remission for dependents
- Florida: Scholarships for children of deceased/disabled veterans
- Virginia: Virginia Military Survivors Program
Who Qualifies
Eligibility varies by state but often includes children of:
- Veterans with 100% disability (sometimes lower ratings)
- Veterans who died from service-connected disability
- Veterans killed in action
- POW/MIA veterans
Why It's Overlooked
- The GI Bill gets all the attention
- State programs aren't advertised nationally
- Parents don't know to look for dependent benefits
- Children may not realize they qualify until too late
Critical timing: Most state education benefits have strict age limits. Texas Hazlewood Legacy, for example, requires children to start using the benefit by age 25 and cuts off at age 26. California and Illinois have similar restrictions. Research these programs when your children are in high school—not when they're already in college.
Benefit #5: Veteran Small Business Certification Programs
If you're entrepreneurial or own a business, veteran status opens doors to billions in government contract opportunities.
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Certification
What It Is: Federal certification through the SBA that gives your business advantages when competing for government contracts.
Benefits:
- Set-aside contracts only for VOSBs
- Preference points on many contract bids
- Access to SBA small business programs
- Networking with other veteran businesses
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
If you have any service-connected disability rating (even 0%), you may qualify for SDVOSB certification—which opens even more doors:
SDVOSB Benefits:
- Federal government goal: 3% of all federal contracts go to SDVOSBs
- Sole-source contracts up to $5 million (no competition required)
- Set-aside competitions limited exclusively to SDVOSBs
- Strong priority for VA contracts specifically
Requirements:
- 51%+ owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Daily operations controlled by the service-disabled veteran owner(s)
- Must be a small business under SBA size standards
- Certification is now mandatory through SBA VetCert (as of late 2024)
Important change: As of October 2024, self-certification no longer counts. You must be officially certified through the SBA's VetCert program to compete for SDVOSB set-asides. Processing takes 60-90 days, and certification lasts three years.
The Numbers
- Federal government spends over $600 billion annually on contracts
- SDVOSB set-asides represent billions in opportunities
- Many large contractors need SDVOSB subcontractors to meet their own requirements
State Veteran Business Programs
| State | Program |
|---|---|
| California | Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) |
| Texas | HUB certification with veteran preference |
| New York | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business preference |
| Illinois | Veteran Small Business preference |
Getting Started With Veteran Business Certification
- Register in SAM.gov (System for Award Management)—required for any federal contracting
- Apply for certification through SBA VetCert at veterans.certify.sba.gov
- Research opportunities: SAM.gov contract opportunities, agency forecast tools, GovWin
- Start small: Subcontracting with larger primes builds experience and past performance
- Network: Attend veteran business conferences, PTAC events, and SBA matchmaking sessions
SDVOSB status has created millionaire veteran business owners. Even if you're not interested in government contracts, the certification can help win private sector business from companies with veteran-friendly supplier goals.
Bonus: County and City Benefits
Your local government likely offers veteran benefits you don't know about:
- Utility discounts: Some cities offer reduced rates for disabled veterans
- Public transportation: Free or reduced fares
- Recreation centers: Free memberships
- Parking: Free disabled veteran parking in many cities
- Local property tax abatements: In addition to state exemptions
How to Find Local Benefits
- Search "[Your County] veteran benefits"
- Contact your County Veteran Service Officer (free!)
- Check your city's website for veteran programs
- Ask at local VFW or American Legion posts
What These Benefits Are Worth: A Real Example
Let's add it up for a hypothetical 70% disabled veteran in Texas with two children attending state universities:
| Benefit | Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption ($12,000 off assessed value) | $2,400 |
| Federal Park Pass | $80 |
| State Park Pass | $70 |
| Hunting/Fishing License | $68 |
| Vehicle Registration Waiver | $75 |
| Education (Hazlewood Legacy for 2 kids) | $30,000 |
| Total Annual Value | $32,693 |
This is on top of federal VA disability compensation ($21,701/year at 70% with no dependents in 2026). Combined, that's over $54,000 annually—and we haven't even counted business opportunities, hiring preferences, or local benefits.
Are You Receiving These Benefits?
Quick checklist:
- Property tax exemption applied for
- Federal park pass obtained
- State park benefits claimed
- Children's education benefits researched
- VOSB/SDVOSB certification (if business owner)
- Veteran hiring preference used in job applications
- Local/county benefits researched
If you checked fewer than half of these, you're leaving money on the table.
How to Find More Hidden Veteran Benefits
The five benefits we've covered are just the beginning. Depending on your specific situation—state of residence, disability rating, service era, family status—you may qualify for dozens more programs.
The challenge is that these benefits are scattered across federal agencies, state governments, counties, and nonprofits. No single government website lists them all.
Stop guessing and start finding. Use our Benefits Finder to discover every federal, state, and local benefit personalized to your situation. Enter your information once and see everything you may qualify for—including hidden benefits you didn't know existed. It's free and takes just a few minutes.
Share This With a Veteran
Know a veteran who might be missing out on these benefits? Share this article. The more veterans who know about these programs, the fewer benefits go unclaimed.
Your service earned you these benefits. Make sure you're collecting every single one—and help your fellow veterans do the same.
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