State Veteran Benefits by State: 2026 Property Tax Exemptions, Education, and More
Why State Veteran Benefits Matter in 2026
Every year, billions of dollars in veteran benefits go unclaimed. While most veterans know about federal VA benefits like disability compensation and the GI Bill, far fewer realize that their state likely offers substantial additional benefits that can significantly improve their quality of life.
State veteran benefits are separate from federal benefits and can be claimed in addition to what you receive from the VA. These benefits vary dramatically by state, which is why knowing your state's offerings is essential to maximizing your total compensation.
State benefits can include:
- Property tax exemptions worth thousands annually
- Free or reduced tuition at state colleges
- Employment preferences for government jobs
- Hunting and fishing license waivers
- Vehicle registration exemptions
- State-specific healthcare programs
A 100% disabled veteran in Texas can save over $10,000 per year in property taxes alone. A veteran's dependent in Illinois can attend state university tuition-free. These benefits are real—but only if you know about them and apply.
Types of State Veteran Benefits
Before diving into specific states, let's understand the categories of benefits available:
Property Tax Exemptions
The most valuable state benefit for many veterans. Exemptions range from a few hundred dollars to complete elimination of property taxes, depending on:
- Your disability rating
- Your state of residence
- Sometimes your income level
- Your age (some states have enhanced benefits for elderly veterans)
Education Benefits
Many states offer free or reduced tuition for veterans and their dependents at state colleges and universities. Some notable programs:
- Complete tuition waivers
- Fee exemptions
- Stipend programs
- Transfer of benefits to dependents
Employment Preferences
Most states give veterans preference in hiring for state government jobs:
- Point preferences (5-10 points added to exam scores)
- Absolute preference (veteran selected if qualified)
- Interview guarantees
- Layoff protection
Vehicle and License Benefits
- Free or reduced registration
- Disabled veteran license plates
- Free hunting/fishing licenses
- Free state park access
Financial Benefits
- One-time bonus payments
- Emergency assistance programs
- Low-interest loans
- State-specific pension supplements
Top 10 States for Veteran Benefits
Based on the overall value and comprehensiveness of benefits:
1. Texas
Highlights:
- Property Tax: 100% exemption for 100% disabled veterans; partial exemptions for lower ratings
- Education: Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of free tuition at state schools; Legacy Program allows transfer to children (child must be under 26)
- Employment: Strong veteran hiring preference for state jobs
- Other: Free hunting/fishing license, vehicle registration exemption
Texas's Hazlewood Act is one of the most generous education benefits in the nation. Through the Legacy Program, unused hours can be transferred to children who must use them before age 26. The benefit covers tuition and most fees but not living expenses or books.
2. Florida
Highlights:
- Property Tax: $5,000 exemption for all veterans; total exemption for 100% P&T veterans
- Education: Waived tuition for Purple Heart recipients and their dependents
- Employment: Strong state hiring preference
- Other: Free state park admission, hunting/fishing license exemptions
3. Illinois
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Up to $250,000 assessed value exemption for 70%+ disabled veterans
- Education: Illinois Veterans Grant provides free tuition at state universities
- Employment: Absolute preference for state jobs
- Other: Free hunting/fishing license, vehicle registration exemption
4. Virginia
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans
- Education: Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
- Employment: Strong hiring preferences
- Other: Free hunting/fishing license, dedicated veteran services
5. California
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Up to $254,656 assessed value exemption for disabled veterans
- Education: Cal Vet Fee Waiver for dependents of disabled/deceased veterans
- Employment: Veteran preference points
- Other: Disabled veteran business enterprise certification
6. Pennsylvania
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans (county-dependent)
- Education: Educational Gratuity Program for dependents
- Employment: State hiring preference
- Other: Free hunting/fishing license, reduced vehicle registration
7. Ohio
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans
- Education: War Orphans Scholarship
- Employment: Veteran preference in state hiring
- Other: License plate benefits, hunting/fishing exemptions
8. Michigan
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans
- Education: Tuition grants for dependents of disabled/deceased veterans
- Employment: Veterans' preference in state hiring
- Other: Reduced hunting/fishing license fees
9. New York
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Various exemptions (Alternative Veterans' Exemption program)
- Education: Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) scholarship
- Employment: Extra credit on civil service exams
- Other: Free fishing license, reduced vehicle registration
10. Georgia
Highlights:
- Property Tax: Up to $109,986 exemption for 100% disabled veterans
- Education: HERO Scholarship for dependents
- Employment: Veteran hiring preference
- Other: Free hunting/fishing license, vehicle registration exemption
State-by-State Property Tax Exemptions
| State | 100% Disabled Vet | Lower Ratings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Full Exemption | Partial | Homestead only |
| Alaska | First $150,000 | First $150,000 | All honorably discharged |
| Arizona | $4,476 | $3,581 | Rating-based |
| Arkansas | Full Exemption | None | 100% only |
| California | $254,656 | $157,584 | Based on rating |
| Colorado | 50% of first $200K | Partial | 100% gets half |
| Connecticut | $1,500 | $1,000 | Additional local |
| Delaware | Varies | Varies | County-based |
| Florida | Full Exemption (P&T) | $5,000 | P&T required for full |
| Georgia | $109,986 | Varies | Rating-based |
| Hawaii | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% only |
| Idaho | Varies | Varies | Income-based |
| Illinois | $250,000 | Varies | 70%+ required |
| Indiana | Varies | Varies | Local control |
| Iowa | $1,852 | $1,852 | All veterans |
| Kansas | Full Exemption | None | 100% P&T only |
| Kentucky | $46,350 | $46,350 | All disabled vets |
| Louisiana | First $150,000 | First $150,000 | 100% only |
| Maine | $6,000 | $6,000 | Additional for 100% |
| Maryland | Full Exemption | Partial | P&T for full |
| Massachusetts | $400-$1,000 | $400 | Rating-based |
| Michigan | Full Exemption | None | 100% only |
| Minnesota | Up to $300,000 | Varies | Rating-based |
| Mississippi | First $7,500 | First $7,500 | Income limits |
| Missouri | Varies | Varies | County-based |
| Montana | $100,000 | Partial | Rating-based |
| Nebraska | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| Nevada | Varies | Varies | Rating/income based |
| New Hampshire | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| New Jersey | Full Exemption | Partial | P&T for full |
| New Mexico | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| New York | Varies | Varies | Local options |
| North Carolina | First $45,000 | First $45,000 | 100% only |
| North Dakota | Varies | Varies | Income-based |
| Ohio | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| Oklahoma | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| Oregon | Full Exemption | Partial | Rating-based |
| Pennsylvania | Full Exemption | None | 100% only |
| Rhode Island | Varies | Varies | Local control |
| South Carolina | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| South Dakota | Full Exemption | Partial | Rating-based |
| Tennessee | First $175,000 | Partial | Rating-based |
| Texas | Full Exemption | Partial | Rating-based |
| Utah | Varies | Varies | Rating/income |
| Vermont | $10,000 | $10,000 | Municipal |
| Virginia | Full Exemption | None | 100% P&T only |
| Washington | Varies | Varies | Income-based |
| West Virginia | Full Exemption | Partial | 100% for full |
| Wisconsin | Full Exemption | None | 100% only |
| Wyoming | $3,000 | $3,000 | All veterans |
This table provides general guidance. Specific exemption amounts, eligibility requirements, and application processes vary. Always verify with your county assessor or state veteran affairs office.
How to Claim State Veteran Benefits
Step 1: Identify Available Benefits
Start by identifying what benefits your state offers. Resources include:
- Your state's Department of Veterans Affairs website
- County veteran service officers (free assistance with applications)
- Our Benefits Finder tool
Pro tip: County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) provide free help with applications and can often identify benefits you didn't know existed. Find your local CVSO through your state VA website.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Most state benefits require:
- DD-214 (Member 4 copy preferred, showing character of discharge)
- VA rating decision letter (for disability-related benefits)
- Proof of state residency (driver's license, utility bills, voter registration)
- Property deed or mortgage statement (for property tax exemptions)
- Social Security number
- Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates (for dependent benefits)
Step 3: Apply Before Deadlines
Many benefits have annual deadlines:
- Property tax exemptions: Often have spring filing deadlines (January-April depending on state)
- Education benefits: May require application before semester starts
- Some benefits require annual renewal (set calendar reminders)
Step 4: Follow Up
After applying:
- Confirm receipt of your application within 2 weeks
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information (delays can miss deadlines)
- Appeal if denied—many denials are due to paperwork issues, not actual ineligibility
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
Residency Requirements
Before moving for state benefits, understand residency requirements:
- Most states require 6-12 months of residency
- Some benefits require permanent residency intent
- Property tax exemptions usually require the home to be your primary residence
- Some states have no residency waiting period for veterans
Moving specifically for veteran benefits can make financial sense. A veteran with 100% disability rating might save $5,000-$15,000 annually in property taxes alone by choosing the right state.
Benefits That Stack with Federal
State benefits don't replace federal benefits—they add to them. Example of benefit stacking for a 100% P&T veteran in Texas:
| Benefit Type | Source | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| VA Disability Compensation | Federal | $47,263 (2026 rate) |
| Property Tax Exemption | Texas | $8,000-15,000 |
| Education (Hazlewood Act) | Texas | $10,000+/year |
| Vehicle Registration | Texas | $75 |
| Hunting/Fishing License | Texas | $70 |
| Total Additional State Value | $18,000-25,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get benefits from multiple states?
Generally, no. Most state benefits require you to be a resident, and you can only be a resident of one state at a time. However, if you move, you may be able to access the new state's benefits after meeting residency requirements.
Do I need to reapply every year?
It depends on the benefit:
- Property tax exemptions often require initial application only
- Some states require annual renewal
- Education benefits may require semester-by-semester application
What if I'm not 100% disabled?
Many state benefits are available at lower ratings:
- Some property tax exemptions start at 10%
- Education benefits for dependents often don't require any disability rating
- Employment preferences typically apply to all veterans
Are state benefits taxable?
Most state veteran benefits are not considered taxable income, including property tax exemptions. However, consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What's the difference between 100% and 100% P&T?
100% schedular means your combined disability rating equals 100%, but the VA may re-evaluate your conditions in the future. 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) means the VA has determined your disabilities are unlikely to improve, so no future exams are scheduled. Some state benefits (especially full property tax exemptions) require P&T status, not just 100% schedular. Check your VA decision letter for language like "permanent and total" or "no future examinations scheduled."
Can my spouse or children claim state benefits?
Yes, many states offer benefits specifically for military dependents:
- Education benefits: Several states offer free tuition for dependents of disabled or deceased veterans
- Survivor benefits: Property tax exemptions often transfer to surviving spouses
- Employment preferences: Some states extend hiring preferences to military spouses
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
Avoid these pitfalls when claiming state benefits:
-
Waiting too long to apply: Property tax exemptions often have filing deadlines in early spring. Miss it, and you wait another year.
-
Not updating after rating increases: If your VA rating increases, you may qualify for enhanced state benefits. Always reapply after a rating change.
-
Assuming "100% disabled" means the same in every state: Some states require 100% Permanent & Total (P&T), while others accept 100% schedular. Check your state's specific requirements.
-
Forgetting dependent benefits: Many state education benefits are available to spouses and children even if you have a lower rating or no rating at all.
-
Not establishing residency properly: Simply buying property isn't enough. You typically need to change your driver's license, voter registration, and establish the home as your primary residence.
Take Action Today
State benefits represent significant value that too many veterans leave on the table. Here's your action plan:
- Identify your state's benefits using our Benefits Finder
- Gather your documentation (DD-214, VA rating letter, proof of residency)
- Check application deadlines for time-sensitive benefits (property tax deadlines are often in spring)
- Apply for each benefit you're eligible for
- Set calendar reminders for any renewal requirements
- Reapply after rating changes to capture enhanced benefits
Don't leave money on the table. Use our Benefits Finder to discover every federal, state, and local benefit you may qualify for. Enter your information once and see all available benefits personalized to your service, rating, and location.
Your service earned you these benefits. Every state has something to offer—make sure you're receiving your full entitlement.
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