Benefits, state by state. See what stacks with VA pay.

Connecticut offers a property tax exemption on a portion of the assessed value of the primary residence (with extra benefit at higher ratings), free lifetime state park passes for resident veterans with a service-connected disability, in state tuition at public colleges, and reduced fees at state parks.

Maine offers a $6,000 property tax exemption for veterans rated 100 percent service connected (or those receiving 100 percent pension), free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with permanent disability, in state tuition at the University of Maine System, and a free lifetime state parks day-use pass for all resident veterans under 65.

Massachusetts offers a tiered property tax exemption (Clause 22 and 22A-22E) scaling by rating and circumstance, free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 60 percent or higher, in state tuition at state universities and community colleges, and reduced state park fees.

New Hampshire offers a Standard Veterans Tax Credit (cities and towns choose the amount, statute floor $50), a separate $700 credit for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total, free state park day-use admission for resident veterans with any service-connected disability, in state tuition for New Hampshire-resident veterans, and reduced state park fees.

New Jersey fully exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans (and their surviving spouses) from all property taxes on the primary residence, gives a $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction for honorably discharged veterans, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 100 percent, in state tuition at New Jersey public colleges, and reduced state park fees.

New York offers three property tax exemptions for veterans (Alternative, Cold War, Eligible Funds), municipality opt-in. $5-first-license fishing, hunting, and trapping privileges for resident veterans rated 40 percent or higher; in state tuition at SUNY and CUNY for veterans; free Lifetime State Pass to state parks for veterans rated 40 percent or higher.

Pennsylvania offers a Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption (full exemption) for veterans rated 100 percent service connected with income-based eligibility, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 100 percent, in state tuition at PASSHE and state-related universities, and discount programs for state parks.

Rhode Island offers a tiered property tax exemption ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 of assessed value depending on rating and circumstance, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 100 percent, in state tuition at the University of Rhode Island system, and free state park and beach admission and parking for veterans rated 100 percent.

Vermont offers an Additional Veterans Exemption of $40,000 ($60,000 with town option) on the homestead for veterans rated 50 percent or higher, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 60 percent or higher, in state tuition at the Vermont State Colleges System, and free admission to state parks.

Illinois has a tiered Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption that reduces assessed value by $2,500 to $5,000 for ratings under 70 percent, and fully exempts the homestead from property tax for veterans rated 70 percent or higher. Free hunting and fishing licenses are available for veterans rated 10 percent or higher. Illinois Veterans Grant pays full tuition at all state universities and community colleges for qualifying veterans.

Indiana offers tiered property tax deductions for disabled veterans (up to $14,000 for full disability), free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with service connected disability, in state tuition at Indiana public colleges, and a $25 annual Disabled Hoosier Veteran state parks pass for plate-eligible veterans.

Iowa offers a full property tax credit on the primary residence for veterans rated 100 percent service connected or permanently and totally disabled, a $7 lifetime hunting and fishing license for resident veterans with any service-connected disability, in state tuition at public universities, and free entry to all state parks (Iowa charges no entrance fee).

Kansas offers a base-year property tax refund (SVR, form K-40SVR) for veterans rated 50 percent or higher, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 30 percent or higher, in state tuition at Kansas Board of Regents universities, and reduced state park fees for disabled veterans.

Michigan fully exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans (and their unremarried surviving spouses) from all property taxes on the homestead, gives free hunting and fishing licenses to qualifying veterans, in state tuition at Michigan public universities, and free state park entry (Recreation Passport exemption) for Michigan vehicles with Disabled Veteran, ex-POW, or Medal of Honor plates.

Minnesota gives a market value exclusion of up to $300,000 of homestead value for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total ($150,000 for 70 to 99 percent ratings), free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 100 percent, in state tuition at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State systems, and free state park admission for qualifying veterans.

Missouri offers a property tax credit up to $1,100 for the homestead of any resident over 65 or 100 percent disabled, including service connected disabled veterans. Free hunting and fishing privileges for resident veterans rated 60 percent or higher. In state tuition at Missouri public colleges and free state park entry.

Nebraska offers a Homestead Exemption tied to rating percentage and income, free hunting and fishing permits for veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at the University of Nebraska, and free state park entry for disabled veterans.

North Dakota gives a Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit equal to the service connected disability percentage applied against up to $8,100 of taxable value, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at the North Dakota University System, and free state park admission for disabled veterans.

Ohio offers a $50,000 Homestead Exemption for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total (raised from the standard $25,000 senior homestead). Free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 100 percent. In state tuition at Ohio public colleges and free state park camping for Ohio residents rated 100 percent permanent and total (and former POWs).

South Dakota exempts up to $200,000 of dwelling value from property tax for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total (full exemption for paraplegic veterans in adapted homes), gives free hunting and fishing licenses for resident disabled veterans, in state tuition at South Dakota Board of Regents universities, and a free lifetime state park entrance license for veterans who are 100 percent disabled, SMC-K recipients, former POWs, or Purple Heart recipients.

Wisconsin offers the Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit, a refundable income tax credit equal to the full amount of property tax on the primary residence for veterans rated 100 percent service connected. A $3 annual fishing license for resident veterans rated 70 percent or higher (returning veterans get one-time free licenses). In state tuition at the University of Wisconsin System; reduced state park fees.

Alabama gives a total ad valorem property tax exemption on the primary residence for veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from service connected causes, reduced-price hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans, free state park admission through Parks for Patriots, and in state tuition at the state's public colleges for resident veterans.

Arkansas exempts the homestead from all state and local property taxes for veterans rated 100 percent service connected or permanently and totally disabled, offers $1.50 lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total, and offers in state tuition to resident veterans.

The District of Columbia supports veterans through the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA). Highlights include a generous Disabled Veterans Homestead property-tax deduction for 100 percent service-connected residents and a veterans' preference for District government jobs. Note that the District is a city, not a state: it taxes military retirement pay and relies on federal national parks and national cemeteries rather than state-run ones.

Delaware offers a Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit that effectively eliminates the school portion of property tax for 100 percent disabled veterans, free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 60 percent or higher, in state tuition at the University of Delaware and Delaware State for resident veterans, and a 50 percent discount on the annual state parks pass (free only for qualifying recent OIF/OEF veterans).

Florida exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans from all ad valorem property taxes on the homestead, gives a partial exemption (up to $5,000) for any service connected disability of 10 percent or higher, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with 100 percent or unemployability rating, in state tuition for resident veterans, and free state park admission for veterans rated 100 percent.

Georgia exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans from all property taxes on the homestead up to a value adjusted annually (currently around $109,986 in 2026), gives free hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans rated 100 percent service connected or unemployability, in state tuition at all state schools, and free admission to state parks for veterans rated 100 percent.

Kentucky exempts a portion of the assessed value of the primary residence (currently around $46,350 in 2026, adjusted annually) for veterans rated 100 percent service connected, gives free hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at public universities, and free state park lodging stays for Kentucky residents rated 100 percent permanent and total.

Louisiana exempts an additional $2,500 of assessed value (on top of the standard $7,500 homestead) for veterans rated 50-69 percent, $4,500 for 70-99 percent, and grants a full homestead property tax exemption at 100 percent. Free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 50 percent or higher; in state tuition at LSU System and Southern University System; and free day-use admission to state parks for disabled veterans.

Maryland fully exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans from property tax on the homestead, gives free hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans rated 100 percent, in state tuition at the University System of Maryland, and day-use parking fee waivers at state parks for Disabled Veteran plate holders.

Mississippi exempts 100 percent service connected disabled veterans from all ad valorem property taxes on the homestead, exempts residents rated 100 percent service connected from hunting and fishing licenses, in state tuition at public universities, and free admission to state parks for qualifying veterans.

North Carolina offers a Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion that excludes the first $45,000 of assessed value for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total. Free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher; in state tuition at UNC System and Community Colleges for qualifying veterans; free annual state park pass.

Oklahoma exempts 100 percent service connected disabled veterans from all ad valorem property taxes on the primary residence and from sales tax (lifetime), gives free hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans rated 60 percent or higher, in state tuition at Oklahoma public colleges, and free state park admission for honorably discharged veterans.

South Carolina exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans (and their surviving spouses) from all property taxes on the primary residence and up to five acres, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at South Carolina public colleges, and free state park admission for qualifying veterans.

Tennessee offers a Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans program that reimburses property tax on the first $175,000 of property value for veterans rated 100 percent service connected or with specific service connected conditions. A one-time $10 lifetime hunting and fishing license for residents rated 100 percent permanent and total (or 30 percent war-service disabled); in state tuition at Tennessee public colleges; free state park entry for everyone plus 50 percent off camping for residents rated 100 percent.

Texas exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans (and their surviving spouses) from all property taxes on the primary residence, gives tiered exemptions ($5,000 to $12,000) for partial ratings, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at Texas public colleges (Hazlewood Act covers up to 150 credit hours), and free state park entry for qualifying veterans.

Virginia fully exempts 100 percent permanent and total disabled veterans (and surviving spouses) from all real estate taxes on the primary residence, gives free hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans rated 70 percent or higher, in state tuition at Virginia public colleges, and free state park admission for qualifying veterans.

West Virginia refunds homestead property tax through a refundable income tax credit for veterans rated 90 percent or higher, gives free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total (and former POWs), in state tuition at West Virginia public colleges, and reduced state park fees.

Alaska offers a $150,000 exemption from municipal property tax on the primary residence for disabled veterans rated 50 percent or higher, free hunting and fishing licenses for residents rated 50 percent or higher, and free or reduced fees at most state-run recreation facilities.

Arizona gives a property tax exemption on assessed value (currently around $4,375 in 2026) for any disabled veteran, free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 100 percent or higher (and reduced fee licenses for lower ratings), in state tuition for resident veterans, and free state park day use admission for veterans rated 100 percent.

California offers a Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption for veterans rated 100 percent service connected or paid at the 100 percent rate for unemployability (2026 basic exemption $180,671 of assessed value, low-income exemption $271,009 with a household income limit of $81,131, all adjusted annually), an exclusion of up to $20,000 of military retirement pay from state income tax for 2025 through 2029, reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in-state tuition rates for GI Bill users at public colleges, and the free lifetime Distinguished Veteran Pass to more than 100 state park units for qualifying veterans rated 50 percent or higher.

Colorado gives a Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption that removes 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the primary residence's actual value for veterans rated 100 percent permanent and total, free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 60 percent or higher, in state tuition for resident veterans, and a free annual Colorado State Parks pass for veterans rated permanent and total.

Hawaii exempts 100 percent disabled veterans from real property tax on the primary residence (county-administered, county exemptions vary), charges standard hunting and fishing license fees (no statewide disabled-veteran exemption), in state tuition at the University of Hawaii System for residents and active duty military, and discounted admission at state parks.

Idaho offers a property tax reduction for veterans rated 100 percent service connected (replaces the Circuit Breaker), free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 40 percent or higher, in state tuition at Idaho public universities, and the Disabled Veteran Idaho State Parks Pass for veterans rated 100 percent.

Montana offers a Disabled Veteran Property Tax Assistance Program that reduces property tax by 50 to 100 percent for veterans rated 100 percent (based on income), half-price deer and antelope licenses for combat-disabled veterans, in state tuition at the Montana University System, and reduced state park fees.

Nevada exempts a portion of the assessed value of the primary residence (or vehicle registration) for service connected disabled veterans, scaling by rating tier. Free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 50 percent or higher; in state tuition for Nevada-resident veterans; free state park admission for veterans rated 50 percent or higher.

New Mexico exempts 100 percent service connected disabled veterans from all property taxes on the primary residence, gives free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at all New Mexico public colleges, and a free lifetime state parks pass (day use and camping) for resident veterans.

Oregon offers a Property Tax Exemption that reduces assessed value by up to $31,463 ($37,756 if served in a war zone) for veterans rated 40 percent or higher service connected. Free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 25 percent or higher. In state tuition at Oregon public universities; free annual Oregon state park pass.

Utah offers a property tax abatement based on disability percentage applied to up to $505,548 of taxable value (2026), free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at Utah public colleges, and free state park admission for qualifying veterans.

Washington offers a Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons that scales by income for veterans rated 80 percent or higher, free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans rated 30 percent or higher, in state tuition at all Washington public colleges, and a free lifetime State Parks Disabled Veteran Pass for veterans rated 30 percent or higher.

Wyoming offers a Property Tax Exemption of $3,000 of assessed value (about $25,200 of fair market value) for veterans rated any service connected disability, free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans rated 50 percent or higher, in state tuition at the University of Wyoming, and reduced state park fees.