
U.S. states offer Veterans a wide range of benefits. State representatives provided VA the most underused benefit for Veterans, part of a five-part series. Below is a list of the benefits in alphabetical order by state. For VA benefits,ย people can download and print the VA Welcome Kit atย https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit. People can provide general feedback and suggestions on ways VA can improve the Welcome Kit via email atย vawelcomekit@va.gov. ย A YouTube video on the welcome kit is atย https://youtu.be/DZvITWcWutE.
Alabama
โOur professional Veteran service officers, with offices in communities throughout Alabama, are our most underutilized Alabama benefit. Despite our best efforts, too many remain unaware that help filing for VA benefits is available at no cost. Their training and expertise really are the best chance a Veteran has to submit a fully developed claim that allows the VA to grant the maximum benefits to which they are entitled the first time.โ โ Mark Sullivan, manager, Appeals and Review Division.
Veterans and beneficiaries can learn more about the benefit at https://va.alabama.gov/serviceofficer/.
Alaska
โAlaska offers a Veteran land discount/purchase preference and it can only be used once, so many Veterans do not pursue this program thinking they will save it for later and then never use this valued benefit. This program provides a 20% discount off the purchase price of state residential/recreational land. The land is offered under a Veteran exclusive opportunity and the sale is at fair appraised market value.โ โ Verdie Bowen Sr., director, Office of Veterans Affairs
Veterans can learn more about this program at (URL) http://veterans.alaska.gov/Documents/LandDiscount.pdf.
Arizona
โThe Arizona Military Family Relief Fund provides financial assistance to the families of currently deployed service members, plus military and Veteran families for hardships caused by the service memberโs deployment. The lifetime financial assistance limit for service members, Veterans and their families is $20,000. Applicants can receive emergency assistance of up to $3,000 once in a lifetime.โ โ Wanda Wright, director
Veterans can learn more about the Military Family Relief Fund at https://dvs.az.gov/requesting-MFRF.
Arkansas
โThe stateโs most underused benefit is Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Combination License.โ โ Gina Chandler, assistant director, Veterans Services
Information about that license and other hunting and fishing benefits to Veterans is at https://www.agfc.com/en/resources/licensing/disability-65-plus-and-lifetime-licenses/.
California
โCaliforniaโs most underused state benefit would be our hunting and fishing license program. For 2020, reduced-fee licenses are available for any honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a serviceโconnected disability rating of 50% or greater at the price of $8.13.โ โ Roberto Herrera, chief, Veteran and Community Engagement
Veterans can learn more about the program at https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Fishing-and-Hunting-Licenses.aspx
Colorado
โColorado has a free Lifetime Fish & Game small game license for Veterans 60% or more service connected.โ โ Richard J. Tremaine, director, Division of Veterans Affairs
Veterans can learn more at www.Colorado.Gov/Vets.
Connecticut
โAmong the most underutilized state benefits is the Connecticut Qualified Veteransโ Charitable Organization list maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To be included on the list, the Veteransโ organization must be one that: (1) Holds itself out to be established for any benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific, patriotic, social welfare or advocacy purpose relating to or on behalf of Veterans; and (2) has been (A) a nonstock corporation, organized under chapter 602, or any predecessor thereto, for three or more years, or (B) a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, for three or more consecutive years.โ โ Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi
Veteransโ organizations can learn more about this program at https://portal.ct.gov/DVA/Pages/Veterans-Charitable-Organization-Listing/Application.
Delaware
โThe most underused state benefit is discounted hunting, trapping and fishing licenses.โ โ Larence Kirby, executive director, Office of Veterans Services
Any member of the Armed Forces while stationed within the state shall be deemed a resident of the state for the purpose of obtaining a license. Veterans with a disability rating of 60 percent or more by VA may obtain a no-fee license.
To learn more about Delawareโs services for Veterans, visit https://vets.delaware.gov/.
Florida
โFlorida waives undergraduate-level tuition at state universities and community colleges for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart. The waiver program also includes the stateโs career and technical training facilities.โ โ James S. โHammerโ Hartsell, deputy executive director, Florida Department of Veteransโ Affairs
Veterans can learn more by visiting www.FloridaVets.org.
Georgia
โMany of Georgiaโs Veterans do not take advantage of the discounts available for state park entrance fees or for hunting and fishing licenses. Honorably discharged Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating are eligible for a 25% reduction of the entrance fee to state parks, historical sites, and recreational areas. Veterans discharged after July 1, 2005 and who served 90 days on active duty are eligible for a free one-year full sportsman license. All honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for a 20% discount on hunting and fishing licenses.โ โ Mike Roby, Georgiaโs commissioner of Veterans Service
Veterans can learn more about the program at https://veterans.georgia.gov/hunting-and-fishing-licenses.
Hawaii
โHawaiiโs Most underused state benefit is the Specialty Veteranโs License Plates. For the same cost as a regular license plate, Veterans can choose, if qualified, a Veteran, Combat or Combat Wounded, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Former POW, World War II Veteran, Korea Veteran, Vietnam Veteran, Persian Gulf Veteran, or Gold Star Family license plate.โ โ Ronald Han, Director State Office of Veteransโ Services
Veterans can learn more about the exemption at http://dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/benefits-and-services/.
Idaho
Recently, Idaho passed legislation to make it easier for Veterans, military members and their families to get occupational licenses. Under the Occupational Licensing Reform Act Chapter 94, Title 67, Idaho Code, those benefits may include expedited processing of license applications and credit for military training that is relevant to the occupational license/registration being applied for. This is a significant reduction in regulatory hurdles and will meaningfully impact Veterans, military members and their families as more become aware of this benefit.โ โ Marv Hagedorn, Idaho Division of Veterans Services chief administrator
Veterans can learn more about this benefit at https://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/AgencyAdditional.aspx?Agency=427&AgencyLinkID=100.
Illinois
โIllinoisโ newest benefit is the Veteran designation for Illinois state driverโs licenses. This has quickly become our most popular benefit in terms of the number of Veterans who have obtained it. Our most popular monetary benefit is the Illinois Veterans Grant/Illinois National Guard Grant.โ โ Linda Chapa LaVia, director of the Illinois Department of Veteransโ Affairs
Illinois Veterans and their families can learn more about these programs at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx.
Indiana
Indiana has several property tax deductions.
Indiana has $14,000 deduction for Veterans that served during peace time or the surviving spouse of a service member that was killed in action or died during active duty. The Veteran must be totally disabled ormust be 62 years old with a 10% service-connected disability rating. There is an assessed value limit of $200,000. Veterans can learn more at https://www.in.gov/dva/2383.htm.
Thereโs a $24,960 deduction for wartime Veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability rating. There is no assessed value limit for this benefit. Veterans can learn more at https://www.in.gov/dva/2383.htm.
A Veteran who served during a period of war and is at least 62 years old with a 10% service-connected disability rating OR has a permanent and total service-connected disability rating at any age AND whose homeโs assessed value is $200,000 or less, can receive both property tax deductions for a total of $38,960. Veterans can learn more at https://www.in.gov/dva/2383.htm.
Iowa
โWe receive the least applications for the Brandstead-Reynolds Scholarship Program, which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children of deceased military service members who died on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001; and our War Orphan Tuition Assistance Program.โ โ Karl J. Lettow, public information
Details on these are at https://va.iowa.gov/benefits.
Kansas
โOne of the best kept secrets for Kansas Veterans is internment opportunities at our four beautiful Veterans cemeteries strategically located throughout the state. These facilities provide burial options for the Veteran and their eligible dependents.โ โ Heidi Goff, state Veteran cemeteries manager
More information about the Veteran cemeteries can be accessed at the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office website at www.kcva.ks.gov.
Kentucky
โWe are justly proud of our free benefits counseling by our VA-accredited expert benefits representatives stationed throughout the state. But because many Veterans never seek state or federal benefits, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs currently represents only 13% of Kentucky Veterans. We are making sustained outreach efforts through the Call Us First promotion and attending Veteran events and meetings throughout the state.โ โ Donna Scrivener, Benefits Branch manager.
Kentucky Veterans can find out more about this benefit here.
Louisiana
โOur most underused state benefit is our Military Family Assistance Fund. This benefit can provide financial support to Louisiana Veterans and their families when they experience financial hardships. The MFA can pay up to $10,000 for one claim per active-duty order in a 12-month period. Applicants must submit a completed application to Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and include all required supporting documentation, as certain criteria applies. The MFA is funded 100% by private donations from individuals and corporations.โ โ Joey Strickland, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
For more information on the Military Family Assistance Fund, visit www.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefit-category/emergency-assistance/.
Maine
โThe most underused benefit that is offered by the State of Maine is the Veterans Dependent Education Benefit. While this specific benefit is only offered to those Veterans who have received a 100% Permanent and Total Disability rating from the State of Maine, many Veterans who qualify do not utilize the benefit. The dependents and spouses of qualifying Veterans are provided a 100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees for spouses and dependents of Veterans at all University of Maine System Schools, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy.โ โ David Richmond, director, Maine Bureau of Veteransโ Services
For more information, visit https://www.maine.gov/veterans/benefits/education/index.html.
Maryland
โThe Hire Our Veterans Act of 2017 created the Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit Program for employers. This underutilized program enables Maryland employers who qualify to receive an income tax credit equal to 30% of up to the first $6,000 of wages paid to a qualified Veteran employee during the first year of employment.โ โ George Owings, secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans and employers can learn more about the Program and how to apply at https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/hire-our-veterans-tax-credit.
Massachusetts
For Massachusetts information, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-veterans-services.
Michigan
โThe most underused state benefit in Michigan is the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. This grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance to students ages 17-25 who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan Veteran. The Veteran must have died or have become totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service. The families of our Veterans are just as important to us as our Veterans, which is why we want to ensure that they take advantage of all of their benefits.โ โ Zaneta Adams, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency director
For more information visit https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/0,4636,7-372โ481212โ,00.html.
Minnesota
โOur most underused benefits are the three State Veterans Cemeteries and the Minnesota GI Bill, especially for licensing and certifications.โ โ Larry Herke, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
To learn more about cemeteries, visit https://mn.gov/mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/. To learn about the GI Bill, visit https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/education/minnesotagibill/.
Mississippi
โWhen it comes to the most underused state benefit, look no further than the Mississippi Veterans Home Purchase Board. They provide low-interest mortgage loans in amounts up to $250,000 for eligible Veterans and unmarried surviving spouses to purchase an existing home or to construct a new one.โ โ Stacey Pickering, executive director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs
For more information on Mississippi Veterans Affairs, visit www.msva.ms.gov.
Missouri
โWith a philosophy of honoring our Veterans for their service and sacrifice, the Missouri Veterans Commission has created a network of Veterans cemeteries so that every Missouri Veteran will have reasonable access to a Veterans cemetery. There are five cemeteries in operation at this time; Springfield, Higginsville, Jacksonville, Bloomfield and Fort Leonard Wood.โ โ Ryon Richmond, acting executive director, Missouri Veterans Commission
Veterans can learn more about the program at https://mvc.dps.mo.gov/cemeteries/.
Montana
โOne of Montanaโs most underused state benefits is the free pass to access State Parks along with a free hunting and fishing license for disabled Veterans.โ โ Kelly Ackerman, administrator, Montana Veterans Affairs Division
For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov.
Nebraska
โThe most underused state benefit is the Reservist Tuition Credit. Nebraska residents who are enlisted members of the Nebraska โbased unit of the Active Selected Reserve may be eligible for a 50% tuition credit to the University of Nebraska campuses, state colleges and community colleges.โ โ John Hilgert, Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs director
Veterans can learn more about the program at https://veterans.nebraska.gov/reservist-tuition
Nevada
โNevada provides Veterans preference for those who identify as a Veteran owned business. When completing the form from the Governorโs Office of Economic Development (GOED), simply indicate Veteran-Owned Small Business (SB) (VOSB), Service-Disabled VOSB (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned (VO), or Service-Disabled VO.โ โ Julie Dudley, communications director
Veterans can learn more about the program at https://www.diversifynevada.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Nevada-PTAC-POP-Client-Questionnaire-6-26-2020.pdf.
New Hampshire
โNew Hampshireโs most underused benefit is the New Division of Veteran Services. Far too often the Veterans in NH do not know that the office exists and that it exists to assist them with their claims with the VA.โ โ William Gaudreau, director, NH Division of Veteran Services
Veterans can learn more about benefits at www.nh.gov/nhveterans.
New Jersey
โThe most underused state benefit is the New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement. Eligible Veterans/surviving spouses receive a monthly entitlement of $62.50. A Veteran must be a New Jersey resident in receipt of a permanent service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that resulted from wartime service resulting in one of the following catastrophic disabilities: loss of sight; amputation of both hands, both feet or one hand and one foot; hemiplegia and permanent paralysis of one leg and one arm on either side of the body; paraplegia and permanent paralysis of both legs and lower parts of the body; osteochondritis and permanent loss of use of both legs; multiple sclerosis and the loss of use of both feet or both legs; quadriplegia.โ โ Patricia A. Richter, acting director, Division of Veterans Services
For more information, call (888) 8NJ-VETS (865-8387) or visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans.
New Mexico
The most underused state benefit by Veterans in New Mexico is the Free State Parks, Monuments, and Museums Pass for Disabled Veterans.
This benefit provides any Veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled with free admission to any state monument or museum.
Last year, the agency processed 1,080 applications for this benefit. Veterans can learn more about the program at http://www.nmdvs.org/state-benefits/.
New York
โNew Yorkโs most underused state benefit is the Access to Home for Heroes run by Homes and Community Renewal. This program provides financial assistance to make dwelling units accessible for low- and moderate-income Veterans living with a disability.โ โ Joel Evans, executive deputy director, New York State Division of Veteransโ Services
New York Veterans can learn more about this program at https://hcr.ny.gov/access-home-heroesveterans.
North Carolina
โThe most underused North Carolina state benefit is property tax relief for adaptative automobiles.โ โ Martin Falls, chief deputy secretary for the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
Veterans can learn more about the North Carolina Veteran programs at www.milvets.nc.gov.
North Dakota
โThe most underused state benefit is the loan program North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.โ โ Lonnie Wangen, commissioner
The Veterans Aid Fund is a permanent fund to be used solely for the purpose of making loans to Veterans or their widow/widowers.
Veterans can learn more at http://www.nd.gov/veterans/benefits/loan-programs.
Ohio
โThe Ohio National Guard offers tuition assistance at over 150 Ohio colleges and universities for Veterans who serve in an enlisted drilling status with the Guard โ up to four semesters of full time tuition for a three-year commitment, and up to eight semesters for a six-year commitment.โ โ Sean McCarthy, assistant director, Department of Veterans Services
A comprehensive Ohio Veterans Resource Guide is available online at https://dvs.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/7c2ff73e-7a10-42a9-b2c1-4688be28837c/BenefitsGuide.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=n8kF7Cb.
Oklahoma
For Oklahoma information, visit https://odva.ok.gov/.
Oregon
โOregon has been offering a state home loan to Veterans since 1945. Not only are Veterans eligible for considerably lower than market interest rates, borrowers can use their home loan benefit up to four times over their lifetime. ODVA services all Veteran home loans, so loans closed under this program will never be transferred. Oregon is one of only five states that offers a Veteran home loan benefit that is separate and distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty.โ โ Cody Cox, Oregon Veteran Home Loan manager
Oregon Veterans can learn more about the program at https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Home-Loans/Pages/default.aspx.
Pennsylvania
โA lesser-known but very valuable benefit offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is the Blind Veterans Pension. This program, which only has about 100 enrolled Veterans, provides eligible blind Veterans a pension of $150 per month. Our goal is to continue to identify and enroll every eligible Veteran who deserves this benefit because of their service and sacrifice.โ โ Joel H. Mutschler, director of the Bureau of Veterans Programs, Initiatives, Reintegration, and Outreach
Pennsylvania Veterans can learn more about the Blind Veterans Pension program at dmva.pa.gov.
Rhode Island
โThe most underused state benefit is eligible active duty military and Veterans receive in-state tuition rates at University of Rhode Island, Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College immediately upon establishing residence in Rhode Island.โ โ Kasim Yarn, director, Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
Veterans can learn more at http://www.vets.ri.gov/.
South Carolina
South Carolina provides a tuition waiver for qualified children of certain military Veterans applying to or enrolled in a South Carolina state supported college, university or post high school technical education school; or acceptance into a dual enrollment/early college credit program prior to graduating high school. Qualifying Veterans and students must meet certain residency requirements.
โThere is a lot of confusion surrounding this particular benefit on the Federal and State level. We aim to provide education and support for our Veterans and tuition assistance for their children, to help families understand what is offered to them, specifically here in South Carolina.โ โ Stanley Foreman, director of Administration for the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more information, visit http://va.sc.gov/benefits.html.
South Dakota
The most underused state benefit in South Dakota is education benefits. South Dakota support the success of Veterans, current military members, and their families. They work to secure both state and federal educational benefits.
โNow, more than ever, we need to keep our sleeves rolled up and work collectively to ensure our Veterans have a successful journey as they transition into civilian life.โ โ Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
Whitlock encourages Veterans to contact their local county or tribal Veterans service officers or the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs office (605-773-3269) to learn more about their benefits. Veterans can also visit https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/ or https://www.facebook.com/SDDVA/.
Tennessee
โUnited States military training is rigorous and provides world class instruction, and it is only appropriate that our colleges recognize this training and provide a head start on attaining a college credential. The TN-SOP tool will provide transparent information to service members and Veterans, continuing our efforts to be the most Veteran friendly higher education system in the nation.โ โ Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Mike Krause
Veterans can learn more about the program at http://tn-sop.tn.gov/.
Texas
โMore and more of those transitioning out of the military are seeking careers in established companies. For those who donโt, those wanting to start their own business, weโd like them to know about our entrepreneur program. We can help develop business plan, organize financing and more.โ โ Kevin Barber, commissioner of the Texas Veterans Commission.
Veterans can connect with a Texas Veterans Commission Veteran business consultant at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/entrepreneurs/.
Utah
โThe ACE Program is designed to assist Utah Veterans, actively drilling members of the Guard and Reserve and their respective spouses, overcome barriers to employment or better employment by assisting them in attaining certificates and licenses using their military training and experience or by assisting with short-term training. The ACE Program is intended to provide an avenue for eligible participants to gain employment in the civilian job market by capitalizing on their past experience, training and knowledge or by assisting them with short-term training that leads to a certificate or license.โ โ Gary Harter, executive director of Utahโs Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
More information is at https://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veterans/07_72.pdf.
Vermont
โThe most underused state benefit is free daily passes to Vermont State Parks. Apply through your local town clerk.โ โ Robert E. Burke, director, Office of Veterans Affairs
For more information visit veterans.vermont.gov.
Virginia
โThe Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) is the most underused state benefit. VTAP offers transitioning service members and their spouses the best Virginia has to offer. By providing peer-to-peer support through the transition process, VTAP works alongside the transitioning service member or spouse to make referrals that address their specific needs. The referral services could include, but are not limited to resume review, introduction to the Virginia Labor Market, connection with Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified companies for employment, and other VDVS programs. VTAP serves those seeking employment and/or entrepreneurship opportunities in Virginia or enrollment in one of Virginiaโs GI Bill approved institutions.โ โ Annie Walker, deputy commissioner for Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Veterans can learn more at https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/virginia-transition-assistance-program-vtap.
Washington
โWashington Department of Veterans Affairs Olympia Call Center, which helps the user understand the state and federal benefits, connects Veterans to their earned disability compensation/pension and health care, and makes referrals to other local services.โ โ Liza Narciso, assistant to the director, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
For more information, visit https://www.dva.wa.gov/.
West Virginia
โThe Jack Bennett Fund will pay up to $380 to cover the cost of installing grave markers for Veteran families unable to have the marker installed.โ โ Cabinet Secretary Dennis Davis
Veterans can learn more at https://veterans.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Wisconsin
โThe WDVA recently increased access for Veterans to our Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant program, which provides subsistence payments and other health grants to low income Veterans in need of emergency financial aid. Recently Wisconsin suspended several provisions of the program that would prevent or delay payments to Veterans who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving us the flexibility to help as many Veterans as possible during this challenging time.โ โ Donald Placidi Jr., Division of Veterans Benefits administrator, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
Apply for the Assistance for Needy Veterans Grant online at www.MyWisVets.com.
Wyoming
โThe most underused state benefit is the honorary high school diploma. We havenโt had a request in over three years.โ โ Tim Sheppard, executive director, Wyoming Veterans Commission
The following individuals who have attended a Wyoming high school, entered military service on the dates specified below prior to completing necessary high school graduation requirements and who did not receive a high school diploma, may apply to the state superintendent of public instruction for an honorary high school diploma:
An honorably discharged Veteran of World War II who served in the U.S. military between Dec. 8, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945;
An honorably discharged Veteran of the Korean War, who served in the U.S. military between June 27, 1950, and July 28, 1953;
An honorably discharged veteran of the Vietnam War, who served in the U.S. military between Feb. 28, 1961, and Aug. 15, 1973.
Veterans can learn more at https://www.wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans/commission/.
Check out the following parts of this series, which will be hyperlinked once they publish:
Part 1: Most popular state benefit | Part 3: Most unique or newest state benefit | Part 4: Largest or most successful state employer of Veterans | Part 5: Most popular state Veteran monument
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