Top 5 Best States for Veterans Benefits: Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| RANK | STATE | PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS | INCOME TAX WAIVERS | FREE HUNTING/FISHING LICENSE |
| #1 | Texas | Yes, disabled veterans in Texas with a 1 ... | Yes, Texas is one of nine states that do ... | Yes, Texas disabled veterans with a 50% ... |
| #2 | Florida | Yes, Florida disabled veterans with a VA ... | Yes, Florida is one of nine states that ... | Yes, Florida disabled veterans with a 10 ... |
| #3 | Alaska | Yes, Alaska disabled veterans with a VA ... | Yes, Alaska is one of nine states that d ... | Yes, Alaska disabled veterans with a 50% ... |
| #4 | Nevada | Yes, disabled veterans in Nevada with a ... | Yes, Nevada is one of nine states that d ... | Yes, The Nevada Department of Wildlife i ... |
Which state has the best veterans benefits?
Veteran Benefits by State
- South Carolina. Breezing its way into our number five spot is South Carolina. ...
- Wyoming. Beyond the amazing views of Yellowstone which is free to all veterans who are at least 50% disabled, Wyoming has a lot to offer at our number four ...
- New Hampshire. The Granite state comes in at a respectable number three on our top five state picks. ...
- Montana. ...
- Florida. ...
What state has the best VA benefits?
The Best Benefits for Veterans in All 50 States
- Alabama. I’m not saying that a driver’s license with the word “VETERAN” printed on it in big letters will get you out of a speeding ticket.
- Alaska. The Alaska Veterans Land Discount is just an unbelievably good deal for veterans looking to buy land to build a house.
- Arizona. ...
- Arkansas. ...
- California. ...
- Colorado. ...
- Connecticut. ...
- Delaware. ...
- Florida. ...
- Georgia. ...
What are the best States for veterans?
The NBA veteran has also played for the Charlotte Bobcats ... which is tied with the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA.
How much is 100 percent VA disability?
100% disability rating (in U.S. $) 170.38 Note: We’re required by law to match the percentage ...
Do VA disability benefits change from state to state?
While your VA disability rating doesn't change from state to state, the benefits you may receive at the state level can change! Each state has its advantages and has set out parameters for receiving benefits. The department of veterans affairs website is a great place to look at different financial benefits by state.
Which state is better for veterans?
Overall, South Dakota ranks highest as the best state for veterans to live and work this year, according to SmartAsset. Wyoming, North Dakota, West Virginia and Maine round out the top five.
How can I maximize my VA disability?
How Do I Increase My VA Disability Rating?Filing an appeal within VA's deadlines.Filing a new claim for an increased rating.Filing for TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability.Filing for secondary service connection.
Do 100% disabled veterans pay sales tax on vehicles in Florida?
Items installed on motor vehicles to make them adaptable for use by persons with disabilities (such as special controls for paralysis or amputees) may be exempt from Florida sales tax. Only the customized portion would be exempt from sales tax.
What states have no property tax for disabled veterans?
VA Homestead Exemption – Tax Exemption for 100 Disabled Veterans By State (2022)#1. ALABAMA.#2. ARKANSAS.#3. FLORIDA.#4. HAWAII.#5. ILLINOIS.#6. IOWA.#7. MARYLAND.#8. MICHIGAN.More items...•
Which state is home to the most veterans?
Veterans in the U.S.[hide]Top five states: veterans as percentage of the total populationStateVeteransNew York4.51California4.77New Jersey4.7910 more rows
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
What happens to my VA disability when I turn 65?
Even after veterans reach full retirement age, VA's disability payments continue at the same level. By contrast, the income that people receive after they retire (from Social Security or private pensions) usually is less than their earnings from wages and salary before retirement.
What is the most approved disability?
1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.
Can you collect Social Security if you are 100 percent disabled veteran?
Starting March 17, 2014, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits.
Can the VA take away 100 permanent and total disability?
Yes, the VA can take away a 100 permanent and total disability rating!
Is the VA getting a raise in 2021?
In 2021, the COLA increase was 1.3 percent, slightly less than the previous year. This lower rate was due, in part, to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies worldwide. Veterans still saw a boost in their VA disability benefits starting December 1, 2020.
MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE
Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important that you pursue the monthly compensation payments due to you for disabilities connected to your military service.
About The Author
Rebecca Hatley is a veteran coach with VA Claims Insider. Coming from a family with a long line of military service, she has always held a deep appreciation for the men and women who serve our country. She believes that our veterans deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.
Wyoming
Tax exemptions: Wyoming is an excellent state for veteran benefits. Wyoming offers a $3,000 reduction in the assessed value of a home or vehicle.
Texas
Tax exemptions: Texas offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. In addition, Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, VA disability compensation remains untaxable.
Florida
Tax exemptions: Florida offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, and VA disability compensation is untaxable.
Alaska
Tax exemptions: Alaska provides a property tax exemption of up to the first $150,000 of the assessed value of the veteran’s primary residence. The property tax exemption will transfer to surviving spouse if the veteran dies of a service-connected disability.
Nevada
Tax exemptions: Nevada exempts property tax of up to $20,000 of the assessed value of a disabled veteran’s primary residence. Nevada has no state income tax, and Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, and VA disability compensation are untaxable.
Illinois
Tax exemptions: Illinois offers a complete exemption for property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. There is also a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, and VA disability compensation is untaxable.
North Dakota
Tax exemptions: North Dakota offers property tax deductions for North Dakota Veterans of $6,750 from the property’s value.
Why is Oklahoma ranked 3rd in the nation?
This is due to the number of government sector and defense jobs that are available for veterans. Oklahoma also has the University of Oklahoma which is ranked among the top ten military-friendly universities in the nation.
Is Maryland a veteran friendly state?
Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the country and has a wide array of job opportunities in the surrounding federal agencies, technical field, and computer industries. Maryland can definitely be named a veteran-friendly state.
Does Alaska have veterans?
So popular in fact , that Alaska is home to more veterans than any other state. Although the cost of living is a bit on the expensive side, unemployment for veterans is 2.6 points below the state’s unemployment, the median income among veterans is the highest in the nation, and there is no income tax.
Does Virginia have a low unemployment rate?
Along with culture, history, and thriving cities, Virginia has a low unemployment rate and veterans make $10,288 more in median income than the state. Virginia also offers many programs such as the Military Medics and Corpsmen Program and Veteran Entrepreneurship that encourages veterans to reach their career goals.
Alabama
- Some sources that report on veteran-specific benefits note that the State of Alabama doesn’t offer much beyond the standard state veterans home programs, veteran license plates, and veteran driver’s licenses and state ID cards. At press time this is true, the two most valuable veterans benefits offered by the State of Alabamainclude veteran service offices in 55 counties, …
Alaska
- The state benefits offered in Alaskaaren’t as plentiful as in other states; the best veteran benefits in Alaska include real estate benefits to qualifying veterans. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Veterans Mortgage programoffers qualifying veterans lower-interest rate mortgages for primary residences which are “processed rapidly, require little or no down payment, and ofte…
Arizona
- Arizona changed its laws in 2015 to allow veterans and dependents who have relocated to the state to qualify for immediate residency if they complete one or more of the following steps while residing in the State of Arizona: 1. Registering to vote in Arizona 2. Obtaining an Arizona driver license 3. Registering a vehicle in the State of Arizona 4. Working in Arizona 5. Transfer of majo…
Arkansas
- Some believe that the best benefits for veterans Arkansas has to offer is in-state tuition(regardless of where you live) offered to veterans attending state-supported colleges in Arkansas. Others believe it’s the state income tax exemption offered to Arkansas citizens drawing military retirement pay. A third-place finisher for some are the employme...
California
- For some veterans, education options for dependents is a major issue. California offers a benefit called the College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependentswhich waives mandatory tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. Veterans with college-age children will appreciate this program but those interested in …
Colorado
- The State of Colorado has a reputation in some circles for being limited in the type of state veteran benefitsavailable in spite of having significant military operations in the state. At press time, we find nothing to change that reputation for veterans in general; there are some important resources offered to 100% VA-rated disabled veterans, and there is veteran hiring preference off…
Connecticut
- The State of Connecticutpermits qualifying veterans to attend state-supported schools including universities tuition-free. The official site states, “tuition may be waived for qualified veterans attending the University of Connecticut, Connecticut State Universities and the 12 Community-Technical Colleges” for the cost of tuition but still requires book fees, activity fees, and room an…
Delaware
- Delaware employers are offered a tax credit for hiring veterans who served in “hostile environments” up to a maximum tax break of $1,500. The state also provides certain education benefits including options for the dependent children of veterans who are POWs, MIA, or who died as a result of military service. Many of Delaware’s veteran benefitsare designed for specific clas…
Florida
- Some sources complain about the Florida state veterans’ benefitsguide as simply a reproduced set of federal benefits. It’s a fair criticism but there are some Florida state veteran benefits worth looking into. One is fairly common among state-level veteran benefits. The State of Florida waives out-of-state tuition fees “for all honorably discharged veterans who reside in the state and who a…
Georgia
- The State of Georgiaprovides qualifying veterans the ability to apply for exemption from “any occupation tax, administrative fee, or regulatory fee imposed by local governments” for selling, peddling, practicing a profession or “semi-profession” for ten years as long as the following basic conditions are met: 1. The veteran received a discharge “under honorable conditions” 2. The vete…
Wyoming
- Tax exemptions: Wyoming is an excellent state for veteran benefits. Wyoming offers a $3,000 reduction in the assessed value of a home or vehicle.
- Education benefits: The University of Wyoming offers in-state tuition rates to veterans with a 100% disability rating.
- Housing assistance: The Wyoming veterans home is a state-run nursing home that offers fre…
- Tax exemptions: Wyoming is an excellent state for veteran benefits. Wyoming offers a $3,000 reduction in the assessed value of a home or vehicle.
- Education benefits: The University of Wyoming offers in-state tuition rates to veterans with a 100% disability rating.
- Housing assistance: The Wyoming veterans home is a state-run nursing home that offers free or discounted care to qualified veterans with a 100% disability rating.
- Financial assistance: Wyoming offers 100% disabled veterans a five-point employment preference for government jobs and a $600 monthly pension supplement. 100% of disabled veterans are eligible for...
Texas
- Tax exemptions: Texas offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. In addition, Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, VA disability compensation remains untaxable.
- Education benefits: The Hazelwood act provides 150 hours of free tuition at state colleges to honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses, and dependent children.
- Tax exemptions: Texas offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. In addition, Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, VA disability compensation remains untaxable.
- Education benefits: The Hazelwood act provides 150 hours of free tuition at state colleges to honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses, and dependent children.
- Housing assistance: Many Texas veterans are eligible for VA home loans with no down payment.
- Financial assistance: Texas provides free driver’s licenses and disabled veteran plates. Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive recreational benefits such as a free super combo hunting and...
Florida
- Tax exemptions: Florida offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, and VA disability compensation is untaxable.
- Education benefits: The CW Bill Young Tuition waiver program offers a 100% waiver of tuition and fees for any state school to veterans enrolled in the program. There are also scholarship opportunit...
- Tax exemptions: Florida offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay, and VA disability compensation is untaxable.
- Education benefits: The CW Bill Young Tuition waiver program offers a 100% waiver of tuition and fees for any state school to veterans enrolled in the program. There are also scholarship opportunit...
- Housing assistance: Qualified veterans can receive a $50,000 grant to purchase a home through the veteran’s mortgage program.
- Financial assistance : Florida offers 100% disabled veterans’ free driver’s licenses and one set of free disabled vet plates. Disabled veterans can also receive a five-year all-purpose fishing and...
Alaska
- Tax exemptions: Alaska provides a property tax exemption of up to the first $150,000 of the assessed value of the veteran’s primary residence. The property tax exemption will transfer to surviving...
- Education benefits: Alaska provides resident tuition waivers and tuition waivers for dependents at state-run universities.
- Tax exemptions: Alaska provides a property tax exemption of up to the first $150,000 of the assessed value of the veteran’s primary residence. The property tax exemption will transfer to surviving...
- Education benefits: Alaska provides resident tuition waivers and tuition waivers for dependents at state-run universities.
- Housing assistance: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation offers a loan program that guarantees up to 95% of the purchase price, with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance required.
- Financial assistance: Vets with a 100% disability rating receive one set of free disabled vet plates and complimentary hunting and fishing license cards each year.
Nevada
- Tax exemptions: Nevada exempts property tax of up to $20,000 of the assessed value of a disabled veteran’s primary residence. Nevada has no state income tax, and Military retirement pay, Survivor B...
- Education benefits: Honorably discharged veterans receive in-state tuition.
- Financial assistance: Nevada offers disabled vet plates for $6 with no annual fee. Disabled v…
- Tax exemptions: Nevada exempts property tax of up to $20,000 of the assessed value of a disabled veteran’s primary residence. Nevada has no state income tax, and Military retirement pay, Survivor B...
- Education benefits: Honorably discharged veterans receive in-state tuition.
- Financial assistance: Nevada offers disabled vet plates for $6 with no annual fee. Disabled vets can receive specialty combination hunting and fishing licenses for $15/year.
Illinois
- Tax exemptions: Illinois offers a complete exemption for property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. There is also a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay...
- Education benefits: The Illinois Veteran Grant pays tuition and fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges and universities, and community colleges.
- Tax exemptions: Illinois offers a complete exemption for property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. There is also a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. Military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan pay...
- Education benefits: The Illinois Veteran Grant pays tuition and fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges and universities, and community colleges.
- Financial assistance: Veterans receive their first set of service-connected disabled veteran plates for free and receive an exemption from purchasing a hunting and fishing license or habitat stamp.
North Dakota
- Tax exemptions: North Dakota offers property tax deductions for North Dakota Veterans of $6,750 from the property’s value.
- Education benefits: North Dakota offers tuition-free degree opportunities for dependents of veterans who died or became 100% disabled due to their military service.
- Financial assistance: North Dakota offers a variety of financial assistance to totally disabled …
- Tax exemptions: North Dakota offers property tax deductions for North Dakota Veterans of $6,750 from the property’s value.
- Education benefits: North Dakota offers tuition-free degree opportunities for dependents of veterans who died or became 100% disabled due to their military service.
- Financial assistance: North Dakota offers a variety of financial assistance to totally disabled veterans, such as:
Idaho
- Tax exemptions: In Idaho, military veterans’ military retirement and survivor benefit program payments are tax-free. Idaho also offers a property tax reduction on a veteran’s home of $1,320.00 for...
- Education benefits: Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 11, 2001, are eligible for in-state tuition rates.
- Tax exemptions: In Idaho, military veterans’ military retirement and survivor benefit program payments are tax-free. Idaho also offers a property tax reduction on a veteran’s home of $1,320.00 for...
- Education benefits: Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 11, 2001, are eligible for in-state tuition rates.
- Housing assistance: There are three state-funded veteran’s homes in Idaho. Financial assistance is also available to help veterans purchase a home.
- Financial assistance: Veterans with a TIDU of 100% receive ten preference points when applying for state-funded jobs. They also receive free access to state parks and campgrounds. Financial grants...
New Hampshire
- Tax exemptions: Completely disabled New Hampshire Veterans receive $700 in tax credits. The New Hampshire government also grants full property tax exemptions to veterans with a 100% disability rati...
- Education benefits: The University System of New Hampshire awards tuition waivers to 100% disabled veterans’ children. The dependants have to be under 27 on the first day of school an…
- Tax exemptions: Completely disabled New Hampshire Veterans receive $700 in tax credits. The New Hampshire government also grants full property tax exemptions to veterans with a 100% disability rati...
- Education benefits: The University System of New Hampshire awards tuition waivers to 100% disabled veterans’ children. The dependants have to be under 27 on the first day of school and apply for al...
- Housing assistance: Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive top priority for state-funded housing. The veteran must be the head of the household, and income cannot exceed $36,000/year.
- Financial assistance: Disabled veterans with a rating of 100% receive special disabled vetera…
Virginia
- Tax exemptions: Disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating receive an income tax exemption for up to $15k of basic military pay. This exemption is not applicable if the vet’s primary income is...
- Education benefits: The Military Survivors and Dependents Program pays 100% of tuition and mandatory undergraduate courses at Virginia’s public colleges, universities, or vocational-tec…
- Tax exemptions: Disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating receive an income tax exemption for up to $15k of basic military pay. This exemption is not applicable if the vet’s primary income is...
- Education benefits: The Military Survivors and Dependents Program pays 100% of tuition and mandatory undergraduate courses at Virginia’s public colleges, universities, or vocational-technical schools.
- Financial assistance: Virginia offers free lifetime hunting and fishing license, discounted saltwater licenses, and free admission and parking to Virginia state parks for all disabled veterans with...