Every state in the country offers benefits to veterans that go beyond federal VA programs — and in many cases, these state-level benefits are worth thousands of dollars per year. Property tax exemptions, income tax relief on military retirement pay, tuition waivers, employment preference, and burial services vary significantly from state to state. Knowing what’s available where you live can make a meaningful difference in your financial picture.
This directory covers all 50 states. Each state page breaks down the major benefit categories — income tax treatment, property tax relief, education programs, employment preference, and VA facilities — with current 2026 information. State benefits are updated annually and stack on top of federal VA benefits including VA disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and TRICARE healthcare coverage.
What State Veteran Benefits Typically Cover
State veteran benefits fall into several broad categories. Not every state offers every type, and the generosity of each varies considerably — but these are the areas worth reviewing in your state:
- Income tax treatment of military pay: Nine states have no income tax at all (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming). Most others exempt military retirement pay either fully or partially. A handful still tax it in full — worth knowing before choosing where to retire.
- Property tax exemptions: Most states offer some form of property tax relief for veterans with service-connected disabilities, ranging from partial credits for lower ratings to full exemptions for veterans rated 100% permanent and total (P&T). Several states — including South Dakota and Vermont — have recently expanded or strengthened these programs.
- Education benefits: Tuition waivers, free tuition programs, and National Guard education assistance vary widely. Some states offer waivers for veterans with any service-connected disability; others restrict them to 100% P&T or specific award recipients. These programs are separate from and in addition to the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Employment preference: All states provide some form of preference in state civil service hiring for honorably discharged veterans. The number of preference points, whether surviving spouses qualify, and how preferences are applied in hiring decisions vary by state.
- Burial benefits: Most states operate a state veterans cemetery providing burial at no cost for eligible veterans and qualifying dependents, separate from federally operated VA national cemeteries.
- Recreation and quality of life: Hunting and fishing license discounts or waivers, state park access, and vehicle registration benefits are common additions that don’t appear in federal benefit packages.
States With the Strongest Veteran Benefit Packages
While every state has something to offer, a few consistently stand out for the depth and breadth of their programs. Texas offers full military retirement pay exemption, a 100% P&T property tax exemption, and the Hazelwood Act providing tuition-free college for veterans and their dependents. Florida combines no state income tax with full property tax exemption for 100% P&T veterans. Virginia provides full military retirement exemption, substantial property tax relief for disabled veterans, and robust employment programs. North Carolina recently added a full military retirement pay exemption making it increasingly competitive for retirees.
For veterans with high disability ratings, states offering full property tax exemption at 100% P&T with no income cap or residency duration requirement provide the greatest immediate financial value. For military retirees, states with no income tax or full military retirement pay exemption eliminate what can otherwise be a significant annual tax burden.
Select Your State
Federal Benefits Apply in Every State
State benefits layer on top of — not instead of — your federal VA benefits. Regardless of which state you live in, you may be eligible for:
- VA disability compensation — monthly tax-free payments for service-connected conditions
- Post-9/11 GI Bill — tuition, housing allowance, and books stipend for education and training
- VA home loan — no down payment, no PMI, competitive rates
- VA survivor benefits — DIC, CHAMPVA, and Survivors Pension for qualifying surviving spouses
- TRICARE — healthcare coverage for active duty, retirees, and their families
- VA housing adaptation grants (SAH, SHA, HISA) — for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities
For a full overview of federal VA benefits available to all veterans, visit VA.gov or contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) — including the DAV, VFW, or American Legion — for free claims assistance.
This directory is provided by USMilitary.org, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the Department of Defense, VA, or any government agency. State benefit programs change — always verify current information with your state’s department of veterans affairs.