- Louisiana fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax — one of the clearest financial benefits for retiring service members settling in the state.
- Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are exempt from all ad valorem (property) taxes on their primary residence.
- The Title 29 program provides free tuition and fees at Louisiana public colleges and universities for qualifying dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.
- Veterans with a 50%+ disability rating receive free state park day-use passes and free hunting and fishing licenses.
- Louisiana operates five state veterans homes and five state veterans cemeteries — one of the most comprehensive state veteran care networks in the South.
- The Military Family Assistance Fund provides up to $10,000 in emergency financial assistance to eligible veterans and Louisiana National Guard members.
- Income Tax Benefits
- Property Tax Exemptions
- Education Benefits (Title 29)
- Employment and Business Benefits
- Financial Assistance
- License Plates and Driver’s License
- Recreation and Parks
- State Veterans Homes
- State Veterans Cemeteries
- VA Healthcare in Louisiana
- How to Access Louisiana Veteran Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana is a veteran-friendly state that takes pride in its military heritage and its commitment to those who served. The Pelican State is home to approximately 285,000 veterans and operates one of the most geographically accessible veteran service networks in the country — with at least one parish veterans service office in every parish, so no veteran is far from help. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) administers state programs and provides free counseling and claims assistance statewide.
This guide covers every major Louisiana state benefit available in 2026, from the powerful Title 29 tuition program to the full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans.
Income Tax Benefits
Military Retirement Pay — Fully Exempt
Louisiana fully excludes military retirement pay from state income taxation. Retired service members who settle in Louisiana pay no state income tax on their military pension. SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities paid to surviving spouses are also excluded from Louisiana state taxes.
Active Duty Pay — Partial Exemption
Louisiana resident service members serving on active duty who are stationed out of state for 120 or more consecutive days are eligible for a state tax exemption on up to $50,000 of their military compensation for that tax year.
Combat Pay
Military pay that is already exempt from federal taxes — such as combat pay and hazardous duty pay — is also exempt from Louisiana state taxes. No additional state filing is required to claim this exemption for federally exempt combat income.
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is excluded from Louisiana taxable income. Veterans receiving monthly disability payments do not report this income on their Louisiana state return.
Property Tax Exemptions
Louisiana provides a tiered property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities, in addition to the standard homestead exemption available to all Louisiana homeowners.
Additional Exemptions for Disabled Veterans (50%+)
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher may receive an additional property tax exemption beyond the standard homestead exemption on their primary residence:
- 50%–69% disability: An additional $2,500 of assessed valuation exempt
- 70%–99% disability: An additional $4,500 of assessed valuation exempt
- 100% disability: Fully exempt from all ad valorem taxes (with limited exceptions for certain municipal tax assessments)
These exemptions stack on top of Louisiana’s standard homestead exemption, which already exempts the first $7,500 of assessed valuation (equivalent to approximately $75,000 of fair market value) for all Louisiana homeowners. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with the applicable disability rating may also be eligible for the additional exemption, provided they continue to own and occupy the property.
To apply, contact your parish assessor. The LDVA’s Revised Form A25 is required for the additional disability exemptions. For the 50% special assessment level, adjusted gross income for 2026 applications must not exceed $102,700.
Apply through your parish assessor’s office. The LDVA Veterans Assistance Counselors (VACs) can certify required documentation at no cost.
Education Benefits: The Title 29 Program
Louisiana’s Title 29 program is one of the most impactful veteran education benefits offered by any state. It provides a complete waiver of tuition, matriculation, registration, laboratory, athletic, medical, and other school-imposed fees at any Louisiana public postsecondary institution for qualifying dependents. More than 4,200 veteran dependents currently benefit from the program.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Under Title 29?
The benefit is available to children, spouses, and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans. The specific categories are:
For children of living veterans:
- The veteran must be rated 90%–100% service-connected disabled (or 100% due to Individual Unemployability) by the VA
- Children must be between 16 and 25 years of age
- The veteran must meet Louisiana residency requirements (generally a Louisiana driver’s license held for one year before the child’s application)
For dependents of deceased veterans:
- Children and surviving spouses of veterans who were killed in action, died in active service, are MIA or POW, or died from a service-connected disability during a wartime period
- Surviving spouses must apply within 10 years of the date of eligibility
The benefit covers four academic years of usage (to be completed within five years, or until the student reaches age 25). It does not cover on-campus housing, meal plans, student government fees, technology fees, or parking — only tuition and school-imposed fees.
Applications for Title 29 must be made in person at your local parish veterans service office. A Veterans Assistance Counselor (VAC) will determine eligibility and issue a Fee Exemption Certificate bearing the LDVA’s seal.
Louisiana In-State Tuition Status
In-state tuition status is granted to veterans, spouses, and children of veterans who are eligible for federal educational benefits. Active duty military personnel and their families also qualify. This ensures that eligible veterans and dependents who may not meet standard residency requirements still access in-state tuition rates.
HB 167 — Tuition Gap Coverage for Disabled Veterans
Louisiana’s HB 167 fills the gap for disabled veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits with coverage below 100%. For example, a veteran with a 70% GI Bill coverage rate would normally be responsible for the remaining 30% of tuition costs. HB 167 directs Louisiana public institutions to waive this remainder for qualifying disabled veterans, effectively making attendance cost-free. Contact your institution’s veterans services office to apply.
Employment and Business Benefits
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)
The Louisiana Workforce Commission operates the DVOP program, providing case management specialists who assist eligible veterans with significant barriers to employment. DVOP specialists offer intensive employment services and connections to training programs.
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Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVER)
LVER staff conduct employer outreach on behalf of veterans and help facilitate job placement. Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission to find your nearest American Job Center with veteran employment services.
PAVE — Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs
The PAVE program, administered through Louisiana Economic Development, provides veterans with the knowledge and skills to start or grow a business. PAVE offers training, mentoring, and connections to capital and contracting opportunities.
Veterans First Business Initiative
Veterans, active duty, reserve military, and Gold Star spouses with at least 51% business ownership may apply for certification through the Veterans First Business Initiative. Certification promotes veteran-owned businesses and can open access to state procurement opportunities.
Hudson and Veteran Initiative (State Contracting)
Louisiana’s Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative provide small and veteran-owned businesses with greater access to state procurement and contracting opportunities. Contact Louisiana Economic Development for certification and application information.
Financial Assistance
Military Family Assistance Fund
The Military Family Assistance Fund provides up to $10,000 in financial assistance per 12-month period to eligible veterans and members of the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) or Reserves facing financial hardship. The fund may be used for housing, utilities, certain medical expenses, and other essential needs. Contact your parish veterans service office to apply and determine eligibility.
Auto Insurance Discount
Retired military members and veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more may be eligible for a 25% discount on automobile liability insurance at the discretion of the insurance carrier. This discount applies to any automobile liability policy covering motor vehicles owned by the veteran. Contact your insurance company for details or compare auto insurance quotes on USMilitary.org.
License Plates and Driver’s License
Veteran Designation on Driver’s License or ID
Louisiana veterans can have a special “VETERAN” designation added to their official driver’s license or state ID. Visit expresslane.org or your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for required documentation and process details.
Military License Plates
Louisiana offers a wide range of specialty military license plates. Veterans with a disability of 50% or above may qualify for a disabled veterans plate or a military honors plate. Veterans with a 100% rating may qualify for the 100% DAV plate. “Support Our Veterans” and other specialty plates are available for a one-time $25 fee. View all available military plates at the Louisiana OMV specialty plate viewer.
Vehicle Use Tax Exemption
Louisiana waives the state and local use taxes on motor vehicles brought into Louisiana from another state by qualifying active duty military members.
Recreation and State Parks
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater may receive free hunting and fishing licenses from Louisiana. All licenses expire annually and must be renewed. Contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for application procedures.
Free State Park Day-Use Pass
Disabled veterans with a disability rating of 50% or greater may obtain a Disabled State Park Pass, exempting them from day-use entrance fees at all Louisiana state parks. Apply through Louisiana State Parks.
Free Airport and Cruise Terminal Parking
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more may be eligible for free parking at Louisiana airports for any length of time. A form certified by a LDVA Veterans Assistance Counselor and a travel itinerary are required. Requirements may vary by airport.
Veterans with a 50%+ rating are also eligible for free cruise terminal parking at the Port of New Orleans for up to seven days, provided they have a VAC-certified form and a military honor license plate.
State Veterans Homes
Louisiana operates five state veterans homes, providing skilled nursing care, assisted living, and long-term care for eligible veterans and their spouses:
- Louisiana Veterans Home — Bossier City
- Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home — Monroe
- Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home — Shreveport
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home — Reserve
- Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home — Jennings
The geographic distribution of these facilities means most Louisiana veterans can access quality long-term care within reasonable distance of their families. Contact the LDVA or individual homes for admission criteria and current availability.
State Veterans Cemeteries
Louisiana operates five state veterans cemeteries providing dignified burial services for eligible veterans and their dependents:
- Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Leesville
- Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Rayville
- Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Keithville
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Slidell
- Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery — Jennings
Additionally, the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available to all eligible Louisiana veterans and to families of those killed in action. The medal features different ribbon colors for honorable discharge (blue), Purple Heart recipients (purple), POWs (black), and those killed in action (yellow).
VA Healthcare in Louisiana
Louisiana veterans are served by several VA medical facilities:
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System — New Orleans, 504-589-5300
- Alexandria VA Health Care System — Pineville, 318-473-0010
- Overton Brooks VA Medical Center — Shreveport, 318-221-8411
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) extend access throughout the state. To enroll in VA healthcare, visit VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000. Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net, 24/7.
How to Access Louisiana Veteran Benefits
Louisiana’s most distinguishing feature for veteran accessibility is that every parish has at least one veterans service office with a Veterans Assistance Counselor (VAC) available at no cost. This eliminates the geographic barrier that exists in many other states.
Find your nearest parish veterans service office using the LDVA’s service office locator. Your VAC can certify documentation, assist with Title 29 applications, help with VA claims, and connect you with financial assistance programs.
Key documents to have ready:
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- VA disability award letter showing current rating percentage
- Louisiana driver’s license or state ID
- LDVA Revised Form A25 (for property tax exemption)
This article is provided by USMilitary.org, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the Department of Defense, the VA, or any government agency. For official benefit information, visit vetaffairs.la.gov or contact your parish veterans service office.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Louisiana fully excludes military retirement pay from state income taxation. SBP and RCSBP annuities paid to surviving spouses are also exempt. Military retirement income does not need to be reported on a Louisiana state income tax return.
Title 29 covers tuition, matriculation, registration, laboratory, athletic, medical, and other school-imposed fees at any Louisiana public postsecondary institution. It does not cover housing, meal plans, student government fees, technology fees, or parking. The benefit is good for four academic years, to be completed within five years or before age 25 for children. Apply through your parish veterans service office.
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are fully exempt from all ad valorem property taxes on their primary residence (with limited exceptions for certain municipal taxes). The exemption stacks on top of Louisiana’s standard homestead exemption. Apply through your parish assessor using LDVA Revised Form A25. Surviving spouses may retain the exemption if they remain in the property and meet eligibility requirements.
Yes. Title 29 can be used in conjunction with GI Bill benefits. Title 29 covers tuition and school-imposed fees that GI Bill may not fully cover. The LDVA’s Veterans Assistance Counselors can help determine how the programs interact for your specific situation.
It is a Louisiana state fund that provides up to $10,000 in emergency financial assistance per 12-month period to eligible veterans and LANG/Reserve members facing financial hardship. It can be used for housing, utilities, medical expenses, and other essential needs. Apply through your parish veterans service office with documentation of the financial need.