- New Hampshire has no state income tax on earned income, wages, or retirement pay — military retirement is completely tax-free at the state level.
- Wartime veterans are eligible for a property tax credit of $51 to $750 depending on their municipality; municipalities set their own amounts above the $51 state minimum.
- Surviving spouses of veterans killed in active duty may qualify for a property tax credit of $700 to $2,000.
- Permanently and totally disabled veterans, double amputees, and paraplegics receive a base property tax credit of $700 on their primary residence.
- National Guard members may attend state postsecondary institutions tuition-free on a space-available basis after exhausting federal educational entitlements.
- New Hampshire has a state veterans cemetery in Boscawen with no residency requirement for veterans, though dependents typically must meet state criteria.
- Income Tax Benefits
- Property Tax Credits
- Education Benefits
- Employment Benefits
- DMV and Vehicle Benefits
- Recreation Benefits
- Burial Benefits
- VA Healthcare in New Hampshire
- How to Access New Hampshire Veteran Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions
New Hampshire is a small state with a strong tradition of military service, and its approach to veteran benefits reflects that heritage. While the Granite State’s benefit programs are more modest than some larger states, the absence of a state income tax — including no tax on military retirement pay — provides a meaningful financial foundation. Veterans in New Hampshire also benefit from a dedicated network of Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) through the New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services who provide free assistance statewide.
Approximately 95,000 veterans call New Hampshire home. This guide covers every major state benefit available to them in 2026, along with key federal VA programs available to all veterans.
Income Tax Benefits
New Hampshire does not levy a general state income tax on individuals. Earned income — including wages, salaries, and retirement pay — is not taxed at the state level. This has been fully the case since the state’s Interest and Dividends (I&D) Tax was repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024.
For veterans, this means:
- Military retirement pay — completely free from New Hampshire state taxation
- VA disability compensation — tax-free at both federal and state levels
- Active duty and reserve pay — not subject to New Hampshire state income tax
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) distributions — not taxed in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of only a handful of states that offers this level of income tax relief, making it particularly attractive for retiring service members considering where to settle.
Property Tax Credits
New Hampshire handles veteran property tax relief through a credit system administered at the municipal level, which means the amount of relief a veteran receives can vary significantly depending on where in the state they live. This is an important distinction — New Hampshire municipalities set their own credit amounts above the state minimum.
Standard Wartime Veteran Tax Credit (RSA 72:28)
Wartime veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouses may be eligible for a property tax credit ranging from $51 to $750 per year. Cities and towns vote to adopt higher credit amounts above the state base, so the amount varies by municipality. Contact your local tax collector or assessor to find out what credit your town has adopted.
To qualify, a veteran must have:
- Served 90 or more days of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a qualifying wartime period (or was discharged due to a service-connected disability)
- Received an honorable discharge
- Been a New Hampshire resident for one year preceding April 1 of the year in which the credit is claimed
- Own and occupy the property as their primary residence
National Guard and Reserve members who served on active duty for training, and veterans of allied forces who were U.S. citizens or New Hampshire residents at the time of entry, may also qualify. Applications must be filed with your local assessing office after January 1 and no later than April 15 to be considered for the following tax year.
Surviving Spouse of Wartime Casualty Tax Credit (RSA 72:29-a)
The surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed while on active duty in a designated combat zone may be eligible for a property tax credit of between $700 and $2,000. Municipalities may choose to adopt the higher amounts. This credit recognizes the extraordinary sacrifice of Gold Star families.
Totally Disabled Veteran Tax Credit (RSA 72:35)
A veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability — including double amputees and paraplegics — receives a property tax credit of $700 on their primary residence. Municipalities may vote to increase this amount. The unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran may also qualify for the credit.
To apply for any of these credits, contact your local assessing office with your DD-214, proof of disability (if applicable), and proof of New Hampshire residency.
Veterans Organization Tax Exemption
Property owned and operated by national veterans’ organizations — such as the American Legion and VFW — is exempt from New Hampshire property taxes under RSA 72:23-a. This supports the infrastructure of the veteran service community across the state.
Education Benefits
New Hampshire National Guard Tuition Assistance
Members of the New Hampshire National Guard may attend state-supported postsecondary institutions tuition-free on a space-available basis. To qualify, Guard members must:
- Be active members of the New Hampshire National Guard (residing in or out of state) who have completed advanced individual training or commissioning
- Be enrolled in a degree-enhancing curriculum at a vocational/technical school under the authority of the commissioner of Regional community-technical colleges, or enrolled in any degree-enhancing curriculum at a public college or university within New Hampshire
- Have first utilized any federal educational entitlements (excluding Montgomery GI Bill benefits and National Guard scholarship grants)
This benefit provides a meaningful supplement to federal education programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, potentially allowing Guard members to pursue education at little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Federal Education Benefits
New Hampshire veterans can access the full range of federal VA education programs, including:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) — covers tuition, housing allowance, and a book stipend for eligible veterans
- Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) — monthly education stipend for qualifying service members
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E/Chapter 31) — vocational rehabilitation for service-connected disabled veterans
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) — benefits for eligible dependents of 100% disabled or deceased veterans
New Hampshire’s public colleges and universities — including the University of New Hampshire system and the Community College System of New Hampshire — all participate in VA education programs. Contact your institution’s veterans services office for enrollment certification.
Employment Benefits
New Hampshire provides veteran preference in state employment. Veterans who pass qualifying examinations receive preference points on their scores, and disabled veterans receive additional credit. Contact the New Hampshire Division of Human Resources for information on state employment opportunities and veteran preference procedures.
The New Hampshire Works career centers offer dedicated veteran employment services including resume assistance, job placement, and connections to training programs. Employment specialists with veteran backgrounds are available at many locations.
DMV and Vehicle Benefits
New Hampshire offers several vehicle-related benefits to veterans:
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- Veteran designation on driver’s license or ID — New Hampshire veterans can request a veteran designation on their official driver’s license or ID. Contact the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles for required documentation.
- Veterans specialty license plates — multiple plate designs recognizing military service and specific campaigns are available through the NH DMV
- Parking privileges — disabled veterans with qualifying plates or placards receive appropriate parking accommodations under state law
Contact the New Hampshire DMV for current fee structures and plate options available to veterans.
Recreation Benefits
New Hampshire offers discounted or free hunting and fishing licenses to qualifying veterans. Contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for current eligibility criteria, license types, and application processes for disabled veterans.
State parks in New Hampshire offer a variety of natural and recreational opportunities. While New Hampshire does not currently have a universal free veteran state parks pass comparable to some other states, senior and disability-based discounts may apply to veterans in qualifying categories. Contact New Hampshire State Parks for current discount programs.
Burial Benefits
New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery
The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery is located in Boscawen, NH. It opened in September 1997 and provides burial services for eligible veterans and their dependents. Importantly, New Hampshire residency is not a requirement for veteran eligibility at this cemetery — veterans who were honorably discharged and meet VA burial criteria may qualify.
Contact the State Veterans Cemetery at (603) 796-2026 or email info@nhsvc.com for eligibility determination and scheduling. Note that there may be legislation under consideration to broaden eligibility criteria — confirm current requirements directly with the cemetery.
Free Burial for Indigent Veterans
Under RSA 165:16 and RSA 165:17, indigent veterans who die in New Hampshire may be buried at the expense of the municipality in which they died. To qualify, a veteran must have served during a wartime period for at least 90 days, or was discharged due to a service-connected disability. For assistance, contact the nearest Veterans Service Officer or call 603-624-9230.
Free Copies of Public Records
New Hampshire veterans and their dependents receive free copies of public records when needed for the purpose of obtaining federal or state benefits. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records.
VA Healthcare in New Hampshire
New Hampshire veterans are served primarily through the VA Medical Center in Manchester, NH, which offers primary care, mental health services, specialty care, and surgical programs. Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) are also located in Portsmouth, Tilton, Somersworth, and Conway, extending access across the state.
The Manchester VA Medical Center can be reached at 603-624-4366. To enroll in VA healthcare, visit VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
Vet Centers — independent community-based counseling centers for combat veterans — operate in Manchester and Keene, providing readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and MST support at no cost, with no VA enrollment required. Veterans in crisis can call 988, press 1, or text 838255 at any time.
How to Access New Hampshire Veteran Benefits
The New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services operates Veterans Service Officers throughout the state who provide free assistance with VA claims, state benefit applications, and referrals. Finding your local VSO is the best first step for accessing benefits.
Key contacts:
- NH Division of Veterans Services — state benefits and VSO directory
- VA Facility Locator — find your nearest VA medical center, CBOC, or Vet Center
- Local tax assessor — for property tax credit applications
- NH State Veterans Cemetery: (603) 796-2026
Key documents to have ready:
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- VA disability rating letter (if applicable)
- New Hampshire driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of New Hampshire residency for one year (for property tax credit)
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 nhveterans.nh.gov or contact your local Veterans Service Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. New Hampshire does not levy a general income tax on earned income, wages, or retirement pay. Military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and active duty pay are all free from New Hampshire state taxation. The state’s Interest and Dividends tax was repealed effective January 1, 2025, eliminating the final remaining state-level income tax.
It depends on your municipality. The state sets a minimum of $51 per year, but cities and towns can vote to adopt higher amounts up to $750. Totally disabled veterans receive at least $700. Contact your local assessing office to find out what credit your town has adopted and apply by April 15.
Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability — including paraplegics and double amputees — qualify for a minimum $700 annual property tax credit on their primary residence. The unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran may also qualify. Apply through your local assessing office with VA documentation and your DD-214.
Yes, on a space-available basis. Active New Hampshire National Guard members who have completed advanced training or commissioning may attend state postsecondary institutions tuition-free, provided they have first used all available federal educational entitlements (excluding Montgomery GI Bill and scholarship funds). Contact your institution’s registrar and your unit education officer for details.
No. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen does not require NH residency for veteran eligibility. Honorably discharged veterans who meet VA burial criteria may qualify. Contact the cemetery at (603) 796-2026 to confirm current eligibility requirements, as legislation may have expanded them.