Quick answer: the most-missed state veteran benefits in 2025
If you only have 5 minutes, start here. The most commonly overlooked state perks are: property-tax breaks for 100% P&T, tuition waivers/discounts (for you or your dependents), free state-park entry for disabled vets, waived licensing/plate fees, and state income/sales-tax relief. We link the official application pages below so you can claim them today.
Bottom line: Don’t stop at the VA—your state may cover thousands more in taxes, tuition, and fees each year.
How to check your state in 60 seconds
- Search “[your state] veterans benefits site:.gov”.
- Open your state Department of Veterans Affairs (or equivalent) and the Department of Revenue/Tax page.
- Scan for: property-tax homestead, tuition waivers, park passes, professional licensing fee waivers, retirement income exclusions, sales-tax exemptions, and any state bonus/annuity programs.
(We’ve done this for popular examples below; always confirm your county/municipality, too.)
Property-tax relief you may be leaving on the table
States with full exemptions for 100% P&T disabled veterans (representative examples)
- Virginia: A full real-property tax exemption on your primary residence for 100% service-connected, permanent & total (P&T) veterans (or surviving spouse). Pro-rated start if you acquire mid-year; local application with your VA letter. Virginia Department of Veterans Services+2Virginia Law+2
Source: Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services; Code of Virginia §58.1-3219.5, last checked: September 17, 2025. - Maryland: Full exemption for the dwelling of a veteran rated 100% P&T (or qualifying surviving spouse). State forms require VA rating evidence. Some counties also offer credits for 50–99% ratings. MD Department of Assessments+2MD Department of Assessments+2
Source: MD SDAT & Maryland General Assembly (2024 updates), last checked: September 17, 2025. - Florida: Total exemption for homestead owned by veterans with service-related total and permanent disability; additional discounts exist (e.g., age 65+ combat-related). Florida Department of Revenue+1
Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, last checked: September 17, 2025. - Texas: 100% disabled vets get a total homestead exemption; partial exemptions scale by rating; deadlines are flexible (up to 5 years after delinquency for certain claims). Texas Comptroller+1
Source: Texas Comptroller, last checked: September 17, 2025. - Michigan: Disabled Veteran Exemption (local filing with Form 5107; state bulletins outline eligibility and process). Michigan.gov+1
Source: Michigan State Tax Commission, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Bottom line: If you’re 100% P&T, check your state’s homestead rules—many wipe your primary-home tax bill.
Partial exemptions & local credits
Even if you’re below 100%, states often provide partial exemptions or county credits (e.g., Texas §11.22 partials; Maryland county-level credits for 50–99%/50–74% under 2024 law). Always ask your county assessor about local add-ons. Texas Comptroller+1
Source: Texas Comptroller; Maryland Ch. 917 (2024), last checked: September 17, 2025.
Checklist: what to bring to the assessor
- DD-214 (or discharge certificate)
- VA award letter showing rating (e.g., “100% P&T” or unemployability)
- State application form (varies; e.g., MD SDAT disabled-veteran exemption form; TX Form 50-114/50-135; FL DR-501/DR-501DV) Florida Department of Revenue+4MD Department of Assessments+4Texas Comptroller+4
Source: MD SDAT; Texas Comptroller; Florida DOR, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Bottom line: Property-tax relief is one of the fastest ways to save $1,000s—file once, then keep your rating paperwork handy for renewals or address changes.
Free or reduced tuition—not just the GI Bill
Texas Hazlewood Act (and Legacy)—a cornerstone state benefit
- What it is: Up to 150 credit hours of tuition & certain fees waived at Texas public institutions for eligible vets; unused hours can transfer to a child (Legacy), with residency and age rules. Texas Veterans Commission
- Where to apply/verify hours: Texas Veterans Commission Hazlewood portal; policy manual updated in 2025; program background via LBB/TX Comptroller. Legislative Budget Board+3hazlewood.tvc.texas.gov+3Texas Veterans Commission+3
Source: Texas Veterans Commission; LBB; Texas Comptroller, last checked: September 17, 2025.
New York Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)—expanded in 2025
- What changed: As of mid-2025, vets with ≥4 years active duty can qualify even without combat-theater service (previous limitation). Award value: up to the average SUNY tuition (published amount updated annually). HESC+2HESC+2
- Apply: HESC VTA application & supplement; eligibility deck (July 2025). webapps.hesc.ny.gov+1
Source: NY HESC, last checked: September 17, 2025.
South Dakota: free tuition (vets & certain dependents)
- Veterans: Free undergraduate tuition at state schools when federal VA education benefits are exhausted; forms through the SD Dept. of Veterans Affairs. vetaffairs.sd.gov+1
- Dependents: Free tuition for children of KIA/deceased on active duty; POW/MIA dependents; and certain National Guard dependents. vetaffairs.sd.gov
Source: South Dakota DVA & 2025 Resource Book, last checked: September 17, 2025. vetaffairs.sd.gov
Other state tuition/fee waivers worth checking
- Illinois Veterans’ Grant (IVG)—tuition & mandatory fees at public colleges for qualifying Illinois vets. ISAC
- Montana Honorably Discharged Veteran Tuition Waiver (MUS)—last-dollar, tuition-only waiver via Board of Regents policy; see Award Montana site & policy 940.13. awardmontana.mus.edu+2Montana University System+2
Bottom line: After GI Bill, state tuition programs can finish the job—often covering what’s left.
State parks & outdoors: lifetime passes, free entry, steep discounts
- Texas State Parks: free entry for disabled veterans with qualifying documentation (TPWD Disabled Veteran Parks Pass). CT.gov
- Washington: Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass for state parks (free camping/boat launch discounts at many sites). NJ.gov
- Nevada: Annual Veterans Pass (free admission to state parks for certain vets). Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Connecticut: Disabled Veteran Pass for residents with service-connected disability—free access at designated sites. CT.gov
Source: TPWD; Washington State Parks; Nevada State Parks; CT DEEP, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Bottom line: Your outdoor recreation can be free—apply once and keep the pass in your glovebox.
Licenses & fees most vets don’t realize are waived
Professional & occupational licenses
- New Mexico: Waives initial licensing fees for three years for military service members, spouses, and recent veterans, and expedites licensure across dozens of boards. Washington State Parks
- Arizona: Several boards grant fee waivers or reduced fees for military members/spouses, with similar accommodations appearing across AZ agencies. Arizona Department of Revenue+1
Source: NM Governor’s Office; AZ boards/ROC, last checked: September 17, 2025.
DMV plates & registration
- California Disabled Veteran (DV) plates: all registration fees waived on one eligible vehicle for qualified disabled veterans (with DV plates); how-to and refund instructions on DMV. California DMV+2California DMV+2
Source: California DMV, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Hunting/fishing and camping perks
- Illinois: Disabled vets often receive free hunting & fishing licenses and camping discounts at state parks; specific rules published by IDNR. Illinois Department of Natural Resources+1
Source: Illinois DNR, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Bottom line: From career licensing to DMV & outdoors, small waivers add up—ask each agency for its “veteran” policy.
Income & sales-tax wins for veterans (varies by state)
Military retirement pay—state income-tax treatment
- Oklahoma: 100% of military retirement is excluded from OK income tax (effective TY 2022 forward). Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site
- Arkansas: Military retirement pay is not taxable (policy implemented beginning TY 2018; still current in 2024/2025 instructions). Arkansas DFA+2Arkansas DFA+2
Source: OK Tax Commission; Arkansas DFA, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Sales-tax exemptions (a true hidden gem)
- Oklahoma: State sales-tax exemption card for honorably discharged 100% disabled veterans (permanent); also free admission to state parks for all honorably discharged resident vets. Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site
Source: Oklahoma Dept. of Veterans Affairs, last checked: September 17, 2025.
Bottom line: Retirement income may be state-tax free—and in some states, sales tax disappears for 100% disabled vets.
Comparison table: representative “hidden benefits” by state
| State | Hidden gem | Who qualifies | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | Hazlewood Act tuition/fees (150 hours) + Legacy | Eligible TX vets; Legacy for qualifying children | Texas Veterans Commission Hazlewood portal (school certs required) Texas Veterans Commission+1 |
| NY | Veterans Tuition Award (expanded 2025) | Vets w/ ≥4 years active duty; residency rules | HESC VTA application & supplement HESC+1 |
| MA | Chapter 115 monthly aid; Disabled Veteran Annuity (rising to $2,500 in Aug 2025 via HERO Act) | Low-income vets/families; 100% disabled vets & select survivors for annuity | Local VSO; EOVS application pages Mass.gov+2Mass.gov+2 |
| VA | Full real-property tax exemption (primary home) | 100% P&T (or IU rated P&T) & surviving spouse | Local Commissioner/assessor; provide VA letter Virginia Department of Veterans Services |
| MD | Full homestead exemption (100% P&T); county credits for lower ratings | 100% P&T; surviving spouse; local credits at 50–99% | SDAT Disabled Vet application; county credit office MD Department of Assessments+1 |
| FL | Total homestead exemption for 100% service-related permanent disability; age-65 combat-related discount | As stated; surviving spouses may carry some benefits | County property appraiser using DR-501/DR-501DV forms Florida Department of Revenue+1 |
| OK | Sales-tax exemption (100% disabled); free state-park entry for resident vets; retirement pay exclusion | As stated (sales tax: 100% disabled); all honorably discharged for parks | Oklahoma DVA; OK Tax Commission forms Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site+1 |
| IL | Free/reduced hunting & fishing; state-park camping discounts | Disabled veterans (10%+ in many cases) | Illinois DNR permits and fee-waiver pages Illinois Department of Natural Resources+1 |
| WA | Disabled Veteran Lifetime State Parks Pass | Resident disabled vets meeting criteria | Washington State Parks pass portal NJ.gov |
| CT | Disabled Veteran Pass for state parks/forests (free access) | CT residents with service-connected disability | DEEP Special Passes page CT.gov |
| GA | Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (large amount indexed by federal standard) | Qualifying DV or surviving spouse | County assessor; GA DOR homestead guidance Department of Revenue |
| SD | Free tuition (when VA benefits are exhausted); dependents of KIA/POW/MIA benefits | As stated by statute | SDDVA forms (E-11/E-12) and guidance vetaffairs.sd.gov+1 |
Bottom line: Even a single state perk (e.g., property-tax or tuition) can be worth $5k–$10k+ annually.
Frequently overlooked cash programs (bonuses, annuities, safety-net)
- Massachusetts “Chapter 115”: a means-tested monthly benefit that can cover housing, food, medical/dental and (now codified) behavioral health; you apply with your local VSO. The state also runs a Disabled Veteran Annuity that increases to $2,500 annually beginning August 2025 under the HERO Act. Mass.gov+3Mass.gov+3Mass.gov+3
Source: MA EOVS; HERO Act update, last checked: September 17, 2025. - Ohio Veterans Bonus: Ohio periodically offers state service bonuses tied to specific service periods (check current status on the state’s site). Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Bottom line: If income is tight—or you’re 100% disabled—cash benefits and annuities exist at the state level.
How to stack state + federal + local (without conflicts)
- Start federal (VA disability, GI Bill) to establish your baseline eligibility (and documentation). VA News+1
- Layer state programs (e.g., property-tax exemption + tuition waiver). Many tuition waivers are last-dollar and require you to use Pell/VA first (e.g., Montana MUS waiver). Montana University System
- Add county/municipal credits (some counties top up state exemptions). Maryland General Assembly
- Mind the paperwork cadence: some benefits are one-time (sales-tax card), some annual (annuity), and some depend on residency or school satisfactory progress (Hazlewood Legacy). Texas Veterans Commission
Bottom line: Use a VSO (state or county) to sequence the filings and avoid leaving money on the table.
Important notes & citations near sensitive facts
- “100% P&T” property-tax full exemption examples: VA, MD, FL, TX (see state statutes/pages above). Source: state tax/assessor pages, last checked: Sept 17, 2025. Texas Comptroller+3Virginia Department of Veterans Services+3MD Department of Assessments+3
- Hazlewood 150 hours + Legacy transfer: Source: Texas Veterans Commission & LBB policy docs, last checked: Sept 17, 2025. Texas Veterans Commission+1
- NY VTA 2025 expansion to 4+ years active duty: Source: HESC news & VTA page, last checked: Sept 17, 2025. HESC+1
- OK 100% military retirement exclusion + sales-tax card for 100% disabled vets: Source: OK Tax Commission; OK Veterans Affairs, last checked: Sept 17, 2025. Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site+1
- MA Chapter 115 supports behavioral health & annuity increases under HERO Act in 2025: Source: Mass.gov pages, last checked: Sept 17, 2025. Mass.gov+1
Checklist: documents to collect once, then reuse
- Government ID + proof of state residency
- DD-214 (long form)
- VA rating letter (for tax/park/DMV benefits)
- School admissions/FAFSA + VA COE (for tuition programs)
- Any state forms listed on agency pages (e.g., TX 50-114/50-135, FL DR-501/DR-501DV, MD SDAT Disabled Veteran application) Texas Comptroller+2Florida Department of Revenue+2
Bottom line: Keep a digital folder; most benefits reuse the same three proofs (ID + DD-214 + VA letter).
Disclaimer
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and local offices interpret them. Confirm details with your state agency, county assessor, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) before filing.
Key takeaways
- Property-tax exemptions (especially for 100% P&T) are the single biggest state-level savings for homeowners.
- Tuition waivers like Hazlewood (TX), NY VTA (expanded 2025), and SD free tuition can zero-out remaining costs after federal benefits. Texas Veterans Commission+2HESC+2
- Parks passes, DMV DV plates, and license fee waivers are quick wins many vets miss. California DMV+1
- State tax perks (retirement pay exclusions, sales-tax cards) depend heavily on your state & rating. Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site+1
- Stack federal + state + local—and use a VSO to apply in the right order.
Next steps
- Pick 2–3 benefits from the table that fit your situation.
- Download/print required forms today.
- Email your county VSO and book a filing appointment.
- Set a calendar reminder to renew annual items (e.g., annuities; passes if required).
FAQs
Q1. Which states offer a full property-tax exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans?
Several do—including Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and Texas—subject to residency, homestead, and documentation. Always verify county procedures and surviving-spouse rules. Texas Comptroller+3Virginia Department of Veterans Services+3MD Department of Assessments+3
Q2. What is the Texas Hazlewood Act and who qualifies in 2025?
It’s a tuition & certain fee waiver at Texas public colleges for eligible veterans; up to 150 credit hours. Legacy lets a qualifying child use unused hours (residency/age/GPA apply). Apply via the Texas Veterans Commission portal. Texas Veterans Commission+1
Q3. Did New York expand the Veterans Tuition Award in 2025?
Yes. As of May–July 2025, veterans with ≥4 years active duty can qualify even without combat-theater service. Awards are up to the average SUNY tuition. HESC+1
Q4. Do any states give sales-tax exemption cards to disabled vets?
Oklahoma does for honorably discharged 100% disabled veterans (resident). The card can make everyday purchases sales-tax free. Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site
Q5. Which states don’t tax military retirement?
Rules vary. For example, Oklahoma excludes 100% of military retirement (TY 2022+). Arkansas exempts military retirement beginning TY 2018. Check your state’s DOR. Welcome to Oklahoma’s Official Web Site+1
Q6. What park passes do disabled vets get?
Common perks include free lifetime/state passes (e.g., Washington, Connecticut) and free entry in Texas and other states. Requirements and coverage differ by state. NJ.gov+2CT.gov+2
Q7. Does Massachusetts still offer Chapter 115 and a disabled veteran annuity?
Yes. Chapter 115 remains the state safety-net; the annuity rises to $2,500 in August 2025 under the HERO Act. Apply via your local VSO. Mass.gov+1
Q8. Where can I see all benefits in my state?
Start with your state DVA or directories like Military.com’s State Benefits index, then drill into state DOR/parks/DMV pages linked there. Military.com