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The 2024 Ultimate Guide to the BEST Places for Disabled Veterans to Live

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Best States to Live

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As a veteran with a 100% disability rating, you have many benefits available to you.

These benefits can make your life much easier and help you live more comfortably.

This blog post will discuss the best states for a 100% disabled veteran to live.

We will look at each state’s tax exemptions, educational benefits, housing assistance, and financial assistance.

We hope these lists help service members and their families make the best decision for their future!

Here’s a list of all the questions we’ll cover:

  • What states have the best 100 VA disability benefits?
  • What are the most popular benefits in each state?
  • What state has the most VA benefits?
  • Which states have tax exemptions?
  • Do veteran dependents also get benefits?

What States Have the Best Benefits for 100 Disabled Veterans?

Alaska

  • Alaska Property Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating can receive a tax break on the first $150,000 of assessed value of their home.
  • Free Camping Passes: Disabled veterans in Alaska can enjoy free camping passes through the Natural Resource Commissioners Office.

Read more about Alaska Veteran benefits here

Florida

  • Driver’s License Fee Exemption: 100% disabled veterans in Florida are exempt from certain driver’s license fees.
  • Hunting and Fishing License: Disabled veterans are entitled to free hunting and fishing licenses.
  • Property Tax Exemptions: Veterans with a 10% or greater disability rating can benefit from a $5,000 deduction on their home assessment for tax exemption purposes. Additionally, real estate owned and used as a homestead by a veteran with a permanent and total disability is exempt from taxation.
  • Disabled Veteran License Plate: 100% disabled veterans in Florida are eligible for a free Disabled Veteran license plate.

Read more about Florida Veteran benefits here

Idaho

  • Property Tax Reduction: Qualified veterans in Idaho may receive reductions of up to $1,500 on property taxes for their homes and up to one acre of land.
  • Income Tax Deductions: Older disabled veterans may be eligible for deductions on their income tax.
  • Grocery Tax Credit: Disabled veterans in Idaho may qualify for a grocery tax credit.
  • Outdoor Recreation Discounts: Idaho veterans with 100% service-related disabilities can enjoy free camping in state parks and free day-use access.

Read more about Idaho Veteran benefits here

Illinois

  • Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Disabled veterans can obtain free hunting and fishing licenses.
  • Disabled Veteran License Plates: Veterans with disabilities can receive free Disabled Veteran license plates.
  • Homestead Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% can benefit from a $5,000 homestead exemption, reducing the assessed value of their home for property tax calculations.

Read more about Illinois Veteran benefits here

Nevada

  • Property Tax Deduction: Disabled veterans in Nevada receive a property tax deduction corresponding to their level of disability. This deduction can be applied to their home or an automobile.
  • Low-Cost Care: Disabled veterans can access 24-hour care in Nevada State veterans homes at a reduced cost.

Read more about Nevada Veteran benefits here

New Hampshire

  • Tax Credits and Exemptions: Disabled veterans, including those who are double amputees, paraplegic, or permanently and totally disabled, can benefit from tax credits and exemptions on real estate occupied as a principal place of abode.
  • No State Income Tax: New Hampshire does not require anyone, regardless of veteran status, to pay state income tax.
  • Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption: Disabled veterans are exempt from driver’s license and motor vehicle registration fees.

Read more about New Hampshire Veteran benefits here

Texas

  • Housing Grants: Texas offers various housing grants to disabled veterans, including those for home modifications and weatherization.
  • Free Driver’s License: Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating in Texas are entitled to a free driver’s license

Read more about Texas Veteran benefits here

Virginia

  • Property Tax Exemptions: Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability can receive property tax exemptions on their primary residence.
  • Employment Assistance: Virginia provides job placement assistance and resources for disabled veterans seeking employment.
  • Education Benefits: Veterans in Virginia may be eligible for education benefits, including tuition assistance and scholarships.
  • Healthcare Services: Disabled veterans in Virginia have access to comprehensive healthcare services through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
  • Transportation Assistance: Virginia offers transportation programs to help disabled veterans access medical appointments and other essential services.

Read more about Virginia Veteran benefits here

Want to learn about all the VA disability benefits available for veterans? We have the ULTIMATE list for you. Check it out below!

Benefits Guide for Veterans

Click here to see the list!

What are the Most Popular Veteran Benefits in Each State?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits to veterans throughout the United States.

Each state may have its own additional benefits for veterans.

Here are some popular state benefits for veterans in different states:

Alabama

  • State Veterans Homes Program
  • Tax exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed home value for disabled veterans
  • Free camping passes for disabled veterans

Alaska

  • Alaska Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
  • Free camping passes for disabled veterans

Arizona

  • Special veteran license plates
  • Donations to veteran organizations through license plate fees

Arkansas

  • Tax exemption on military retirement pay
  • Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption for disabled veterans receiving Special Monthly Compensation

California

  • CalVet Home Loans for veterans purchasing homes
  • Tax exemptions, tuition waivers, and recreation discounts

Colorado

  • Property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans
  • Disabled Veteran license plates with a license tax waiver

Connecticut

  • Veteran American Flag designation on driver’s licenses and ID cards

Delaware

  • Various veteran license plates, including special parking accommodations

Florida

  • Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
  • Licensure and fee waivers, including free hunting and fishing licenses

Georgia

  • License plates with veteran-themed designs

Hawaii

  • Totally Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption
  • Island-specific tax exemptions for veterans

Idaho

  • Hunting and fishing license and tag fee reductions
  • Free camping and day-use access in state parks

Illinois

  • Veteran designation on state driver’s licenses
  • $5,000 homestead exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70%

Indiana

  • Tuition and fee exemption for eligible dependents of certain veterans
  • Property tax deductions and residential housing benefits

Iowa

  • Homeownership Assistance Program
  • Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License programs

Kansas

  • Veteran hunting and fishing fee discounts
  • State park permits

Kentucky

  • Tuition waiver at state colleges for eligible dependents of certain veterans
  • Property tax exemptions

Louisiana

  • Various benefits and services, including emergency assistance and discounts
  • Military Family Assistance Fund for financial hardships

Maine

  • Maine Resident Lifetime Veteran State Park and Museum Pass
  • State-specific discounts from local businesses

Maryland

  • Property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans

Massachusetts

  • Tax exemptions, veteran preference for state employment, and tuition waivers

Michigan

  • Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for emergency grants
  • Military Family Assistance Program for temporary financial emergencies

Minnesota

  • State Soldier’s Assistance Program for financial assistance
  • Hunting and fishing license discounts

Mississippi

  • Homestead exemption for 100% disabled veterans
  • Free access to state parks and recreational facilities

Missouri

  • Veterans Service Program for counseling and assistance
  • Knowledgeable veterans service organizations for additional assistance

Montana

  • Veteran Designation on driver’s licenses
  • Various tax and recreational benefits

Nebraska

  • Nebraska Veterans’ Aid for emergency financial assistance
  • Waiver of Tuition for dependents of eligible veterans

Nevada

  • Nevada Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
  • 24-hour care in Nevada State veterans homes at a low cost

New Hampshire

  • Property tax credits and exemptions
  • Driver’s license fee exemptions

New Jersey

  • Income tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans
  • Spouses of veterans can also qualify for the exemption

New Mexico

  • Veterans State Property Tax Exemption
  • Free and reduced-fee recreational benefits and veteran license plates

New York

  • FreshConnect Checks program for fresh food vouchers
  • Home for Veterans Program and property tax exemptions

North Carolina

  • Veteran license plates and tax exclusion for 100% disabled veterans
  • State-specific benefits for veterans

North Dakota

  • Grant program for veterans with PTSD to receive service dogs
  • Veterans must meet specific criteria to qualify

Ohio

  • County Veterans Service Commissions for various assistance
  • Burial benefits, employment preference, and disabled veterans’ scholarship programs

Oklahoma

  • Tax benefits and special license plates for veterans
  • Free admission to state parks and state-operated museums

Oregon

  • Veteran Recognition License Plates with donations to veteran organizations
  • Various state benefits and discounts

Pennsylvania

  • Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans with financial need
  • Numerous veterans enrolled in the program

Rhode Island

  • State Tuition Assistance Program for RI National Guard members
  • Rhode Island Veterans Home for nursing and residential care

South Carolina

  • Complete property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans
  • Free tuition at state schools for children of certain veterans

South Dakota

  • Bonus program for active-duty military and veterans meeting service criteria
  • Hunting and fishing licenses, state park access, and tax benefits

Tennessee

  • Property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and their spouses
  • Other state benefits and discounts available

Texas

  • TVC claims program for disability compensation assistance
  • Various resources available through the Texas Veterans Commission

Utah

  • Veterans Property Tax Abatement for reduced property taxes
  • State-specific benefits for veterans

Vermont

  • Property tax reduction for disabled veterans and their survivors
  • Exemption amounts based on disability ratings

Virginia

  • VA claims assistance program for disability compensation
  • Additional state benefits for veterans

Washington

  • Free license plates for disabled veterans
  • Free camping at Washington state parks for veterans with 30% disability rating or higher

West Virginia

  • Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program for tuition assistance
  • Complete list of benefits available for West Virginia veterans

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin GI Bill for tuition forgiveness
  • Health care aid and income tax exemptions for qualifying veterans

Wyoming

  • Property tax exemption for eligible veterans on primary residence or vehicle licensing fee
  • Additional benefits listed on their website.

What State Has the Most VA benefits?

It depends on what you are looking for, but Texas is one of the highest-rated states for federal and state benefits.

Some of the benefits include:

  • 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 all 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 Texan 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 fishing license.

We recommend chatting with the department of veterans affairs or fellow veterans to find the best states for veterans!

What States Have Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans?

Alaska

  • No individual income tax
  • Property tax incentives for military Veterans
  • Relatively low cost of living

Connecticut

  • Property tax exemptions based on disability rating
  • Additional benefits for eligible Veterans

Florida

  • No individual income tax
  • Significant property tax exemptions for Veterans
  • Affordable housing options in many locations

Illinois

  • Property tax exemptions based on disability percentage
  • Veteran-specific license plates

Indiana

  • Property tax incentives for military retirees based on age and disability rating
  • Legislation exempting military retirement pay from income taxes

Iowa

  • 100% income tax exemption for military retirement pay
  • Comprehensive property tax exemptions for military Veterans

Kansas

  • Property tax exemptions based on disability rating
  • Fee discounts for hunting and fishing licenses for Veterans

Kentucky

  • Partial income tax exemptions for military retirement pay
  • Low property taxes and housing costs
  • Property tax exemptions for all senior citizens

Maine

  • Property tax credits for eligible Veterans
  • Lifetime state park and museum pass for Maine veteran residents

Massachusetts

  • Tax exemptions and waivers for eligible Veterans
  • Tuition waivers for state colleges and universities

Michigan

  • Property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
  • Michigan Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency grants

Nevada

  • No individual income tax
  • Property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
  • Low property tax rate and affordable housing

North Dakota

  • Property tax exemptions for eligible Veterans
  • Grant program for veterans with PTSD

Oregon

  • Veteran Recognition License Plates
  • Funds donated to veteran organizations

Rhode Island

  • State Tuition Assistance Program for RI National Guard members
  • Rhode Island Veterans Home providing nursing and residential care

Texas

  • No individual income tax
  • Homestead exemptions and tax incentives for military retirees
  • Veteran-friendly state with various benefits

Utah

  • 100% income tax exemption for military retirement pay
  • Property tax relief for Veterans with a disability rating
  • Growing reputation for military retirement benefits

Vermont

  • Property tax reduction for Veterans with a disability rating
  • Exemption for 100% permanent and total disability rating

Washington

  • Free license plates for disabled Veterans
  • Free camping at state parks for Veterans with 30% disability rating

Wyoming

  • Low property taxes
  • Property tax exemptions for most military Veterans
  • No individual income tax

Income Tax Exemptions by State for Military Retirees

What are the states that exempt state income tax on military retirement pay?

  1. Alabama
  2. Arizona
  3. Arkansas
  4. Connecticut
  5. Hawaii
  6. Illinois
  7. Indiana
  8. Iowa
  9. Kansas
  10. Louisiana
  11. Maine
  12. Massachusetts
  13. Michigan
  14. Minnesota
  15. Mississippi
  16. Missouri
  17. Nebraska
  18. New Jersey
  19. New York
  20. North Carolina
  21. North Dakota
  22. Ohio
  23. Oklahoma
  24. Pennsylvania
  25. Utah
  26. West Virginia
  27. Wisconsin

What are the states without individual income tax?

  1. Alaska
  2. Florida
  3. Nevada
  4. New Hampshire
  5. South Dakota
  6. Tennessee
  7. Texas

Do Dependents of 100 Disabled Veterans Get Benefits?

Yes! Many dependents and surviving spouses of 100 percent disabled veterans are eligible for educational benefits such as free or reduced tuition rates at colleges in their state.

To learn more, check out our article about VA benefits for dependents below.

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