U.S. VA Last reviewed:

Federal VA Benefits

Complete reference for benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. Organized across 14 service tiers. Amounts reflect the 2.8% COLA effective January 1, 2026.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Federal (VA)
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty SGLI up to $500K; TSGLI; SCRA protections; commissary/exchange/MWR full access; Space-A Cat I–III; BAH/BAS/combat pay federal tax exclusions; USERRA re-employment rights; TAP counseling
Guard / Reserve SGLI (when federally activated); MGIB-SR (Ch32) if enrolled; USERRA rights; 5-pt federal hiring preference after qualifying service; online exchange shopping access
Military Retiree Full commissary/exchange access; Space-A Cat VI; TRICARE (separate from VA); CRDP at 50%+ SC (no offset with VA comp); CRSC for combat-related SC disabilities; SBP survivor annuity option
Veteran (honorable, no rating) VA health care Pg 5–8 (income-based); VA home loan guaranty (funding fee applies); 5-pt federal hiring preference; VGLI if applied within 1 yr 120 days of separation; Military Lifetime Pass (national parks); USERRA protections
0% SC Establishes service connection; 10-pt federal hiring preference; VALife whole-life insurance; VA health care Pg 6 (SC conditions free of charge); VA home loan (funding fee still applies but reduced); some commissary/exchange access with VHIC
10–20% 10-pt federal hiring preference (CP sub-category); VA health care Pg 3 (no copay for SC conditions); commissary/exchange in-person with VHIC; VR&E eligibility with employment handicap
30–40% VA health care Pg 2 (zero copays all care); 10-pt preference CPS at 30%+ SC (top of cert); VRA non-competitive appointment; increased compensation rates with dependents
50–60% VA health care Pg 1 (no copays all care); CRDP unlocked for retirees at 50%+ SC; VA home loan funding fee EXEMPT; SAH/SHA housing grants (if qualifying disability type); 10-pt hiring preference
70–90% TDIU potentially available at single 70%+ (or 70% combined + one at 40%+); full Pg 1 VA health care; P&T possible; 30% Disabled Veteran non-competitive appointment at 70%+ SC
100% schedular $3,938.58/mo (single, no dependents); Pg 1 health care; full commissary/exchange/MWR; Space-A Cat VI; CHAMPVA for dependents if P&T; SAH/SHA if qualifying; DEA (Ch35) for dependents if P&T
TDIU Compensation at 100% rate ($3,938.58/mo single); same as 100% schedular; CHAMPVA for dependents if P&T; DEA (Ch35); Pg 1 health care; expedited SSDI processing if P&T
P&T CHAMPVA for dependents; DEA (Ch35) 36 months; Space-A Cat VI; VALife; expedited SSDI processing; no future exam scheduled; SMC if additional conditions present; national cemetery priority
SMC (Housebound/A&A) SMC-S $4,408.53/mo (Housebound, veteran alone); SMC-L $4,900.83 (A&A); through SMC-R.2/T at $11,271.67; all VA health care Pg 1; full commissary/exchange
Surviving spouse / dependents DIC $1,699.36/mo base + add-ons; Fry Scholarship (Ch33 equivalent); DEA (Ch35) $1,574/mo full-time; CHAMPVA (if sponsor was P&T or died SC); Survivors Pension (wartime vet, income-based); accrued benefits; national cemetery burial

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Veteran with honorable or general discharge (or favorable Character of Discharge determination); service-connected disability; disability ratable under 38 C.F.R. Part 4.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1110 (wartime SC); § 1131 (peacetime SC); 38 C.F.R. § 4.1 et seq.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

One SC disability rated 60%+, OR two or more SC disabilities with combined rating 70%+ and at least one rated 40%+; AND veteran unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to SC disabilities.

Authority: 38 C.F.R. § 4.16.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. § 1114; 38 C.F.R. § 3.350.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1114; 38 C.F.R. § 3.350.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Wartime veteran (qualifying periods include WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War — check 38 C.F.R. § 3.4 for exact dates); honorable or general discharge; age 65+ OR permanently and totally disabled OR in a nursing home OR receiving SSDI/SSI; income and net worth within limits.
Verify locally: **Eligibility:** Wartime veteran (qualifying periods include WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War — check 38 C.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 1501–1524.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Authority:** 10 U.S.C. §§ 1414 (CRDP), 1413a (CRSC); P.L. 108-136.
Verify locally: Check LES or retirement statement.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. §§ 1414 (CRDP), 1413a (CRSC); P.L. 108-136.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. §§ 1710–1712; 38 C.F.R. Part 17.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 1710–1712; 38 C.F.R. Part 17.

7. State Income Tax — General

Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who is: - Rated permanently and totally disabled (P&T) due to SC disability, OR - Died from a service-connected disability, OR - Died while rated P&T, OR - Died in the line of duty.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1781.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

SC disability rated 70%+ (or combined 70%+); needs personal care for at least 6 continuous months due to inability to perform ADLs, need for supervision/protection, or need for regular instruction; serious injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1720G; P.L. 111-163 as amended.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

Active duty service after September 10, 2001. Benefit level (50–100%) scales with aggregate active duty time:

Authority: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 33.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Entered active duty after June 30, 1985; served minimum qualifying period; contributed $1,200 during service. Honorable discharge required.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 30.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

- Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who is P&T due to SC disability, OR - Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who died from SC disability, OR - Spouse or dependent child of a POW/MIA.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Honorable or general discharge; SC disability rating 10%+ with serious employment handicap OR 20%+ with employment handicap; entitlement to VR&E established by a VRC.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Active duty service members; veterans with qualifying service (generally 90 days active wartime or 181 days peacetime; 6 years National Guard/Reserve); surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a SC disability.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 37.

14. Public Transit Discount

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. §§ 2101–2104 (SAH/SHA/TRA); 38 C.F.R. § 17.3100 (HISA).

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 2101–2104 (SAH/SHA/TRA); 38 C.F.R. § 17.3100 (HISA).

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

All active duty members, Ready Reserve/National Guard members on qualifying federal orders, and certain cadets/midshipmen. Automatic enrollment.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 19.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Honorably discharged veteran who had SGLI. Apply within 1 year and 120 days of separation. No medical underwriting if applied within 240 days; health questions required from 241 days to 1 year 120 days.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1977.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Veterans with any SC disability rating (0–100%); age 80 or under at time of application. No medical underwriting — guaranteed acceptance. Veterans who applied for SC disability before age 81 and received the rating after age 81 may apply within 2 years of rating notification.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 1980A.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

**Authority:** 5 U.S.C. §§ 2108, 3309; Veterans' Preference Act; 5 C.F.R. Part 211.

Authority: 5 U.S.C. §§ 2108, 3309; Veterans' Preference Act; 5 C.F.R. Part 211.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**VRA (Veterans Recruitment Appointment):** - Eligibility: Separated within past 3 years OR disabled OR campaign/expeditionary medal recipient OR post-Vietnam era vet (separated before October 15, 1976). - Benefit: Non-competitive appointment to any GS position through **GS-11** or equivalent. After 2 satisfactory years, converts to career-conditional permanent appointment.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. §§ 4301–4335; 20 C.F.R. Part 1002.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 4301–4335; 20 C.F.R. Part 1002.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Honorably discharged veterans and transitioning service members.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 4100 et seq.; 38 U.S.C. Chapter 41.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Authority:** 10 U.S.C. §§ 2481, 2484.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. §§ 2481, 2484.

23. Trapping License

**Authority:** 10 U.S.C. § 2641; DoD Instruction 4515.13.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 2641; DoD Instruction 4515.13.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Authority:** Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. § 6812).

Authority: Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. § 6812).

25. State Parks — Camping

- Veterans with any discharge other than dishonorable who meet minimum service requirements. - Active duty service members who die while on duty. - National Guard/Reserve members who die while on active duty or training. - Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans (as dependents, not in their own right).

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 2401–2414; 38 C.F.R. Part 38.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

The person paying for burial (family member, funeral home) of a qualifying veteran.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 2302; 38 C.F.R. § 3.1600.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. § 2306.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 2306.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran who: - Died in service, OR - Died from a service-connected disability, OR - Was rated continuously totally disabled (100% SC or TDIU) for at least 10 years before death (5 years if rated from separation), OR - Was a POW rated 100% at death.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify at va.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 1310–1318.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried dependent child of a wartime veteran (qualifying war periods include WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War) discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §§ 1541–1543.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. § 5121.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 5121.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

Military retirees elect SBP at retirement (or may be enrolled automatically for spouse coverage). Separate from VA DIC.
Verify locally: Surviving spouses: verify you are receiving both SBP and DIC without offset; contact DFAS (1-800-321-1080) if any deduction still appears.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. §§ 1447–1455.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. § 5301; IRC § 104(a)(4); IRS Publication 907.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 5301; IRC § 104(a)(4); IRS Publication 907.

33. K-12 Support

**Authority:** 42 U.S.C. §§ 401–433 (Social Security Act); 38 U.S.C. § 5301.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify — SSA policy subject to change; not guaranteed for all P&T veterans.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. §§ 401–433 (Social Security Act); 38 U.S.C. § 5301.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. § 101(2); 38 C.F.R. § 3.12; VA rule effective June 25, 2024.
Verify locally: " The type of discharge determines eligibility as follows: | Discharge type | VA benefit eligibility | |---|---| | Honorable | Full eligibility for all VA benefits | | General (under honorable conditions) | Generally eligible for all VA benefits; some GI Bill programs (Ch33, Ch30) may require honorable — verify per program | | Other Than Honorable (OTH) | VA conducts a Character of Discharge (COD) determination; eligible for emergency mental health care regardless; may receive benefits if COD is favorable | | Bad Conduct Discharge (special court-martial) | VA conducts COD determination; expanded "compelling circumstances" exception effective June 25, 2024, for mental health/TBI/MST-related misconduct | | Bad Conduct Discharge (general court-martial) | Generally bars VA benefits; no COD pathway | | Dishonorable | Bars all VA benefits; no COD pathway | | Entry-Level Separation (Uncharacterized) | Treated as honorable for VA purposes if entry level (under 180 days active duty); characterization depends on circumstances | **Compelling circumstances exception (effective June 25, 2024):** If a veteran's misconduct leading to OTH or a special court-martial BCD was related to mental illness, PTSD, TBI, MST (military sexual trauma), or other mitigating circumstances, the VA must grant a favorable COD determination — even without a formal discharge upgrade from the military service branch.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 101(2); 38 C.F.R. § 3.12; VA rule effective June 25, 2024.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

*(See also Category 4 — VA Pension for base rates)*

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Authority:** 5 U.S.C. § 8332 (CSRS); § 8411 (FERS).

Authority: 5 U.S.C. § 8332 (CSRS); § 8411 (FERS).

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Authority:** 38 U.S.C. § 322.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 322.

38. Business License Fee Break

VA-enrolled veterans traveling to VA-approved medical appointments.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify current rate at va.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 111.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

Civil Service / Retirement Credit — not documented for this jurisdiction.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance — not documented for this jurisdiction.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief — not documented for this jurisdiction.

42. State Veteran Bonus

State Veteran Bonus — not documented for this jurisdiction.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement — not documented for this jurisdiction.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

Utility / Heating Assistance — not documented for this jurisdiction.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

State Veterans Home / Nursing Home — not documented for this jurisdiction.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

Behavioral / Mental Health Programs — not documented for this jurisdiction.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

Dental / Vision / Health Programs — not documented for this jurisdiction.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement — not documented for this jurisdiction.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts — not documented for this jurisdiction.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver — not documented for this jurisdiction.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver — not documented for this jurisdiction.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

Unique State Programs — not documented for this jurisdiction.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Surviving Spouse — Property Tax — not documented for this jurisdiction.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

Surviving Spouse — Education — not documented for this jurisdiction.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

Dependent / Survivor State Benefit — not documented for this jurisdiction.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

State Veterans Cemetery — not documented for this jurisdiction.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

Burial Allowance / Plot — not documented for this jurisdiction.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

Headstone / Memorial / Honors — not documented for this jurisdiction.