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Connecticut — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Connecticut
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
**Active Duty** Vehicle registration fees waived; resident hunting/fishing/trapping rates; motorcycle endorsement waiver; CDL skills test waiver; reduced vehicle sales tax (4.5%) if non-resident stationed in CT; one motor vehicle full property tax exemption; CHFA military mortgage rate; in-state tuition for family
**Guard / Reserve** Vehicle reg fee waiver on federal active duty orders; CDL skills test waiver (within 2 years of separation); CT Wartime Service Bonus ($50/mo, up to $1,200); CT National Guard 100% tuition waiver; Military Support Program behavioral health; state paid leave (30 days/yr)
**Military Retiree** Full CT income tax exemption on military retired pay; SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP annuities exempt; CHFA mortgage; all veteran property tax tiers if wartime service + honorable discharge
**Veteran (honorable, no rating)** $1,000 basic property tax exemption on real estate or vehicle; veteran indicator on DL/ID; vehicle reg fee waiver (2-yr window); one-time DL fee waiver; hiring preference (5 pts); 15% micro-business price preference on state contracts; tuition waiver at all CT public colleges; SSMF emergency grants; CHFA mortgage; burial at Middletown state veterans cemetery
**0% SC** All above, plus Disabled Veteran parks pass (any SC rating qualifies)
**10–20%** All above; parks Disabled Veteran Pass; property tax disability-tier exemption available
**30–40%** All above
**50–60%** All above; VA compensation remains non-taxable; higher disability-tier property tax exemption
**70–90%** All above
**100% schedular** All above; maximum basic disability property tax exemption ($5,250+ above base); hiring preference 10 pts
**TDIU** All above; municipal-option complete property tax exemption under CGS §12-81i (not mandatory statewide — contact local assessor)
**P&T** All above, plus mandatory complete property tax exemption on primary dwelling or one vehicle (effective Oct 1, 2024; CGS §12-81i); federal CHAMPVA eligibility; surviving spouse provisions post-Oct 1, 2024
**SMC (Housebound/A&A)** All P&T benefits; federal SMC supplements; residential and nursing care at Rocky Hill
**Surviving spouse / dependents** $1,000–$3,000 property tax exemption (higher if KIA on active duty); tuition waiver (KIA post-9/11 dependents/spouses); free burial at Middletown; Gold Star plates; P&T surviving-spouse complete property tax exemption if veteran died on or after Oct 1, 2024

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Honorably discharged veteran with wartime service (at least 90 days active duty during a recognized wartime period per CGS §27-103) and Connecticut residency. File DD-214 once with Town Clerk before October 1 Grand List date.
Verify locally: Check your specific town assessor's office for local amounts.

Authority: CGS §§12-81(19), 12-81g, 12-81i; OPM Additional Veterans Tax Relief Program

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Same wartime-veteran eligibility as home exemption applies to one motor vehicle.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

**Active duty non-residents stationed in CT:** Reduced sales tax rate of 4.5% (vs. standard 6.35%) on purchase or lease of a motor vehicle. File CERT-135 with a licensed CT dealer at time of purchase.

Authority: CT DRS Form CERT-135.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Active duty out-of-state residents:** Base pay not taxed by Connecticut if the service member is domiciled outside CT and does not maintain a CT permanent home or stay more than 30 days per year.

Authority: CGS Title 12.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Full exemption.** Connecticut does not tax military retired pay for CT residents. The exemption applies to 100% of military retired pay regardless of income level or age, and has been fully in effect for many years under CGS §12-701(a)(20)(B).

Authority: CGS §12-701(a)(20)(B)(xvi); CGA OLR 2025-R-0152.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities are fully exempt from Connecticut income tax. See §5 above.

7. State Income Tax — General

**VA disability compensation and pension:** Not taxed in Connecticut (also excluded under federal law).

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Connecticut does not issue a veteran sales tax exemption card for general purchases. No broad sales tax exemption is tied to VA disability rating. (A reduced vehicle sales tax rate of 4.5% applies to active-duty non-residents stationed in CT; see §3.)

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Veteran-owned business preference:** Veteran-owned micro-businesses receive a 15% price preference on state DAS contracts (see §38). This is a financial benefit rather than a tax break, but represents significant savings on state procurement.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**Fee waiver eligibility:** - Active duty service members: All registration fees waived while on active duty. Present current military ID. - Honorably discharged (within 2 years of discharge): Same fees waived. Present DD-214 and complete Form B-276. - National Guard/Reserve called to federal active duty: Same waiver with active duty orders.

Authority: CGS §§14-50(c), 27-102a.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Veteran who served during wartime and has a service-connected disability involving: amputation or loss of use of one or both legs or arms; blindness; paraplegia; hemiplegia; or traumatic brain injury. VA must certify the disability as service-connected. **DAV membership is not required for the DV plate under CGS §14-254.** (A separate DAV specialty plate is available for DAV organization members.)

Authority: CGS §14-254; portal.ct.gov/dva/veterans-license-plates.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Connecticut offers 13+ veteran and military specialty plates:
Verify locally: Connecticut offers 13+ veteran and military specialty plates: | Plate | Eligibility | Fee | |---|---|---| | Disabled American Veterans (DAV) | DAV organization members | Standard | | Purple Heart | Purple Heart recipients | Reduced/waived ⚠️ verify with CT DMV | | Military Veterans (various wartime periods) | Honorably discharged wartime veterans | Standard | | Gold Star Family | Immediate family of KIA service member | Free | | Medal of Honor | MoH recipients | Free, lifetime | | POW | Former prisoners of war | Free, lifetime | | Multiple wartime/period specialty plates | Wartime honorable discharge | Standard | **Veteran indicator on DL/ID:** Free if added at scheduled renewal.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Connecticut does not currently have toll roads with a veteran exemption program. CT has limited tolling infrastructure; no veteran toll exemption is in effect.

14. Public Transit Discount

**Enacted, pending governor's signature as of 2026-05-30:** The Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation in spring 2026 providing free bus passes on CTtransit, CTfastrak, and participating transit districts for all veterans. A $1 million appropriation was approved. The CT DVA will administer the pass program. Governor Lamont has indicated he will sign the bill. Implementation target: July 1, 2026 if enacted on schedule.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**DV plates include parking privileges:** Disabled Veteran plates (see §11) grant the holder parking privileges equivalent to a handicap placard under CGS §14-254. No overtime penalty when the disabled veteran personally parks the vehicle.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**One-time fee waiver:** Any person honorably separated from service may receive a one-time DL fee waiver if: (a) application submitted within 2 years of honorable discharge/separation, and (b) was a legal CT resident at time of induction.

Authority: CGS §14-50.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**CDL skills test waiver:** Active duty service members, veterans within **2 years** of honorable discharge, and reserve component members with qualifying military vehicle experience may waive the CDL driving skills test.

Authority: FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver Program; CGS updated 2024; portal.ct.gov/DMV/Licenses/CDL-Skills-Test-Exemption-for-Military-Applicants.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

CT resident with 90+ active duty days (not training) and honorable/general discharge. Present DD-214 at CT DMV.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Active duty:** Any active full-time U.S. Armed Forces member may purchase a CT hunting license at resident rates, regardless of actual residency.

Authority: DEEP; CGS hunting/fishing license statutes.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Disabled persons with limb loss:** CT residents with permanent limb loss or permanent loss of use of one or more limbs receive a **free inland fishing license** (permits not included). Physician certification required.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

The free limb-loss fishing license provision applies to marine waters fishing as well. The "loss of limb" free license covers all recreational fishing license types for qualifying CT residents.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

Same limb-loss free license provision applies to combination licenses. Resident hunting + fishing combo 2026: $38–$40 (active duty pay resident rate).

23. Trapping License

**Disabled persons with limb loss:** Free trapping license for CT residents with permanent loss of one or more limbs or permanent loss of use of one or more limbs. Physician certification required. Reciprocity applies for qualifying non-residents.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Disabled Veteran Pass:** Free day-use admission at all CT State Parks and Forests for any CT resident with a **service-connected disability** (any rating — no minimum percentage required). Pass holder must be present; non-transferable.

Authority: DEEP State Parks Division.

25. State Parks — Camping

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific benefit.** The Disabled Veteran Pass excludes camping. Veterans pay standard camping fees at CT state parks. No veteran camping discount identified.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

The Disabled Veteran Pass functions as a pass for continued use (no annual renewal fee). ⚠️ Verify lifetime vs. periodic renewal with DEEP.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify lifetime vs.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific benefit.** The military vehicle registration fee waiver (Form B-276) applies to motor vehicle registration. Boat/vessel registration fees are not covered under the military fee waiver program per available CT DMV documentation. Standard boat registration fees apply.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify directly with CT DMV at portal.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Active duty stationed in CT:** Active military personnel stationed in Connecticut, plus their spouses and dependents, qualify for in-state tuition and fees at UConn and all 17 CT State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), regardless of formal CT domicile. Present current military orders at the institution's veterans/military office.

Authority: CGS §10a-29.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Connecticut's tuition waiver program covers veterans regardless of whether they have a VA disability rating. There is no separate disabled-veteran-only waiver — the standard veteran tuition waiver (see §34) applies to all qualifying honorably discharged veterans.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Dependent children and surviving spouses of KIA post-9/11:** Dependents and surviving spouses of CT-resident service members killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for the state tuition waiver at CT public colleges and universities (100% tuition, fall/spring; 50% summer at State Universities; full waiver at community colleges).

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Spouses of active duty stationed in CT:** Qualify for in-state tuition at CT public institutions (see §28).

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**CT Air and Army National Guard members:** 100% tuition waiver at all CT public colleges and universities for fall/spring semesters. Summer/intersession: 100% waiver of extension course fees at State Universities where extension fees are charged. Full tuition waiver at Community Colleges for state-funded courses (summer/intersession excluded).

Authority: CGS §10a-99-d-5; ct.edu/admission/veterans.

33. K-12 Support

Connecticut implemented the Purple Star School Program (CGS §10-15m) and participates in the MIC3 Interstate Compact. Key provisions: - Immediate enrollment upon PCS move without waiting for records - Appropriate academic placement, including honors/AP eligibility - On-time graduation support - Each Purple Star School maintains a military-liaison staff member and a public online resource page

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

- Honorably discharged (or released under honorable conditions) - OTH discharge: may qualify under PA 18-47 (effective Oct 1, 2018) **only if** diagnosed by a licensed VA provider with PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma (MST) resulting from military service, or if the CT DVA Qualifying Review Board determines sexual orientation/gender identity/expression was the primary reason for the OTH discharge. OTH veterans without a qualifying-condition diagnosis do not qualify. Bad Conduct and Dishonorable discharges are never eligible. - At least 90 cumulative days active duty during a recognized wartime period (CGS §27-103), OR early discharge due to SC disability - Accepted for admission at a CT public college/university - CT domicile at time of acceptance
Verify locally: - At least 90 cumulative days active duty during a recognized wartime period (CGS §27-103), OR early discharge due to SC disability - Accepted for admission at a CT public college/university - CT domicile at time of acceptance **Coverage by institution type:** | Institution | Fall/Spring | Summer/Intersession | |---|---|---| | CT State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern, Western) | 100% tuition waiver | 50% extension course fee waiver | | CT Community Colleges (all 12) | 100% tuition waiver (state-funded courses) | Not covered | | University of Connecticut (UConn) | 100% tuition waiver | ⚠️ Confirm directly with UConn veterans office; summer coverage not confirmed | | Charter Oak State College | 50% course fee waiver | Varies | **Not covered:** Course fees, books, parking, travel, room and board, student activity fees.

Authority: CGS Title 10a; CSCU Veteran Tuition Waiver policy; ct.edu/admission/veterans.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**State competitive civil service examinations (CGS §5-224):**

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Active duty and within 1 year following honorable discharge:** - Exempt from annual or biennial license/registration fees for most professional licenses and occupational taxes regulated by CT DCP and DOB. - Apply in writing to the relevant licensing division.

Authority: CGS professional licensing exemption statutes; DOB Fee Waiver for Military Personnel.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Federal SCRA portability:** A licensed professional (other than attorneys) may continue using their license from another state when relocating to CT with military orders, as required by federal law.

38. Business License Fee Break

At least 51% owned by a veteran as defined in CGS §27-103(A)(1); gross revenue ≤ $3,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year. - **Application:** CT DVA Form CTVOMB-1 to CT DVA, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill CT 06067. Email: oaa.dva@ct.gov. Phone: 860-616-3600. - **Duration:** Certification valid 1 year; must renew annually.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Reemployment rights:** State employees returning from military service are entitled to reinstatement to their former or comparable position upon honorable discharge. Must reapply within 90 days of discharge. Authority: CGS §7-462.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify specifics with the CT State Employees' Retirement Commission.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**CHFA Military Mortgage Option:** - Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers an additional **0.125% rate reduction** off already below-market CHFA interest rates for active duty military, veterans, and National Guard/Reserve members. - Down payment assistance available for eligible borrowers. - **First-time homebuyer requirement waived for veterans** (standard CHFA requires no home ownership in past 3 years; waived for military/veterans). - Income limits: Waived for the CHFA loan itself; income limits apply only if also seeking DPA. - Sales price limits apply per CHFA schedule, varying by county and targeted area. - Property types: Single-family, townhouses, PUDs, FHA/VA-approved condos. - Nearly 70 CHFA-Participating Lenders statewide. - Homebuyer education class required before closing.

Authority: CHFA Military Program; chfa.org/homebuyers/military-program.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Honorable discharge after 90+ active duty days during wartime; CT resident at application; demonstrated financial need. - Amount: Variable; no stated maximum. - Contact: alctssmf.org; local American Legion post.
Verify locally: - VA compensation income counts toward CEAP eligibility ⚠️ verify with local Community Action Agency.

42. State Veteran Bonus

Current or former CT National Guard member; served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, for at least 90 consecutive days as a reserve component member; honorable discharge (or SC disability discharge). - **Application deadline:** Within 3 years of the end of the military operation participated in. ⚠️ Verify exact deadline language with CT Military Department at (860) 524-3239 or portal.ct.gov/mil/wsp. - **Apply to:** CT Military Department, ATTN: Wartime Service Bonus, 360 Broad Street — Room 113, Hartford, CT 06105. Fax: 860-493-2721.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify exact deadline language with CT Military Department at (860) 524-3239 or portal.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**No separate Connecticut state-funded adapted housing supplement** has been identified beyond the federal VA SAH/SHA grants available to eligible CT veterans.
Verify locally: ⚠️ No dedicated CT state adapted housing grant confirmed.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**CEAP** (see §41): Income-based heating assistance, $295–$645/season. Veterans may qualify at standard income thresholds.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

CT resident at application or at enlistment/induction; honorable or general discharge; 90+ active duty days (not training) unless early discharge due to SC disability. - **Fee:** Income-based; not free. - Location: 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Phone: 860-616-3802.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Military Support Program (MSP):** - CT DMHAS partnership with CT DVA. - Services: Outpatient counseling, referral, community case management, information and advocacy. - Available to: OEF/OIF veterans, veterans of all active duty service, National Guard/Reserve members, and families. - **Cost:** Free and confidential. - Phone: **866-251-2913**. - Embedded clinicians in National Guard units.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Veteran Dental Assistance Program (enacted HB 6765, effective October 1, 2025):** - CT legislation directs CT DVA to implement a dental assistance program providing vouchers to eligible veterans for certain dental costs at federally-qualified health centers, UConn School of Dental Medicine, and other public higher education dental programs. - Eligibility criteria, specific services covered, and voucher amounts are established by regulation. - Contact CT DVA for current implementation status: (860) 616-3600.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with CT DVA for any new programs.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center** (see §45) provides long-term skilled nursing care at income-based fees.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

Honorably discharged; mental or emotional condition responsive to treatment. - Charges dismissed upon successful program completion. - **Authority:** CGS §54-56l, Title 54, Chapter 960.

Authority: CGS §54-56l, Title 54, Chapter 960.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**No veteran-specific CCW fee exemption** under current Connecticut law.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify whether the 2025–2026 legislative session made any changes.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Death certificates:** Family members (spouse, child, parent) of a deceased veteran may obtain one free death certificate. Funeral directors may obtain one free copy on behalf of a veteran's family at time of death.
Verify locally: **Notary fee waiver:** No confirmed state-level notary fee waiver specific to veterans identified. ⚠️ Verify with CT Secretary of State.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Connecticut Wartime Service Medal:** - State medal awarded for 90+ active duty days during a recognized wartime period. - CT resident at time of service or currently. - Honorable/general discharge; posthumous award available. - Apply through CT DVA district offices.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Basic surviving spouse exemption (CGS §12-81(19)):** - Surviving spouse of a veteran who died after qualifying discharge: **$1,000** assessed value exemption. - Surviving spouse of a service member who died in service from a service-connected cause: **$3,000** assessed value exemption. - One-time filing of documentation with town clerk.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Tuition waiver for surviving spouses (KIA post-9/11):** - CT-resident surviving spouses of service members killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, qualify for the full veteran tuition waiver at CT public colleges and universities (100% tuition at State Universities, fall/spring; full waiver at Community Colleges). - Same terms as the veteran tuition waiver (§34). Books, fees, parking, room and board not covered. - Contact: Institution's veterans/military office; CT Office of Higher Education.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Burial at Middletown State Veterans Cemetery:** Surviving spouses and eligible minor children (under 21, or under 23 if full-time student) of qualifying veterans may be interred at no charge (see §56).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Confirm with local assessor.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

- Any veteran with other-than-dishonorable discharge - CT resident at time of death, or was CT resident at time of enlistment/induction - Spouses (eligible) - Eligible minor children (under 21, or under 23 if full-time student) - Veterans with 20+ years Guard/Reserve service eligible for military retired pay

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**State cemetery is free** (see §56). No separate state burial cash allowance for veterans buried elsewhere.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**At Middletown State Veterans Cemetery:** Government headstone or marker provided and placed at no charge.