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Kansas — 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 Kansas
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty In-state tuition (self and dependents); motor vehicle personal-property tax exempt on 2 vehicles; resident hunting/fishing licenses at resident rates; paid military leave for state employees (30 days/yr); CDL skills-test waiver; nonresident military pay not taxed in Kansas
Guard / Reserve KNGEA (up to 100% tuition + fees at Kansas public institutions); EMERGE graduate assistance; SSLI life insurance; state employee differential pay; free park vehicle permit; $1,500 activation payment (state employees); injury/illness compensation on state active duty
Military Retiree Military retirement pay fully exempt from Kansas income tax (no cap, no income limit); SBP annuities exempt; Social Security exempt; VETERAN designation on DL/ID free at renewal
Veteran (honorable, no rating) VETERAN DL designation; state hiring preference (guaranteed interview); in-state tuition for self and dependents; Kansas Military Service Scholarship (post-9/11 hostile-fire service); veteran specialty plate options; free vital records for VA purposes
0% SC Same as above; disability compensation tax-free; no additional Kansas threshold unlocks at 0%
10–20% Same as above; DVOB 10% bid preference threshold met (10%+ SC); no major KS threshold unlocks until 30%
30–40% All lower benefits PLUS: free permanent hunting and fishing license (KSA 32-934); free Kansas state park admission
50–60% All lower benefits PLUS: free Disabled Veteran license plate (no registration fee); free metered parking (no time limit); K-40SVR property-tax refund (uncapped refund based on tax increase over base year, income ≤$58,041, home ≤$350,000)
70–90% All lower benefits; no additional KS-specific threshold unlock at 70–90%; Hero's Scholarship for dependents/spouse unlocks at 80%+
100% schedular All lower benefits PLUS: $2,320 additional personal income-tax exemption; sales-tax exemption card (up to $24,000/yr on tangible goods/services; effective 7/1/2026)
TDIU Same as 100%; TDIU explicitly qualifies for sales-tax exemption and income-tax exemption
P&T Same as 100%/TDIU; surviving spouse inherits sales-tax exemption card upon veteran's death until remarriage
SMC (Housebound/A&A) Same as P&T; no separate Kansas-specific SMC tier beyond the 100%/P&T package
Surviving spouse / dependents K-40SVR refund (uncapped, income ≤$58,041, home ≤$350,000); sales-tax exemption continuance (if veteran was receiving it at death, until remarriage); Hero's Scholarship (10 semesters, if veteran 80%+ SC or KIA post-9/11); Vietnam-era dependent education benefit (12 semesters); DIC tax-free

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Kansas resident; honorably discharged veteran; permanent service-connected disability rating of 50%+; household income ≤$58,041 (2025 tax year); home appraised value ≤$350,000; must own and occupy the home for the full calendar year.
Verify locally: Gather a VA disability letter confirming permanent rating of 50%+.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Active duty service members stationed or domiciled in Kansas.

Authority: Kansas Department of Revenue / county treasurer's office.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Kansas's disabled-veteran sales-tax exemption (KSA 79-3606h, effective 7/1/2026) explicitly excludes motor vehicles. No state-level vehicle sales/use tax exemption exists for disabled veterans on vehicle purchases.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Kansas residents on active duty:** Military pay is taxable for Kansas residents at standard rates, subject to the personal exemptions.

Authority: Kansas Department of Revenue; KSA 79-3295a.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

All military retirees receiving military retired pay included in federal adjusted gross income.

Authority: KSA 79-32,117; Kansas Department of Revenue Publication IA-36.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Benefit:** SBP annuities are not taxed in Kansas. This is consistent with the military retirement exemption under KSA 79-32,117 as confirmed by the official Army and Air Force benefits websites. ⚠️ Verify locally — a dedicated Kansas statute subsection for SBP was not separately confirmed in available materials; contact KDOR if a specific citation is needed.
Verify locally: This is consistent with the military retirement exemption under KSA 79-32,117 as confirmed by the official Army and Air Force benefits websites. ⚠️ Verify locally — a dedicated Kansas statute subsection for SBP was not separately confirmed in available materials; contact KDOR if a specific citation is needed.

7. State Income Tax — General

Honorably discharged; VA-certified 100% permanent service-connected disability, receiving disability compensation at the 100% rate. - **Amount:** Additional personal exemption of **$2,320** for tax year 2025 and all tax years thereafter (was $2,250 through tax year 2024, as enacted by 2023 legislation). The 2025 Kansas legislature enacted HB 2231 raising this to $2,320; confirm the enrolled amount on your Kansas return with KDOR if filing for tax year 2025. - **Authority:** KSA 79-32,121(b) as amended by the 2025 session. - **Action:** Claim on Kansas income tax return Schedule S; attach VA award letter confirming 100% permanent service-connected disability.
Verify locally: The 2025 Kansas legislature enacted HB 2231 raising this to $2,320; confirm the enrolled amount on your Kansas return with KDOR if filing for tax year 2025. - **Action:** Claim on Kansas income tax return Schedule S; attach VA award letter confirming 100% permanent service-connected disability.

Authority: KSA 79-32,121(b) as amended by the 2025 session.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Kansas resident; honorably discharged; VA-certified 100% permanent service-connected disability (or TDIU rated at 100%); disability sustained through military action or accident, or from disease contracted in active service. Effective **July 1, 2026**.
Verify locally: Gather: DD214 (honorable discharge), VA award letter confirming 100% permanent service-connected disability or TDIU.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Property tax deferral for deployed service members:** Service members deploying for 6+ months may defer property taxes on their principal Kansas residence for up to two years. Contact the county treasurer to apply before deployment.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Kansas resident; permanent service-connected disability of 50%+ (defined in KSA 8-160); or permanent loss of use of a hand or foot, or permanent visual impairment of both eyes. - **Benefit:** No registration fee on the first Disabled Veteran plate. Additional DV plates require standard registration fees. Personal property tax on the vehicle still applies. - **Eligible vehicles:** Autos, motorcycles, trucks ≤ 20,000 lbs. - **Application:** Form TR-103 (Application for Disabled Veterans License Plate); requires signatures from both the veteran and the VA regional office director; submit to county treasurer's motor vehicle office. - **Authority:** KSA 8-160 (definition); KSA 8-161 (plate authority).

Authority: KSA 8-160 (definition); KSA 8-161 (plate authority).

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Kansas issues two types of DV plates (see Category 10 for registration waiver details):

Authority: KSA 8-160; KSA 8-161.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Kansas offers the following specialty plates (registration fees vary; consult county treasurer):

Authority: Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Kansas does not provide toll exemptions on the Kansas Turnpike for disabled veterans or active-duty military. No state toll-exemption program for veterans has been enacted. ⚠️ Verify locally — Turnpike authority policies are subject to change; contact Kansas Turnpike Authority for current information.

14. Public Transit Discount

No statewide veteran-specific free or reduced transit program exists in Kansas. Some municipal transit systems (e.g., Wichita Transit) may offer senior or disability-based fare discounts that veterans with documented disabilities could qualify for under general disability provisions, not as a veteran benefit. ⚠️ Verify with local transit authority for municipal-level programs.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

Veterans holding a DV plate with the international wheelchair accessibility symbol (requires both 50%+ SC and medical professional's certification of mobility impairment).

Authority: KSA 8-161(f).

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Any honorably discharged veteran; no disability rating required. - **Benefit:** "VETERAN" printed on the driver's license or state ID at no extra charge when requested at renewal. If requested between renewal cycles, a nominal replacement fee may apply. - **Documentation:** DD214 (honorable or general under honorable discharge) or letter from Kansas Veterans Commission. - **Authority:** KSA 8-240b.

Authority: KSA 8-240b.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Active duty service members or veterans discharged within the past 12 months with qualifying military occupational specialty (MOS). - **Full waiver (knowledge + skills):** Army MOSs 88M, 92F, 14T; Air Force AFSCs 2T1, 2F0, 3E2; Marine Corps MOS 3531; Navy EO. - **Skills-only waiver (knowledge test still required):** Service members with substantial military commercial driving experience who do not hold one of the above MOSs but have been licensed on a military vehicle comparable to the CDL class sought for 2+ years. - **Application:** Completed CDL certification form (including commanding officer certification) at any full-service Kansas Driver License Exam Station. - **Fee:** Standard CDL application fees apply; skill and knowledge testing fees are waived under the program. - **Authority:** Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles; KS-WVR form.

Authority: Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles; KS-WVR form.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

See Category 16. "VETERAN" designation is available on driver's license or state ID for all honorably discharged veterans at no extra cost at time of renewal.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

Honorably discharged Kansas resident veteran with **30%+ service-connected disability rating**. Also available to current Kansas National Guard members.

Authority: KSA 32-934.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Same as Category 19 (30%+ SC, honorably discharged Kansas resident, or current Kansas National Guard member).

Authority: KSA 32-934.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Kansas is a landlocked state. No saltwater fishing license exists.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

30%+ SC, honorably discharged Kansas resident (or current Kansas National Guard member).

23. Trapping License

Kansas does not offer a free or reduced-fee trapping license specifically for disabled veterans. KSA 32-934 covers hunting and fishing only. ⚠️ Verify with KDWP at 620-672-5911 if a new program has been added.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

Veteran with **30%+ service-connected disability rating**.
Verify locally: **Action:** Present VA disability documentation confirming 30%+ SC rating at the park entry station, or contact KDWP in advance (ksoutdoors.

Authority: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks / KOVS State Veterans Benefits Guide.

25. State Parks — Camping

No veteran-specific state park camping discount or waiver has been identified in Kansas beyond the day-use free admission described in Category 24. Standard camping fees apply. ⚠️ Verify with KDWP (ksoutdoors.gov) for any current programs.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**National Guard:** Current Kansas National Guard members receive a free annual park vehicle permit (entry for the calendar year at all Kansas state parks).

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

No veteran-specific boat or watercraft registration fee waiver identified in Kansas statutes or KDWP materials. Standard 3-year registration fees apply. ⚠️ Verify with KDWP if any programs were added in 2025–2026.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Any veteran, active duty service member, or their spouse or dependent child qualifies for resident tuition at Kansas public institutions if: - Service member was stationed in Kansas for 11+ months during active service, OR - Service member had established Kansas residency before active service and was discharged under honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge.

Authority: Kansas Board of Regents; 38 U.S.C. § 3679.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

**Unavailable as a standalone program** — Kansas does not offer a tuition waiver directly to the disabled veteran based on rating alone. The Kansas Military Service Scholarship (Category 34) serves post-9/11 combat veterans with financial need. The Hero's Scholarship (Category 30) serves dependents and spouses. There is no "free college for the disabled veteran" program in Kansas independent of those two.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Program A — Kansas Hero's Scholarship (KSA 75-4364):**
Verify locally: gov); provide VA documentation confirming 80%+ combined SC rating or qualifying KIA/injury status.

Authority: KSA 75-4364.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

Spouses are covered under the Hero's Scholarship (Category 30) on equal terms with dependent children when the qualifying veteran condition is met (80%+ SC, or KIA/disabling injury post-9/11).

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Current members of Kansas Air or Army National Guard. - **Benefit:** Up to 100% of tuition and required fees at Kansas public postsecondary institutions; for students at private Kansas institutions, capped at the equivalent public institution rate. - **Limits:** 15 credit hours per semester; 180 undergraduate semester hours lifetime. - **Dependent transfer (effective fall 2025):** Unused KNGEA hours may be transferred to eligible dependents. - **Service obligation:** 24 months of continued Kansas National Guard service after the last semester of assistance, or repay the scholarship. - **Administrator:** Kansas Board of Regents; apply through unit education officer.

Authority: Kansas Board of Regents.

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star School Program:** - Kansas State Department of Education designates military-friendly schools as Purple Star Schools. - Benefits include: dedicated military family webpage, designated point of contact for transitions, enrollment facilitation, transcript credit flexibility. - Geary County USD 475 is the first Purple Star School District in Kansas (recertified 2026 for 2026–2029). St. Francis Xavier School (near Fort Riley) became the first private school designated as a Purple Star School in March 2026. - **Authority:** Kansas State Department of Education; supported by Military Interstate Children's Compact (MIC3).

Authority: Kansas State Department of Education; supported by Military Interstate Children's Compact (MIC3).

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

Kansas resident; served on active duty in international waters or on foreign soil receiving hostile fire pay for 90+ days after September 11, 2001 (or fewer days if injured during such service); honorably discharged (or still serving). - **Benefit:** Covers tuition and fees at Kansas public and private postsecondary institutions through completion of a first bachelor's degree. - **Priority:** Awarded by financial need; FAFSA required. - **Duration:** Up to 4 academic years. - **Application:** Online through Kansas Board of Regents (kansasregents.gov); applications open in January for the upcoming academic year. - **Authority:** KSA 73-1213 et seq.; Kansas Board of Regents. - **Action:** File FAFSA first; apply at kansasregents.gov.

Authority: KSA 73-1213 et seq.; Kansas Board of Regents.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**State Civil Service — Veterans Preference (KSA 73-201 et seq.):** - **Who qualifies:** Honorably discharged veterans who meet any of: served in wartime (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam); served on active duty with a campaign or service medal; have a service-connected disability; earned a Purple Heart; received a disability discharge; or voluntary retirement at O-3 or below after October 15, 1976. - **Spouse preference:** Spouse of a 100% SC or TDIU veteran, unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran, or spouse of a POW. - **How it works:** Qualifying veterans and eligible spouses are guaranteed an interview for any state civil service position for which they meet minimum qualifications. Preference also provides enhanced retention standing in reductions-in-force and applies to promotional opportunities. - **Private sector:** Employers may voluntarily adopt a written veteran preference policy applied uniformly. - **VA OJT/Apprenticeship:** State of Kansas participates in the VA On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Program; qualifying positions are marked in job postings. - **Authority:** KSA 73-201 through 73-225; Kansas Department of Administration.

Authority: KSA 73-201 through 73-225; Kansas Department of Administration.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Active license extension during service:** - Any professional or occupational license issued to a person who enters or is called into active military service remains valid for the duration of service and for 6 months following release — no renewal fee, no renewal application, no continuing education required during that period.

Authority: KSA 48-3402 through 48-3407.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Spouses of military service members are entitled to expedited licensure and reciprocity for out-of-state licenses when relocating to Kansas on military orders. Kansas accepts substantially equivalent out-of-state licenses.

Authority: KSA 48-3407.

38. Business License Fee Break

Business 51%+ owned and controlled by one or more disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of **10%+** (federal veterans' benefits standard). - **Benefit:** State contracts may be awarded to a certified DVOB whose total bid is not more than **10% higher** than the lowest competitive bid (not a set-aside percentage goal — it is a bid preference margin). - **Certification:** Annual recertification required through Kansas Department of Administration, Office of Procurement and Contracts. - **Authority:** KSA 75-3740 (as amended, L. 2025, ch. 97, § 13); Kansas Department of Administration. - **Action:** Register at SAM.gov; apply for DVOB certification at admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-contracts.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with Kansas Secretary of State for any municipal-level exemptions.

Authority: KSA 75-3740 (as amended, L. 2025, ch. 97, § 13); Kansas Department of Administration.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**KPERS Military Service Credit:**

Authority: KSA 74-4996; KPERS Employer Manual — Service Credit section.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

Not available in this jurisdiction.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

**Kansas National Guard Emergency Financial Assistance:** - Guard and Reserve members and their families may request emergency financial assistance through the Military and Family Readiness Office (MFRO). Amounts vary; needs-based, not a universal entitlement.

42. State Veteran Bonus

Kansas does not currently offer a general state combat bonus or wartime service bonus for veterans. The $1,500 activation payment (Category 39) is limited to state employees and is not a general veteran bonus. ⚠️ Verify with KOVS for any 2025–2026 legislative changes.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

No Kansas state-funded adapted housing supplement identified. Veterans rely on federal VA programs:

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**LIEAP:** Kansas administers the federally funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Income-eligible veterans and non-veterans qualify. Not veteran-exclusive.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

- Active duty service with discharge other than dishonorable; meets VA veteran definition. - Requires 24-hour skilled nursing care level of need. - No felony record. - Kansas residency not required (Kansas residents receive admission priority). - Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents admitted if space allows.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current 2026 rates directly with KVH at 620-221-9479 — available figures are based on 2023 data.

Authority: KSA 76-1901 et seq.; Kansas Office of Veterans Services (KOVS).

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

Veterans with a substance use disorder or mental health condition as a contributing factor to a criminal charge; participation is voluntary. - **Authority:** Kansas Supreme Court; Kansas Courts Specialty Courts Program (kscourts.gov).

Authority: Kansas Supreme Court; Kansas Courts Specialty Courts Program (kscourts.gov).

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Unavailable (state-funded)** — No Kansas state-funded dental or vision benefit for veterans identified, beyond comprehensive care provided to residents within the state veterans homes. Veterans rely on VA healthcare enrollment for dental and vision coverage.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

No separate Kansas state Aid and Attendance supplement beyond the state veterans homes (Category 45). Veterans with A&A needs should pursue the federal VA Aid and Attendance pension benefit.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Kansas Legal Services (KLS):** - Free civil legal aid for eligible veterans across Kansas (housing, family law, consumer, employment issues). - Contact: kansaslegalservices.org.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Constitutional / Permitless Carry:** - Kansas is a constitutional carry state (SB 45, effective 2015). Any person 21+ who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a license in Kansas. This applies equally to veterans, active duty, and civilians.

Authority: KSA 75-7c01 et seq.; Kansas Attorney General's office.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Free Vital Records for VA Purposes:** - KOVS provides free certified copies of Kansas birth, marriage, divorce, fetal, and death certificates when the records are needed for VA purposes. - **Authority:** KSA 65-2422c; administered through KOVS. - **Action:** Contact KOVS at 785-296-3976.

Authority: KSA 65-2422c; administered through KOVS.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

Honorable discharge AND Kansas residency at entry into service or at discharge. - **Action:** Contact KOVS.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Unremarried surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran (50%+ SC, honorably discharged) or qualifying senior (65+).

Authority: KSA 79-4508; Form K-40SVR; KDOR FAQ.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Hero's Scholarship (KSA 75-4364):** - Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died in line of duty on or after 9/11/2001, OR had 80%+ combined SC disability, OR was injured/disabled post-9/11 unable to continue service. - **Benefit:** Full tuition and required fees at any Kansas public postsecondary institution; up to 10 semesters undergraduate. - **Action:** Apply at kansasregents.gov.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Sales Tax Exemption Continuance:** - Unremarried surviving spouse of a 100%/TDIU P&T veteran who was receiving the KSA 79-3606h exemption at the time of death continues receiving the exemption until remarriage (effective for deaths on or after 7/1/2026).

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

- Veteran discharged under other than dishonorable conditions (any era), OR - Died on active duty, OR - National Guard/Reserve member with 20+ years qualifying service eligible for military retired pay.
Verify locally: **Pre-certification:** Application available in advance to confirm eligibility.

Authority: KOVS Veteran Cemeteries Program; KSA 76-1901 et seq.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Unavailable (state-specific cash allowance)** — Kansas does not offer a separate state burial cash allowance or plot stipend beyond the free state veterans cemetery burial described in Category 56.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Headstone / Grave Marker:** Provided by the state at Kansas veterans cemeteries at no charge (standard military-style marker). The federal VA also provides free headstones or markers for eligible veterans in any cemetery nationwide.
Verify locally: Always verify with KOVS (800-513-7731) before relying on any figure for financial planning.