XX Last reviewed:

Maine — 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 Maine
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty Income tax exemption on pay earned while stationed outside ME; SaluteME 0.50% mortgage rate discount + $5,000 Advantage; day-use state parks pass (family); CDL skills test waiver; military spouse 180-day temp license reciprocity
Guard / Reserve Full tuition waiver at UMS/MCCS/MMA (up to 130 credits); state parks day-use pass; CDL skills test waiver; SaluteME mortgage discount
Military Retiree Military retirement pay 100% exempt from ME income tax (all branches, all ranks, no cap); SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP annuities also exempt; SaluteME mortgage discount
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Veteran designation on DL/ID; free lifetime state parks day-use pass; in-state tuition at all UMS/MCCS/MMA campuses; guaranteed interview for classified state jobs; VEFAP grants up to $2,000; burial in state veterans cemeteries at no charge
0% SC Same as no-rating tier; VA disability compensation fully exempt from ME income tax
10–20% Same as 0% SC
30–40% Same as 0% SC; may qualify for $6,000 or $25,000 property tax exemption if wartime/combat zone service requirement met (see A.1)
50–60% Free lifetime hunting/fishing/trapping license (incl. guide license); free family camping at state parks; moose hunt permit allocation; free noncommercial lobster/crab and scallop licenses; property tax exemption if wartime/combat zone service met (see A.1)
70–90% Same as 50–60% tier
100% schedular Motor vehicle excise tax exemption (up to 3 vehicles); free registration + DV plates (up to 3 vehicles); Maine Turnpike toll waiver; free metered parking; disabled parking spaces
TDIU Treated as 100% for most ME benefit purposes — vehicle excise tax exemption, free registration/DV plates, toll waiver, and priority at Maine Veterans Homes ⚠️ verify locally for each program
P&T (100% P&T) VDEB full tuition + fees waiver for spouse and children (up to 120 credits); $50,000 SAH property tax exemption if federal SAH grant received; priority admission to all 6 Maine Veterans Homes
SMC (Housebound/A&A) Same as P&T plus priority admission to Maine Veterans Homes (6 locations); federal A&A pension (not taxed in ME)
Surviving spouse / dependents Property tax exemption in same amount deceased veteran held (unremarried); VDEB tuition waiver (spouse + children); guaranteed state job interview (Gold Star spouse); burial at state cemetery at no charge

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

**Governing statutes:** 36 M.R.S. § 653 (standard exemptions) and 36 M.R.S. § 653-A (combat zone exemption). Primary residence (homestead) only. Apply by **April 1** to the local assessor each year you first claim.

Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 653; 36 M.R.S. § 653-A. **Contact:** Local assessor or Maine Revenue Services 207-624-9595.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

100% total SC permanent disability (receiving U.S. government pension or comp), OR veteran granted free registration under 29-A M.R.S. § 523(1) (amputee/blind veteran receiving federal vehicle). Up to **3 vehicles**.

Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 1483(12). **Proof:** Current VA Benefit Summary letter showing 100% total SC disability.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

no general sales/use tax waiver on vehicle purchases for disabled veterans below the bilateral leg-loss threshold.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

ME resident on active duty, stationed outside Maine.

Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 5122 (military income subtraction). **Form:** Subtracted on ME resident return Schedule 1.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

All military retirees regardless of age, rank, branch, or amount.

Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 5122(2)(M-2). **Form:** Schedule 1 pension income subtraction.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Amount:** 100% exempt — SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities are fully excluded from ME taxable income under the same military retirement subtraction.

Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 5122(2)(M-2). **Form:** Schedule 1 pension income subtraction.

7. State Income Tax — General

VA disability compensation is excluded from federal AGI under federal law (38 U.S.C. § 5301) and therefore not subject to Maine income tax. No state-specific action needed.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Maine does not issue a general sales tax exemption card to veterans or disabled veterans for retail purchases. No Kansas-style blanket veteran sales tax exemption exists in Maine.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Local option vehicle excise tax exemption for deployed troops:** 36 M.R.S. § 1483-A allows municipalities to enact local ordinances granting excise tax exemptions for vehicles owned by residents p
Verify locally: ⚠️ Check your local town.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**100% SC permanent disabled veteran:** Secretary of State issues registration certificate and DV plates at **no annual registration fee** for up to **3 vehicles** (each ≤10,000 lbs GVW). Application requires VA certification of 100% permanent SC disability.

Authority: 29-A M.R.S. § 523. **Contact:** Maine BMV 207-624-9000 ext. 52149. **Form:** Submit DD214 + VA disability certification letter.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

100% SC permanent disabled veteran (VA certification required).

Authority: 29-A M.R.S. § 523(2).

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Maine offers a variety of veteran and military designating plates including: honorably discharged veterans, National Guard members, specific campaign/war-era veterans, POW/MIA, Purple Heart recipients, and others. Most general veteran plates require the regular registration fee plus applicable plate fee. ⚠️ Verify the current plate catalog and fees at maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/veteran-plate-or-decal.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify the current plate catalog and fees at maine.

Authority: 29-A M.R.S. § 523 and related sections. **Contact:** Maine BMV 207-624-9000 ext. 52149.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Disabled veterans who qualify for the property tax exemption based on total SC disability (i.e., receiving VA pension or compensation for total SC disability, or specially adapted housing exemption).

14. Public Transit Discount

No statewide free or reduced transit pass program specifically for veterans. Maine's rural geography limits transit networks. ⚠️ Individual transit agencies (e.g., METRO in Portland) may offer discounts — verify locally.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**100% SC disabled veteran with DV plates** automatically qualifies for disabled parking spaces and free metered parking. DV plates serve as the parking credential.

Authority: DV plate program under 29-A M.R.S. § 523(2); standard disability placard under Maine disability parking statutes. **Contact:** Maine BMV 207-624-9000 ext. 52149.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**100% SC disabled veteran:** Exempt from driver license renewal fee and title fee.

Authority: 29-A M.R.S. § 1412. **Contact:** Maine BMV 207-624-9000.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Currently serving or separated within the past year; operated a military CMV equivalent to the CDL class sought for at least 2 consecutive years; no disqualifying convictions; no out-of-state license (excluding military license).

Authority: FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver Program, implemented in Maine. **Form:** Military CDL Waiver Application (Maine SOS). **Contact:** Maine BMV CDL unit — cdlcompliance.BMV@maine.gov or 207-624-9000.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Honorable discharge or active duty. Provide DD214 or equivalent VA/service documentation.

Authority: 29-A M.R.S. § 1412. **Action:** Request at any Maine BMV office or during online renewal. **Contact:** maine.gov/sos/bmv.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

ME resident (or qualifying non-resident with reciprocal state — NH, VT, RI, TX, plus others with agreements) with **SC disability rated 50% or higher**, honorably discharged.

Authority: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife + Bureau of Veterans' Services coordination. **Form:** Complimentary Hunting and Fishing Application (Maine BVS). **Contact:** Maine BVS — Camp Keyes, 194 Winthrop St., Augusta ME 04333; mainebvs@maine.gov; 207-287-7020.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Included in the complimentary disabled veteran license described in §19. **50% SC or higher** = free lifetime freshwater fishing license.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

**Free noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license:** Available at no cost to qualified resident disabled veterans rated **50% SC or higher** (honorably discharged, ME resident). Statute: 12 M.R.S. § 6421 et seq.; Governor Mills signed enabling legislation (signed into law ~2021).

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

Covered by the single complimentary license described in §19 — one license covers hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping for 50%+ SC disabled veterans. No separate combo purchase needed.

23. Trapping License

Included in the complimentary disabled veteran license (§19). 50% SC or higher = free lifetime trapping license.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Free lifetime day-use pass** for ME resident veterans with honorable or general-under-honorable discharge. Note: Veterans age 65+ are ineligible (they receive free admission as ME senior citizens automatically).

Authority: Maine DACF Veterans' Pass program. **Form:** Veteran Park Pass Application + copy of DD214. Mail to: Maine BVS, 117 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333-0117. Processing: approximately 2-3 weeks. **Contact:** mainebvs@maine.gov or 207-287-7020.

25. State Parks — Camping

100% SC total and permanent disability (required for DV plates) plus possession of DV plates.

Authority: Maine DACF / Bureau of Parks and Lands veterans camping exemption. **Action:** Present DV plates at park registration.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

The lifetime day-use pass described in §24 is the annual/lifetime pass for veterans. There is no separate annual pass purchase program — the veteran's lifetime pass replaces it.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

No veteran-specific boat registration fee waiver identified in Maine statutes or state programs. Standard boat registration fees apply. ⚠️ Contact Maine IFW (207-287-8000) to confirm no waiver exists.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Any honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of ME residency, enrolled in an undergraduate program.

Authority: University of Maine System Board of Trustees policy; 20-A M.R.S. and UMS policy. **Action:** Submit DD214 to the admissions office.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

**Veterans' Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB) — 100% tuition + mandatory fees waiver:**

Authority: 37-B M.R.S. § 505(2). **Contact:** Maine BVS Education Office; maine.gov/veterans/benefits/education.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

See §29 (VDEB). Children of 100% SC P&T/KIA/MIA/SC-death veterans must begin by age 22 (or 26 if their own military service intervened) and have 10 academic years to complete up to 120 credit hours.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

See §29 (VDEB). Spouse (legally married, or unremarried widow/widower) of qualifying veteran receives same 100% tuition + fees waiver, 120-credit-hour limit, 10-year consecutive window from first enrollment.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Active Maine National Guard members who have completed basic training or received a commission; must execute a written contract to serve at least 1 year after receiving the benefit.

Authority: 37-B M.R.S. § 351. **Contact:** Maine National Guard Education Office 207-430-5922.

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star School Program:** Maine enacted legislation (20-A M.R.S. § 6992, Chapter 231) establishing a Purple Star School designation for schools demonstrating commitment to military-connected students and families.

Authority: 20-A M.R.S. § 6992; Interstate Compact statute.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

No state-funded veterans-specific loan, forgiveness, or scholarship program beyond the VDEB waiver (§29) and National Guard tuition program (§32) has been identified. ⚠️ Verify with Maine BVS for any newly enacted programs.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Guaranteed interview:** Any veteran (or Gold Star spouse) who meets minimum qualifications for a classified state service position must be offered an interview. Gold Star spouse documentation requires DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty), not DD-214.

Authority: 5 M.R.S. § 7054-B; P.L. 2015, ch. 438. **Contact:** maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/veterans-preference-in-job-applications.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Military training/experience credit:** Maine's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) must accept military education, training, and service experience toward licensure qualifications, reducing duplicative requirements.

Authority: 10 M.R.S. § 8011; OPOR regulations. **Contact:** Maine OPOR 207-624-8603; maine.gov/pfr/licensing/military.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Military spouse license recognition:** A qualifying military spouse holding a valid out-of-state license may receive a 180-day temporary Maine license while completing full licensure. Expedited processing provided.

Authority: 10 M.R.S. § 8011. **Contact:** Maine OPOR 207-624-8603.

38. Business License Fee Break

No dedicated veteran-owned business license fee waiver program identified at the state level. ⚠️ Verify with Maine OPOR and Maine DECD (Dept. of Economic and Community Development) for any current programs.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

Under the guaranteed-interview preference, veterans who begin state careers may receive service credit toward state retirement in some circumstances. ⚠️ Specific retirement service credit rules for veterans not confirmed from official sources — verify with Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) at 800-451-9800 or mainepers.org.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Specific retirement service credit rules for veterans not confirmed from official sources — verify with Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) at 800-451-9800 or mainepers.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

Currently on active duty OR honorably discharged with at least 180 days active service OR served in a war zone; must meet MaineHousing income and home purchase price limits ⚠️ limits change annually — verify at mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/saluteme or call 207-626-4663
Verify locally: 50% below MaineHousing's standard First Home Loan 30-year fixed rate - **Down payment/closing cost assistance:** $5,000 Advantage grant (requires homebuyer education class + minimum 1% borrower contribution) - **First-time homebuyer requirement waived** for veterans under the "Salute Home Again" component - **Eligibility:** Currently on active duty OR honorably discharged with at least 180 days active service OR served in a war zone; must meet MaineHousing income and home purchase price limits ⚠️ limits change annually — verify at mainehousing.

Authority: MaineHousing SaluteME program. **Contact:** mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/saluteme or 207-626-4663.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge; ME resident - **Provider:** Fedcap – Veterans Forward (administered on behalf of Maine BVS) - **Apply:** 844-653-0316; maineveteransforward.org; or online via Fedcap JotForm

42. State Veteran Bonus

Maine does not currently operate an active war-era cash bonus program for veterans. Honorable Service Certificates are awarded to WWII, Korean, and Vietnam veterans; commemorative coins are available for women veterans — these are honorary recognitions, not cash payments. ⚠️ Verify with Maine BVS for any newly authorized programs.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**State property tax benefit for SAH recipients:** Veterans who received a federal SAH (Specially Adapted Housing) grant qualify for the $50,000 property tax exemption under 36 M.R.S. § 653(D-1) (see A.1).
Verify locally: No separate Maine state adapted housing cash supplement has been identified beyond this property tax benefit and the federal SAH/SHA grants (FY2026: SAH up to $126,526; SHA up to $25,350 ⚠️ verify current amounts at va.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**HEAP/LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program):** Veterans who meet income eligibility (60% of state median income) qualify for the same heating assistance as any Maine resident. No veteran-specific enhancement or priority.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

- Honorably discharged veterans who were ME residents at entry into service OR are currently ME residents at time of application - No combat service or SC disability required - Merchant Marines with DD-214 and National Guard members may qualify - Spouses, widows/widowers, and Gold Star parents of eligible veterans may apply but must meet nursing home or assisted living level-of-care criteria - Federal law: no more than 25% of residents may be non-veterans (veterans have priority)
Verify locally: 17/day FY2026 ⚠️ verify current rate at mainevets.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**State program — Maine DHHS OBH:** Veterans not MaineCare-eligible for Community Integration Services may access assessment and evaluation for community mental health services through the Maine Office of Behavioral Health if they have a mental health diagnosis or disability rating from the VA, OR are uninsured non-VA-enrolled veterans determined to require MH care by a licensed professional.

Authority: 22 M.R.S. (DHHS behavioral health statutes). **Contact:** Maine DHHS OBH; maine.gov/dhhs.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

Maine does not have a standalone state dental or vision insurance program for veterans separate from federal VA or MaineCare. ⚠️ Contact Maine BVS 207-287-7020 to confirm.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

No standalone state Aid & Attendance cash supplement program distinct from MVH admission benefits and the federal VA Aid & Attendance pension has been identified. ⚠️ Verify with Maine BVS.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Maine Veterans Treatment Court (VTC):** - Specialty docket for veterans whose criminal justice involvement is driven by substance use disorder and/or mental health disorders - Accepts veterans from any era, regardless of discharge status - Geographic coverage: primarily Kennebec and Cumberland counties (other counties must have reliable transportation) - Services: VA coordination (Togus), peer mentors, treatment, case management - **Authority:** 4 M.R.S. § 433. **Contact:** courts.maine.gov/courts/treatment/veterans.html

Authority: 4 M.R.S. § 433. **Contact:** courts.maine.gov/courts/treatment/veterans.html

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Maine is a constitutional carry state.** Any person who can legally possess a firearm and is 21+ may carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with Maine State Police Weapons and Professional Licensing Division.

Authority: Maine constitutional carry statute; 25 M.R.S. § 2001-A. **Contact:** maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Free DD214 copies:** Maine BVS maintains DD214 records for veterans who entered service from Maine. Copies provided free of charge. Processing: approximately 2 business days. **Contact:** 207-287-7020.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Contact Maine Center for Disease Control, Vital Records at 207-287-3181 to confirm.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Maine BVS Resource Coordination:** The Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services (maine.gov/veterans) provides claims assistance, benefits navigation, crisis intervention, and referrals at no cost to all Maine veterans regardless of tier. **Contact:** 207-287-7020; mainebvs@maine.gov.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current allocation numbers and application deadlines at maine.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Current law (36 M.R.S. § 653):** Unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran who was married to the veteran at time of death and is receiving a U.S. government pension or compensation as surviving spouse qualifies for the same property tax exemption the veteran held ($6,000 standard / $7,000 WWI-era / $25,000 combat zone / $50,000 SAH).

Authority: 36 M.R.S. § 653(D); 36 M.R.S. § 653-A.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**VDEB (§29 above):** Unremarried widow/widower of a qualifying veteran (100% SC P&T, KIA, SC death, MIA) receives the same 100% tuition + mandatory fees waiver, 120-credit-hour limit, 10-year window, at UMS/MCCS/MMA institutions.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**VDEB for children (§29):** Children (natural/adopted) of qualifying veterans who meet the same veteran eligibility thresholds receive the full tuition waiver, beginning enrollment by age 22 (or 26 if delayed by their own military service).

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Any veteran with other-than-dishonorable discharge. ME residency NOT required. Dependents (spouses, eligible children) of eligible veterans are also eligible.

Authority: Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System. **Contact:** 207-287-3481; mvmcs@maine.gov.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**State burial allowance:** Maine does not pay a separate state cash burial allowance. The state provides free plot, opening/closing, and perpetual care at state veterans cemeteries in lieu of a cash payment.
Verify locally: The $2,000 SC amount is confirmed for post-9/11 deaths.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**State role:** Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System coordinates ordering and placement of federal VA-furnished headstones, markers, and niche covers at no charge to the family (including setting and placement).

Authority: 38 C.F.R. § 38.630 (federal headstone/marker); Maine MVMCS. **Contact:** mvmcs@maine.gov; 207-287-3481.