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Maryland — 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 Maryland
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty Vehicle excise tax waiver on PCS title transfer from out-of-state; one-time vessel excise tax waiver on PCS; DL renewal extension while stationed out of state; free hunting/fishing when on leave in Maryland; NG toll exemption to/from duty
Guard / Reserve NG State Tuition Waiver (up to 50%); STAR reimbursement (50%, cap $8,500/yr); NG workers' comp; 15-day paid state-employee military leave; NG toll exemption; Healthcare for Heroes ($150/mo TRS/TDP premium reimbursement)
Military Retiree Military retirement income subtraction: $12,500 (under 55) / $20,000 (55+); SBP annuity same subtraction; VA disability comp fully exempt from Maryland income tax
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Free day-use at all Maryland State Parks; Veteran notation on DL/ID (free); 10-pt civil service hiring preference; VSBE procurement eligibility; expedited professional licensing; free vital records for benefits claims
0% SC Same as Veteran; official SC status opens VSBE and licensing preferences
10–20% SC Same as Veteran/0%
30–40% SC 10-pt civil service preference; certified disabled noncompetitive hiring (30%+); additional preference on state exam; pay differential and leave protections for Guard/Reserve state employees
50–60% SC Free Disabled Veteran plates (50%+); Purple Heart 50% off hunting/fishing if awarded; WMATA 50% reduced fare (60%+)
70–90% SC Charlotte Hall skilled nursing potentially covered at full VA cost (70%+); all Tier 8 benefits
100% schedular Full real property tax exemption; free complimentary perpetual hunting + fishing license; free DV plates + free vehicle registration (one vehicle); all lower-tier benefits
TDIU Same as 100% schedular for most Maryland benefits: full property tax exemption, free plates/registration, free complimentary perpetual hunt/fish license
P&T Same as TDIU; surviving spouse protections transfer fully at death
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits plus Charlotte Hall long-term care priority; Maryland Veterans Trust Fund; state cemetery
Surviving spouse / dependents Property tax exemption (unremarried); Conroy/Cryor scholarship (up to $12,617/yr); VAIC scholarship; SBP income subtraction; death-in-action state benefit (CPI-adjusted from $125,000 base); WMATA reduced fare if rated

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Maryland resident who is 100% service-connected, permanently and totally disabling — or deemed permanently and totally disabled under TDIU (compensated at the 100% rate, permanent and total designation). No income cap. Primary residence only.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Maryland levies no state-level annual property tax on vehicles. Local jurisdictions may assess personal property taxes on vehicles; confirm with your county. No veteran-specific vehicle property tax exemption exists at the state level.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

no excise tax exemption for disabled veterans on new vehicle purchases. Veterans pay standard 6%.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Maryland residents serving on active duty outside U.S. boundaries who earned less than $30,000 in total military pay during the tax year.

Authority: Maryland Personal Tax Tip #55; Md. Code Ann., Tax-Gen. § 10-207

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

Any Maryland resident receiving military retired pay from an active or reserve component.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify against Maryland Comptroller Form 502 instructions for TY2026 before filing — legislation could move in a future session.

Authority: Md. Code Ann., Tax-Gen. § 10-207; Maryland Form 502, applicable subtraction lines

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

Surviving spouses of retired service members receiving Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP), or Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) annuities.

Authority: Md. Code Ann., Tax-Gen. § 10-207

7. State Income Tax — General

- **VA Disability Compensation and DIC:** Fully exempt from Maryland income tax (federal exemption passes through; no Maryland tax imposed). Applies at all tiers. - **Social Security / SSDI:** Marylan

8. Sales Tax Exemption

**Veterans Day Tax-Free Day (HB 139 / SB 9 — effective July 1, 2026):** Beginning November 11, 2026, Maryland designates Veterans Day as a sales-and-use-tax-free day for sales to veterans. Items with a taxable price **under $250.00** per item are exempt. The veteran must present a valid driver's license or government-issued ID with a veteran notation.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Gubernatorial signature was confirmed as pending as of April 2026 — verify enactment at mgaleg.

Authority: HB 139 (2026 Regular Session), passed both chambers April 13, 2026 (Senate 43-0); effective July 1, 2026. ⚠️ Gubernatorial signature was confirmed as pending as of April 2026 — verify enactment at mgaleg.maryland.gov before filing claims.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Accessible/Adapted Home Tax Credit:** Maryland has offered refundable income tax credits for accessibility improvements to a home for a qualifying individual with a disability. Disabled veterans w
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current program availability and cap with the Maryland Comptroller (comptroller.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**100% disabled veterans (or TDIU, permanent and total):** - One passenger vehicle registration issued **free of charge** (passenger car, multi-purpose vehicle, or truck not exceeding one ton) - Permanent registration card and stickers — no annual renewal trip required; plates remain valid until replaced - Vehicle must be registered in the veteran's name

Authority: Md. Code Ann., Trans. § 13-619; DVMF Motor Vehicles page

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

**100% disabled / TDIU / P&T:** - Issued free; feature the universal wheelchair symbol; provide accessible parking privileges statewide equivalent to a disability placard - Permanent stickers issued; no annual sticker renewal

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Maryland offers more than 137 specialty military and veteran license plates. Highlights:

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

**Maryland National Guard members:** Free passage at all Maryland toll facilities while traveling to or from their place of military duty. (Md. Code Ann., Trans. § 13-212)
Verify locally: gov or 888-321-6824 to confirm no new programs are available.

14. Public Transit Discount

**WMATA (Washington Metro/bus):** 50% reduced fare on Metrorail, Metrobus, and regional bus for veterans rated **60% SC or greater**. Requires VA Benefit Summary Letter and photo ID. Apply in person at the Metro Transit Accessibility Center (Washington, DC) or TRIPS Commuter Store (Silver Spring, MD). Contact: eligibility@wmata.com | 202-962-2700.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**DV plate holders (100% P&T / TDIU):** Full accessible parking privileges statewide. Use in any marked accessible space. Exempt from parking meter fees at non-ADA-compliant meters; may park up to twice the posted maximum (not to exceed four hours) at any meter.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Veteran notation:** Adding "Veteran" to a Maryland DL or state ID costs **no fee** if no other changes are made to the credential. Requires proof of veteran status (DD-214, honorable discharge certificate, or DVMF verification letter). Available at any MVA branch (appointments via myMVA).

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**CDL Skills Test Waiver:** Available to veterans discharged within the last 12 months, or those currently serving, who operated military vehicles equivalent to CDL classes. Requirements: clean driving record per 49 C.F.R. § 383.51; not holding more than one license; no suspended or revoked licenses; no disqualifying offenses.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with MDOT MVA.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

See Category 16. "VETERAN" notation added to DL/ID at no charge at any MVA branch. Accepted as qualifying proof of veteran status for the Veterans Day sales tax exemption and other Maryland state benefit programs requiring veteran verification.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

Maryland residents who are (a) former POWs, (b) rated 100% SC by VA, or (c) deemed unemployable by VA (TDIU) - **Included:** Archery stamp, muzzleloader stamp, sika deer stamp, furbearer permit - **Excluded:** Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp — must purchase annually regardless of rating - **Renewal:** Every 5 years at a Maryland DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center. Administrative renewal only; no re-documentation of disability required if status unchanged. No fee at renewal. - **Application:** In person at Maryland DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center. Bring VA Rating Decision or unemployability letter. DNR: 866-344-8889

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Maryland residents who are former POWs, rated 100% SC, or TDIU - **Included:** Non-tidal angler's license, Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license, trout stamp, recreational oyster license - **Excluded:** Commercial fishing licenses - **Renewal:** Every 5 years at a DNR Service Center. No fee.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

The Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license (Maryland's saltwater component) is included in the complimentary perpetual combination license described in Categories 19 and 20. No separate application required for saltwater privileges.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

The complimentary perpetual license described in Categories 19 and 20 functions as a comprehensive combination license covering both hunting and fishing privileges. Apply once at any DNR Service Center for combined coverage.

23. Trapping License

Not available in this jurisdiction.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**All veterans (any discharge status, any rating — resident and nonresident):** All applicable day-use entrance fees are waived year-round at all Maryland State Parks.

Authority: MD DNR (dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands); DVMF Recreation page

25. State Parks — Camping

No dedicated veteran free-camping program exists. Camping fees are not waived under the day-use veteran waiver. Veterans pay standard reservation and camping fees through the Maryland State Park reservation system.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Maryland State Park and Trail Passport:** Available to all veterans at the **resident rate of $75/year** regardless of the veteran's state of residence (standard non-resident rate is $100/year). Provides unlimited day-use for up to 10 people per vehicle at all state parks plus unlimited boat launching.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

no fee or excise tax exemption beyond the one-time active duty PCS transaction waiver. ⚠️ Verify with MD DNR.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**GI Bill users:** Maryland law requires public colleges and universities to charge in-state tuition rates to veterans using federal GI Bill benefits (Post-9/11, Chapter 30, etc.) who live in Maryland, regardless of formal residency. Satisfies the federal Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act (Choice Act).

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Veteran with a service-connected disability rated **25% or greater** who has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal VA education benefits; Maryland resident; no income cap - **Annual cap:** Up to 15 awards per year - **Deadline:** Apply to institution by **July 15**; FAFSA required - **Application:** Maryland CAPS (mdcaps.org) | MHEC: osfamail.mhec@maryland.gov | 410-767-3300 - **Authority:** Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-408

Authority: Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-408

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy / Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship (dependents):**

Authority: Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 18-408

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Conroy/Cryor Scholarship:** Unremarried surviving spouses of eligible veterans qualify for up to $12,617/year (AY 2025–2026). See Category 30.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Maryland National Guard members in good standing with 2-year service obligation remaining from the course start date - Undergraduate and graduate courses eligible - Contact: mdngeducation@army.mil | 667-296-4144

33. K-12 Support

**Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3):** Maryland participates. Removes barriers for military children due to frequent moves: prompt enrollment, flexible course placement, graduation flexibility, no academic penalty for records from other states. - Contact: Maryland State Department of Education | 410-767-0472

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Retroactive High School Diplomas:** Maryland awards retroactive high school diplomas to WWII and Korean War veterans who left school before graduation to serve. Contact your local county board of education.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with MHEC (mhec.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**10-point preference:** Added to passing examination scores for veterans with honorable discharge. Spouses of SC-disabled veterans and surviving spouses of eligible veterans also qualify.

Authority: Md. Code Ann. § 7-207; DLLR Hiring Preferences page

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Expedited licensing:** Maryland processes professional and occupational license applications for veterans and their spouses within 60 days (expedited timeline). Military training and experience is credited toward licensing requirements.

Authority: Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 2-5; DLLR opvetlic.shtml

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Active duty spouses holding a valid professional license in good standing from any state may have that license recognized in Maryland at the same scope of practice, valid while the service member is stationed in Maryland. No fee for the recognition application.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current statute provisions for surviving spouses with DLLR.

38. Business License Fee Break

At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans; meets SBA size standards (13 C.F.R. § 121.201); honorable discharge - **Cost:** Free; renewable every 3 years - **Registration:** eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) platform - **Additional preference** for service-disabled veteran-owned firms within the VSBE program - **Authority:** Md. Code Ann., State Finance & Procurement §§ 11-204, 11-205.1 - **Contact:** Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs | 410-697-9600

Authority: Md. Code Ann., State Finance & Procurement §§ 11-204, 11-205.1

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS) Military Service Credit:** - **Pre-membership military service:** Up to **5 years credit** for service before SRPS membership - **Post-membership reserve duty:** 4 months credit per full year of service with minimum 50 inactive duty points; maximum 36 months - **Active duty for training:** 1 month credit per 28-day qualifying period - **Requirement:** 10 years of SRPS participation to claim credit - **Form:** Claim of Retirement Credit Form 043 - **Deadline:** Must claim before retirement; retirees cannot add credit after retirement - **Contact:** Maryland State Retirement Agency | sra.maryland.gov

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**Maryland does not operate a veteran-specific state home loan or down-payment assistance program** as a standalone program separate from the federal VA Home Loan program. Veterans access the federal VA loan (0% down, no PMI) through any Maryland-licensed VA lender.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with Maryland DHCD (dhcd.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Honorable or general-under-honorable discharge; household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level; grant must lead toward self-reliance - **Application:** marylandveteranstrustfund.my.site.com | ⚠️ Applications were temporarily paused in 2026 — verify current status before applying - **Contact:** 410-260-3838 or 866-793-1577 | 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401 - **Authority:** Md. Code Ann. § 9-913
Verify locally: com | ⚠️ Applications were temporarily paused in 2026 — verify current status before applying - **Contact:** 410-260-3838 or 866-793-1577 | 16 Francis Street, 4th Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401 - **Authority:** Md. ⚠️ Verify the current adjusted figure with DPSCS at 410-585-3728.

Authority: Md. Code Ann. § 9-913

42. State Veteran Bonus

Maryland does not currently operate a state re-enlistment or service bonus program separate from federal bonuses. ⚠️ Verify with the Maryland Military Department (military.maryland.gov) for any active Guard/Reserve bonus programs.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

No dedicated Maryland state supplement to federal VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants has been identified.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current program availability and cap with the Maryland Comptroller (comptroller.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP):** Maryland's federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance for utility and heating bills to income-eligible Maryland residents including veterans. No veteran-specific tier; income-based. Contact: 800-332-6347 | dhs.maryland.gov.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Maryland resident; age 62+ or deemed disabled by SSA or VA; honorable or satisfactory discharge; spouses of eligible veterans may also be admitted - **Guard/Reserve eligibility:** 20 years of qualifying service with retirement eligibility - **Daily costs (confirmed Feb 2025):** - Assisted living: $177–$180/day depending on room type (private, semi-private, memory care); veteran pays 90% of monthly net income as their share (retains 10% as spending allowance) - Skilled nursing: $286–$290/day depending on room type; covered by Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and personal resources as applicable - **Veterans rated 70%+ SC:** May be entitled to have VA cover the full cost of skilled nursing care as a federal VA benefit (VA Aid and Attendance / VA Community Living Center criteria) — ⚠️ confirm with the Charlotte Hall admissions office and your VA benefits coordinator - **Contact:** 301-884-8171 Ext. 5112 | charhall.org
Verify locally: **Charlotte Hall Veterans Home:** - **Location:** 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 - **Capacity:** 126-bed assisted living; 318-bed skilled nursing (includes memory care in secure units) - **Eligibility:** Maryland resident; age 62+ or deemed disabled by SSA or VA; honorable or satisfactory discharge; spouses of eligible veterans may also be admitted - **Guard/Reserve eligibility:** 20 years of qualifying service with retirement eligibility - **Daily costs (confirmed Feb 2025):** - Assisted living: $177–$180/day depending on room type (private, semi-private, memory care); veteran pays 90% of monthly net income as their share (retains 10% as spending allowance) - Skilled nursing: $286–$290/day depending on room type; covered by Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and personal resources as applicable - **Veterans rated 70%+ SC:** May be entitled to have VA cover the full cost of skilled nursing care as a federal VA benefit (VA Aid and Attendance / VA Community Living Center criteria) — ⚠️ confirm with the Charlotte Hall admissions office and your VA benefits coordinator - **Contact:** 301-884-8171 Ext.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Program (MCVP):** - State-funded program providing mental health and substance use disorder services coordination, peer support, outreach, and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, and their families - **Services:** Referral to behavioral health providers, peer support specialists, provider education, suicide prevention grants to community organizations - **Contact:** 877-770-4801 (24/7) | health.maryland.gov/bha/veterans

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

Currently serving Maryland National Guard members - **Contact:** healthcareforheroes@maryland.gov

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Charlotte Hall Veterans Home** (see Category 45) provides the assisted living and skilled nursing continuum — Maryland's primary state-funded long-term care resource for veterans.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS):** Provides pro bono legal services to veterans including family law, housing, powers of attorney, wills and estate planning, immigration, and SCRA matters. Contact: mvlslaw.org | 410-539-6800.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

No veteran-specific fee waiver for the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit has been identified. Standard application process and fees apply.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with Maryland State Police (mdsp.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Vital Records fee waiver:** See Category 49 — copies for benefits claim purposes are free.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

Honorable discharge (DD-214 required); experience in park operations, recreation, forestry, or natural resources preferred; must lift 20 lbs repeatedly - **Duration:** One year, renewable - **Contact:** 443-370-8246

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who held a 100% SC permanent-and-total disability rating, or of a service member killed in the line of duty. Surviving spouses receiving VA DIC also qualify.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Conroy/Cryor Scholarship:** Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who held 100% SC disability or who died on active duty qualify for up to **$12,617/year** (AY 2025–2026) at University System of Maryland institutions. See Category 30 for full eligibility details.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

- **DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation):** Tax-free at both federal and Maryland state levels. - **SBP / RCSBP annuity subtraction:** Surviving spouses of military retirees may subtract up to
Verify locally: ⚠️ Current 2026 amount — verify with DPSCS.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions from active duty service, OR 20 years of National Guard/Reserve service with military retirement eligibility. Spouses and dependents of eligible veterans are also eligible. Maryland residency is required for Guard/Reserve members and their families. ⚠️ Verify current residency requirements for non-Maryland-resident veterans with DVMF.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify current residency requirements for non-Maryland-resident veterans with DVMF.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

Maryland does not pay a separate cash burial allowance to veteran families beyond the no-cost interment services at the five state cemeteries described in Category 56.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Headstone:** Provided at no cost at all five Maryland state veterans cemeteries for eligible veterans.