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New Hampshire — 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 New Hampshire
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty No state income tax on pay; free day-use state park admission; free hunting/fishing license during home leave; resident license rates for nonresidents stationed in NH
Guard / Reserve NH National Guard tuition waiver (free tuition, space-available, CCSNH/USNH, expires Jul 1 2027); 15 days paid military leave/yr; free state park day admission; partial pay leave to 30 days; group life insurance through NGAOH
Military Retiree No state income tax on retirement pay; free state park day admission for retiree + spouse/surviving spouse; military service credit toward NH Retirement System
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Property tax credit $50 standard / $51–$750 optional (wartime/RSA 72:28 or peacetime/RSA 72:28-b by municipal adoption); veteran DL designation; veteran plates; war bonuses $100 each for Vietnam/Gulf/GWOT; peddler license fee waiver (SC-disabled); employment preference; reemployment rights; free vital records for VA claims
0% SC Property tax credits above; free state park day admission (any SC rating); priority of service at NH Works career centers
10–20% Same as 0% SC
30–40% Same
50–60% Same
70–90% Same; half-price lifetime hunt/fish license at 80–99% (held >2 years under current law)
100% schedular Property tax credit $700–$4,000 (RSA 72:35); free lifetime hunt/fish/trap licenses (held >2 years); free driver's license; free vehicle registration; DV plates at no charge; free state park day admission; VA-adapted home: full property tax exemption (RSA 72:36-a)
TDIU Treated as 100% T&P for all NH purposes: same property tax credits and DL/vehicle/park/hunt-fish benefits as 100% schedular
P&T Same as 100% schedular; RSA 72:36-a full exemption on VA-adapted home; children may use USNH/CCSNH tuition waiver (through age 27)
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits; no additional NH-specific SMC tier
Surviving spouse / dependents Property tax credit $50–$750 (wartime, RSA 72:28); $700–$2,000 (KIA/died on active duty, RSA 72:29-a); $700–$4,000 (unremarried spouse of 100% T&P, RSA 72:35); full exemption if VA-adapted home (RSA 72:36-a); inherit DV plates; children of 100% T&P: free USNH/CCSNH tuition through age 27; children of KIA/died-SC (ages 16–25): free tuition + up to $2,500/yr at state colleges for up to 4 years; municipal indigent relief

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

NH resident for at least 1 year before April 1; served at least 90 days active duty in a qualifying war or armed conflict; honorably discharged or discharged for a service-connected disability; must own and occupy primary residence. Also eligible: surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran; NH Guard/Reserve members with qualifying active-duty service. - **Amount:** $50 standard credit (statewide minimum, applies if the municipality has not voted a higher optional amount). Municipalities may vote to adopt the optional credit of $51 up to $750. Examples: Concord $500, Nashua $400, Manchester $500 — check with your local assessor. - **Application:** January 1 – April 15 annually with your local assessing office. Bring DD-214 (Member Copy 4).
Verify locally: Examples: Concord $500, Nashua $400, Manchester $500 — check with your local assessor. Confirm with your town or city assessor whether RSA 72:28-b has been adopted in your municipality before applying.

Authority: RSA 72:28 (wartime credit); RSA 72:28-b (all veterans); RSA 72:29-a (surviving spouse of combat casualty); RSA 72:35 (100% disabled); RSA 72:36-a (VA-adapted home)

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

NH does not levy a statewide vehicle property (excise) tax in the traditional sense. Vehicle registration fees include a municipal and state portion based on vehicle weight and age; no separate personal-property assessment applies to vehicles. Disabled veterans receive full vehicle registration fee waivers (see Cat. 10).

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

New Hampshire has no state sales tax or use tax (RSA 78). No vehicle sales tax applies to any buyer, veteran or civilian.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Fully exempt.** NH has no income tax on wages or earned income. Active duty military pay is not taxed at the state level.

Authority: NH repealed its Interest and Dividends (I&D) Tax, effective January 1, 2025, through House Bill 2 (2023 legislative session). All earned income — including active duty pay, drill pay, and deployment allowances — has always been outside NH's tax base. The I&D repeal eliminated the last remaining category of income subject to any NH state income tax.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Fully exempt.** Military retirement pay is not taxed in New Hampshire. As of January 1, 2025, NH has no income tax of any kind. TSP distributions, disability retirement pay, and PDRL/TDRL payments are all untaxed. No income limit. Covers all tiers.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Fully exempt.** SBP annuity payments are not subject to any NH state income tax. The I&D Tax (which covered only interest and dividends) never applied to SBP; the 2025 repeal confirmed NH has zero income tax. No action required.
Verify locally: The I&D Tax (which covered only interest and dividends) never applied to SBP; the 2025 repeal confirmed NH has zero income tax.

7. State Income Tax — General

**No state income tax.** NH does not tax wages, salaries, retirement income, VA disability compensation, SBP, Social Security, or any earned or investment income as of January 1, 2025. This benefits all tiers equally. No NH state returns are required for these income types.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

NH has no state sales tax; no exemption card exists or is needed.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **Veterans organization property exemption** (RSA 72:23-a): VFW, American Legion, DAV, and similar national veterans' organization property is fully exempt from property tax. - **Free public records

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Tiers 10–13 (100%/TDIU/P&T) most commonly qualify; POW status applies regardless of rating.

Authority: RSA 261:141; RSA 261:159

How to apply: Bring DD-214 and VA Summary of Benefits Letter showing T&P or blindness rating, or POW documentation, to your local town or city clerk (vehicle registration is handled locally in NH).

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

Honorably discharged veteran who is: - 100% total and permanent service-connected disabled, OR - Amputee or paraplegic due to service and received a VA-funded specially adapted vehicle, OR - Totally blind from a service-connected cause, OR - Honorably discharged POW

Authority: RSA 261:86

How to apply: Contact NH DMV with DD-214 and VA Summary of Benefits Letter showing the qualifying condition.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

**Authority:** RSA 261:86 (Purple Heart); RSA 261:87-b (Veteran); RSA 261:87-c (Gold Star); RSA 261-C:3-a, 261-C:4 (Decals)

Authority: RSA 261:86 (Purple Heart); RSA 261:87-b (Veteran); RSA 261:87-c (Gold Star); RSA 261-C:3-a, 261-C:4 (Decals)

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

NH does not offer a veteran-specific toll exemption on the NH Turnpike system (I-93, I-95, Spaulding Turnpike). No statute provides toll-free travel for veterans, disabled veterans, or Purple Heart recipients. Standard E-ZPass transponder rates apply to all users.

14. Public Transit Discount

**Unavailable (statewide mandate)** — NH has no statewide public transit system. Regional transit agencies (CART, COAST, etc.) set their own fare structures; no state-mandated veteran transit discount exists. Contact your regional agency directly for any locally adopted veteran fares: CART (603-623-8801) or COAST (coastbus.org).

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**Authority:** RSA 261:86 (DV plate); RSA 261:88 (disabled parking placard)

Authority: RSA 261:86 (DV plate); RSA 261:88 (disabled parking placard)

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Authority:** RSA 263:42

Authority: RSA 263:42

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Currently serving or veteran within 12 months of honorable discharge; NH resident; trained on military vehicle of similar or greater class. - **What is waived:** Road skills test only — not the knowledge/written test. - **Requirements:** Commanding Officer's certification (form DSMV 609); pass all required CDL knowledge exams; no alcohol or serious traffic violations in past 2 years; licensed on qualifying military vehicle within the past year. - **CDL fee:** Standard CDL fees apply (skills test waiver does not include a fee waiver). - **Contact:** NH DMV Commercial Driver License unit (603-227-4040).

Authority: RSA 263 (CDL provisions); FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.77

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

**Authority:** RSA 21:50; RSA 263:40

Authority: RSA 21:50; RSA 263:40

How to apply: Bring DD-214 (Member Copy 4) to any NH DMV location and complete the standard DL application form.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Authority:** RSA 214:13; NH Fish & Game
Verify locally: **Proposed 2026 legislation — SB448 (pending, NOT yet enacted as of 2026-05-30):** SB448 would replace the existing tiers with a new sliding-scale discount on lifetime combination hunt/fish licenses, effective January 1, 2027: | Rating | Proposed discount | |---|---| | 0–29% | 75% off | | 30–49% | 50% off | | 50–99% | 75% off | | 100% | Free | Confirm enactment status with NH Fish & Game (603-271-3421) before applying under the new scale; as of the research date for this file SB448 had been engrossed but not confirmed signed into law.

Authority: RSA 214:13; NH Fish & Game

How to apply: Bring DD-214 and VA Summary of Benefits Letter to any NH Fish & Game license agent or to NH Fish & Game headquarters.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Authority:** RSA 214:13

Authority: RSA 214:13

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

**Authority:** NH Fish & Game; NOAA HMS federal requirements

Authority: NH Fish & Game; NOAA HMS federal requirements

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Authority:** RSA 214:13

Authority: RSA 214:13

23. Trapping License

**Authority:** RSA 214:13
Verify locally: Confirm with NH Fish & Game (603-271-3421) before applying for a veteran-discounted trapping license.

Authority: RSA 214:13

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Authority:** RSA 216-A:3-g (Section IV)

Authority: RSA 216-A:3-g (Section IV)

25. State Parks — Camping

**Partial discount available.** State park camping fees are not waived for veterans, but disabled veterans (any SC rating) receive **$5 off the nightly camping site fee** at all NH state parks except Hampton, Ellacoya, and Cannon RV parks, per the NH Division of Parks and Recreation fee schedule. Full day-use entrance remains free (Cat. 24). Proof: DV plates or VA letter certifying service-connected disability. Standard camping fees apply to all other veterans.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Unavailable (as a dedicated program)** — NH does not issue a free or discounted annual state parks pass specifically for veterans. Day-use admission is free via RSA 216-A:3-g (Cat. 24), which functions as a perpetual day-use benefit for qualifying veterans. Standard season passes are available for purchase by all residents.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable (veteran-specific exemption)** — No veteran-specific boat registration fee exemption is codified in NH statutes. Standard NH boat registration fees range from approximately $47.50 to $115.50 depending on vessel length and type (RSA 270-E). NH has no state sales tax on boat purchases. Contact NH DMV Boat Registration (603-227-4030) to confirm current fee schedule.
Verify locally: Contact NH DMV Boat Registration (603-227-4030) to confirm current fee schedule.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Authority:** RSA 188-F:15; RSA 187-A:20

Authority: RSA 188-F:15; RSA 187-A:20

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

**Unavailable (direct waiver for the veteran)** — NH does not provide a direct tuition waiver for disabled veterans themselves attending school. The tuition waiver program is for the veteran's children (see Cat. 30). Disabled veterans may access free or subsidized education through the federal VR&E (Chapter 31) program if they have service-connected barriers to employment; contact NH DVS VSOs (603-624-9230) to apply.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

Biological, adopted, or stepchild of an NH resident veteran with VA-determined total and permanent disability (100% T&P); child must be an NH resident meeting university residency requirements; under age 27 (benefit continues through the end of the semester in which the child turns 27); FAFSA required; must exhaust Post-9/11 GI Bill Ch. 33 entitlement first. - **Institutions:** UNH, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, Granite State College (USNH) AND all CCSNH community colleges. - **Benefit:** Waiver of tuition (the gap between all other gift aid and the NH resident tuition rate); does not cover room, board, or fees. - **Application:** Through UNH Military and Veteran Services Office or the applicable institution; submit the Tuition Waiver for Children of Disabled NH Veterans application with veteran's VA Summary of Benefits Letter.
Verify locally: Confirm with NH DVS (603-624-9230) at time of application.

Authority: RSA 187-A:20 (USNH); RSA 188-F:15 (CCSNH); RSA 193:19–20 (KIA/SC death benefit)

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Authority:** RSA 110-B:63-c

Authority: RSA 110-B:63-c

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Active member of NH Army or Air National Guard; completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) or commissioning; pursuing degree-enhancing curriculum; must exhaust all available federal educational entitlements first (excluding Montgomery GI Bill and scholarship funds). - **Benefit:** Full tuition waiver (tuition only — not fees or room/board) at any NH state-supported community college or public university, on a space-available basis. - **Service commitment:** Member must remain an active Guard member while using the benefit. - **Repeal:** RSA 110-B:63-c expires July 1, 2027. Guard members should use this benefit before the sunset date. Contact NH Guard Education Offices: Army (603-225-1207); Air (603-430-3529 or 603-225-1873).

Authority: RSA 110-B:63-c

33. K-12 Support

**Authority:** Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)

Authority: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Unavailable (dedicated veteran state scholarship)** — NH does not administer a state-specific veteran scholarship or low-interest loan program beyond the tuition waivers in Cat. 29–32. Veterans may apply for: - NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHFA) scholarship programs (need/merit based; open to all including veterans). - Federal VA education benefits (GI Bill Chapters 30, 33, 35). - Federal VR&E Chapter 31 (for service-connected employment barriers).

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Authority:** RSA 283:4; RSA 283:5; RSA 176:10; RSA 119:6; RSA 97:1

Authority: RSA 283:4; RSA 283:5; RSA 176:10; RSA 119:6; RSA 97:1

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Peddler's License (RSA 320:11):** Service-connected disabled veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses are exempt from the Peddler's License fee — one of the few professional license fee waivers explicitly stated in NH statutes.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Authority:** RSA 332-G:12; RSA 332-G:13; Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 4025)

Authority: RSA 332-G:12; RSA 332-G:13; Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 4025)

38. Business License Fee Break

No NH statute provides a blanket business registration fee waiver for veteran-owned businesses. The Peddler's License exemption (RSA 320:11, Cat. 36) applies specifically to peddler/hawker permits.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Authority:** RSA 283:4; RSA 283:5; NH Retirement System

Authority: RSA 283:4; RSA 283:5; NH Retirement System

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

NH Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA / New Hampshire Housing) administers several homeownership programs. While not exclusively veteran programs, veterans frequently qualify: - **Home Flex Plus:** Below-market interest rate mortgage paired with up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance (forgivable over 5 years); income and purchase price limits apply; eligible for all qualified buyers including veterans. - **VA loan layering:** Veterans using federal VA home loans (no down payment required) can layer with NH Housing programs for closing cost assistance. - No separate NH veteran-only home loan program exists distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty. - **NHHFA contact:** nhhfa.org, 603-472-8623.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

**Municipal relief (RSA 165:5):** Honorably discharged wartime veterans (at least 90 days active duty) who are unable to support themselves and have no other adequate means may apply for public assistance through their town or city of residence. The municipality must provide such assistance.

42. State Veteran Bonus

**Authority:** RSA 115-A:3 (Vietnam); RSA 115-A:9 (Persian Gulf); RSA 115-A:16 (GWOT)
Verify locally: Confirm with NH DVS (603-624-9230) that the program remains open and no appropriation cap has been exhausted before applying.

Authority: RSA 115-A:3 (Vietnam); RSA 115-A:9 (Persian Gulf); RSA 115-A:16 (GWOT)

How to apply: Submit completed application and DD-214 (Member Copy 4) to: NH Office of Veterans Services, 275 Chestnut St., Room 517, Manchester NH 03101-2411. Fax: 603-624-9236. Phone: 603-624-9230.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**State program:** NH's primary adapted housing benefit is the property tax exemption under RSA 72:36-a (see Cat. 1) — full tax exemption on the primary residence if it was acquired or modified with VA SAH/SHA grant assistance.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**LIHEAP / NH Fuel Assistance Program (not veteran-specific, but widely accessed):** - Administered by NH Department of Energy; federally funded. - Income eligibility: at or below 60% of NH State Median Income. - FY2026 benefit: $100–$2,177 depending on household income, fuel type, and heating costs (NH Department of Energy confirmed range). Contact your local Community Action Agency for your specific benefit amount. - Covers oil, propane, gas, electric heat, wood pellets, kerosene. - Deadline: April 30, 2026. - Apply through local Community Action Agencies; contact 211 NH or nhcommunitynetwork.org.
Verify locally: - FY2026 benefit: $100–$2,177 depending on household income, fuel type, and heating costs (NH Department of Energy confirmed range).

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Active duty or Guard/Reserve honorably discharged; any component; NH resident for at least 1 year immediately preceding application (waived if NH is home of record on DD-214 or if discharged directly from a VA or military medical facility to NHVH). - No minimum age. - **Financial contribution:** Based on veteran's assets; 1-year financial lookback (primary residence excluded if occupied by spouse, domestic partner, or dependent); VA compensation and pension may be applied to cost of care. - **Contact:** Admissions Coordinator, 139 Winter St., Tilton NH 03276; (603) 527-4400; admissions@nhvh.nh.gov. Pre-admission application available; referrals accepted from families, VA, and discharge planners.

Authority: RSA 119

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**VA Manchester Medical Center:** Primary federal resource for behavioral health including PTSD, depression, MST, and substance use treatment. (603) 624-4366. CBOCs in Portsmouth, Tilton, Somersworth, Conway.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

NH driver's license or state ID; honorable or general discharge; NOT currently rated 100% service-connected disabled (those veterans receive VA dental care); no dental insurance; not Medicaid-eligible; demonstrated financial need. - **Contact:** 877-248-6684. - Administered through NH DHHS and participating dental providers.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**No state cash supplement** to federal VA Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits exists in NH. The NH Veterans Home (Cat. 45) is the primary state long-term care resource.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**NH Veterans Treatment Court (VTC):** Available in several NH Superior and District Court circuits (including Hillsborough and Rockingham counties). Diverts eligible veterans with service-connected mental health or substance use conditions from traditional criminal prosecution into treatment programs. Contact the NH Judicial Branch (courts.nh.gov) or a local public defender for referral.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**No veteran-specific benefit.** NH is a constitutional carry state (effective February 22, 2017); any person 18 or older who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. No CCW fee waiver exists for veterans because the permit is voluntary.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Authority:** RSA 110-B:86

Authority: RSA 110-B:86

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**War Service Bonuses (RSA 115-A):** $100 bonuses for Vietnam, Gulf War, and GWOT service — see Cat. 42.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Authority:** RSA 72:28; RSA 72:29-a; RSA 72:35; RSA 72:36-a

Authority: RSA 72:28; RSA 72:29-a; RSA 72:35; RSA 72:36-a

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

No NH state education benefit is directed specifically to surviving spouses (as opposed to children). Surviving spouses who are also caregivers to eligible children may assist those children in accessing Cat. 30 benefits.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Children's education (see Cat. 30):** Primary NH state dependent benefit.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Same as VA National Cemetery criteria — any honorably discharged veteran (any component, any era); National Guard/Reserve with 20 or more years and retired-pay eligibility; unremarried surviving spouse and eligible dependents may be interred. - **NH residency:** Not required for the veteran. - **Burial types:** In-ground full casket; in-ground cremation; columbarium niche. - **Fees (2026 published schedule):** - Eligible veterans: **No fee**. - Eligible dependents (NH resident): **$450**. - Selected Reserve veterans (non-resident): $1,050. - Selected Reserve dependents (non-resident): $1,050. - Fees include the grave site, opening and closing, engraved headstone or niche marker, and perpetual care. - **Pre-qualification:** Strongly encouraged; submit application before need arises. Contact (603) 796-2026 or info@nhsvc.com.

Authority: NH State Veterans Cemetery Act; administered by DMAVS

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**State indigent veteran burial (RSA 165:16, RSA 165:17):** - Honorably discharged wartime veteran (at least 90 days active duty or discharged for service-connected disability) who dies without adequate funds for burial may be buried at the expense of the municipality where they died. Municipalities must provide this burial; it is a mandated obligation. - Contact the local municipality or an NH DVS VSO before or at time of death to invoke this provision.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Federal resources (no state supplement required):** - **Headstone/Marker:** VA provides free headstones and markers for all eligible veterans buried in private, national, or state veterans cemeteries (VA Form 40-1330). Available for all eras including peacetime. - **Presidential Memorial Certificate:** Free certificate of appreciation signed by the President; apply via VA Form 40-0247. - **Flag:** U.S. flag for burial provided by the VA through any VA regional office or the National Cemetery Scheduling Office; also available from your congressional representative's office. - **Military Funeral Honors:** All eligible veterans are entitled to a minimum 2-person military honors detail (flag folding, presentation, and Taps — recorded or live) under DoD Directive 1300.15. Contact NH Army or Air National Guard casualty affairs (603-225-1200) to coordinate.