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Ohio — 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 Ohio
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
**Active Duty** Active duty pay exempt from OH income + school-district tax if stationed outside OH; combat zone pay excluded; nonresident spouse exempt from OH income tax; CDL skills test waiver; Ohio resident rates on hunting/fishing while on leave; OHFA Ohio Heroes home loan eligible; USERRA reemployment rights; OANG state life insurance / SGLI
**Guard / Reserve** ONGSP 100% tuition at public OH colleges (48–96 credit-hour allotment per enlistment term); 15% civil service exam bonus; state employee military leave (1 month paid/yr); state salary-gap pay supplement; health-care continuation; $1,000 state life insurance (OANG members); TRICARE Reserve Select
**Military Retiree** Military retirement pay 100% exempt from OH income tax (no income limit, no age floor, TY 2024+); SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP annuities exempt; Social Security not taxed by OH; 20% civil service exam bonus; OHFA Ohio Heroes home loan; veteran license plates; standard homestead exemption if P&T + income ≤ $41,000
**Veteran (honorable, no rating)** 20% civil service exam bonus (180+ days active duty, honorable discharge, OH resident); OH GI Promise (immediate in-state tuition at OH public colleges, no 12-month wait); free "Armed Forces" DL designation; 10% state park camping/lodging discount; CCW fee waiver (subject to statewide annual cap); OHFA Ohio Heroes home loan; county VSO free claims assistance; Ohio Patriot Program legal/consumer aid; veteran license plates; Purple Star school liaisons; MIC3 K-12 compact
**0% SC** Same as no-rating veteran + all federal VA benefits at 0% rate
**10–20%** Same as above
**30–40%** Same as above
**50–60%** All above + **Ohio War Orphan Scholarship** becomes available (parent rated 60%+ SC — child 16–24 may receive 77% of public tuition or $6,330/yr at private institutions, 2025–2026)
**70–90%** Same as 50–60% tier; standard homestead exemption available to P&T veterans at any rating deemed P&T (no income limit once P&T designation applies)
**100% schedular** Enhanced homestead exemption ($58,000 appraised-value reduction, no income test); free gratis driver license; **one** free vehicle registration (DV plate); disabled parking placard; free 5-year hunting/fishing/trapping/deer/turkey/wetlands license package; free watercraft registration; free state park camping (5-yr pass); MIRF grant ($500/yr, up to 3 years); CCW fee waiver
**TDIU** Same as 100% schedular — enhanced homestead exemption ($58,000 appraised-value reduction) and all Tier 10 programs apply when VA compensates at 100% rate via TDIU ⚠️ verify current homestead TDIU treatment with county auditor
**P&T** All 100%/TDIU benefits; surviving spouse retains enhanced homestead exemption (unremarried); surviving spouse retains DV plate fee waiver; CHAMPVA (federal); DEA/Ch.35 (federal)
**SMC (Housebound / A&A)** All P&T benefits; federal SAH grant up to $126,526 / SHA up to $25,350 / TRA up to $50,961 (FY 2026); OhioCares behavioral health; Ohio Veterans Home eligibility (Sandusky / Georgetown) if unable to earn a living
**Surviving spouse / dependents** Enhanced homestead exemption transfers (unremarried spouse of 100% SC/TDIU veteran); SBP/RCSBP/DIC exempt from OH income tax; War Orphans Scholarship (child 16–24, parent 60%+ SC or deceased/POW/MIA); Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund (KIA/line-of-duty — 100% public tuition or ⚠️ verify private amount); spouse educator license reciprocity; spouse OHFA Ohio Heroes loan; MIRF family death bonus up to $6,500 (KIA/OEF-OIF); county VSO emergency assistance

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

**Current law (ORC 323.152, effective March 2026):**
Verify locally: As of May 2026, SB 92 is stalled in the Senate Ways and Means Committee (first hearing February 18, 2025; no further action confirmed).

Authority: ORC 323.152; ORC 323.154.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Ohio does not levy a statewide vehicle property tax. Ohio's vehicle fee system is registration-fee-based (administered by the BMV); see Category 10 for registration-fee waivers. No documented statewide vehicle property tax exemption for veterans exists.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Ohio does not provide a blanket state sales/use tax exemption on vehicle purchases for veterans at any disability rating. Vehicle purchases are subject to Ohio's 5.75% state sales tax plus local levies regardless of VA status. The general sales-tax exemption card (Category 8) does not apply to motor vehicles. ⚠️ verify locally — no confirmed 2026 Ohio statute creates a vehicle-purchase sales-tax waiver for veterans.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

Ohio resident service members stationed outside Ohio.

Authority: ORC 5747.01; Ohio IT 4 MIL; Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (federal, adopted by Ohio conformity).

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

All Ohio residents receiving military retirement pay — any service branch, any rank, no age floor, no income limit.

Authority: ORC 5747.01(A)(26); Ohio Department of Taxation guidance (TY 2024+).

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

All Ohio residents receiving Survivor Benefit Plan, Reserve Component SBP, or Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan annuity payments.

Authority: ORC 5747.01(A)(26) (same provision as military retirement deduction).

7. State Income Tax — General

**Authority:** ORC 5747.01; ORC 5747.05; IRS Publication 525; 38 USC §5301.

Authority: ORC 5747.01; ORC 5747.05; IRS Publication 525; 38 USC §5301.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Ohio does not issue a general sales tax exemption card to veterans. Ohio's state sales tax rate is 5.75% (county/transit levies add 0.25–2.25%). No documented veteran-specific statewide sales-tax exemption card exists. ⚠️ verify locally — some aggregator sites have asserted a general sales-tax exemption effective July 2026; no Ohio statute or DVS announcement confirms this.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

- **No Ohio estate/inheritance tax:** Ohio repealed its estate tax effective January 1, 2013. No veteran-specific action required. - **School district income tax exemption:** Active duty pay excluded
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify manufactured-home treatment with county auditor under current law.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Veteran with a service-connected disability rated or compensated at 100% by the VA, OR who received a VA monetary allowance toward a vehicle purchase due to service-connected disability.

Authority: ORC 4503.41. Form: BMV 4507 (Gratis Registration Application).

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

100% SC disability rating OR VA monetary allowance for vehicle purchase due to SC disability.

Authority: ORC 4503.41; ORC 4503.571.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Honorable or general under honorable discharge for most military plates; specific medals or awards for award-specific plates.

Authority: ORC 4503.40 et seq.; BMV Military License Plates program.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Ohio does not have a statewide veteran toll exemption for E-ZPass or the Ohio Turnpike. DV plates do not convey toll exemptions on the Ohio Turnpike or any Ohio toll facility. ⚠️ verify locally — no DVS announcement or Ohio Turnpike Commission rule confirmed a veteran toll waiver as of 2026.

14. Public Transit Discount

**Partial.** No statewide veteran transit discount program exists through Ohio DVS or ODOT. Some local agencies offer reductions:
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify current schedule at cota. - **GCRTA (Cleveland):** No confirmed veteran-specific discount found in 2026 research. ⚠️ verify at riderta.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

Veteran with a service-connected disability that limits or impairs ability to walk; requires a VA letter (within 1 year) confirming the SC disability, plus a health care provider's completed Section C of BMV Form 4531.
Verify locally: **Eligibility:** Veteran with a service-connected disability that limits or impairs ability to walk; requires a VA letter (within 1 year) confirming the SC disability, plus a health care provider's completed Section C of BMV Form 4531.

Authority: ORC 4503.44; BMV Form 4531.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Veteran with 100% SC disability rating.
Verify locally: 23(B) ⚠️ verify exact subsection letter with BMV — subsection is confirmed in general but (B) designation not independently verified in statute text.

Authority: ORC 4507.23(B) ⚠️ verify exact subsection letter with BMV — subsection is confirmed in general but (B) designation not independently verified in statute text.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Honorably discharged veterans who held a military occupational specialty involving operation of vehicles equivalent to CDL categories.

Authority: Ohio BMV CDL Military Exemption program; 49 CFR 383.77 (federal).

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Any honorably discharged veteran.

Authority: ORC 4507.13; BMV Armed Forces Designation program.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

Ohio resident veteran who is permanently and totally disabled and receiving VA pension or compensation, with honorable discharge, and Ohio residency of at least 6 consecutive months. Also available to former POWs (honorably discharged, Ohio residents).

Authority: ORC 1533.12; DNR Form 9032-B (5-Year Free License Application).

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Included in the same free 5-year combination license package as Category 19. Freshwater fishing license is part of the Ohio Division of Wildlife package for P&T disabled veterans and former POWs.

Authority: ORC 1533.12.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Ohio is a landlocked state with no saltwater fishery. No salt fishing license category exists.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

Same as Categories 19–20. The free license is issued as a combination package (hunting + fishing + fur taker + deer + turkey + wetlands stamp). A single DNR Form 9032-B application covers the full combination.

Authority: ORC 1533.12.

23. Trapping License

Same P&T disabled veteran criteria as Category 19.

Authority: ORC 1533.12 (expressly includes "fur taker permit").

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Unavailable as a veteran-specific exemption.** Ohio's 75 state parks do not charge day-use or entry fees for any visitor — all state parks are free to enter. No veteran-specific day-use exemption is needed or documented.

25. State Parks — Camping

Permanently and totally disabled veterans (P&T receiving VA pension or compensation, honorably discharged, Ohio resident) and former POWs (honorably discharged, Ohio resident).
Verify locally: Proof of Ohio residency required at check-in. ⚠️ verify locally whether this discount is year-round or seasonal (November only during Veterans Day observances per some ODNR announcements).

Authority: Ohio Administrative Code Rule 1501:46-2-40; reserveohio.com DAV/POW online pass program.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

No formal veteran-specific annual or lifetime pass structure exists. The 5-year camping pass (Category 25) serves a similar function. Ohio state parks are free-entry, so no annual entrance pass is needed. ⚠️ verify locally whether any new lifetime pass program has been enacted since the 2026 research date.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify locally whether any new lifetime pass program has been enacted since the 2026 research date.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100% by the VA (or who received a VA vehicle purchase allowance due to SC disability), Medal of Honor recipients, and former POWs (Ohio residents, honorably discharged). Note: eligibility is based on 100% SC rating, which is broader than P&T specifically; a veteran rated 100% SC without P&T status qualifies.

Authority: ORC 1547.54(Q); ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Veterans with honorable discharge or medical separation after at least 1 year of active service. Must establish Ohio domicile and be an Ohio resident as of the first day of enrollment. Extends to qualifying dependents (spouse and children) of veterans killed in action, declared MIA, or declared POW.

Authority: ORC 3333.31; Ohio Department of Higher Education.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

No separate state tuition waiver exclusively for disabled veterans (beyond War Orphans and Safety Officers programs) exists in Ohio for the veteran themselves. Veterans enrolled at Ohio public institutions with GI Bill benefits pay in-state rates via the GI Promise. SB 92 (property tax) is the primary 2025-2026 state financial priority for 100% SC veterans, not a tuition waiver.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify locally whether additional institutional fee waivers exist for severely disabled veterans at individual Ohio campuses.

Authority: ORC 3333.421. ⚠️ verify locally whether additional institutional fee waivers exist for severely disabled veterans at individual Ohio campuses.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

Child of an Ohio veteran who is (a) deceased from a service-connected cause, (b) rated SC at 60% or more, (c) declared POW/MIA, or (d) has a total permanent non-service-connected disability. Child must be age 16–24, an Ohio resident, enrolled full-time in an eligible Ohio college/university pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Ohio residency requirement: 5 cumulative years if entry/home of record was outside Ohio.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify 2026–2027 amounts at highered. **Benefit (2025–2026):** - Public Ohio institution: 100% of instructional and general fees - Private Ohio institution: ⚠️ verify current amount — the $9,449 figure cited in various sources could not be confirmed against the official 2025–2026 guidance memo; the WOS-parallel private award is $6,330 for that cycle. Contact Ohio Higher Ed at (614) 752-9481 for the confirmed SOCMF private figure.

Authority: ORC 5910.01 et seq.; Ohio Department of Higher Education; FA 26-012 guidance memo (July 31, 2025).

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Surviving spouse of military member killed in line of duty in a combat zone (after May 7, 1975):** Free tuition and student fees at Ohio public colleges/universities for up to 4 years of undergraduate education under the Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund.

Authority: ORC 3333.26(B).

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Current members of Ohio Army or Air National Guard in good standing (no prior bachelor's degree; high school diploma or GED required). Also available to former members with qualifying deployment (Latta Amendment). Must enroll at an approved school.

Authority: ORC 5919.34; ongsp.ohio.gov. Phone: 1-888-400-6484.

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star School Designation**

Authority: ORC 3319.83 (MIC3 Ohio enabling statute); Ohio Department of Education Purple Star program.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

No dedicated state education loan or loan-forgiveness program for veterans exists separate from the WOS, ONGSP, and Safety Officers Fund described above. The Ohio Veterans Bonus (Category 42) is a monetary bonus, not an education scholarship. Veterans access federal student loans at standard terms; the GI Bill (federal) is the primary scholarship-equivalent.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**State Civil Service Examination:** - Veterans (honorably discharged, 180+ days active duty, Ohio resident): **20% bonus** added to passing examination score for competitive-examination positions in Ohio state government. - Reserve/National Guard (post-initial training, in good standing): **15% bonus** added to passing examination score.

Authority: ORC 124.23; ORC 5903.15.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Educator licenses:** Fees eliminated for veterans, current service members, and active-duty spouses. Military service experience credited toward licensure. One-year out-of-state educator license and temporary military educator license available. Military extensions on existing Ohio licenses available. Contact: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, (877) 644-6338.

Authority: ORC 4743.04 (general licensing credit); Ohio HB 133 (military family license reciprocity); Ohio Department of Education military educator licensing rules.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Spouse of an active duty service member stationed in Ohio who holds a valid professional license in another state (any regulated profession).

Authority: ORC 4743.04; ORC 3319.26 (educator); Ohio HB 133; 2023 Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act (SCRA amendment).

38. Business License Fee Break

**Veteran-Owned Business (VOB/SDVOSB):** Ohio does not offer a separate state business license fee waiver exclusively for veteran-owned businesses beyond the general licensing credit provisions. Certified VOBs and SDVOSBs may receive procurement preferences in Ohio state contracting under the Ohio Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) program.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**State Employee Military Leave:** Reserve component state employees receive up to 1 month of paid military leave per calendar year; sick, vacation, and personal leave continue to accrue during absence.

Authority: ORC 5923.05; ORC 124.38; USERRA (38 USC §4301 et seq.).

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

Veterans, active duty military, members of reserve components, and surviving spouses (also available to healthcare workers, educators, and first responders).
Verify locally: **Income limits:** ⚠️ verify current limits at myohiohome. **Purchase price limits:** ⚠️ verify current limits at myohiohome.

Authority: ORC 175.16; Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). Contact: (888) 362-6432; myohiohome.org.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Ohio resident service member or veteran who (a) served on or after October 7, 2001, AND (b) was injured while on active duty in theater under OEF/OIF/Operation New Dawn, OR (c) received a medical diagnosis of PTSD from service after October 7, 2001.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify the exact MIRF family death benefit amount directly with Ohio DVS at (877) 644-6838 — program materials reference up to $6,500 combined (MIRF + Veterans Bonus KIA supplement), but the MIRF-specific portion per Ohio Admin Code Rule 5902-8-02 text independently authorizes the $500/year base; the $5,000 KIA component is confirmed separately under the Veterans Bonus program (Category 42).

Authority: Ohio Administrative Code 5902-8-01 et seq.; HB 66 (2005), amended HB 153 (2011).

42. State Veteran Bonus

Ohio resident at time of entry onto active duty AND current Ohio resident. Honorably served more than 90 days on or after October 7, 2001, through August 30, 2021 (OEF/OIF/OND period), in a federally recognized period of armed conflict.

Authority: ORC 5903.01 et seq.; Ohio DVS Veterans Bonus program (total paid: $73.5 million+ across 90,000+ claims).

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

No Ohio state supplement to the federal SAH/SHA grants is documented. Federal programs available to qualifying Ohio veterans:

Authority: 38 USC §2101; VA Form 26-4555. Contact VA at (800) 827-1000.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

Total household income at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Ohio resident for at least 1 year; most recent discharge honorable or general under honorable conditions; service during a period of war or declared armed conflict (OR Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal OR Vietnam Service Medal); unable to earn a living due to disability, disease, or condition.

Authority: ORC 5907 et seq. Toll-free: 1-866-644-6838.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**OhioCares:** State-local collaboration providing behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis resources for service members, veterans, and families. Contact: (800) 720-9616. OANG members: (800) 761-0868.

Authority: Ohio DVS and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioCares MOU).

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

No Ohio state dental or vision benefit program exclusively for veterans exists beyond federal VA programs.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Unavailable as a standalone state program.** No Ohio state supplement to the federal VA Aid and Attendance benefit is documented. Veterans qualifying for VA A&A receive the federal rate increase.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify Medicaid interaction rules locally with your county VSO.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Ohio Veterans Treatment Courts:** Courts across Ohio offer treatment and diversion over punishment for justice-involved veterans with substance use or mental health issues, operated in partnership with Ohio DVS, VA, and CVSOs. Annual Lean Forward Veterans Summit: next scheduled November 19, 2026. Contact: dvs.ohio.gov; ohamvets.org.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

Active duty service members with qualifying firearms training, AND honorably discharged veterans.
Verify locally: **Action:** Apply at your county sheriff's office; confirm with sheriff that funds remain available for the year.

Authority: ORC 2923.125; Ohio SB 81.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**DD-214 Recording:** Veterans may record their DD-214 with their county recorder free of charge (county recorder absorbs the fee). Once recorded, a permanent copy is retained. ⚠️ verify the fee waiver with your county recorder as practices may vary.
Verify locally: ⚠️ verify the fee waiver with your county recorder as practices may vary.

Authority: ORC 317.21 (county recorder fee practices).

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Ohio Military Records Office:** Maintains records for Ohio enlistees and wartime bonuses. Contact: Ohio DVS, 77 S. High Street, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (888) 387-6446; fax (614) 387-7317.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who held the enhanced homestead exemption at the time of death. Must continue to occupy the property as primary residence.

Authority: ORC 323.152(C).

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund (SOCMF):** Surviving spouse of a military member killed in the line of duty in a designated combat zone (after May 7, 1975) receives free tuition and student fees at Ohio public colleges/universities for up to 4 years of undergraduate education.

Authority: ORC 3333.26(B).

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

- **Ohio War Orphans Scholarship (children):** See Category 30. Age 16–24, Ohio resident, parent 60%+ SC disabled/deceased/POW/MIA. - **DIC (federal):** Tax-free at federal and Ohio state levels (Cate

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Current Ohio Veterans Home residents at time of death.

Authority: ORC 5907; Ohio DVS.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Federal VA burial allowances (available to eligible Ohio veterans):**

Authority: 38 USC §§2302–2308; 38 CFR Part 38. VA Form 21P-530 (Burial Benefits Application).

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Headstone/Marker:** Government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion at no cost for most veterans (discharge other than dishonorable). Available at any burial location (national cemetery or private cemetery).

Authority: 38 USC §2306 (headstones/markers); 38 USC §2301 (burial flag); 10 USC §985 (funeral honors). DoD Funeral Honors hotline: (877) 421-3755.