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South Carolina — 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 South Carolina
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty In-state tuition (stationed in SC); resident hunting/fishing rates on leave; Guard/Reserve drill pay tax exemption; SCMFRF grant eligibility (if called to active duty post-9/11); SC-SCRA contract termination protections
Guard / Reserve Drill pay and inactive-duty training pay fully exempt from SC income tax; SCNG CAP up to $12,000/yr (lifetime cap $25,000); 15 days paid state leave; SCMFRF grants; SC-SCRA protections; hiring preference
Military Retiree 100% military retirement pay tax-free (all branches, no age/income cap, effective TY 2022); SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP also exempt; SC income tax now 1.99%/5.21% two-bracket (H. 4216 signed Mar 2026); veteran DL designation free; hiring preference
Veteran (honorable, no rating) Veteran DL designation (free); state hiring preference (all agencies must interview at least one qualified vet per FTE posting); CDL skills/knowledge waiver (qualifying MOS); state park half-price passport at age 65+; veterans cemetery burial (Dolly Cooper) at no cost
0% SC Same as Veteran no-rating; no additional state benefits trigger at 0%
10–20% Free 3-year Disability Combination License (hunting, freshwater + saltwater fishing, big game, WMA, waterfowl); CWP $50 fee waived
30–40% Same as 10–20%
50–60% Same as 10–20%; HB 4700 (pending in committee as of May 2026) would add proportional property tax exemption if enacted — not yet law
70–90% Same as 10–20%; HB 4700 (pending) would add proportional property tax exemption if enacted
100% schedular Full property tax exemption on home (up to 5 acres) and 2 vehicles; 3 free DV plate sets; free metered parking with DV plate; half-price All Park Passport ($49.50/yr); vehicle registration waived on 2 vehicles
TDIU Same property tax, plate, and registration benefits as 100% if rated P&T by VA; confirm TDIU permanent designation for property tax purposes
P&T Full property tax exemption (home + up to 5 acres + 2 vehicles); retroactive to the year disability began (back to 2022 if applicable); transfers to unremarried surviving spouse; 3 free DV plate sets; free metered parking; half-price All Park Passport
SMC (Housebound/A&A) Same underlying benefits as P&T; no separate SMC-specific state benefit layer identified; access to 6 state veterans nursing homes
Surviving spouse / dependents Property tax exemption transfers immediately to unremarried surviving spouse (no re-application required; portable to new home); 1 vehicle exemption continues; SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP income tax-free; free tuition for eligible children; $300 fee for spouse burial at Dolly Cooper Cemetery

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Veterans with a total, permanent, and service-connected disability (100% P&T). Also POWs from designated wars and Medal of Honor recipients.
Verify locally: **Action:** Apply as soon as P&T is confirmed.

Authority: S.C. Code § 12-37-220(B); Act of March 2024 (Bill 3116, 2023-24 session); SCDOR PT401I form.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Same 100% P&T service-connected disability (or POW/Medal of Honor). Vehicles must be private passenger vehicles owned by or leased to the veteran, or the spouse residing with the veteran at the same address, or held in a trust where the veteran or surviving spouse is the income beneficiary.

Authority: S.C. Code § 12-37-220(B); Act of March 2024.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

South Carolina does not offer a sales tax or use tax exemption on vehicle purchases specifically for veterans or disabled veterans. The property tax exemption (Category 2) covers annual personal property taxes on owned vehicles, not the one-time purchase sales/use tax.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

South Carolina enacted major income tax reform in 2026 (H. 4216, signed March 30, 2026, effective TY 2026). New brackets: 1.99% on income under $30,000; 5.21% on income at and above $30,000.

Authority: S.C. Code § 12-6-1130; H. 4216 (2026); SCDOR Revenue Procedure #08-3.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Benefit:** **100% exempt** from SC income tax for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. No age requirement. No income cap. No earned-income test. The exemption has been in place since tax year 2022 and continues under the 2026 H. 4216 tax reform.

Authority: S.C. Code § 12-6-1171; SCDVA news release "Claiming military retiree state income tax exemption in SC."

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

Surviving spouses or beneficiaries receiving SBP, RCSBP (Reserve Component SBP), or RSFPP (Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan) annuity payments.

Authority: S.C. Code § 12-6-1171; S.C. Revenue Ruling 21-11.

7. State Income Tax — General

**Does SC have an income tax?** Yes. Under H. 4216 (signed March 30, 2026, effective TY 2026): 1.99% on income under $30,000; 5.21% on income at or above $30,000. The rate reduction triggers in future years based on revenue projections.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

South Carolina does not issue a general sales tax exemption card or provide a broad veteran/military sales tax exemption. The state's sales tax applies to veteran purchases without a general carve-out. No statute confirming a veteran sales tax card was identified.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Homestead exemption (non-military):** SC residents who are 65+, legally blind, or totally disabled (any cause) receive a $50,000 assessed-value reduction on their primary home. Veterans who are totally disabled — even if not service-connected — may qualify under the "totally disabled" category. Apply through the county auditor (S.C. Code § 12-37-250).

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Veterans holding a Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate (100% P&T service-connected or 100% combat-related service-connected disability).

Authority: SCDMV; S.C. Code § 56-3-1110.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

100% total, permanent, service-connected disability (including combat-related). DD-214 plus current VA disability certification required.
Verify locally: Plates issued **after May 6, 2022** have a design indicator in the top-right corner confirming the parking privilege.

Authority: SCDMV Military Plates page; S.C. Code § 56-3-1110.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

South Carolina offers more than **56 military plate designs**:
Verify locally: South Carolina offers more than **56 military plate designs**: | Plate Type | Fee | Free Sets | Parking Privilege | |---|---|---|---| | Medal of Honor | Free | 3 | Free metered parking | | Purple Heart | Free | 3 | Free metered parking; motorcycle plate available | | Disabled Veteran | Free (100% P&T) | 3 | Free metered parking (post-May 6, 2022 plates) | | Gold Star Family | Free | 3 | Free metered parking | | Veteran (generic) | Standard registration fee | 4 (limit) | None | | POW/MIA | ⚠️ verify fee with SCDMV | ⚠️ verify | ⚠️ verify | | Branch/unit plates | Standard fee | Standard | None | The design in the top-right corner of qualifying military plates indicates free metered parking eligibility. Fees by check or money order where applicable.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

South Carolina has minimal toll infrastructure and no statewide veteran toll waiver program has been identified. Verify with SCDOT (dot.sc.gov) for any future toll projects.

14. Public Transit Discount

Not available in this jurisdiction.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**General disabled placard:** Available to anyone with a qualifying disability, not limited to veterans. Physician certification on Form RG-007A required; $1 fee; valid up to 4 years (permanent) or 1 year (temporary).

Authority: SCDMV Forms RG-007A and MV-37.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Veteran designation on DL/ID:** Honorably discharged veterans may have "Veteran" printed on their beginner's permit, driver's license, or ID card at **no charge**. No fee for mid-cycle addition or at renewal. Apply in person at any SCDMV branch.

Authority: SCDMV Military License/ID page (dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/military).

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

Active duty service members or veterans discharged within the **last 12 months**.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Covered in Category 16 above. No charge; add at any SCDMV branch with qualifying documentation.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

SC resident veterans receiving VA disability compensation at any compensable rating (10% and above). Must be SC resident for at least 365 consecutive days.

Authority: S.C. Code § 50-9-510 (disability license provisions).

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Included** in the Disability Combination License (see Category 19). A Disability Fishing License (freshwater + saltwater only, no hunting component) is also available free for veterans who do not want the hunting coverage.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

**Included** in both the Disability Combination License and the Disability Fishing License (Category 19). Covers coastal waters and marine species.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

The Disability Combination License covers freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting, big game, WMA, and Migratory Waterfowl — this is the combo license. See Category 19 for full details and application.

23. Trapping License

No veteran or disabled veteran trapping license benefit identified. The Disability Combination License does not cover trapping. Verify with SCDNR at 803-734-3833.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**100% disabled SC residents** (any cause, not limited to veterans) qualify for a half-price All Park Passport ($49.50 instead of $99), which provides unlimited entry for all vehicle occupants.
Verify locally: **All other veterans below 100%:** No confirmed separate free day-use benefit under current law.

25. State Parks — Camping

No free camping benefit specific to veterans has been confirmed. Camping fees apply even with the half-price All Park Passport (passport covers entry only, not campsites). Verify whether individual parks offer veteran camping discounts at southcarolinaparks.com.
Verify locally: No free camping benefit specific to veterans has been confirmed. Verify whether individual parks offer veteran camping discounts at southcarolinaparks.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Half-price All Park Passport ($49.50/year):** Available to SC residents who are 65+, legally blind, 100% disabled, or active SC National Guard. Veterans meeting the 100% disabled threshold qualify. Passport provides unlimited vehicle entry and free tours of historic homes, lighthouses, and the castle (up to 4 people per vehicle).
Verify locally: Verify with SC Parks at 803-734-0156.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**No veteran-specific boat registration fee exemption identified.** Standard fees apply ($10–$20 depending on vessel length). The Casual Excise Tax on boat purchases also applies to military personnel. The property tax exemption for disabled veterans covers private passenger vehicles — boats are generally excluded.
Verify locally: Verify with SCDNR Boating Division (803-734-3857) for any current disabled veteran boat registration waivers.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Under S.C. Code § 59-112-50, "covered individuals" entitled to in-state tuition rates at SC public institutions: - Veterans who served 90+ days on active duty (any branch including Reserve/Guard) using federal VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, or 33 of Title 38 USC) while physically residing in South Carolina. - Active duty service members and their dependents stationed in SC on official orders. - Dependents using transferred VA education benefits. - Nonresident service members on official orders in SC.

Authority: S.C. Code § 59-112-50; aligns with federal Choice Act (38 USC § 3679).

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Not available in this jurisdiction.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

Age 26 or younger; enrolled as undergraduate at eligible SC institution; SC resident for 12 continuous months prior to application.

Authority: S.C. Code § 59-111-20; apply through SCDVA Education office at 803-647-2434 or sc.accessgov.com/scdva.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

Not available in this jurisdiction.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Active drilling members of SC Army or Air National Guard who have completed Basic Training and AIT/IADT (Initial Active Duty for Training).

Authority: SC Commission on Higher Education (che.sc.gov/scngcap); 803-299-2734.

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star School Designation:** SC recognizes schools and districts demonstrating commitment to military-connected students. As of early 2026, SC has 17 Purple Star School Districts and 7 Purple Star Schools.

Authority: SC Dept. of Education (ed.sc.gov); SCDVA Purple Star Program page; 803-734-8485.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

Not available in this jurisdiction.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

Honorably discharged veterans who qualify for federal veterans preference.

Authority: S.C. Code § 8-17-370 (state hiring preference); SCDVA Employment page (scdva.sc.gov/employment).

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Expedited processing:** SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) expedites professional license applications from veterans. No confirmed general fee waiver for veterans across all professions.
Verify locally: No confirmed general fee waiver for veterans across all professions. A general professional license fee waiver for veterans (beyond CWP and CDL) was not confirmed in SC statutes. Verify with LLR at 803-896-4300 or llr.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

Married to and living with an active duty service member stationed in SC under official orders.

Authority: LLR Military Spouse Licensure page; federal VAEA 2023.

38. Business License Fee Break

**No confirmed veteran-specific business license fee waiver** in South Carolina state law. Some county or municipal governments may offer local preferences.
Verify locally: **No confirmed veteran-specific business license fee waiver** in South Carolina state law. State procurement preferences for VOSBs in general SC statute are not confirmed. Verify with SCDVA or the SC Budget and Control Board.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

Must not already have SCRS credit for the same military period; discharge must be under other-than-dishonorable conditions. - **Contact:** SC PEBA (peba.sc.gov); 803-737-6800.

Authority: S.C. Code § 8-7-90 (military leave); PEBA Military Service Credit rules; SCRS Handbook FY2026.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**Palmetto Heroes Program (SC Housing, 2026):** - **$10,000 forgivable down payment assistance** paired with a low fixed-rate 30-year mortgage through the SC Housing lender network (100+ lenders statewide). - Eligible: Veterans, active duty military, National Guard members (plus teachers, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and other public servants). - Veterans must have served on active duty (other than active duty for training) and received a discharge other than dishonorable within the past 25 years. - Subject to first-time homebuyer and income qualifications (veteran exceptions to first-time buyer rule apply). - **2026 program status:** Launched March 16, 2026 and closed April 13, 2026 after 272 loans registered — funds exhausted in approximately 28 days. Watch for the 2027 launch at schousing.sc.gov.

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

SC National Guard members or SC residents serving in U.S. Armed Forces Reserve called to active duty post-9/11. Pay grade cap: O-3 or below (commissioned); W-2 or below (warrant). One grant per fiscal year; one per active duty order. - **Apply:** SCDVA, ATTN: SCMFRF Coordinator, 1205 Pendleton St., Ste. 369, Columbia, SC 29201; 803-734-0200. - **Authority:** SCDVA; established by SC Legislature 2004.

Authority: SCDVA; established by SC Legislature 2004.

42. State Veteran Bonus

South Carolina does not have a current state deployment bonus or re-enlistment bonus program for veterans. No legislation enacting a state veteran bonus has been confirmed as of May 2026. Verify with SCDVA at 803-734-0200 as legislation is periodically proposed.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

The federal SAH and SHA grants are the primary resource: - **SAH (Specially Adapted Housing):** Up to $126,526 (FY2026) for 100% service-connected disability requiring adapted housing. - **SHA (Special Housing Adaptation):** Up to $25,350 (FY2026) for lesser adaptations. - **HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations):** VA-administered; medically necessary home modifications regardless of disability rating.
Verify locally: **State supplement:** No confirmed SC state supplement to federal SAH/SHA has been identified. Verify with SCDVA at 803-734-0200.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

No confirmed veteran-specific state utility or heating assistance program beyond general low-income programs (LIHEAP, federal) for which veterans may qualify.
Verify locally: No confirmed veteran-specific state utility or heating assistance program beyond general low-income programs (LIHEAP, federal) for which veterans may qualify. Verify with local county veteran service offices for county-level utility assistance programs.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Honorable discharge (other than dishonorable); SC resident for 1+ year; need for skilled or intermediate nursing care. Post-1980 enlistees: 24-month service requirement (federal rule).

Authority: S.C. Code Title 25, Chapter 11; SCDVA (scdva.sc.gov).

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Veterans Treatment Mentor Court (Richland/Kershaw counties):** Diverts veterans from criminal justice for non-violent charges; services include anger management, substance abuse and mental health treatment, PTSD therapy, and abuse counseling. Eligibility: non-violent charge, eligible for VA benefits, treatable behavioral/mental health/chemical dependency condition. Contact: 803-576-1893.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

Not available in this jurisdiction.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

Not available in this jurisdiction.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**SC-VALOR Program (Veteran and Armed Services Legal Outreach):** - Administered through the SC Attorney General's Office. - Free legal clinics statewide: wills, powers of attorney, SCRA issues, and deployment-related matters (landlord/tenant, employment, interest-rate compliance). - Referral network for free or heavily discounted legal help for complex matters. - Contact: 803-734-VETS (9387); intake at scag.gov/inside-the-office/executive-division/sc-valor-program.

Authority: SC Attorney General's Office; USC School of Law.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) fee waiver:** - The $50 CWP application and renewal fee is **waived for disabled veterans** at any VA-recognized service-connected disability rating. - Required: VA disability documentation showing the rating percentage. - Apply through SLED (sled.sc.gov/concealed-weapons-permit). - Note: SC enacted Constitutional Carry in 2023 — law-abiding residents may carry concealed without a permit. Obtaining a CWP still provides reciprocity benefits in other states.

Authority: S.C. Code § 23-31-215; SLED CWP page.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Discharge recording:** County Clerks record military discharge documents (DD-214 and equivalents) **free of charge**. Certified copies are available at a maximum of **$0.50 per copy**. - **Authority:** S.C. Code Title 30, Chapter 15.

Authority: S.C. Code Title 30, Chapter 15.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**SC Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SC-SCRA):** State extension of federal SCRA/USERRA. Allows veterans and service members to terminate telecom, internet, TV, gym, and satellite service contracts with 90+ day relocation orders. Remedies: injunction, restitution, civil penalty up to $5,000. Contact: 803-299-4319; S.C. Code § 25-1-3310 et seq.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Full exemption transfers immediately** to the unremarried surviving spouse of a 100% P&T veteran: - No re-application required. The exemption follows the property. - Surviving spouse may move the exemption to a **new primary residence** purchased after the veteran's death. - The 2024 expansion also allows surviving spouses who relocate **to South Carolina** after the veteran's death to qualify for the property tax exemption on their new home, even if the veteran never applied in SC. - The exemption on 1 vehicle also transfers to the surviving spouse. - Spouse must remain unmarried and maintain the home as primary legal residence. - The veteran need never have applied for or received the exemption during his or her lifetime.

Authority: S.C. Code § 12-37-220(B); Act of March 2024; SCDOR.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans killed in action or who died from service-connected causes** may qualify for the same free tuition program available to dependent children (Category 30), subject to the same SC residency requirements and unmarried-status requirement.
Verify locally: Verify with SCDVA Education at 803-647-2434.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**DIC (federal):** Tax-free at both federal and SC state levels; not subject to SC income tax.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Honorable discharge (other-than-dishonorable); and one of: - Was a SC resident when entering service - Died in SC - Resided in SC for 5 or more years (waivable by SCDVA) - Active duty death - Retired with 20+ years National Guard/Reserve qualifying for retired pay

Authority: S.C. Code Title 25; SCDVA cemetery program.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**No separate SC state burial cash allowance** has been confirmed beyond free services at Dolly Cooper Cemetery.
Verify locally: **No separate SC state burial cash allowance** has been confirmed beyond free services at Dolly Cooper Cemetery.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Headstone/Marker at Dolly Cooper:** Provided at no cost as part of cemetery services (Category 56). Veteran's choice of flat granite marker.