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Tennessee — 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 Tennessee
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty In-state tuition at TN public colleges; vehicle sales-tax exemption (combat-zone deployment only); CDL skills-test waiver; transit discounts (select localities); state parks veteran discount
Guard / Reserve STRONG Act last-dollar tuition reimbursement; CDL skills-test waiver; state parks discount; hiring preference for state jobs; Helping Heroes Grant eligibility
Military Retiree No state income tax on any income; hiring preference; in-state tuition; state parks discount; veteran DL designation; Helping Heroes Grant eligibility
Veteran (honorable, no rating) In-state tuition; hiring preference; state parks camping discount (25%/50%); veteran DL designation; state cemetery eligibility; legal aid access; Helping Heroes Grant (if qualifying medal)
0% SC All veteran benefits above; VA healthcare enrollment eligibility; state veterans home (TSVH) eligibility
10–20% All above; standard fees apply for most programs
30–40% All above; lifetime combo hunt/fish license ($10 one-time; 30%+ wartime SC)
50–60% All above
70–90% All above; TSVH room and board 100% covered by VA Higher Per Diem
100% schedular Property tax relief on up to $175,000 FMV; free first vehicle registration and plate; county motor vehicle privilege tax exempt; free DV plate; lifetime hunt/fish license ($10); TSVH at no out-of-pocket cost
TDIU Same as 100% schedular for most programs if P&T designation is present; TSVH at no cost; property tax relief eligibility requires P&T marker — verify with county trustee
P&T All 100% benefits confirmed; surviving spouse property tax relief on up to $100,000 FMV; CHAMPVA for eligible dependents
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits plus federal SMC payments; TSVH priority admission
Surviving spouse / dependents Dependent tuition waiver (KIA/POW/MIA parent); property tax relief on up to $100,000 FMV; in-state tuition; surviving spouse hiring preference

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Veteran must own and use the property as a primary residence AND meet one of the following qualifying conditions:
Verify locally: **Note on TDIU:** ⚠️ Verify locally — the statute references "permanent and total disability as determined by the VA. Confirm with your county trustee before applying.

Authority: T.C.A. § 67-5-704.

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

100% permanent and total service-connected disability OR former POW (as determined by the VA).

Authority: T.C.A. § 5-8-102(a) and (d).

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Three narrow exemptions exist; no general sales-tax card for veterans:

Authority: T.C.A. § 67-6-303; Revenue Ruling SUT-86.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**No separate exemption needed** — Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, salaries, or any other earned income. Active duty pay is completely tax-free at the state level. The Hall Income Tax on dividends and interest was repealed effective January 1, 2021.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**No separate exemption needed** — Tennessee has no state income tax. Military retirement pay (including National Guard and Reserve) is completely tax-free. No special form or waiver required.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**No separate exemption needed** — Tennessee has no state income tax. SBP annuity payments are not subject to any Tennessee state tax.

7. State Income Tax — General

**No state income tax on any income** — VA disability compensation, Social Security, pensions, wages, investment income, and all other income are zero-taxed at the state level. Hall Income Tax was the last remnant; it was repealed January 1, 2021.

Authority: T.C.A. § 67-2-101 et seq.; Hall Tax repeal per Public Chapter No. 377 (2016), effective 2021.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Tennessee does not issue a general sales-tax-exempt card to veterans for everyday purchases. The only sales-tax relief for veterans is the narrow adaptive-vehicle and combat-zone exemptions described in Category 3.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Property tax relief for low-income elderly/disabled (non-veteran track):** Tennessee also operates a separate program for low-income elderly and disabled residents under T.C.A. § 67-5-702/703. Income limit: approximately $37,530 (verify current figure with county trustee). Relief applies on the first $32,700 of market value. Veterans who do not meet the disabled-veteran criteria may qualify under this track.
Verify locally: Income limit: approximately $37,530 (verify current figure with county trustee).

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**100% P&T or former POW:** The state provides one free registration and license plate for any motor vehicle owned or leased (solely or jointly with spouse) by the veteran and not used for commercial purposes. Additional vehicles are not exempt.

Authority: T.C.A. § 55-4-256.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

- Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, OR - Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands, OR - Permanent visual impairment: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or visual field contracted to 20 degrees or less. - Must be a Tennessee resident entitled to VA compensation for one of the above SC conditions. - Note: This is a narrower eligibility definition than the 100% P&T standard used for property tax and registration exemptions. A veteran may qualify for one but not the other.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 55-4-237, 55-4-256, 55-8-160, 55-21-105.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Tennessee offers a large catalog of specialty veteran plates, most at standard fees ($29.80 initial / $26.50 annual). Notable plates include:
Verify locally: Notable plates include: - Purple Heart Recipients - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients — ⚠️ confirm fee status with county clerk - Bronze Star Recipients - Distinguished Flying Cross Recipients - Air Medal Recipients - Former Prisoners of War - Pearl Harbor Survivors; WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, OIF/OEF/OND Veterans - Women Veterans; Blue Star Families; Gold Star Families - Honorably Discharged Veteran (standard fee) Full details at the [Tennessee Department of Revenue plates page](https://www.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

No statewide toll exemption for veterans is identified in Tennessee statutes or TDVS materials. Tennessee has no active state-operated toll roads offering veteran exemptions. ⚠️ Verify locally if new toll facilities have opened near you.

14. Public Transit Discount

Tennessee transit is operated locally, not statewide. Confirmed programs:
Verify locally: Confirmed programs: - **WeGo Public Transit (Nashville / Davidson County):** Active duty military and veterans ride **free** with military ID or veteran documentation. Program confirmed active 2025–2026.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

DV plates (Category 11) confer full handicap parking privileges under T.C.A. § 55-21-105. The free disabled decal (Public Chapter 720) extends parking privileges to any existing specialty plate. Standard disabled placards also available through county clerk upon VA documentation. ⚠️ Verify with county clerk whether a new free distinguishing placard option (effective July 1, 2026) applies in your county.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with county clerk whether a new free distinguishing placard option (effective July 1, 2026) applies in your county.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Veteran designation on TN driver license or photo ID:** Available to honorably discharged veterans. Requires DD-214 at a Driver Services Center.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**Highways for Heroes — CDL road skills test waiver:**

Authority: TN Department of Safety; aligned with FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver program.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

See Category 16. Tennessee offers a "VETERAN" designation on driver licenses and state IDs for honorably discharged veterans. Requires DD-214. Standard duplicate/renewal fees apply.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Lifetime hunting license — disabled veteran rate:**

Authority: T.C.A. § 70-2-104; TWRA licensing statutes.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Included in the $10 lifetime combination license described in Category 22. Same eligibility, fee, and application process.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

**Unavailable as a distinct category** — Tennessee is landlocked; no saltwater fishing license tier exists.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Lifetime Combination Hunt/Fish License for disabled veterans:**

Authority: T.C.A. § 70-2-104.

23. Trapping License

**Unavailable (confirmed separate benefit not found)** — Tennessee's disabled-veteran TWRA combo license covers hunting and sport fishing. No confirmed separate trapping license benefit is identified in available TWRA materials. ⚠️ Verify with TWRA (615-781-6500) whether the combo license includes a trapping endorsement.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (confirmed separate benefit not found)** — Tennessee's disabled-veteran TWRA combo license covers hunting and sport fishing. No confirmed separate trapping license benefit is identified in available TWRA materials. ⚠️ Verify with TWRA (615-781-6500) whether the combo license includes a trapping endorsement.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Veterans Day (November 11 annually):** Tennessee resident veterans receive complimentary 18-hole greens fees at state park golf courses. Free day-use access at state parks on Veterans Day is also available to the general public.

25. State Parks — Camping

Tennessee resident veteran; present proof of veteran status at check-in. **Authority:** [tnstateparks.com/about/discounts](https://tnstateparks.com/about/discounts)
Verify locally: **Eligibility:** Tennessee resident veteran; present proof of veteran status at check-in.

Authority: [tnstateparks.com/about/discounts](https://tnstateparks.com/about/discounts)

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

Tennessee does not offer a separate statewide annual or lifetime park pass for veterans. The percentage discounts in Category 25 apply per visit.

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Unavailable (confirmed veteran exemption not found)** — No veteran boat registration fee exemption is identified in Tennessee statutes. Boat registration fees range from $16–$62 and are administered by TWRA and county clerks. ⚠️ Verify with TWRA (615-781-6500) whether any administrative exception applies.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (confirmed veteran exemption not found)** — No veteran boat registration fee exemption is identified in Tennessee statutes. ⚠️ Verify with TWRA (615-781-6500) whether any administrative exception applies.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

Any veteran eligible to receive federal VA educational benefits (GI Bill, etc.), enrolled at a Tennessee public institution of higher education, and residing in Tennessee — regardless of formal legal residency — is charged in-state tuition. Effective August 1, 2022, all military service members (active duty, veteran, Guard, and Reserve) enrolled at any University of Tennessee system school receive in-state rates regardless of residency.

Authority: T.C.A. § 49-7-1304; Board of Regents / UT Board of Trustees policy.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

**Current program (T.C.A. § 49-7-102):**
Verify locally: ⚠️ Check with TDVS or your institution's financial aid office for current status before relying on this expansion.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

See Category 29 for the dependent tuition waiver (children under 23 of KIA/POW/MIA veterans). See also Category 33 for K-12 transition support.

31. Spouse Education Benefit

Surviving spouses are included in the Category 29 dependent tuition waiver (no age cap for spouses). For spouses of living service members, federal programs such as MyCAA may apply; Tennessee does not operate a separate state-only spouse education grant for spouses of living veterans.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**Tennessee STRONG Act:**

Authority: Tennessee STRONG Act; administered by TDVS and TN National Guard.

33. K-12 Support

**Tennessee Purple Star School Award:** Schools that demonstrate strong support for military-connected children earn the Purple Star designation. Criteria include a trained point-of-contact, a military-family resource webpage, and military-focused activities. Not a direct student benefit, but signals a supportive environment. Application period: September 15 – January 15 annually.

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Helping Heroes Grant:**

Authority: T.C.A. § 49-4-930 et seq.; administered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC).

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Tennessee TEAM Act — T.C.A. § 8-30-307:**

Authority: T.C.A. § 8-30-307.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**CDL skills waiver:** See Category 17.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify with the specific licensing board (nursing, real estate, contractors, cosmetology, etc.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Federal SCRA (as amended 2023):** Military spouses with professional licenses from another state may continue practicing in Tennessee at a similar scope of practice for the duration of military orders without meeting all Tennessee-specific requirements.

38. Business License Fee Break

**Unavailable (confirmed statewide program not found)** — Tennessee does not operate a confirmed statewide veteran-owned business license fee waiver or reduction. Tennessee does offer procurement preference through the Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDivBE) for certified veteran-owned businesses (contracting set-aside, not a license fee waiver). ⚠️ Verify with the Tennessee Secretary of State and individual county/municipal clerks — local programs may exist.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (confirmed statewide program not found)** — Tennessee does not operate a confirmed statewide veteran-owned business license fee waiver or reduction. ⚠️ Verify with the Tennessee Secretary of State and individual county/municipal clerks — local programs may exist.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) — T.C.A. § 8-34-605:**

Authority: T.C.A. § 8-34-605.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**THDA Great Choice — Homeownership for Heroes:**

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

**Unavailable (standalone state cash grant)** — Tennessee does not operate a dedicated general financial assistance cash grant for veterans separate from housing programs and the education grants. Veterans in financial distress may access: TN Department of Human Services programs (SNAP, LIHEAP — see Category 44); local VSO-sponsored emergency funds; and federal VA financial assistance (housing, vocational rehabilitation stipends).

42. State Veteran Bonus

Tennessee does not operate a wartime service bonus, combat bonus, or homecoming bonus pay program for veterans.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**Unavailable (state supplement)** — Tennessee does not operate a state-funded adapted housing supplement on top of federal VA SAH/SHA grants. Federal VA SAH grant (FY 2026): up to approximately $126,526; SHA grant: up to approximately $25,350. Apply through VA.gov.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program):** Federally funded, state-administered through 19 local agencies covering all 95 Tennessee counties. Covers heating (fall/winter) and cooling assistance. Eligibility is income-based (roughly 150–200% of the federal poverty line; varies by agency). No confirmed veteran-specific priority in Tennessee's LIHEAP administration.
Verify locally: No confirmed veteran-specific priority in Tennessee's LIHEAP administration.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

Honorably discharged veteran needing skilled nursing care who meets at least one of: Tennessee resident at admission, born in Tennessee, entered service in Tennessee, Tennessee listed as Home of Record, or has a Tennessee-resident immediate family member as primary caregiver. Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents admitted on a space-available basis.

Authority: Operated by Tennessee State Veterans' Homes Board; receives VA per-diem grants under 38 U.S.C. § 1741.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Federal VA services (primary delivery):** - VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (Nashville: 615-327-4751) and CBOCs statewide provide PTSD treatment, depression and anxiety care, military sexual trauma counseling, substance use disorder treatment, telehealth, and evidence-based therapies (CPT, PE). - **Vet Centers** (federally funded, no enrollment required): Nashville Vet Center and others provide free counseling for combat veterans and MST survivors.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**Unavailable (state program)** — Tennessee does not operate a state-funded dental, vision, or general health insurance program specifically for veterans. VA-enrolled veterans may receive dental care if 100% SC disabled, former POW, or otherwise clinically eligible. CHAMPVA covers eligible dependents and survivors of P&T veterans for most medical, dental, and vision needs.

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Unavailable (state supplement)** — Tennessee does not operate a state supplement to the federal VA Aid and Attendance benefit.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Veterans Treatment Courts:** Multiple operational courts across Tennessee — Nashville (Davidson County), Clarksville (Montgomery County), Murfreesboro (Rutherford County), and others. State-funded in part through the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Provides treatment, supervision, and alternatives to incarceration for veterans with substance use or mental health issues.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Constitutional / Permitless Carry (effective July 1, 2021):** - Any lawful adult (21+) may carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. - **Exception for veterans and military aged 18–20:** Honorably discharged veterans and active military aged 18–20 who completed basic training may carry without a permit — an exception to the 21+ general rule.
Verify locally: **Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (optional — needed for reciprocity in other states):** | Permit type | Standard fee | Military/veteran fee | |---|---|---| | 8-year Enhanced | $100 | $65 | | Lifetime Enhanced (new) | $300 | $265 | | Upgrade to Lifetime Enhanced | $200 | $200 | The $65 military fee represents the cost of the criminal background check only, per Public Chapter No.

Authority: T.C.A. § 39-17-1351; Public Chapter 866.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Unavailable (confirmed veteran-specific fee waiver not found)** — Tennessee does not offer a fee waiver on death certificates or other vital records specifically for veterans. Standard fee: $5 per certified death certificate copy. ⚠️ Verify with the Tennessee Office of Vital Records (615-741-1763) — some counties may offer local waivers.
Verify locally: **Unavailable (confirmed veteran-specific fee waiver not found)** — Tennessee does not offer a fee waiver on death certificates or other vital records specifically for veterans. ⚠️ Verify with the Tennessee Office of Vital Records (615-741-1763) — some counties may offer local waivers.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Tennessee Fallen Hero Medal:** Issued by TDVS to families of service members who died in the line of duty. [tn.gov/veteran/veteran-benefits/tn-state-benefits/veteran-burial-benefits/tennessee-fallen-hero-medal.html](https://www.tn.gov/veteran/veteran-benefits/tn-state-benefits/veteran-burial-benefits/tennessee-fallen-hero-medal.html)
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify quantity limits and eligibility details with TDVS or the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

Un-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for property tax relief (100% P&T, double-limb loss, paraplegia, or legal blindness) at the time of death, OR a service member killed in combat / who died of combat-related injuries.

Authority: T.C.A. § 67-5-704.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Current law:** Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or were POW/MIA receive a full waiver of tuition and fees at Tennessee public colleges and universities. No age cap for spouses (unlike dependent children, who must be under 23).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Check with TDVS or the institution for current status.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Dependent tuition waiver (current law):** Children under 23 of KIA/POW/MIA veterans receive a full waiver of tuition and fees at Tennessee public colleges and universities. See Category 29.

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

**Tennessee operates five State Veterans Cemeteries:**
Verify locally: 5M VA grant confirmed January 2026) | **Cost:** | Buried party | Cost | |---|---| | Veteran | No charge | | Eligible spouse or dependent children | No charge | Each interment includes: burial plot, opening and closing of grave, government grave marker (installation included), and perpetual care.

Authority: Operated by Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**No separate state burial allowance or plot allowance** — Tennessee's benefit is the free use of state veterans cemeteries (Category 56), which subsumes the plot cost.
Verify locally: - Non-SC death, receiving VA pension or compensation: up to approximately $300 plot allowance and up to approximately $948 burial allowance (verify current figures with VA).

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

Tennessee does not fund a separate state marker. The federal marker program covers all eligible veterans.