2024 Best Places for Disabled Veterans to Live

As a veteran with a 100% disability rating, you have many benefits available to you. These benefits can make your life much easier and help you live more comfortably.

Law firm Hill and Ponton Disability Attorneys’ recent findings will discuss the best states for a 100% disabled veteran to live.

We will look at each state’s tax exemptions, educational benefits, housing assistance, and financial assistance.

We hope these lists help service members and their families make the best decision for their future!

Here’s a list of all the questions covered:

What states have the best 100 VA disability benefits?
What are the most popular benefits in each state?
What state has the most VA benefits?
Which states have tax exemptions?

What States Have the Best Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans?

Alaska

Alaska provides generous benefits for disabled veterans.

Some of the key benefits include:

Alaska Property Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating can receive a tax break on the first $150,000 of assessed value of their home.
Free Camping Passes: Disabled veterans in Alaska can enjoy free camping passes through the Natural Resource Commissioners Office.

Florida

Florida offers excellent benefits to disabled veterans.

Here are some notable benefits:

Driver’s License Fee Exemption: 100% disabled veterans in Florida are exempt from certain driver’s license fees.
Hunting and Fishing License: Disabled veterans are entitled to free hunting and fishing licenses.
Property Tax Exemptions: Veterans with a 10% or greater disability rating can benefit from a $5,000 deduction on their home assessment for tax exemption purposes. Additionally, real estate owned and used as a homestead by a veteran with a permanent and total disability is exempt from taxation.
Disabled Veteran License Plate: 100% disabled veterans in Florida are eligible for a free Disabled Veteran license plate.

Idaho

Idaho offers various benefits and support to disabled veterans, including:

Property Tax Reduction: Qualified veterans in Idaho may receive reductions of up to $1,500 on property taxes for their homes and up to one acre of land.
Income Tax Deductions: Older disabled veterans may be eligible for deductions on their income tax.
Grocery Tax Credit: Disabled veterans in Idaho may qualify for a grocery tax credit.
Outdoor Recreation Discounts: Idaho veterans with 100% service-related disabilities can enjoy free camping in state parks and free day-use access.

Illinois

Disabled veterans in Illinois are entitled to several benefits, such as:

Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Disabled veterans can obtain free hunting and fishing licenses.
Disabled Veteran License Plates: Veterans with disabilities can receive free Disabled Veteran license plates.
Homestead Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% can benefit from a $5,000 homestead exemption, reducing the assessed value of their home for property tax calculations.

Nevada

Nevada provides valuable benefits to disabled veterans, including:

Property Tax Deduction: Disabled veterans in Nevada receive a property tax deduction corresponding to their level of disability. This deduction can be applied to their home or an automobile.
Low-Cost Care: Disabled veterans can access 24-hour care in Nevada State veterans homes at a reduced cost.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers various tax credits, exemptions, and benefits to disabled veterans.

Some notable benefits include:

Tax Credits and Exemptions: Disabled veterans, including those who are double amputees, paraplegic, or permanently and totally disabled, can benefit from tax credits and exemptions on real estate occupied as a principal place of abode.
No State Income Tax: New Hampshire does not require anyone, regardless of veteran status, to pay state income tax.
Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption: Disabled veterans are exempt from driver’s license and motor vehicle registration fees.

Texas

Texas is often considered one of the best states for disabled veterans.

Noteworthy benefits include:

Housing Grants: Texas offers various housing grants to disabled veterans, including those for home modifications and weatherization.
Free Driver’s License: Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating in Texas are entitled to a free driver’s license

Virginia

Virginia is known for its strong support and benefits for disabled veterans.

Some of the benefits available in Virginia include:

Property Tax Exemptions: Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability can receive property tax exemptions on their primary residence.
Employment Assistance: Virginia provides job placement assistance and resources for disabled veterans seeking employment.
Education Benefits: Veterans in Virginia may be eligible for education benefits, including tuition assistance and scholarships.
Healthcare Services: Disabled veterans in Virginia have access to comprehensive healthcare services through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Transportation Assistance: Virginia offers transportation programs to help disabled veterans access medical appointments and other essential services.

What are the Most Popular Veteran Benefits in Each State?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits to veterans throughout the United States.

Each state may have its own additional benefits for veterans.

Here are some popular state benefits for veterans in different states:

Alabama

State Veterans Homes Program
Tax exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed home value for disabled veterans
Free camping passes for disabled veterans

Alaska

Alaska Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Free camping passes for disabled veterans

Arizona

Special veteran license plates
Donations to veteran organizations through license plate fees

Arkansas

Tax exemption on military retirement pay
Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption for disabled veterans receiving Special Monthly Compensation

California

CalVet Home Loans for veterans purchasing homes
Tax exemptions, tuition waivers, and recreation discounts

Colorado

Property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans
Disabled Veteran license plates with a license tax waiver

Connecticut

Veteran American Flag designation on driver’s licenses and ID cards

Delaware

Various veteran license plates, including special parking accommodations

Florida

Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
Licensure and fee waivers, including free hunting and fishing licenses

Georgia

License plates with veteran-themed designs

Hawaii

Totally Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption
Island-specific tax exemptions for veterans

Idaho

Hunting and fishing license and tag fee reductions
Free camping and day-use access in state parks

Illinois

Veteran designation on state driver’s licenses
$5,000 homestead exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70%

Indiana

Tuition and fee exemption for eligible dependents of certain veterans
Property tax deductions and residential housing benefits

Iowa

Homeownership Assistance Program
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License programs

Kansas

Veteran hunting and fishing fee discounts
State park permits

Kentucky

Tuition waiver at state colleges for eligible dependents of certain veterans
Property tax exemptions

Louisiana

Various benefits and services, including emergency assistance and discounts
Military Family Assistance Fund for financial hardships

Maine

Maine Resident Lifetime Veteran State Park and Museum Pass
State-specific discounts from local businesses

Maryland

Property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans

Massachusetts

Tax exemptions, veteran preference for state employment, and tuition waivers

Michigan

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for emergency grants
Military Family Assistance Program for temporary financial emergencies

Minnesota

State Soldier’s Assistance Program for financial assistance
Hunting and fishing license discounts

Mississippi

Homestead exemption for 100% disabled veterans
Free access to state parks and recreational facilities

Missouri

Veterans Service Program for counseling and assistance
Knowledgeable veterans service organizations for additional assistance

Montana

Veteran Designation on driver’s licenses
Various tax and recreational benefits

Nebraska

Nebraska Veterans’ Aid for emergency financial assistance
Waiver of Tuition for dependents of eligible veterans

Nevada

Nevada Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
24-hour care in Nevada State veterans homes at a low cost

New Hampshire

Property tax credits and exemptions
Driver’s license fee exemptions

New Jersey

Income tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans
Spouses of veterans can also qualify for the exemption

New Mexico

Veterans State Property Tax Exemption
Free and reduced-fee recreational benefits and veteran license plates

New York

FreshConnect Checks program for fresh food vouchers
Home for Veterans Program and property tax exemptions

North Carolina

Veteran license plates and tax exclusion for 100% disabled veterans
State-specific benefits for veterans

North Dakota

Grant program for veterans with PTSD to receive service dogs
Veterans must meet specific criteria to qualify

Ohio

County Veterans Service Commissions for various assistance
Burial benefits, employment preference, and disabled veterans’ scholarship programs

Oklahoma

Tax benefits and special license plates for veterans
Free admission to state parks and state-operated museums

Oregon

Veteran Recognition License Plates with donations to veteran organizations
Various state benefits and discounts

Pennsylvania

Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans with financial need
Numerous veterans enrolled in the program

Rhode Island

State Tuition Assistance Program for RI National Guard members
Rhode Island Veterans Home for nursing and residential care

South Carolina

Complete property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans
Free tuition at state schools for children of certain veterans

South Dakota

Bonus program for active-duty military and veterans meeting service criteria
Hunting and fishing licenses, state park access, and tax benefits

Tennessee

Property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and their spouses
Other state benefits and discounts available

Texas

TVC claims program for disability compensation assistance
Various resources available through the Texas Veterans Commission

Utah

Veterans Property Tax Abatement for reduced property taxes
State-specific benefits for veterans

Vermont

Property tax reduction for disabled veterans and their survivors
Exemption amounts based on disability ratings

Virginia

VA claims assistance program for disability compensation
Additional state benefits for veterans

Washington

Free license plates for disabled veterans
Free camping at Washington state parks for veterans with 30% disability rating or higher

West Virginia

Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program for tuition assistance
Complete list of benefits available for West Virginia veterans

Wisconsin

Wisconsin GI Bill for tuition forgiveness
Health care aid and income tax exemptions for qualifying veterans

Wyoming

Property tax exemption for eligible veterans on primary residence or vehicle licensing fee
Additional benefits listed on their website.

What State Has the Most VA benefits?

It depends on what you are looking for, but Texas is one of the highest-rated states for federal and state benefits.

Some of the benefits include:

Tax Exemptions: Texas offers full property tax exemptions and no state income tax. In addition, military retirement pay, survivor benefit plan pay, VA disability compensation all remains untaxable.
Education Benefits: The Hazelwood Act provides 150 hours of free tuition at state colleges to honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses and dependent children.
Housing Assistance: Many Texan veterans are eligible for VA home loans with no down payment.
Financial Assistance: Texas provides free driver’s licenses and disabled veteran plates. Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive recreational benefits such as a free super combo hunting and fishing license.

We recommend chatting with the department of veterans affairs or fellow veterans to find the best states for veterans!

What States Have Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans?

Alaska

No individual income tax
Property tax incentives for military Veterans
Relatively low cost of living

Connecticut

Property tax exemptions based on disability rating
Additional benefits for eligible Veterans

Florida

No individual income tax
Significant property tax exemptions for Veterans
Affordable housing options in many locations

Illinois

Property tax exemptions based on disability percentage
Veteran-specific license plates

Indiana

Property tax incentives for military retirees based on age and disability rating
Legislation exempting military retirement pay from income taxes

Iowa

100% income tax exemption for military retirement pay
Comprehensive property tax exemptions for military Veterans

Kansas

Property tax exemptions based on disability rating
Fee discounts for hunting and fishing licenses for Veterans

Kentucky

Partial income tax exemptions for military retirement pay
Low property taxes and housing costs
Property tax exemptions for all senior citizens

Maine

Property tax credits for eligible Veterans
Lifetime state park and museum pass for Maine veteran residents

Massachusetts

Tax exemptions and waivers for eligible Veterans
Tuition waivers for state colleges and universities

Michigan

Property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency grants

Nevada

No individual income tax
Property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
Low property tax rate and affordable housing

North Dakota

Property tax exemptions for eligible Veterans
Grant program for veterans with PTSD

Oregon

Veteran Recognition License Plates
Funds donated to veteran organizations

Rhode Island

State Tuition Assistance Program for RI National Guard members
Rhode Island Veterans Home providing nursing and residential care

Texas

No individual income tax
Homestead exemptions and tax incentives for military retirees
Veteran-friendly state with various benefits

Utah

100% income tax exemption for military retirement pay
Property tax relief for Veterans with a disability rating
Growing reputation for military retirement benefits

Vermont

Property tax reduction for Veterans with a disability rating
Exemption for 100% permanent and total disability rating

Washington

Free license plates for disabled Veterans
Free camping at state parks for Veterans with 30% disability rating

Wyoming

Low property taxes
Property tax exemptions for most military Veterans
No individual income tax

Income Tax Exemptions by State for Military Retirees

What are the states that exempt state income tax on military retirement pay?

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Utah
West Virginia
Wisconsin