Arizona Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Arizona, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Arizona veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Arizona is a top destination for military retirees and veterans, offering year-round sunshine, no tax on military retirement pay, and a cost of living that stretches a fixed income further than most coastal states. With Luke Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona has deep military roots and a veteran support infrastructure to match.
Getting help in Arizona
Accredited claims help
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
Phone: (602) 255-3373
1688 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
One Arizona county runs a veterans office of its own. No Arizona law requires a county to have one, so most Arizona veterans start with the state agency above.
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% SC disabled or IU veterans (from tax year 2026); partial for lower ratings
From tax year 2026, the primary residence of a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating, or total disability based on individual unemployability, is fully exempt from property tax (A.R.S. 42-11111). Veterans with a lower service-connected rating receive a partial exemption: for tax year 2026, up to $4,873 of assessed value, multiplied by the disability percentage. The assessed-value limit no longer applies to these veteran exemptions. The surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the full exemption is also fully exempt; remarriage ends it. New applications go to the county assessor between the first Monday in January and March 1.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt; VA disability exempt
Arizona fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2023. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complimentary hunt/fish license for veterans rated 100% permanent and total
Arizona Game and Fish issues a Disabled Veteran's License, with all the privileges of a Hunt/Fish Combination License, to a veteran who has lived in Arizona for at least one year and receives compensation for permanent and total service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling. A 100% rating based on Individual Unemployability does not qualify. State law (A.R.S. 17-333) provides for this complimentary license, and also for licenses at up to 25 percent off the full fee for one-year resident veterans compensated for any service-connected disability, and at half the full fee for one-year resident veterans who received the Purple Heart.
Education Benefits
In-state tuition for veterans regardless of residency length
Veterans qualify for in-state tuition at Arizona public universities and community colleges immediately upon enrollment, regardless of how long they have lived in Arizona.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state and county hiring
Arizona grants 5-point preference to veterans and 10-point preference to disabled veterans in state employment. Veteran-owned small businesses receive procurement preferences on state contracts.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free veteran license plates for veterans with service-connected disability. Multiple specialty plate designs available.
State Parks
Free annual pass for disabled veterans
Arizona State Parks provides free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers day-use at all 35 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Arizona State Veteran Homes
Arizona operates state veteran homes in Phoenix and Tucson providing skilled nursing and assisted living. Arizona Department of Veterans' Services also assists with HUD-VASH and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) referrals.
Veterans in Arizona
Arizona is home to roughly 460,000 veterans. The Phoenix VA Health Care System serves veterans in central Arizona, and the state's mild winters attract retirees from across the nation. The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services provides a network of Veteran Benefits Counselors who serve veterans across Arizona in person, virtually or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Veteran Benefits
Does Arizona offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% SC disabled or IU veterans (from tax year 2026); partial for lower ratings. From tax year 2026, the primary residence of a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating, or total disability based on individual unemployability, is fully exempt from property tax (A.R.S. 42-11111). Veterans with a lower service-connected rating receive a partial exemption: for tax year 2026, up to $4,873 of assessed value, multiplied by the disability percentage. The assessed-value limit no longer applies to these veteran exemptions. The surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the full exemption is also fully exempt; remarriage ends it. New applications go to the county assessor between the first Monday in January and March 1.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Arizona?
Military retirement pay fully exempt; VA disability exempt. Arizona fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2023. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Arizona offer veterans?
In-state tuition for veterans regardless of residency length. Veterans qualify for in-state tuition at Arizona public universities and community colleges immediately upon enrollment, regardless of how long they have lived in Arizona.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Arizona?
Complimentary hunt/fish license for veterans rated 100% permanent and total. Arizona Game and Fish issues a Disabled Veteran's License, with all the privileges of a Hunt/Fish Combination License, to a veteran who has lived in Arizona for at least one year and receives compensation for permanent and total service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling. A 100% rating based on Individual Unemployability does not qualify. State law (A.R.S. 17-333) provides for this complimentary license, and also for licenses at up to 25 percent off the full fee for one-year resident veterans compensated for any service-connected disability, and at half the full fee for one-year resident veterans who received the Purple Heart.
Does Arizona give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state and county hiring. Arizona grants 5-point preference to veterans and 10-point preference to disabled veterans in state employment. Veteran-owned small businesses receive procurement preferences on state contracts.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Arizona?
Arizona State Veteran Homes. Arizona operates state veteran homes in Phoenix and Tucson providing skilled nursing and assisted living. Arizona Department of Veterans' Services also assists with HUD-VASH and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) referrals.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Arizona?
Free annual pass for disabled veterans. Arizona State Parks provides free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers day-use at all 35 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Arizona benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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