Arkansas Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Arkansas, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Arkansas veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Arkansas may be a smaller state, but it delivers outsized value for veterans. With full military retirement pay exemption, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and a standout vehicle sales tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, Arkansas makes it financially advantageous to put down roots here after service.
Getting help in Arkansas
Accredited claims help
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (501) 683-2382
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 401N, Little Rock, AR 72201
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Some Arkansas counties have a veterans service office, and state law does not require one.
Verified October 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% total and permanent disabled veterans and certain SMC recipients
Veterans awarded special monthly compensation by the VA for the loss or loss of use of one or more limbs, for total blindness in one or both eyes, or for a service-connected 100% total and permanent disability are exempt from all state taxes on the homestead and personal property (Ark. Code 26-3-306). The exemption extends to the surviving spouse as long as the spouse remains unmarried, and to minor dependent children. Contact your county collector's office to apply.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Arkansas fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Lifetime licenses for 100% P&T disabled veterans ($1.50 to $3); a lifetime package at 70%+
Arkansas sells resident disabled military veteran lifetime fishing ($1.50), hunting ($1.50) and combination ($3.00) licenses to veterans who are 100 percent totally and permanently disabled, with VA certification and proof of one year of Arkansas residency. A Lifetime Combination License and Permit ($52.50) is available to resident disabled veterans with a service-connected rating of 70% or higher, or 50% or higher with a Purple Heart.
Education Benefits
Free tuition at state schools for disabled veterans and dependents
Arkansas provides tuition assistance for veterans with 100% disability and their dependents at state-supported institutions.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Arkansas grants veterans preference in state employment. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points. The state also offers the Arkansas Workforce Challenge program for transitioning service members.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; sales tax exemption on vehicle purchases
Free disabled veteran license plates. 100% disabled veterans are exempt from sales tax on vehicle purchases — a significant savings.
State Parks
Free annual pass for disabled veterans
Arkansas state parks offer free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability. The state operates 52 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Arkansas State Veterans Home
The Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock provides skilled nursing care for eligible veterans. Arkansas also participates in SSVF and HUD-VASH programs through local VA medical centers.
Veterans in Arkansas
With roughly 190,000 veterans and major installations like Little Rock Air Force Base and the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas has a military presence that shapes communities across the state. In Arkansas, counties and cities may fund county and municipal veterans' service offices maintained jointly with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, and all such offices are under the department's supervision. The state's low cost of living combined with its tax benefits makes it an increasingly attractive option for military retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Veteran Benefits
Does Arkansas offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% total and permanent disabled veterans and certain SMC recipients. Veterans awarded special monthly compensation by the VA for the loss or loss of use of one or more limbs, for total blindness in one or both eyes, or for a service-connected 100% total and permanent disability are exempt from all state taxes on the homestead and personal property (Ark. Code 26-3-306). The exemption extends to the surviving spouse as long as the spouse remains unmarried, and to minor dependent children. Contact your county collector's office to apply.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Arkansas?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Arkansas fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Arkansas offer veterans?
Free tuition at state schools for disabled veterans and dependents. Arkansas provides tuition assistance for veterans with 100% disability and their dependents at state-supported institutions.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Arkansas?
Lifetime licenses for 100% P&T disabled veterans ($1.50 to $3); a lifetime package at 70%+. Arkansas sells resident disabled military veteran lifetime fishing ($1.50), hunting ($1.50) and combination ($3.00) licenses to veterans who are 100 percent totally and permanently disabled, with VA certification and proof of one year of Arkansas residency. A Lifetime Combination License and Permit ($52.50) is available to resident disabled veterans with a service-connected rating of 70% or higher, or 50% or higher with a Purple Heart.
Does Arkansas give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Arkansas grants veterans preference in state employment. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points. The state also offers the Arkansas Workforce Challenge program for transitioning service members.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Arkansas?
Arkansas State Veterans Home. The Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock provides skilled nursing care for eligible veterans. Arkansas also participates in SSVF and HUD-VASH programs through local VA medical centers.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Arkansas?
Free annual pass for disabled veterans. Arkansas state parks offer free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability. The state operates 52 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Arkansas 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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