Delaware Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Delaware, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Delaware veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Delaware's small size belies a solid collection of veteran benefits, including a standout perk that's hard to find anywhere else: free tolls on the Delaware Turnpike for disabled veterans. Combined with property tax relief, age-based military retirement exemptions, and free hunting and fishing licenses, Delaware offers meaningful financial advantages for veterans who call the First State home.
Getting help in Delaware
Accredited claims help
Delaware Office of Veterans Services
Phone: (302) 739-2792
802 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
School property tax credit for veterans paid at 100% for a permanent and total service-connected disability (100% rating or IU)
Delaware's disabled veteran school tax credit (14 Del. C. § 1917) covers the full non-vocational school district property tax on the home of a veteran who receives 100% disability compensation for a service-connected, permanent and total disability, based on a 100% rating or on individual unemployability, and has been domiciled in Delaware for at least 3 consecutive years, in school districts whose boards have approved the credit. County and municipal property taxes are not covered by the credit. Apply to your county receiver of taxes or treasurer by April 30 before the tax year. An unremarried surviving spouse who was a titled owner before the veteran's death and still owns and lives in the home keeps the credit. Separately, state law requires New Castle and Kent counties to give an additional exemption to people disabled in military service, on terms set by each county.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement exempt up to $12,500 under 60; fully exempt 60+
Delaware exempts up to $12,500 of military retirement income for those under 60, and fully exempts it for those 60 and older. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
License exemption for 60%+ disabled veterans
Delaware gives a veteran license exemption to veterans with at least a 60% service-connected disability rating, through its Veterans with Disabilities Exempt Application. Delaware residents who served 90 or more days in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom get a one-time license exemption for the first 12 months after an honorable discharge or removal from active status.
Education Benefits
In-state tuition for veterans at Delaware public colleges
Veterans receive in-state tuition rates at University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Delaware grants preference to veterans in state civil service hiring. The Delaware Office of Veterans Services assists with employment referrals and job placement services.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; free turnpike tolls
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. Veterans with DV plates receive free tolls on the Delaware Turnpike (I-95).
State Parks
Free annual pass for disabled veterans
Delaware state parks offer free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Delaware Veterans Home
The Delaware Veterans Memorial Home in Milford provides skilled nursing and assisted living for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Delaware
Delaware is home to roughly 60,000 veterans, supported by Dover Air Force Base, home of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. The Delaware Office of Veterans Services coordinates state-level benefits and connects veterans with county and federal resources. The Wilmington VA Medical Center serves as the primary healthcare facility for Delaware veterans, with community-based outpatient clinics extending coverage across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Veteran Benefits
Does Delaware offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
School property tax credit for veterans paid at 100% for a permanent and total service-connected disability (100% rating or IU). Delaware's disabled veteran school tax credit (14 Del. C. § 1917) covers the full non-vocational school district property tax on the home of a veteran who receives 100% disability compensation for a service-connected, permanent and total disability, based on a 100% rating or on individual unemployability, and has been domiciled in Delaware for at least 3 consecutive years, in school districts whose boards have approved the credit. County and municipal property taxes are not covered by the credit. Apply to your county receiver of taxes or treasurer by April 30 before the tax year. An unremarried surviving spouse who was a titled owner before the veteran's death and still owns and lives in the home keeps the credit. Separately, state law requires New Castle and Kent counties to give an additional exemption to people disabled in military service, on terms set by each county.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Delaware?
Military retirement exempt up to $12,500 under 60; fully exempt 60+. Delaware exempts up to $12,500 of military retirement income for those under 60, and fully exempts it for those 60 and older. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
What education benefits does Delaware offer veterans?
In-state tuition for veterans at Delaware public colleges. Veterans receive in-state tuition rates at University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Delaware?
License exemption for 60%+ disabled veterans. Delaware gives a veteran license exemption to veterans with at least a 60% service-connected disability rating, through its Veterans with Disabilities Exempt Application. Delaware residents who served 90 or more days in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom get a one-time license exemption for the first 12 months after an honorable discharge or removal from active status.
Does Delaware give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Delaware grants preference to veterans in state civil service hiring. The Delaware Office of Veterans Services assists with employment referrals and job placement services.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Delaware?
Delaware Veterans Home. The Delaware Veterans Memorial Home in Milford provides skilled nursing and assisted living for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Delaware?
Free annual pass for disabled veterans. Delaware state parks offer free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Delaware 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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