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.
Property Tax Exemption
School property tax credit for disabled veterans; full exemption for paraplegics
Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive school property tax credit. Veterans with paraplegia or similar severe disabilities receive full property tax exemption. 100% disabled veterans eligible for additional exemptions at county level.
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
Free hunting/fishing license for 60%+ disabled veterans
Delaware resident veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses.
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 Commission of Veterans Affairs 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 70,000 veterans, supported by Dover Air Force Base — one of the most well-known military installations in the country as the home of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs 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 disabled veterans; full exemption for paraplegics. Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive school property tax credit. Veterans with paraplegia or similar severe disabilities receive full property tax exemption. 100% disabled veterans eligible for additional exemptions at county level.
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?
Free hunting/fishing license for 60%+ disabled veterans. Delaware resident veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses.
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 Commission of Veterans Affairs 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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