Indiana Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Indiana, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Indiana veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Indiana combines Midwestern affordability with a solid package of veteran benefits, including full military retirement pay exemption and property tax credits and deductions for disabled veterans. The state's relatively low cost of living means these financial benefits stretch further than in many other states.
Getting help in Indiana
Accredited claims help
Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (317) 232-3910
777 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Indiana is required by law to have a veterans service office.
Locate your County Veteran Service Officer
Financial help: county veterans burial allowance (IC 10-17-10, max $1,000)
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
100% assessed value deduction for totally disabled veterans; $350 and $250 credits at 10%+
A 2026 law (HEA 1210-2026) changed Indiana's veteran benefits starting with the 2026 assessment date (taxes payable in 2027). Veterans who served at least 90 days, were honorably discharged, have a total disability and have lived in Indiana for at least one year before the assessment date can deduct 100% of the assessed value of their principal residence; it does not remove charges that are not based on assessed value. Wartime veterans with an honorable discharge and a service-connected rating of 10% or more get a $350 credit, and veterans with at least 90 days of service, an honorable discharge, a rating of at least 10% who are 62 or older get a $250 credit; a veteran can get both credits but not with the 100% deduction. The earlier $24,960 and $14,000 deductions were replaced by these credits, and veterans moved to the $250 credit must file again to get the 100% deduction. Apply through your County Auditor or County Veteran Service Officer by January 15 of the year taxes are first due. A surviving spouse can keep the 100% deduction until remarriage if the veteran qualified at death.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt; SBP/RCSBP also exempt
Indiana fully exempts military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component SBP, and active duty pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Discounted fishing or small game license for any service-connected disability
Indiana residents who served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability can buy a discounted DAV license to fish or hunt small game. It sells for $2.75, or $27.50 for 10 years. It does not cover deer or turkey hunting, and gamebird, waterfowl and trout/salmon stamp privileges are added at the regular price.
Education Benefits
Remission of Fees for children/spouses of totally disabled or KIA veterans
Indiana provides tuition and fee remission at state schools for children and surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, or POW/MIA veterans.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Indiana grants veterans preference in state employment. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development operates dedicated veteran employment services through local WorkOne centers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free annual pass for disabled veterans
Indiana Department of Natural Resources provides free annual entrance passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 24 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette
The Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette offers independent living, long-term nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Indiana
Indiana's roughly 350,000 veterans benefit from a strong support infrastructure anchored by the Grissom Air Reserve Base, Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, and Camp Atterbury. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis is the state's flagship VA facility, and Indiana operates one state veterans home. Indiana's counties employ county veteran service officers, and the state's Military Family Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Veteran Benefits
Does Indiana offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
100% assessed value deduction for totally disabled veterans; $350 and $250 credits at 10%+. A 2026 law (HEA 1210-2026) changed Indiana's veteran benefits starting with the 2026 assessment date (taxes payable in 2027). Veterans who served at least 90 days, were honorably discharged, have a total disability and have lived in Indiana for at least one year before the assessment date can deduct 100% of the assessed value of their principal residence; it does not remove charges that are not based on assessed value. Wartime veterans with an honorable discharge and a service-connected rating of 10% or more get a $350 credit, and veterans with at least 90 days of service, an honorable discharge, a rating of at least 10% who are 62 or older get a $250 credit; a veteran can get both credits but not with the 100% deduction. The earlier $24,960 and $14,000 deductions were replaced by these credits, and veterans moved to the $250 credit must file again to get the 100% deduction. Apply through your County Auditor or County Veteran Service Officer by January 15 of the year taxes are first due. A surviving spouse can keep the 100% deduction until remarriage if the veteran qualified at death.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Indiana?
Military retirement pay fully exempt; SBP/RCSBP also exempt. Indiana fully exempts military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component SBP, and active duty pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Indiana offer veterans?
Remission of Fees for children/spouses of totally disabled or KIA veterans. Indiana provides tuition and fee remission at state schools for children and surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, or POW/MIA veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Indiana?
Discounted fishing or small game license for any service-connected disability. Indiana residents who served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability can buy a discounted DAV license to fish or hunt small game. It sells for $2.75, or $27.50 for 10 years. It does not cover deer or turkey hunting, and gamebird, waterfowl and trout/salmon stamp privileges are added at the regular price.
Does Indiana give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Indiana grants veterans preference in state employment. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development operates dedicated veteran employment services through local WorkOne centers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Indiana?
Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette. The Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette offers independent living, long-term nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Indiana?
Free annual pass for disabled veterans. Indiana Department of Natural Resources provides free annual entrance passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 24 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Indiana 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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