Kansas Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Kansas, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Kansas veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Kansas's military heritage runs deep — Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base, and Forbes Field have shaped communities across the state for generations. The state translates that heritage into meaningful benefits, including full military retirement pay exemption, property tax relief for disabled veterans, and free hunting and fishing licenses.
Getting help in Kansas
Accredited claims help
Kansas Office of Veterans Services
Phone: (785) 296-3976
900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 504-N, Topeka, KS 66612
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The Kansas Office of Veterans Services has local offices — KOVS Field Office Locations
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
Property tax refund via K-40SVR for veterans rated 50%+, with income and home value limits
Kansas uses a refund model: pay your property taxes, then file Form K-40SVR with the Kansas Department of Revenue. The refund is the difference between your homestead property tax for a base year and for the current year, so it covers increases over the base year. Eligibility: honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rated 50% or more, Kansas residents all year, household income at or below the limit the department sets for the claim year, and a home valued at no more than $350,000 in the base year. The base year is the calendar year before the first year you can claim. A 50%+ disabled veteran may instead qualify for the K-40H homestead refund, which has a lower income limit; only one refund is allowed. Surviving spouses of claimants receiving K-40SVR benefits remain eligible until they remarry.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt; additional $2,320 SC disability exemption
Kansas fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free. Veterans with any service-connected disability rating may claim an additional $2,320 state tax exemption (increased from $2,250 for tax year 2025+).
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for 30%+ disabled veterans
Kansas resident veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses.
Education Benefits
Tuition waiver for dependents + EMERGE Guard scholarship
Kansas provides tuition waivers at state educational institutions for dependents of veterans who died or became disabled as a result of service. EMERGE program: tuition and fees paid up to 15 credit hours per semester for Kansas National Guard members pursuing a Master's degree at a Kansas postsecondary institution.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Kansas grants veterans preference in state civil service employment. Disabled veterans receive additional preference. KANSASWORKS connects veterans with employers through dedicated veteran representatives.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free annual vehicle permit for disabled veterans
Kansas state parks provide free annual vehicle permits for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Kansas Soldiers' Home and Veterans' Home
Kansas operates the Kansas Soldiers' Home in Fort Dodge and the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield, providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Additional Benefits
- Sales tax exemption (eff. July 2026): 100% P&T disabled veterans exempt on purchases up to $24,000/yr
- Kansas Office of Veterans Services (KOVS) — claims assistance
Veterans in Kansas
Kansas is home to roughly 170,000 veterans, with concentrations around Fort Riley in the Flint Hills region and McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. The state's central location and affordable housing make it a practical choice for military families. The Kansas Office of Veterans Services operates veteran service representatives across the state, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth and Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita provide comprehensive healthcare. Kansas also operates the Kansas Soldiers' Home and Kansas Veterans' Home for long-term care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Veteran Benefits
Does Kansas offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Property tax refund via K-40SVR for veterans rated 50%+, with income and home value limits. Kansas uses a refund model: pay your property taxes, then file Form K-40SVR with the Kansas Department of Revenue. The refund is the difference between your homestead property tax for a base year and for the current year, so it covers increases over the base year. Eligibility: honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rated 50% or more, Kansas residents all year, household income at or below the limit the department sets for the claim year, and a home valued at no more than $350,000 in the base year. The base year is the calendar year before the first year you can claim. A 50%+ disabled veteran may instead qualify for the K-40H homestead refund, which has a lower income limit; only one refund is allowed. Surviving spouses of claimants receiving K-40SVR benefits remain eligible until they remarry.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Kansas?
Military retirement pay fully exempt; additional $2,320 SC disability exemption. Kansas fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free. Veterans with any service-connected disability rating may claim an additional $2,320 state tax exemption (increased from $2,250 for tax year 2025+).
What education benefits does Kansas offer veterans?
Tuition waiver for dependents + EMERGE Guard scholarship. Kansas provides tuition waivers at state educational institutions for dependents of veterans who died or became disabled as a result of service. EMERGE program: tuition and fees paid up to 15 credit hours per semester for Kansas National Guard members pursuing a Master's degree at a Kansas postsecondary institution.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Kansas?
Free hunting/fishing for 30%+ disabled veterans. Kansas resident veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses.
Does Kansas give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Kansas grants veterans preference in state civil service employment. Disabled veterans receive additional preference. KANSASWORKS connects veterans with employers through dedicated veteran representatives.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Kansas?
Kansas Soldiers' Home and Veterans' Home. Kansas operates the Kansas Soldiers' Home in Fort Dodge and the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield, providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Kansas?
Free annual vehicle permit for disabled veterans. Kansas state parks provide free annual vehicle permits for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Kansas 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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