Louisiana Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Louisiana, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Louisiana veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Louisiana combines Southern hospitality with substantial veteran benefits, including full military retirement pay exemption, property tax exemptions that start at a 50% disability rating, and a strong system of state veterans homes. The state's five military installations and deep ties to the defense industry create a built-in veteran community.
Getting help in Louisiana
Accredited claims help
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (225) 219-5000
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has local offices — LDVA 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
Full exemption for 100% or IU-rated veterans; added exemptions at 50-99%
Under the Louisiana Constitution (Art. VII, § 21(K)), the remaining assessed value of a homestead owned and occupied by a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent unemployability or totally disabled is exempt from ad valorem tax (the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs notes an exception for certain municipal tax assessments). Veterans rated 50-69% get the next $2,500 of assessed value exempt, and 70-99% the next $4,500, on top of the $7,500 homestead exemption every owner-occupied home receives (which does not extend to most municipal taxes). A surviving spouse who occupies and remains the owner of the home is also eligible.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Louisiana fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for 50%+ disabled veterans, resident or nonresident
Louisiana issues free disabled veteran hunting and fishing licenses to any resident or nonresident veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard, with a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation pays the fee.
Education Benefits
Free tuition at state schools for dependents of veterans
Louisiana provides tuition exemption at state schools for dependents of veterans who died or are rated 90%+ disabled from service.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state civil service
Louisiana grants veterans preference in state civil service — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on competitive exams. Louisiana Workforce Commission provides dedicated veteran employment services through American Job Centers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free admission for disabled veterans
Louisiana state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Louisiana Veterans Homes
Louisiana operates 5 veterans homes (Jackson, Jennings, Monroe, Reserve, Bossier City) for eligible veterans, with 24/7 RN coverage and a memory care wing for Alzheimer's or dementia-related diagnoses.
Veterans in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to roughly 240,000 veterans, with major installations including Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) in Vernon Parish, and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport provide comprehensive healthcare. Louisiana operates five state veterans homes and maintains a statewide network of parish-level veteran service officers who assist with claims and benefits navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Veteran Benefits
Does Louisiana offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% or IU-rated veterans; added exemptions at 50-99%. Under the Louisiana Constitution (Art. VII, § 21(K)), the remaining assessed value of a homestead owned and occupied by a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent unemployability or totally disabled is exempt from ad valorem tax (the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs notes an exception for certain municipal tax assessments). Veterans rated 50-69% get the next $2,500 of assessed value exempt, and 70-99% the next $4,500, on top of the $7,500 homestead exemption every owner-occupied home receives (which does not extend to most municipal taxes). A surviving spouse who occupies and remains the owner of the home is also eligible.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Louisiana?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Louisiana fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Louisiana offer veterans?
Free tuition at state schools for dependents of veterans. Louisiana provides tuition exemption at state schools for dependents of veterans who died or are rated 90%+ disabled from service.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Louisiana?
Free hunting/fishing for 50%+ disabled veterans, resident or nonresident. Louisiana issues free disabled veteran hunting and fishing licenses to any resident or nonresident veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard, with a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation pays the fee.
Does Louisiana give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state civil service. Louisiana grants veterans preference in state civil service — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on competitive exams. Louisiana Workforce Commission provides dedicated veteran employment services through American Job Centers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Louisiana?
Louisiana Veterans Homes. Louisiana operates 5 veterans homes (Jackson, Jennings, Monroe, Reserve, Bossier City) for eligible veterans, with 24/7 RN coverage and a memory care wing for Alzheimer's or dementia-related diagnoses.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Louisiana?
Free admission for disabled veterans. Louisiana state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Louisiana benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
Take the 3-minute briefing →