Maine Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Maine, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Maine veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Maine's veteran-friendly reputation is well-earned. The state exempts military retirement pay from income tax, offers property tax exemptions for veterans, and provides a quality of life anchored by natural beauty and tight-knit communities that many veterans find appealing after years of service.
Getting help in Maine
Accredited claims help
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
Phone: (207) 287-7020
117 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0117
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services has local offices — Field Office and Itinerant 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
Up to $6,000 exemption for wartime veterans 62 or older or totally disabled; up to $50,000 with a specially adapted housing grant
Under 36 M.R.S. § 653, a veteran who served during a federally recognized war period (or holds an expeditionary medal) and is at least 62 by April 1, or who receives federal compensation for total service-connected disability, is exempt on up to $6,000 of just value. A veteran receiving compensation as unemployable at the 100% level is considered totally disabled. A veteran who is totally and permanently disabled and received a VA grant for a specially adapted housing unit is exempt on up to $50,000. A qualifying spouse who has not remarried may also claim the exemption. Apply to the local assessor by April 1 of the first year you request it. For property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2027, a new veterans exemption (§ 683-A) replaces these, with amounts set by rating: $5,000 under age 62 or $6,000 at 62 or older without a rating of 60% or more, and up to $10,000 at 60% rising to up to $50,000 at 100%.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay partially exempt
Maine provides a pension income deduction up to $25,000 for military retirement pay. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free license to fish, trap and hunt for 50%+ disabled veterans
Maine issues a complimentary license to fish, trap and hunt (including archery, muzzleloader, bear, migratory bird, pheasant and turkey) to a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more. It is available to residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Missouri, Texas, Delaware and Louisiana, and of any other state with a reciprocal agreement with Maine. Lottery permits such as moose and antlerless deer still require an application.
Education Benefits
Tuition waiver at Maine public schools for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans
Maine provides free tuition at state schools for dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently disabled or died from service-connected causes.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Maine grants veterans preference in state employment. The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services helps connect veterans with employment resources and job training programs.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands provides free state park passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Maine Veterans Homes
Maine Veterans Homes operates 6 locations (Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, South Paris) providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and residential care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Maine
Maine has one of the highest per-capita veteran populations in New England, with roughly 100,000 veterans in a state of 1.4 million people. The Togus VA Medical Center (officially the VA Maine Healthcare System) is the oldest VA facility in the nation, dating back to 1866. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, while technically in Kittery, Maine, is a major employer and military presence. The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services operates a mobile outreach program to reach veterans in rural areas, recognizing that many Maine veterans live far from population centers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Veteran Benefits
Does Maine offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Up to $6,000 exemption for wartime veterans 62 or older or totally disabled; up to $50,000 with a specially adapted housing grant. Under 36 M.R.S. § 653, a veteran who served during a federally recognized war period (or holds an expeditionary medal) and is at least 62 by April 1, or who receives federal compensation for total service-connected disability, is exempt on up to $6,000 of just value. A veteran receiving compensation as unemployable at the 100% level is considered totally disabled. A veteran who is totally and permanently disabled and received a VA grant for a specially adapted housing unit is exempt on up to $50,000. A qualifying spouse who has not remarried may also claim the exemption. Apply to the local assessor by April 1 of the first year you request it. For property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2027, a new veterans exemption (§ 683-A) replaces these, with amounts set by rating: $5,000 under age 62 or $6,000 at 62 or older without a rating of 60% or more, and up to $10,000 at 60% rising to up to $50,000 at 100%.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Maine?
Military retirement pay partially exempt. Maine provides a pension income deduction up to $25,000 for military retirement pay. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
What education benefits does Maine offer veterans?
Tuition waiver at Maine public schools for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans. Maine provides free tuition at state schools for dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently disabled or died from service-connected causes.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Maine?
Free license to fish, trap and hunt for 50%+ disabled veterans. Maine issues a complimentary license to fish, trap and hunt (including archery, muzzleloader, bear, migratory bird, pheasant and turkey) to a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more. It is available to residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Missouri, Texas, Delaware and Louisiana, and of any other state with a reciprocal agreement with Maine. Lottery permits such as moose and antlerless deer still require an application.
Does Maine give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Maine grants veterans preference in state employment. The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services helps connect veterans with employment resources and job training programs.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Maine?
Maine Veterans Homes. Maine Veterans Homes operates 6 locations (Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, South Paris) providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and residential care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Maine?
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans. Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands provides free state park passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Maine 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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