Maryland Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)

Full exemption for veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected rating or rated permanently unemployable; local credits for 50%+ in some counties. Veterans with a permanent 100% service-connected disability, or whom the VA finds permanently unemployable, are exempt from property tax on the dwelling that is their legal residence (Tax-Property § 7-208). No income cap. There is no filing deadline, but the exemption runs from the date you apply, and refunds for earlier years must be requested within three years. File with the Supervisor of Assessments at your local SDAT office. Unremarried surviving spouses also eligible, as are surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty in the line of duty. Separately, counties and cities may grant a credit on the local property tax of 50% for a permanent rating of 75% or more, or 25% for 50-74%, on eligibility terms each county or city sets; as of 2026 only Anne Arundel, Frederick and Montgomery counties have adopted it.

First $12,500 exempt ($20,000 at age 55+). Maryland exempts the first $12,500 of military retirement pay from state income tax. At age 55, the exemption increases to $20,000. VA disability compensation is tax-free.

Conroy-Cryor Scholarship — up to $13,689/yr. Conroy-Cryor Memorial Scholarship provides up to $13,689/year (2025-2026) at University System of Maryland schools for veterans with 25%+ disability, POWs, children/spouses of KIA, and children of 100% disabled veterans. Full-time or part-time, undergraduate or graduate.

Free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for 100%, IU or former POW veterans. Maryland gives a complimentary lifetime fishing license and a complimentary lifetime hunting license to Maryland residents who are 100% service-connected disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, or deemed unemployable by the VA. The fishing license covers non-tidal fishing, the trout stamp, Chesapeake Bay sport fishing and the recreational oyster license; the hunting license includes the bow, muzzleloader and sika deer stamps and a furbearer permit, but not the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp. Maryland veterans who received the Purple Heart get a 50 percent discount on hunting and fishing licenses.

Veterans preference in state employment. Maryland grants veterans preference in state classified service hiring — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Maryland Department of Labor operates veteran employment services through American Job Centers.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in southern Maryland offers assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care in secure units for eligible veterans. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development also offers veterans mortgage programs.

Free day-use entry to state parks for all veterans. Maryland waives all day-use entrance charges at state parks year-round for all veterans, resident or out of state. The waiver covers the veteran only, unless a per-vehicle fee applies, in which case that fee is waived.