Maryland Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Maryland, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Maryland veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C. and its concentration of military installations — including Fort Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Andrews Air Force Base, and the U.S. Naval Academy — make it one of the most military-connected states in the country. Maryland offers competitive veteran benefits, with particular strengths in property tax relief and education programs.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% P&T or IU veterans; county supplements for 50%+
Veterans with 100% P&T or IU rating receive complete exemption from Maryland real property taxes on primary residence. No income cap, no filing deadline. Unremarried surviving spouses and Gold Star families also eligible. Many counties offer supplemental credits for 50%+ rated veterans — check with your county tax office.
Income Tax Benefits
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.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for 100% disabled veterans
Maryland provides free hunting and angler licenses for resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability.
Education Benefits
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.
Employment & Hiring Preference
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.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; free toll-road use for DV plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. Veterans with DV plates receive free tolls on all Maryland toll roads (I-95, Bay Bridge, Fort McHenry Tunnel, etc.).
State Parks
Free state parks and fishing for disabled veterans
Maryland provides free day-use admission to state parks and free fishing for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in southern Maryland provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and domiciliary care for eligible veterans. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development also offers veterans mortgage programs.
Veterans in Maryland
Over 370,000 veterans live in Maryland, many of whom transitioned from service at nearby military installations or careers in the defense and intelligence communities around the D.C. metro area. The Baltimore VA Medical Center and the Perry Point VA Medical Center provide comprehensive healthcare, and the state operates Charlotte Hall Veterans Home for long-term care. Maryland's Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a network of service representatives and has been particularly active in connecting veterans with education benefits through partnerships with the state's university system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Veteran Benefits
Does Maryland offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% P&T or IU veterans; county supplements for 50%+. Veterans with 100% P&T or IU rating receive complete exemption from Maryland real property taxes on primary residence. No income cap, no filing deadline. Unremarried surviving spouses and Gold Star families also eligible. Many counties offer supplemental credits for 50%+ rated veterans — check with your county tax office.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Maryland?
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.
What education benefits does Maryland offer veterans?
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.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Maryland?
Free hunting/fishing for 100% disabled veterans. Maryland provides free hunting and angler licenses for resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability.
Does Maryland give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
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.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Maryland?
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in southern Maryland provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and domiciliary care for eligible veterans. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development also offers veterans mortgage programs.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Maryland?
Free state parks and fishing for disabled veterans. Maryland provides free day-use admission to state parks and free fishing for veterans with service-connected disability.
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Maryland 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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