New Hampshire Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in New Hampshire, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: New Hampshire veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
New Hampshire has no income tax, no sales tax, and property tax credits for veterans. The state's Live Free or Die motto resonates with many veterans, and New Hampshire backs it up with tangible financial benefits.
Getting help in New Hampshire
Accredited claims help
New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services
Phone: (603) 624-9230
275 Chestnut Street, Room 517, Manchester, NH 03101
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Credit of $50-$750 for veterans with qualifying wartime service; $700-$5,000 for total and permanent service-connected disability
Standard veterans' tax credit (RSA 72:28), for veterans who served at least 90 days of active service in a qualifying war or armed conflict, or who were discharged because of a service-connected disability: $50, or $51-$750 where the town adopts the optional credit ($51-$1,000 from April 1, 2027). Towns may also adopt an all veterans' tax credit (RSA 72:28-b), in the same amount, for veterans with at least 90 days of active service who do not qualify under RSA 72:28 or 72:35. Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, or who are double amputees or paraplegic from a service-connected injury (RSA 72:35): $700 standard credit, or $701-$5,000 where the town adopts the optional credit. Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, or who are double amputees, paraplegic or blind in both eyes from service-connected causes, whose home was specially adapted through a VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant are exempt from all property tax on that homestead (RSA 72:36-a). Where a town adopts the optional credit for total and permanent service-connected disability, that credit replaces the RSA 72:28, 72:28-b and 72:28-c credits and the RSA 72:36-a exemption and is not in addition to them (RSA 72:35 I-a). Surviving spouses also eligible.
Income Tax Benefits
No state income tax
New Hampshire has no state income tax as of 2025 (eliminated its interest/dividend tax). All income is tax-free at the state level.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Permanent license for veterans with a 100% permanent rating ($10 one-time fee)
New Hampshire issues a permanent Disabled Veterans License (fishing, or combination firearm hunting and fishing, and/or archery) to residents with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating and an honorable discharge, for a one-time $10 administration fee. It stays valid while the holder remains a New Hampshire resident. Maine and Vermont residents may also apply if they meet New Hampshire's 100% permanent requirement. The fishing license does not include saltwater. Residents rated 80% to 99% for more than two years can buy a lifetime license at half price.
Education Benefits
Tuition waiver at state colleges for veterans and dependents of KIA
New Hampshire provides 100% tuition waiver at state schools for children and surviving spouses of service members killed in action since September 11, 2001.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
New Hampshire grants veterans preference in state employment. The state also participates in the Hire Heroes USA program for veteran career transition services.
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
New Hampshire state parks provide free passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton
The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and residential care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to roughly 87,000 veterans in a state of 1.4 million people, giving it one of the highest per-capita veteran populations in New England. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (while the mailing address is in Kittery, Maine, the shipyard itself spans the border) and New Hampshire National Guard facilities maintain a military presence. The Manchester VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare, with community-based outpatient clinics extending coverage. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen and the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton are key state-operated facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Veteran Benefits
Does New Hampshire offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Credit of $50-$750 for veterans with qualifying wartime service; $700-$5,000 for total and permanent service-connected disability. Standard veterans' tax credit (RSA 72:28), for veterans who served at least 90 days of active service in a qualifying war or armed conflict, or who were discharged because of a service-connected disability: $50, or $51-$750 where the town adopts the optional credit ($51-$1,000 from April 1, 2027). Towns may also adopt an all veterans' tax credit (RSA 72:28-b), in the same amount, for veterans with at least 90 days of active service who do not qualify under RSA 72:28 or 72:35. Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, or who are double amputees or paraplegic from a service-connected injury (RSA 72:35): $700 standard credit, or $701-$5,000 where the town adopts the optional credit. Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, or who are double amputees, paraplegic or blind in both eyes from service-connected causes, whose home was specially adapted through a VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant are exempt from all property tax on that homestead (RSA 72:36-a). Where a town adopts the optional credit for total and permanent service-connected disability, that credit replaces the RSA 72:28, 72:28-b and 72:28-c credits and the RSA 72:36-a exemption and is not in addition to them (RSA 72:35 I-a). Surviving spouses also eligible.
Does New Hampshire have a state income tax?
No state income tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax as of 2025 (eliminated its interest/dividend tax). All income is tax-free at the state level.
What education benefits does New Hampshire offer veterans?
Tuition waiver at state colleges for veterans and dependents of KIA. New Hampshire provides 100% tuition waiver at state schools for children and surviving spouses of service members killed in action since September 11, 2001.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in New Hampshire?
Permanent license for veterans with a 100% permanent rating ($10 one-time fee). New Hampshire issues a permanent Disabled Veterans License (fishing, or combination firearm hunting and fishing, and/or archery) to residents with a permanent 100% service-connected disability rating and an honorable discharge, for a one-time $10 administration fee. It stays valid while the holder remains a New Hampshire resident. Maine and Vermont residents may also apply if they meet New Hampshire's 100% permanent requirement. The fishing license does not include saltwater. Residents rated 80% to 99% for more than two years can buy a lifetime license at half price.
Does New Hampshire give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. New Hampshire grants veterans preference in state employment. The state also participates in the Hire Heroes USA program for veteran career transition services.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton. The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton provides skilled nursing, assisted living, and residential care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in New Hampshire?
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans. New Hampshire state parks provide free passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
New Hampshire 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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