North Carolina Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in North Carolina, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: North Carolina veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
North Carolina is home to Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. That military presence translates into a state that understands veterans — and invests in their benefits through property tax relief, education programs, and dedicated employment support.
Getting help in North Carolina
Accredited claims help
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Phone: (844) 624-8387
413 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Some North Carolina counties have a veterans service office, and state law does not require one.
County Veterans Service Centers
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
Exclusion of the first $45,000 of appraised value for 100% P&T or SAH disabled veterans
Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1C): the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence is excluded from tax for an honorably discharged veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability (100%), or who received VA benefits for specially adapted housing. No age or income limit. The veteran must have been disabled as of January 1 of the year the benefit is requested. A Veterans Service Officer completes Form NCDVA-9 first; file it with Form AV-9 at the county tax assessor by June 1. Surviving spouses who have not remarried also eligible, including spouses of veterans or service members who died of a service-connected condition.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
North Carolina fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Lifetime hunting and fishing license for 50%+ disabled veterans
North Carolina issues a Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans only to North Carolina residents who are 50 percent or more disabled as determined by the VA; it stays valid for life as long as the holder remains 50 percent or more disabled. State law (G.S. 113-270.1D) sets the Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Sportsman License fee at $100.
Education Benefits
Free tuition at state schools for dependents of disabled/KIA veterans
North Carolina provides free tuition for children of veterans rated 100% permanently disabled or who died from service-connected causes, at North Carolina public universities.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
North Carolina grants veterans preference in state employment. NCWorks Career Centers provide dedicated veteran employment services including priority referrals and job training programs. NC4ME (North Carolina for Military Employment) connects veterans directly with hiring employers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free annual pass for disabled veterans
North Carolina state parks provide free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 41 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
North Carolina State Veterans Homes
North Carolina operates 4 State Veterans Homes (Black Mountain, Kernersville, Kinston, Salisbury) with skilled care beds for eligible veterans. The Fayetteville home has closed; the department plans to replace it.
Veterans in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to over 650,000 veterans. Military installations are concentrated in Fayetteville (Fort Bragg), Jacksonville (Camp Lejeune), and Goldsboro (Seymour Johnson AFB). The Durham VA Medical Center, Fayetteville VA Medical Center, and W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury provide healthcare, and North Carolina operates four state veterans homes. The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs trains and assists the county veterans service officers, who are county employees.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Veteran Benefits
Does North Carolina offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Exclusion of the first $45,000 of appraised value for 100% P&T or SAH disabled veterans. Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1C): the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence is excluded from tax for an honorably discharged veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability (100%), or who received VA benefits for specially adapted housing. No age or income limit. The veteran must have been disabled as of January 1 of the year the benefit is requested. A Veterans Service Officer completes Form NCDVA-9 first; file it with Form AV-9 at the county tax assessor by June 1. Surviving spouses who have not remarried also eligible, including spouses of veterans or service members who died of a service-connected condition.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in North Carolina?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. North Carolina fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does North Carolina offer veterans?
Free tuition at state schools for dependents of disabled/KIA veterans. North Carolina provides free tuition for children of veterans rated 100% permanently disabled or who died from service-connected causes, at North Carolina public universities.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in North Carolina?
Lifetime hunting and fishing license for 50%+ disabled veterans. North Carolina issues a Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans only to North Carolina residents who are 50 percent or more disabled as determined by the VA; it stays valid for life as long as the holder remains 50 percent or more disabled. State law (G.S. 113-270.1D) sets the Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Sportsman License fee at $100.
Does North Carolina give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. North Carolina grants veterans preference in state employment. NCWorks Career Centers provide dedicated veteran employment services including priority referrals and job training programs. NC4ME (North Carolina for Military Employment) connects veterans directly with hiring employers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in North Carolina?
North Carolina State Veterans Homes. North Carolina operates 4 State Veterans Homes (Black Mountain, Kernersville, Kinston, Salisbury) with skilled care beds for eligible veterans. The Fayetteville home has closed; the department plans to replace it.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in North Carolina?
Free annual pass for disabled veterans. North Carolina state parks provide free annual passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 41 state parks.
Want the full picture?
North Carolina 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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