North Dakota Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in North Dakota, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: North Dakota veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
North Dakota's veteran benefits are strengthened by having no tax on military retirement pay and a straightforward property tax credit for disabled veterans.
Getting help in North Dakota
Accredited claims help
North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (701) 239-7165
4201 38th St S, Suite 104, Fargo, ND 58104
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in North Dakota is required by law to have a veterans service office.
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
Property tax credit on first $9,000 taxable value for 50%+ disabled veterans
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit: equals the veteran's disability percentage applied to the first $9,000 of taxable value of the homestead (e.g., 70% disability = credit on $6,300 of value). Must have a 50%+ service-connected disability, or individual unemployability paid at the 100% rate, and an honorable discharge or retirement from the armed forces; the homestead must be owned and occupied. No income or asset limits. Apply to your local assessor or county director of tax equalization by April 1. A surviving spouse is also eligible, and a surviving spouse receiving dependency and indemnity compensation receives a 100% credit.
Income Tax Benefits
No state income tax for most residents (eliminated 2025)
North Dakota eliminated individual income tax for most residents effective 2025. Military retirement pay is tax-free. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
$10 fishing and $10 combined hunting licenses for 50%+ disabled veterans
North Dakota law sets a $10 resident fishing license for a resident disabled veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability, or an extra-schedular rating including individual unemployability that brings the total to at least 50%, and a $10 combined general game, habitat stamp, small game and fur-bearer license for a resident disabled veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability (N.D.C.C. 20.1-03-12).
Education Benefits
Free tuition and fees for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans (up to 45 months)
ND Dependent Tuition Waiver: spouse, surviving spouse, child, or stepchild of a resident veteran who was killed in action, died from service-connected causes, rated 100% disabled, or has IU rating may attend any ND state-supported institution free of tuition and fees. Benefit covers up to a bachelor's degree or certificate for 45 months or 10 semesters.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
North Dakota grants veterans preference in state employment. Job Service North Dakota provides dedicated veteran employment representatives. Each North Dakota county appoints, employs and pays a county veterans' service officer for benefits assistance.
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 Dakota state parks provide free annual vehicle passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon
The North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon provides skilled nursing, basic care, and assisted living for eligible veterans.
Veterans in North Dakota
North Dakota's roughly 45,000 veterans are concentrated around Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base, two installations that define their surrounding communities. The Fargo VA Health Care System provides medical care, supplemented by community-based clinics. The North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon provides long-term care, and each North Dakota county appoints, employs and pays a county veterans' service officer. North Dakota's low cost of living and strong job market make it financially attractive for veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Veteran Benefits
Does North Dakota offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Property tax credit on first $9,000 taxable value for 50%+ disabled veterans. Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit: equals the veteran's disability percentage applied to the first $9,000 of taxable value of the homestead (e.g., 70% disability = credit on $6,300 of value). Must have a 50%+ service-connected disability, or individual unemployability paid at the 100% rate, and an honorable discharge or retirement from the armed forces; the homestead must be owned and occupied. No income or asset limits. Apply to your local assessor or county director of tax equalization by April 1. A surviving spouse is also eligible, and a surviving spouse receiving dependency and indemnity compensation receives a 100% credit.
Does North Dakota have a state income tax?
No state income tax for most residents (eliminated 2025). North Dakota eliminated individual income tax for most residents effective 2025. Military retirement pay is tax-free. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does North Dakota offer veterans?
Free tuition and fees for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans (up to 45 months). ND Dependent Tuition Waiver: spouse, surviving spouse, child, or stepchild of a resident veteran who was killed in action, died from service-connected causes, rated 100% disabled, or has IU rating may attend any ND state-supported institution free of tuition and fees. Benefit covers up to a bachelor's degree or certificate for 45 months or 10 semesters.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in North Dakota?
$10 fishing and $10 combined hunting licenses for 50%+ disabled veterans. North Dakota law sets a $10 resident fishing license for a resident disabled veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability, or an extra-schedular rating including individual unemployability that brings the total to at least 50%, and a $10 combined general game, habitat stamp, small game and fur-bearer license for a resident disabled veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability (N.D.C.C. 20.1-03-12).
Does North Dakota give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. North Dakota grants veterans preference in state employment. Job Service North Dakota provides dedicated veteran employment representatives. Each North Dakota county appoints, employs and pays a county veterans' service officer for benefits assistance.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in North Dakota?
North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon. The North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon provides skilled nursing, basic care, and assisted living for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in North Dakota?
Free annual pass for disabled veterans. North Dakota state parks provide free annual vehicle passes for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
North Dakota 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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