Ohio Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Ohio, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Ohio veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Ohio's veteran benefits package combines property tax relief for disabled veterans and full military retirement pay exemption. With Wright-Patterson Air Force Base — the Air Force's largest single-site employer — and multiple other installations, Ohio has deep military roots and a veteran population to match.
Getting help in Ohio
Accredited claims help
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Phone: (614) 644-0898
77 S. High St., 7th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Ohio is required by law to have a veterans service office.
Financial help: county veterans financial assistance (O.R.C. 5901.11, county levy up to 0.5 mill)
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
Enhanced homestead exemption for veterans with a total disability rating or IU
Ohio's enhanced homestead exemption for disabled veterans (ORC 323.152) reduces property taxes by the amount charged on $50,000 of the home's true value, with the $50,000 adjusted each year for inflation. It is for honorably discharged veterans who have a total disability rating, or a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and who own and occupy the home; there is no income limit. Apply to your county auditor. A surviving spouse who lived in the home when the veteran died keeps the reduction until death or remarriage.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Ohio fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free licenses for P&T disabled veterans, DV-plate holders and former POWs
Ohio gives eligible resident disabled veterans and former prisoners of war a free fishing license, hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, wild turkey permit or wetlands habitat stamp. Eligibility is an honorable discharge with a VA-determined permanent and total disability and VA pension or compensation, or Disabled Veterans License Plates, or former POW status, plus six consecutive months of Ohio residency. Approval lasts five years; the licenses are still obtained each year from an agent or online.
Education Benefits
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship + Ohio GI Promise
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship covers tuition at Ohio public colleges for children of disabled or deceased veterans. Ohio GI Promise provides immediate in-state tuition eligibility at all Ohio public colleges — no 12-month residency wait.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state and local government
Ohio grants veterans preference in state civil service — disabled veterans receive 20% add-on to passing scores, non-disabled veterans receive 10%. Many counties and municipalities also offer veteran preference. 88 County Veterans Service Offices provide employment assistance.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free annual vehicle pass for disabled veterans
Ohio state parks provide free annual vehicle passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 75 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Ohio Veterans Homes (Sandusky and Georgetown)
Ohio operates Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown, nursing homes offering standard and memory care for eligible veterans; the Sandusky home also has a domiciliary.
Additional Benefits
- Ohio Veterans Bonus: one-time payment for Gulf War/Iraq/Afghanistan veterans
Veterans in Ohio
Ohio is home to over 620,000 veterans. Wright-Patterson AFB, the Defense Supply Center Columbus, and multiple National Guard and Reserve installations create a broad military footprint. The VA healthcare network in Ohio is extensive, with major medical centers in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Chillicothe. Ohio operates two state veterans homes (Sandusky and Georgetown), and each of Ohio's 88 counties has its own veterans service commission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Veteran Benefits
Does Ohio offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Enhanced homestead exemption for veterans with a total disability rating or IU. Ohio's enhanced homestead exemption for disabled veterans (ORC 323.152) reduces property taxes by the amount charged on $50,000 of the home's true value, with the $50,000 adjusted each year for inflation. It is for honorably discharged veterans who have a total disability rating, or a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and who own and occupy the home; there is no income limit. Apply to your county auditor. A surviving spouse who lived in the home when the veteran died keeps the reduction until death or remarriage.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Ohio?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Ohio fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Ohio offer veterans?
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship + Ohio GI Promise. Ohio War Orphans Scholarship covers tuition at Ohio public colleges for children of disabled or deceased veterans. Ohio GI Promise provides immediate in-state tuition eligibility at all Ohio public colleges — no 12-month residency wait.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Ohio?
Free licenses for P&T disabled veterans, DV-plate holders and former POWs. Ohio gives eligible resident disabled veterans and former prisoners of war a free fishing license, hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, wild turkey permit or wetlands habitat stamp. Eligibility is an honorable discharge with a VA-determined permanent and total disability and VA pension or compensation, or Disabled Veterans License Plates, or former POW status, plus six consecutive months of Ohio residency. Approval lasts five years; the licenses are still obtained each year from an agent or online.
Does Ohio give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state and local government. Ohio grants veterans preference in state civil service — disabled veterans receive 20% add-on to passing scores, non-disabled veterans receive 10%. Many counties and municipalities also offer veteran preference. 88 County Veterans Service Offices provide employment assistance.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Ohio?
Ohio Veterans Homes (Sandusky and Georgetown). Ohio operates Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown, nursing homes offering standard and memory care for eligible veterans; the Sandusky home also has a domiciliary.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Ohio?
Free annual vehicle pass for disabled veterans. Ohio state parks provide free annual vehicle passes for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 75 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Ohio benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
Take the 3-minute briefing →