Rhode Island Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Rhode Island, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Rhode Island veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it offers meaningful veteran benefits including property tax exemptions for wartime veterans, full military retirement pay exemption, and strong employment preferences. The state's compact size means every veteran is within a short drive of VA healthcare and state veterans services.
Getting help in Rhode Island
Accredited claims help
Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
Phone: (401) 921-2119
560 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02886
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
Exemption for wartime veterans set by each town; full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans in a specially adapted home
Veterans with qualifying wartime or conflict service and an honorable discharge are exempt from taxation on $1,000 of value under R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-4, and many towns set their own amount by ordinance. Towns may add $10,000 for totally disabled veterans, and some go higher. Veterans the VA rates totally and permanently disabled through a service-connected disability who own a specially adapted homestead acquired or modified with a VA specially adapted housing grant, and their surviving spouses, are exempt from all taxation on that homestead (Westerly caps this at $46,500). Gold Star parents get a $3,000 exemption (§ 44-3-5). Unmarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans also eligible.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay partially exempt
Rhode Island provides a partial exemption for military retirement pay. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free permanent fishing or combination hunting and fishing license for veterans rated 100%
Rhode Island law entitles a veteran rated 100% disabled to a license to hunt, fish or both with no license fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 20-2-31). DEM issues a Fishing Disability or Combination Disability license at no fee, and for veterans it is permanent once issued. Apply with the VA's decision letter on agency letterhead (explanation-of-benefit letters are not accepted); a hunting license also needs a prior hunting license, a hunter safety card or a DD-214. Permits and stamps, such as the waterfowl stamp and turkey permit, still carry a fee.
Education Benefits
In-state tuition for veterans at Rhode Island public schools
Veterans qualify for in-state tuition at Rhode Island public colleges.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Rhode Island grants veterans preference in state and municipal civil service — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training provides veteran employment 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
Rhode Island state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol
The Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol provides housing and care for eligible veterans, with living arrangements ranging from dormitory-style housing to fully skilled nursing care, and a memory care neighborhood.
Veterans in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is home to roughly 50,000 veterans and to Naval Station Newport. The Providence VA Medical Center provides comprehensive care, and the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol offers long-term residential care. The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services helps veterans with benefits eligibility and claims, and has a case management team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Veteran Benefits
Does Rhode Island offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Exemption for wartime veterans set by each town; full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans in a specially adapted home. Veterans with qualifying wartime or conflict service and an honorable discharge are exempt from taxation on $1,000 of value under R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-4, and many towns set their own amount by ordinance. Towns may add $10,000 for totally disabled veterans, and some go higher. Veterans the VA rates totally and permanently disabled through a service-connected disability who own a specially adapted homestead acquired or modified with a VA specially adapted housing grant, and their surviving spouses, are exempt from all taxation on that homestead (Westerly caps this at $46,500). Gold Star parents get a $3,000 exemption (§ 44-3-5). Unmarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans also eligible.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Rhode Island?
Military retirement pay partially exempt. Rhode Island provides a partial exemption for military retirement pay. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
What education benefits does Rhode Island offer veterans?
In-state tuition for veterans at Rhode Island public schools. Veterans qualify for in-state tuition at Rhode Island public colleges.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Rhode Island?
Free permanent fishing or combination hunting and fishing license for veterans rated 100%. Rhode Island law entitles a veteran rated 100% disabled to a license to hunt, fish or both with no license fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 20-2-31). DEM issues a Fishing Disability or Combination Disability license at no fee, and for veterans it is permanent once issued. Apply with the VA's decision letter on agency letterhead (explanation-of-benefit letters are not accepted); a hunting license also needs a prior hunting license, a hunter safety card or a DD-214. Permits and stamps, such as the waterfowl stamp and turkey permit, still carry a fee.
Does Rhode Island give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Rhode Island grants veterans preference in state and municipal civil service — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training provides veteran employment services.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol. The Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol provides housing and care for eligible veterans, with living arrangements ranging from dormitory-style housing to fully skilled nursing care, and a memory care neighborhood.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Rhode Island?
Free state parks pass for disabled veterans. Rhode Island state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Rhode Island 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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