South Carolina Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in South Carolina, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: South Carolina veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
South Carolina's military-friendly reputation is backed by tangible benefits: full military retirement pay exemption, substantial property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and a cost of living that lets veterans stretch their benefits further. With Joint Base Charleston, Shaw Air Force Base, Fort Jackson, and the Marine Corps' Parris Island, the state is deeply connected to military life.
Getting help in South Carolina
Accredited claims help
South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs
Phone: (803) 734-0200
1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 305, Columbia, SC 29204
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs has a veterans' affairs officer in every county — County Veterans Affairs Offices
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
Full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans
Veterans permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability are exempt from property tax on the home they own, with no cap on its value and a lot of up to five acres. Proof is a certificate from the VA or a county veterans service officer certifying total and permanent service-connected disability; a VA rating decision letter is not accepted. Apply to the SC Department of Revenue on Form PT-401-I or through MyDORWAY. A surviving spouse who stays unmarried, lives in the house and owns it also qualifies. Separately, homeowners who are 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind can claim the $50,000 homestead exemption through the county auditor.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
South Carolina fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2025. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free three-year hunting and fishing license for residents receiving VA disability benefits
South Carolina residents of at least 365 days who have been declared disabled and receive disability benefits from the VA (or certain other agencies) are entitled to a free disability hunting and fishing license, valid for three years. It covers freshwater and saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, wildlife management areas and the migratory waterfowl permit.
Education Benefits
Free tuition at state schools for children of certain disabled veterans
South Carolina provides tuition assistance for dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or died in service.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
South Carolina grants veterans preference in state employment. SC Department of Employment and Workforce provides dedicated veteran employment representatives. SC Works centers offer priority-of-service for veterans.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free admission for disabled veterans
South Carolina state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability. The state operates 47 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
South Carolina Veterans Homes
South Carolina operates the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro and Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, providing skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
Veterans in South Carolina
South Carolina has roughly 380,000 veterans. Fort Jackson in Columbia is the Army's largest training installation by volume, producing roughly 50% of all Basic Combat Training graduates. The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston provide healthcare. South Carolina operates six state veterans homes, and the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs has a veterans' affairs officer in every county.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Veteran Benefits
Does South Carolina offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans. Veterans permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability are exempt from property tax on the home they own, with no cap on its value and a lot of up to five acres. Proof is a certificate from the VA or a county veterans service officer certifying total and permanent service-connected disability; a VA rating decision letter is not accepted. Apply to the SC Department of Revenue on Form PT-401-I or through MyDORWAY. A surviving spouse who stays unmarried, lives in the house and owns it also qualifies. Separately, homeowners who are 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind can claim the $50,000 homestead exemption through the county auditor.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in South Carolina?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. South Carolina fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2025. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does South Carolina offer veterans?
Free tuition at state schools for children of certain disabled veterans. South Carolina provides tuition assistance for dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or died in service.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in South Carolina?
Free three-year hunting and fishing license for residents receiving VA disability benefits. South Carolina residents of at least 365 days who have been declared disabled and receive disability benefits from the VA (or certain other agencies) are entitled to a free disability hunting and fishing license, valid for three years. It covers freshwater and saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, wildlife management areas and the migratory waterfowl permit.
Does South Carolina give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. South Carolina grants veterans preference in state employment. SC Department of Employment and Workforce provides dedicated veteran employment representatives. SC Works centers offer priority-of-service for veterans.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in South Carolina?
South Carolina Veterans Homes. South Carolina operates the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro and Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, providing skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in South Carolina?
Free admission for disabled veterans. South Carolina state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability. The state operates 47 state parks.
Want the full picture?
South Carolina 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 →