Vermont Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Vermont, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Vermont veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Vermont's commitment to veterans is notable for a state its size. Full military retirement pay exemption, property tax exemptions, and the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington provide a support structure that ensures veterans in the Green Mountain State have access to meaningful benefits despite the state's small population.
Getting help in Vermont
Accredited claims help
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (802) 828-3379
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
$10,000 exemption of appraisal value for disabled veterans; towns may raise it to $40,000
Vermont exempts at least $10,000 of the appraisal value of the home of a veteran receiving disability compensation for at least 50 percent disability (32 V.S.A. § 3802(11)); towns may vote to raise it to up to $40,000. Veterans receiving a VA non-service-connected disability pension or permanent medical military retirement pay, and recipients of DIC or death compensation, also qualify. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualified veterans also eligible. File with the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs before May 1 each year; veterans determined totally and permanently disabled only need to file proof once.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt (AGI under $125,000)
Vermont fully exempts military retirement pay for filers with AGI of $125,000 or less as of 2025. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free permanent license for 60%+ disabled veterans
A Vermont resident who is a veteran and is, or ever has been, 60% disabled due to a service-connected disability may receive a free permanent license with a specific VA letter. Nonresident veterans from reciprocal states (currently New Hampshire and Maine) can get a free one-year fishing, hunting or combination license.
Education Benefits
In-state tuition for veterans at Vermont public schools
Veterans receive in-state tuition at Vermont State Colleges and University of Vermont.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Vermont grants veterans preference in state employment. Vermont Department of Labor provides veteran employment services through local career centers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free day-use for all Vermont veterans
Vermont state parks offer free day-use admission for all Vermont veterans (not limited to disabled). Covers all 55 state parks and forests.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington
The Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington provides skilled nursing, residential, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Vermont
Vermont has roughly 35,000 veterans in a state of just 645,000 people. The Vermont National Guard is active throughout the state, and the White River Junction VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare. The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs has a small staff that includes certified veteran service officers. Vermont's rural character means that outreach and accessibility are ongoing priorities for the state's veteran services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Veteran Benefits
Does Vermont offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
$10,000 exemption of appraisal value for disabled veterans; towns may raise it to $40,000. Vermont exempts at least $10,000 of the appraisal value of the home of a veteran receiving disability compensation for at least 50 percent disability (32 V.S.A. § 3802(11)); towns may vote to raise it to up to $40,000. Veterans receiving a VA non-service-connected disability pension or permanent medical military retirement pay, and recipients of DIC or death compensation, also qualify. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualified veterans also eligible. File with the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs before May 1 each year; veterans determined totally and permanently disabled only need to file proof once.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Vermont?
Military retirement pay fully exempt (AGI under $125,000). Vermont fully exempts military retirement pay for filers with AGI of $125,000 or less as of 2025. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Vermont offer veterans?
In-state tuition for veterans at Vermont public schools. Veterans receive in-state tuition at Vermont State Colleges and University of Vermont.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Vermont?
Free permanent license for 60%+ disabled veterans. A Vermont resident who is a veteran and is, or ever has been, 60% disabled due to a service-connected disability may receive a free permanent license with a specific VA letter. Nonresident veterans from reciprocal states (currently New Hampshire and Maine) can get a free one-year fishing, hunting or combination license.
Does Vermont give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Vermont grants veterans preference in state employment. Vermont Department of Labor provides veteran employment services through local career centers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Vermont?
Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. The Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington provides skilled nursing, residential, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Vermont?
Free day-use for all Vermont veterans. Vermont state parks offer free day-use admission for all Vermont veterans (not limited to disabled). Covers all 55 state parks and forests.
Want the full picture?
Vermont 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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