Connecticut Veteran Benefits

Connecticut offers a comprehensive range of benefits and support services for service members, veterans, and their families. These benefits span various areas, including financial assistance, tax exemptions, recreational privileges, education programs, housing assistance, employment opportunities, and more. From tax relief on military pay to tuition waivers for veterans and their dependents, Connecticut aims to honor and support those who have served their country. This overview provides a glimpse into the diverse array of benefits available to Connecticut's veteran community, highlighting the state's commitment to ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its military personnel and their families. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information.

Connecticut Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Connecticut Income Tax on Military Pay: Connecticut resident service members are required to pay state taxes on their military pay unless they meet specific conditions. Exception for service members who do not maintain a permanent residence in Connecticut, maintain a permanent residence outside Connecticut, and spend 30 days or less in Connecticut.

  • Connecticut State Tax Exemption for Military Retired Pay: Retired service members do not have to pay Connecticut income taxes on military retired pay if their military retired pay is taxed on their federal income tax return.

  • Connecticut State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces is not taxed in Connecticut.

  • Connecticut State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

  • Connecticut Taxes on Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP): SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP survivor annuities are not subject to Connecticut income taxes.

  • Connecticut Military Spouse Residency Relief Act: Nonresident military spouses who share the same state of residence as a nonresident service member stationed in Connecticut due to military orders are not subject to Connecticut income taxes on wages earned within the state.

  • Connecticut Veteran Property Tax Exemptions: Various property tax exemptions available for veterans based on disability rating, wartime service, and other criteria.

  • Reduced Connecticut Vehicle Purchase Sales Tax for Nonresident Service Members: Nonresident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and stationed in Connecticut may purchase motor vehicles with a reduced sales tax rate.

  • Connecticut Tax Relief for Service Members Killed in a Combat Zone or as a Result of Injuries: Resident service members who die while serving on active duty in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone are exempt from Connecticut income taxes in the year of their death.

Recreation Benefits

  • Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Nonresident Service Members: Active duty, nonresident service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can purchase Connecticut hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses for resident prices.

  • Connecticut Free Fishing, Marine Waters Fishing, and Small Game Hunting Licenses for Disabled Persons: Connecticut residents who lost a limb or the use of a limb are eligible for free inland fishing and small game hunting licenses.

  • Connecticut Group Fishing License for Organizations Hosting Disabled Veteran Fishing Programs: Group fishing licenses available for non-profit organizations hosting fishing programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

  • Free Connecticut State Park Lifetime Pass for Disabled Veterans: Provides access to Connecticut State Parks and Forests for resident veterans with a service-connected disability.

Education Programs

  • Connecticut Veterans, Military Service Member, Veteran, and Dependent Tuition Waiver: Waives tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities for eligible veterans, Connecticut National Guard service members, and certain dependents.

  • Connecticut High School Diplomas for Veterans of WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam: Connecticut local boards of education will award diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left high school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during specific periods.

  • Connecticut Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: Facilitates educational success for children of military families by removing barriers to enrollment, placement, and eligibility for educational programs and activities.

Housing

  • Connecticut State Veterans Home at Rocky Hill: Eligibility for admission includes certain service criteria and Connecticut residency.

  • Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Patriots’ Landing: Temporary housing program for homeless veterans, their spouses, and children, providing furnished homes and case management services.

Employment and Job Training:

  • Veteran’s Preference: Honorably discharged Veterans receive preference in state employment.

  • Connecticut Department of Labor Veteran Services: Provides employment services for veterans through trained specialists at American Job Centers.

  • Connecticut Veteran Preference when Bidding for State Contracts: Veteran-owned small businesses receive a price preference when bidding for state contracts.

  • Leave for Connecticut State Employees for Military Duty: State employees who are service members in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized 30 days per year of military leave with pay.

  • Connecticut State Employment Reinstatement after Military Leave: State employees who leave their job to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces must be reinstated to their former position.

  • Connecticut State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference: Offers a hiring preference for eligible veterans and spouses in state employment.

  • USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) Benefits: Protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of reserve components.

Miscellaneous Connecticut Military & Veteran Benefits

  • Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus: Monetary award for current and former Connecticut National Guard service members for their contributions during active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

  • Connecticut Military Family Relief Fund: Provides financial grants to service members and their families experiencing financial hardship due to military service.

  • Connecticut Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund (SSMF): Administered by the American Legion, provides temporary financial assistance to eligible veterans and their families.

VA Benefit Resources in Connecticut

  • Regional Benefits Office and VA Medical Centers available for veterans in Connecticut

  • For disabled Veterans seeking VA compensation or additional benefits, consultation with us at ForTheVeteran can offer expert guidance.

How can we help?

We are deeply understand VA Disability Benefits and work closely with you to get you all the benefits you're owed. Our team includes veterans and their families who understand the sacrifices you've made. We know how military service can affect your health, and our goal is to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.