North Carolina Veteran Benefits

North Carolina is dedicated to honoring its veterans by providing a wide range of benefits and services designed to support their financial, educational, and personal well-being. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of veteran benefits available in North Carolina, including financial assistance, recreational opportunities, educational programs, housing and employment support, burial and memorial services, tax incentives, VA resources, and other state-specific resources. The aim is to ensure veterans are aware of the opportunities and resources available to them in North Carolina. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information. Below is a detailed breakdown of these benefits:

North Carolina Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: North Carolina offers a property tax exemption of up to $45,000 on the appraised value of a primary residence for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating, as well as their unmarried surviving spouses.

  • North Carolina Veterans Trust Fund: This fund provides financial assistance to veterans and their families for emergency needs, including medical bills, housing, and other unexpected expenses. The fund is managed by the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA).

  • State Retirement Credit for Military Service: State employees who served in the military may be eligible for additional retirement credit for their service, potentially increasing their state pension.

  • Veterans Preference for State Jobs: North Carolina offers veterans preference points on state employment exams, with additional points for disabled veterans. This benefits veterans seeking state employment.

  • Military Pay Exemption for Active Duty and Reservists: Active-duty military personnel and reservists stationed in North Carolina do not have to pay state income tax on military pay.

Recreation Benefits

  • Free Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License: North Carolina offers free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability rating. This also applies to Purple Heart recipients and Medal of Honor recipients.

  • North Carolina State Parks and Attractions Discount: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive discounted or free admission to state parks and other attractions. Disabled veterans may also be eligible for additional discounts or free passes.

  • Veteran Programs at North Carolina Aquariums: The North Carolina Aquarium system provides special programs and discounted admission to veterans and their families.

  • Military Appreciation Days: Several attractions and events across North Carolina offer free or discounted admission to veterans on specific days, including Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Education Programs

  • In-State Tuition for Veterans and Family Members: Veterans, active-duty personnel, and their dependents are eligible for in-state tuition rates at North Carolina's public colleges and universities, regardless of residency status, under the Choice Act.

  • North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program: This program provides tuition assistance to members of the North Carolina National Guard pursuing higher education at in-state public institutions.

  • Scholarships for Children of War Veterans: The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs offers scholarships to eligible children of deceased, disabled, or POW/MIA veterans. This includes full tuition, fees, and a stipend for up to eight semesters at a North Carolina public institution.

  • Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC): This program provides entrepreneurship training, counseling, and other resources to veterans interested in starting or expanding a business in North Carolina.

  • Veterans Resource Centers at North Carolina Colleges: Many public colleges and universities in North Carolina have dedicated veteran resource centers that offer support services, counseling, and assistance with navigating educational benefits.

Housing and Employment

  • North Carolina Housing Finance Agency Programs: The agency offers a range of housing assistance programs for veterans, including down payment assistance, mortgage credit certificates, and affordable rental housing. This can help veterans find and secure affordable housing.

  • Veterans Homelessness Programs: North Carolina provides transitional housing, emergency shelter, and supportive services to homeless veterans through various state and non-profit programs.

  • Veterans Employment and Training Services: The North Carolina Department of Commerce's Veterans Employment and Training Services offers specialized assistance to veterans seeking employment, including resume building, job search assistance, and job placement services.

  • Veterans Preference in State Employment: North Carolina gives veterans additional preference points when applying for state jobs, offering an advantage in the hiring process.

  • Veterans Bridge Home Program: This program connects veterans with resources and support for transitioning from military to civilian life, focusing on employment, housing, and education.

Burials and Memorials

  • North Carolina State Veterans Cemeteries: North Carolina has four state veterans cemeteries where eligible veterans can receive burial with full military honors, including a burial flag and headstone. These cemeteries are located in Black Mountain, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, and Spring Lake.

  • Military Funeral Honors: The state coordinates military funeral honors for veterans, including the presentation of the U.S. flag and, where possible, the playing of Taps.

  • Government-Provided Headstones and Markers: Veterans buried in state veterans cemeteries are entitled to a government-provided headstone or marker, with their service branch and other pertinent information.

  • Free Burial Flag: The state provides a free U.S. flag for the casket or urn during a veteran's burial or memorial service.

  • Memorials and Monuments: North Carolina is home to several veteran memorials, including the North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Raleigh, which offer spaces to honor and remember those who served.

Tax Incentives

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are eligible for a property tax exemption on their primary residence, reducing their tax burden.

  • Military Pay Exemption for Active Duty and Reservists: Active-duty military personnel and reservists stationed in North Carolina do not have to pay state income tax on military pay.

  • Tax Benefits for Veterans-Owned Businesses: North Carolina provides various tax benefits and incentives for veteran-owned businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship among veterans.

  • Income Tax Exemption for Veterans' Pensions: North Carolina does not tax military pensions, providing financial relief to retired veterans.

  • Tax Credits for Employers Hiring Veterans: Employers in North Carolina who hire veterans may be eligible for state tax credits, encouraging the employment of veterans in the state.

VA Benefit Resources in North Carolina

  • North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA): This agency provides guidance to veterans on applying for state and federal benefits, as well as general support for veteran-related concerns.

  • Veterans Crisis Line: A 24/7 confidential helpline for veterans in crisis, accessible by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or through text and online chat.

  • Veterans Administration Medical Centers and Clinics: North Carolina has several VA medical centers and clinics offering healthcare services and specialized programs for veterans.

  • County Veterans Service Offices: Each county in North Carolina has a Veterans Service Office providing personalized support for veterans seeking state and federal benefits.

  • Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): North Carolina has a strong network of VSOs, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), offering support and resources for veterans.

North Carolina's commitment to veterans is reflected in its diverse range of benefits and services. From financial assistance to educational opportunities, recreational benefits, housing support, and comprehensive burial and memorial arrangements, the state aims to support veterans in all aspects of their lives. This guide provides a detailed overview of these benefits, and veterans are encouraged to connect with the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and other veteran-focused organizations for further assistance and guidance. 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.