Vermont Veteran Benefits

Vermont is dedicated to honoring its veterans by providing various benefits and resources to support their financial well-being, educational pursuits, recreational activities, housing, employment, and more. This comprehensive guide offers a detailed overview of veteran disability benefits in Vermont, covering financial assistance, educational programs, recreational benefits, housing and employment support, burial and memorial arrangements, tax incentives, VA resources, and other state-specific benefits. 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:

Vermont Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Vermont offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability rating. This exemption can reduce the taxable value of the veteran's primary residence, resulting in significant tax savings.

  • Vermont Veterans' Assistance Fund: This fund provides emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families facing unexpected hardship, covering expenses such as rent, utilities, and medical bills.

  • Veterans' Preference for State Jobs: Vermont grants additional points to veterans on state employment exams, giving them a hiring advantage when applying for state jobs. Disabled veterans receive an additional preference.

  • Veterans' Financial Assistance: The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) provides financial assistance to veterans in need, helping with emergency expenses like housing, utilities, and medical costs.

  • Vermont National Guard Tuition Assistance: Members of the Vermont National Guard are eligible for tuition assistance at Vermont state colleges and universities, reducing the cost of higher education.

Recreation Benefits

  • Free Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Vermont offers free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating. This benefit allows veterans to enjoy Vermont's outdoor activities without additional costs.

  • Vermont State Parks Discounts: Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating receive free admission to Vermont state parks, including free day-use passes and discounted camping rates. Other veterans may qualify for discounted rates.

  • Free Admission to State-Owned Museums and Historic Sites: Vermont offers free admission to state-owned museums and historic sites for veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating, allowing them to explore Vermont's history and culture at no cost.

  • Veterans' Camping Discounts: Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating are eligible for discounted camping rates at Vermont state parks and recreational areas, providing affordable outdoor recreational opportunities.

  • Veterans' Golf Discounts: Vermont offers discounted rates at state-owned golf courses for veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating, making golf an accessible recreational activity.

Education Programs

  • Vermont National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program: This program provides tuition assistance to members of the Vermont National Guard pursuing higher education at Vermont public colleges and universities. It can cover up to 100% of tuition costs.

  • Veterans' Educational Assistance Program: This program provides financial assistance for education to eligible veterans and their dependents pursuing higher education at Vermont public institutions.

  • Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Vermont: This program offers entrepreneurship training, counseling, and resources for veterans interested in starting or expanding a business. It provides mentorship, workshops, and business development resources.

  • In-State Tuition for Veterans and Family Members: Vermont grants in-state tuition rates to veterans, active-duty personnel, and their dependents at Vermont public colleges and universities, reducing the cost of higher education.

  • Veterans Resource Centers at Vermont Colleges: Several Vermont public colleges and universities have dedicated veterans resource centers that offer support services, counseling, and assistance with accessing educational benefits.

Housing and Employment

  • Vermont Veterans' Home: Located in Bennington, this state-run facility provides long-term care services to eligible veterans, including nursing care, basic health care, and specialized care for veterans with dementia or other cognitive disorders.

  • Veterans' Preference for State Jobs: Vermont grants additional points to veterans on state employment exams, offering them a hiring advantage when applying for state jobs. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points.

  • Veterans' Employment Assistance: The Vermont Department of Labor offers employment support to veterans, including job search assistance, resume building, and job placement services.

  • Veterans' Housing Assistance: Vermont provides various housing assistance programs for veterans, including down payment assistance, low-interest mortgages, and rental assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

  • Veterans' Entrepreneurship Support: Vermont offers grants and resources for veterans interested in starting or expanding a business, encouraging veteran entrepreneurship and providing support for business development.

Burials and Memorials

  • Vermont State Veterans Cemetery: Located in Randolph Center, this state veterans' cemetery provides burial services to eligible veterans with full military honors, including a burial flag and government-provided headstone. Eligible spouses and dependents can also be buried in the cemetery.

  • Military Funeral Honors: Vermont coordinates military funeral honors for veterans, including flag presentations and the playing of Taps. These honors are managed through the Vermont National Guard and other military organizations.

  • Free Burial Flag: Vermont offers a free U.S. flag to drape over the casket or accompany the urn during a veteran's burial or memorial service.

  • Veterans' Burial Assistance: Vermont provides financial assistance for veterans' burial costs, helping to ease the financial burden on families during a difficult time.

  • Veterans' Memorials and Monuments: Vermont has numerous memorials dedicated to veterans, including the Vermont Veterans Memorial in Bennington and the Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sharon, providing places to honor and remember those who served.

Tax Incentives

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Vermont provides a property tax exemption for veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating. This exemption reduces the taxable value of their primary residence, lowering their property tax burden.

  • Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Vermont does not tax military retirement pay, providing financial relief for retired veterans residing in the state.

  • Employer Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans: Vermont offers tax credits to employers who hire veterans, encouraging veteran employment within the state.

  • Income Tax Exemption for Veterans' Benefits: Vermont allows an income tax exemption for various veterans' benefits, such as disability compensation and other payments from the VA.

  • Military Pay Exemption for Active-Duty Personnel: Active-duty military personnel stationed in Vermont are exempt from state income tax on military pay, providing a tax advantage to those serving in the state.

VA Benefit Resources in Vermont

  • Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA): This state agency provides guidance and support to veterans in applying for state and federal benefits, as well as assistance with claims and other veteran-related concerns.

  • Veterans Administration Medical Centers and Clinics: Vermont has several VA medical centers and clinics, providing healthcare services to veterans. These facilities offer a range of medical services and specialized care for veterans with disabilities.

  • 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.

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

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

Vermont's commitment to its veterans is reflected in the comprehensive range of benefits and services it offers. From financial support and tax incentives to educational opportunities, recreational activities, housing assistance, and comprehensive burial and memorial arrangements, veterans in Vermont have access to a wealth of resources. 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.