Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs

First State, First-Class Support: Delaware's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

Delaware demonstrates its commitment to its resident veterans with a strong slate of benefits designed to provide significant financial advantages, long-term security, and crucial support services. Administered by the Delaware Office of Veterans Services, these programs honor the sacrifices made by those who have served. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and quality-of-life enhancements.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: Topping the list for its substantial and direct financial impact on career veterans, Delaware completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows military retirees to keep a significantly larger portion of their hard-earned pension, making the state a financially attractive place to live.
2. Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit: Delaware offers a significant property tax credit for veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA. Eligible veterans can receive a credit of up to 100% of their school property taxes, which typically make up the largest portion of a homeowner's property tax bill. This can result in thousands of dollars in annual savings.
3. Delaware Veterans Home: The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford provides affordable, high-quality long-term care for Delaware veterans. This modern facility offers skilled nursing and domiciliary care in a setting dedicated to the unique needs of veterans, providing peace of mind and essential support for aging heroes and their families.
4. State Employment Preference: Veterans receive a significant advantage when applying for state merit system jobs. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for those with a service-connected disability. This preference provides a vital edge in securing stable and rewarding state employment.
5. Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: With two locations in Bear and Millsboro, the state's veterans cemeteries provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, interment, and perpetual care at no cost to the veteran's family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
6. Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans: Delaware provides a renewable, four-year scholarship for the children of service members who were killed on active duty or who died from a service-connected condition. The scholarship can be used at any post-secondary institution and helps cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, offering an invaluable opportunity to the families of the fallen.
7. No-Cost "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's Licenses: Veterans can receive a "VETERAN" designator on their Delaware driver's license or state ID card at no additional cost. This simple but important benefit allows for easy verification of veteran status, ensuring access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered as a gesture of appreciation.
8. State Parks Admission Pass for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible for a reduced-fee annual pass to Delaware's state parks. This encourages veterans and their families to enjoy the state's beautiful beaches, trails, and recreational areas.
9. Pension Supplement for Paraplegic Veterans: Delaware provides a supplemental pension for veterans who are paraplegic as a result of their military service. This direct financial assistance helps offset the unique costs associated with severe mobility disabilities.
10. Veteran-Owned Business Preference: While a developing benefit, the state provides preference and resources for veteran-owned businesses. This includes support in navigating state procurement processes and certification programs that can help veteran entrepreneurs secure state contracts, fostering economic opportunity and growth.

These premier benefits showcase Delaware's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and application information, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Delaware Office of Veterans Services.

Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
802 Silver Lake Blvd. Suite 100
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: 302-739-2792
In State, Toll-Free Phone: 800-344-9900

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