Kansas Department of Veterans Affairs

Sunflower State Support: Kansas's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

Kansas offers a solid array of state-level benefits to honor and support its resident veterans, recognizing their service with financial, educational, and long-term care advantages. Administered by the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs Office (KCVAO), these programs aim to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and crucial life-altering support.

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

1. Homestead Property Tax Refund: A significant financial benefit, the Kansas Homestead Refund allows eligible disabled veterans and low-income veterans to receive a partial refund on their property taxes. For veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability, this can provide a substantial annual rebate, easing the burden of homeownership.
2. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Kansas completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension free from state taxation, boosting their annual income.
3. State Veterans' Homes: Kansas operates two State Veterans' Homes in Fort Dodge and Winfield. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable long-term skilled nursing and domiciliary care. Access to dedicated, veteran-centric long-term care is an invaluable resource for aging or disabled veterans and their families, offering peace of mind and specialized support.
4. Kansas Military Service Scholarship: This competitive scholarship provides funds for the children of veterans who died as a result of service in a designated combat area. The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies at a Kansas post-secondary institution, offering a vital educational opportunity to families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
5. State Employment Preference: Veterans receive a preference when applying for state government jobs. Ten points are added to the examination scores of qualified wartime veterans, giving them a significant advantage in securing stable and rewarding careers in public service.
6. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Kansas honors its resident disabled veterans by providing free hunting and fishing licenses. This benefit is available to veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability, encouraging participation in the state's abundant outdoor recreational activities.
7. State Veterans' Cemeteries: With four locations in Fort Dodge, Fort Riley, WaKeeney, and Winfield, the Kansas Veterans' Cemeteries provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care at no cost to the veteran's family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
8. In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents: Kansas law grants immediate residency for tuition purposes to recently separated veterans and their dependents. This allows them to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities without a lengthy waiting period, resulting in thousands of dollars in savings on higher education.
9. Free State Park Admission: Veterans with any level of service-connected disability are eligible for a free annual vehicle permit for Kansas State Parks. This "Disabled Veterans Free Park Permit" opens up the state's natural beauty for veterans and their families to enjoy without cost.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Veterans can request a "VETERAN" indicator on their Kansas driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state as a gesture of appreciation.

These premier benefits showcase the Sunflower State's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Representative for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs Office.

Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office

Address: 
Jayhawk Tower – 700 SW Jackson, Suite 1004
Topeka, KS 66603-3743

Phone: 785-296-3976

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory