Bayou Gratitude: Louisiana's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

Louisiana offers a substantial and diverse portfolio of benefits to its resident veterans, recognizing their service with significant financial, educational, and quality-of-life advantages. Administered by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA), these programs stand as a strong salute to the state's military community. While the personal value of each benefit differs, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering support.

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

1. Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of veteran support in Louisiana, this benefit provides a significant reduction or full waiver of property taxes. The exemption amount is tiered: veterans with a 70-99% VA disability rating are exempt from property taxes up to $150,000 of their home's assessed value, while veterans with a 100% disability rating are fully exempt from all property taxes on their primary residence. This can save thousands of dollars annually.
2. State Aid Program for Children & Surviving Spouses (Title 29): This invaluable educational program provides financial aid for the children and surviving spouses of Louisiana veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. The benefit can be used at any state-supported college, university, or trade school, covering tuition and certain fees, thereby opening a debt-free path to higher education for families who have sacrificed the most.
3. Louisiana Veterans Homes: Louisiana operates five exceptional veterans homes in Bossier City, Jackson, Jennings, Monroe, and Reserve. These facilities provide affordable, high-quality long-term skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and memory care. Access to dedicated, veteran-centric long-term care is a critical resource, offering peace of mind and specialized support for aging veterans and their families.
4. Louisiana Employment Preference: Veterans receive a significant advantage when applying for jobs in the state's classified civil service. Five preference points are added to the application scores of qualified veterans, while ten points are added for disabled veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents. This preference provides a vital edge in securing stable and rewarding government careers.
5. Mlitary Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Louisiana offers a significant tax break for military retirees. The state provides a generous retirement income exclusion that can be applied to military retirement pay, allowing many veterans to pay little to no state income tax on their pensions, a major financial advantage.
6. Louisiana Veterans Cemeteries: With four locations in Keithville, Leesville, Rayville, and Slidell, Louisiana's veterans cemeteries provide a dignified and honorable final resting place. The state provides the plot, vault, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care at no cost to the veteran's family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden during a difficult time.
7. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Louisiana honors its resident veterans with free and discounted combination hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability are eligible for a free license. Active-duty members and retired veterans can purchase licenses at discounted rates, encouraging participation in the state's renowned "Sportsman's Paradise."
8. Military Assistance Fund (MAF): A crucial safety net, the MAF provides emergency financial assistance to Louisiana veterans and their families facing unforeseen hardship. Administered by the LDVA, these grants can help cover essential needs like housing, utilities, and medical expenses, providing stability during a crisis.
9. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Louisiana offers a "VETERAN" designation on driver's licenses and ID cards for a small fee. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail, service, and restaurant discounts offered as a gesture of appreciation.
10. Special License Plates: Louisiana offers numerous specialty license plates for veterans, disabled veterans, and specific military award recipients. While some have a fee, the Disabled Veteran plate is free and also provides an exemption from certain municipal parking fees, offering both recognition and a tangible financial perk.

These premier benefits showcase Louisiana's robust commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Parish Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
602 N. Fifth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone: 1-225-219-5000

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Guide