Maine Department of Veterans Affairs

Pine Tree Pride: Maine's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Maine offers a robust and thoughtful package of benefits to its veterans, recognizing their service with significant financial, educational, and quality-of-life advantages. Administered by the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, these programs are tailored to support veterans and their families. While the individual value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and crucial support services.

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

1. Property Tax Exemption: A cornerstone of Maine's veteran support, this benefit provides a property tax exemption on the primary residence for eligible veterans. The exemption is tiered by age and service period, with a more substantial exemption available for veterans who are 100% disabled. This can translate into significant annual savings and greater financial stability for homeowners.
2. Maine Veterans' Homes: With multiple locations, the Maine Veterans' Homes provide comprehensive long-term care, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care services. Access to high-quality, affordable, and veteran-centric long-term care is an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families, offering peace of mind and specialized support.
3. State Income Tax Exemption on Military Retirement Pay: Maine provides a significant tax advantage for military retirees. A portion of military retirement pension income is exempt from state income tax, allowing retired veterans to keep more of their hard-earned pension.
4. Educational Benefits and Tuition Waivers: Maine offers tuition waivers at its public universities and colleges for the dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled, were killed in action, or are currently listed as a POW/MIA. This powerful benefit can save a family tens of thousands of dollars, making higher education a debt-free reality for those who have sacrificed.
5. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Five preference points are added to the application scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a significant advantage in securing stable and rewarding public service careers.
6. Free State Park & Museum Admission: To honor their service, Maine provides free lifetime passes to all its parks, beaches, and historical sites for veterans with a 100% disability rating. Other qualifying veterans are also eligible for discounted passes, encouraging enjoyment of Maine's renowned natural beauty and rich history.
7. Free Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Licenses: Maine resident veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50% or more can obtain a free license to hunt, fish, and trap. This is a valuable perk that enhances the quality of life and allows veterans to fully participate in the state's storied outdoor traditions.
8. Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program: A critical safety net, this program provides emergency financial aid to veterans and their families who are facing unforeseen hardship. The fund can help cover essential expenses such as housing, utilities, and medical bills, providing stability during a crisis.
9. Burial in a Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery: Maine operates four state veterans' cemeteries, ensuring 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.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Veterans can request a "VETERAN" designation on their Maine driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit allows for easy verification of veteran status, ensuring access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state as a gesture of appreciation.

These premier benefits showcase Maine's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans' Services Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services.

Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services​​​

Contact Information:

Address: 
Bureau of Veterans’ Services
117 State House Station 
Augusta, ME 04333-0117

Phone: 207-287-7020

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory