North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

Peace Garden Gratitude: North Dakota's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of North Dakota offers a robust and thoughtful package of benefits to honor its veterans, reflecting a strong prairie tradition of community and support for those who have served. Administered by the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA), these programs provide significant advantages in taxation, housing, and education. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering assistance.

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

1. Veterans Property Tax Credit: A cornerstone of financial support, North Dakota provides a significant property tax credit for disabled veterans. The credit amount is tiered based on disability rating, with veterans rated 50% or more disabled receiving the largest reduction. This can save eligible homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars annually on their primary residence.
2. North Dakota Veterans Home: Located in Lisbon, the North Dakota Veterans Home provides high-quality, affordable long-term skilled nursing care. In a rural state, access to this dedicated, veteran-centric facility is an invaluable resource, offering peace of mind and specialized support for aging or disabled veterans and their spouses.
3. Hardship Assistance Grants: The NDDVA administers a hardship grant program for veterans and their families facing unforeseen financial emergencies. This critical safety net can provide one-time grants to help with essentials like housing, utilities, and medical bills, offering stability during a crisis.
4. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, North Dakota completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, providing a significant boost to their annual income.
5. North Dakota Veterans Cemetery: The state operates a beautiful, meticulously maintained Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. It provides a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot, interment, and perpetual care, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
6. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Five points are added to the application scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable and rewarding public service careers.
7. In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents: North Dakota grants immediate residency for tuition purposes to veterans, their spouses, and dependents. This allows them to pay the significantly lower in-state tuition rates at the state's public colleges and universities without a lengthy waiting period, saving thousands on the cost of higher education.
8. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: North Dakota honors its resident veterans with free or discounted recreational licenses. Resident veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability and former POWs can fish for free. Additionally, a combined general game, habitat, small game, and furbearer license is available at a reduced cost for disabled veterans.
9. Veterans Aid Loan Program: A unique benefit, this program offers low-interest loans to veterans for purposes such as education, medical expenses, or starting a business. This financial tool can provide crucial capital that might otherwise be unavailable.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: Veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their North Dakota 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 North Dakota's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a County or State Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

North Dakota Department of Veteran Affairs

Address: 
4201 38th Street South
Suite 104
Fargo, ND 58104-7535

Phone: 701-239-7165 

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory