Rhode Island Department of Veterans Affairs

Ocean State Honor: Rhode Island's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Rhode Island offers a robust and comprehensive package of benefits to honor its veterans, providing significant financial, educational, and long-term care advantages. Administered by the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services, these programs are a testament to the state's deep respect for its military community. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, 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 Rhode Island Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Rhode Island Veterans Home: A cornerstone of veteran care, the state-of-the-art Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol provides high-quality, affordable long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. In a state with high long-term care costs, access to this dedicated, veteran-centric facility is an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
2. Property Tax Exemptions: Rhode Island mandates that every city and town provide a property tax exemption for veterans. While the specific amount varies by municipality, it provides a meaningful reduction in annual property taxes. A more significant exemption is available for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, offering substantial financial relief.
3. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Rhode Island completely exempts military retirement pay and survivor's benefits from the state's personal income tax. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, providing a significant boost to their annual income.
4. Tuition Waiver for National Guard Members: The Rhode Island National Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides a waiver for tuition at any of the state's public colleges, including the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island. This is a powerful benefit for those who continue to serve.
5. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state civil service jobs. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for wartime disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers.
6. Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery: Located in Exeter, the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery provides 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 family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
7. Free Public Transportation for Disabled Veterans: The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers free bus service statewide for any veteran with a 100% service-connected disability. This valuable benefit provides mobility and independence, significantly reducing daily transportation costs.
8. Professional and Occupational License Benefits: Rhode Island offers expedited application review for military members and spouses seeking professional licenses. The state may also accept military training and experience in place of certain licensing requirements, removing barriers for veterans to enter the civilian workforce.
9. Free State Parks Pass for Disabled Veterans: Rhode Island provides a free pass to all state parks and beaches for any resident veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability. This is a wonderful quality-of-life perk that encourages enjoyment of Rhode Island's beautiful coastline and natural resources.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services.

Rhode Island Office of Veterans' Affairs

Address: 
RI Office of Veterans Affairs
560 Jefferson Boulevard 
Warwick, RI 02886

Phone: 401-921-2119

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory