Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs

Volunteer Valor: Tennessee's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Tennessee, with its proud "Volunteer State" heritage, offers a comprehensive package of benefits to honor its veterans and support their families. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS), these programs provide significant financial, educational, and quality-of-life advantages. 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 Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs:

  1. Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of veteran support in Tennessee, this benefit provides significant property tax relief for veterans with a 100% disability rating. The program offers a full waiver of property taxes up to a certain home value, which is adjusted annually. For many, this completely eliminates their property tax burden, saving thousands of dollars each year.
  2. No State Income Tax on Wages: While a benefit for all residents, the absence of a state income tax on wages is a major financial advantage for veterans in the workforce. This means that all post-service employment income is not taxed at the state level, allowing veterans to keep significantly more of their earnings. (Note: Tennessee does have a limited tax on interest and dividend income, but military retirement pay is exempt).
  3. Tennessee State Veterans' Homes: A critical component of long-term care, Tennessee operates four excellent State Veterans' Homes in Clarksville, Humboldt, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro, with a fifth under construction. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing care in a comfortable, veteran-centric environment, an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
  4. Educational Benefits for Dependents: This invaluable program provides a waiver of tuition and fees at any Tennessee public college, university, or technical school for the children of certain deceased or 100% disabled veterans. This powerful benefit removes the financial barrier to higher education for families who have sacrificed so much.
  5. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Preference points are added to the examination scores of qualified applicants, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable and rewarding careers in public service.
  6. Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries: Tennessee maintains four beautiful State Veterans Cemeteries, ensuring a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. With locations in Knoxville and Parkers Crossroads, and two in Memphis, the state provides the plot, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care at no cost to the family.
  7. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Tennessee honors its resident disabled veterans with free recreational licenses. Veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability are eligible for a free permanent hunting and fishing license, a valuable perk that enhances quality of life.
  8. Motor Vehicle Privileges: The state offers several vehicle-related benefits, including free license plates for former POWs, Medal of Honor recipients, and 100% disabled veterans. This provides a recurring annual savings and visible recognition of their service.
  9. Free State Parks Admission: Tennessee provides a discount on camping fees and free admission to its state parks for all resident veterans. This is a wonderful quality-of-life benefit that encourages veterans and their families to enjoy the state's stunning natural beauty.
  10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Tennessee 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 Tennessee's strong and enduring 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 Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.

Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs

Address: 
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue 
Nashville, TN 37242  

Phone: 615-741-2345

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory

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