Utah Department of Veterans Affairs

Beehive Honor: Utah's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Utah offers a strong and comprehensive package of benefits to honor its veterans, reflecting a community-focused approach to supporting those who have served. Administered by the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, these programs provide significant advantages in taxation, education, and quality of life. 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 Utah Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Veterans Property Tax Abatement: A cornerstone of financial support, this benefit provides a significant reduction in property taxes for disabled veterans or their un-remarried surviving spouses. The abatement reduces the taxable value of the primary residence by an amount indexed to inflation, saving eligible homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
2. State Veterans Homes: A critical component of long-term care, Utah operates four state-of-the-art Veterans Homes in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Payson, and Ivins. These facilities provide high-quality, affordable skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and memory care in a comfortable, veteran-centric environment, an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
3. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Utah completely exempts military retirement pay and survivor's benefits 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.
4. Scott B. Lundell Military Survivors Scholarship: This invaluable program provides a full tuition waiver at any Utah public college or university for the surviving dependents of service members who died in the line of duty after September 11, 2001. This powerful benefit removes the financial barrier to higher education for families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
5. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Percentage points (from 5% to 10%) are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable and rewarding public service careers.
6. Utah State Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park: Located in Bluffdale, the Utah Veterans 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. In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents: Utah grants immediate residency for tuition purposes to honorably discharged veterans and their 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. Professional Licensing Assistance: Utah's "Veterans Career and Employment Program" helps veterans and their spouses navigate professional and occupational licensing. The program expedites applications and helps translate military experience into civilian credentials, removing barriers to employment.
9. Free Hunting and Fishing Privileges (Purple Heart Permit): Utah honors its combat-wounded veterans by offering a free "Purple Heart Permit." This permit allows resident recipients of the Purple Heart to fish for free in Utah, a valuable perk that enhances quality of life.
10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Utah 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 Utah'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 Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.

Utah Department of Veterans Affairs

Address: 
Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105
Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Phone: 801-326-2372
Toll-Free Phone: 800-894-9497

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory