Green Mountain Gratitude: Vermont's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Vermont offers a focused and valuable package of benefits to honor its veterans, reflecting the Green Mountain State's strong sense of community and respect for military service. Administered by the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, these programs provide significant advantages in taxation, long-term care, 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 support.

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

  1. Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of financial support, this benefit provides a significant property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability are exempt from property tax on the first $40,000 of their home's appraised value. This provides substantial and recurring annual savings for thousands of veteran homeowners.
  2. Vermont Veterans' Home: A critical component of the state's long-term care solution, the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington provides high-quality, affordable skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and domiciliary care. Access to this dedicated, veteran-centric facility is an invaluable resource for aging or disabled veterans and their families.
  3. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable and rewarding public service careers.
  4. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: In a major financial advantage for career veterans, Vermont completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes for those with a household income below a certain threshold. This policy allows many retired service members to keep more of their hard-earned pension.
  5. Free Tuition for Members of the Vermont National Guard: For those who continue to serve, Vermont offers free tuition for members of the Vermont National Guard to attend any of the Vermont State Colleges, the University of Vermont, or other approved Vermont-based programs. This is a powerful benefit that promotes education and retention within the Guard.
  6. Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery: Located in Randolph Center, the state's beautiful 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 Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Vermont honors its resident veterans with free recreational licenses. Any honorably discharged veteran is eligible for a free permanent hunting and fishing license, a valuable perk that enhances quality of life and encourages enjoyment of the state's natural beauty.
  8. Motor Vehicle Tax and Fee Exemptions: The state provides several vehicle-related benefits. Veterans who have received a federal specially adapted vehicle grant are exempt from the Vermont Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Tax. Additionally, former POWs and certain disabled veterans are eligible for free vehicle registration.
  9. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For a nominal fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their Vermont driver's license or non-driver 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.
  10. High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Vermont's "Operation Recognition" program awards high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left school to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. This benefit provides a long-overdue sense of closure and recognition for their sacrifice.

These premier benefits showcase Vermont's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with the Office of Veterans Affairs for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit their official website.

Vermont Department of Veterans Affairs

Address: 
Office of Veterans Affairs 
118 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-4401

Phone: 1-802-828-3379
Toll-Free Phone for Vermont Residents: 1-888-666-9844

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Guide

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