State file · ID
Veteran benefits in Idaho
Idaho combines a property tax circuit breaker, National Guard tuition assistance of up to $4,000 a year, free state park access for 100% disabled veterans, and three state veterans homes. Here's the landscape, category by category.
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Financial benefits
Active duty pay exempt when stationed out of state
Resident service members on active duty stationed outside Idaho are exempt from Idaho state income tax, provided the full-time duty is continuous and uninterrupted for 120 consecutive days or more.
Retired military pay deduction
Retirement benefits paid to retired U.S. military members — or their unmarried surviving spouses — who are 65 or older, or disabled and 62 or older, are deductible from Idaho income, reduced by any Social Security or Railroad Retirement Act benefits received. The same treatment applies to Survivor Benefit Plan payments.
DIC not taxed
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty.
Military spouse income relief
Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, the earned income of qualifying spouses of Idaho service members is not subject to Idaho income tax.
Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) Program
Reduces property taxes by up to about $1,320 on a home and up to one acre of land. Eligibility includes veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected disability who own and live in an Idaho primary residence and meet an income limit (roughly $30,050 as of 2018).
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 6.0%, with local additions of up to 3.0%; the combined average is roughly 6.04%, and prescriptions are exempt.
Recreation
State parks veterans pass
Idaho resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive free access and camping at Idaho state parks.
Hunting & fishing license discounts
Resident disabled veterans qualify for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses, and nonresident veterans with a 40% or greater disability rating are eligible for reduced DAV fees.
Education programs
National Guard tuition assistance
The Idaho National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program pays up to $4,000 per state fiscal year toward public or private higher education, vocational schools, or community colleges. Members must have completed basic training, have at least two years of service obligation remaining, stay in satisfactory status, apply in advance, and show course completion with at least a C grade within 30 days.
Veteran housing
Idaho State Veterans Homes
Idaho operates state veterans homes in Boise, Lewiston, and Pocatello. Admission is open to peacetime and wartime veterans and their spouses (wartime veterans are prioritized), with 90 or more days of service, an honorable discharge, and Idaho residency; veterans are admitted regardless of financial status, with Medicaid eligibility or a monthly fee covering costs.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points on state employment examinations and disabled veterans receive 10 points; unmarried surviving spouses receive the same preference.
Professional license benefits
Service members are exempt from professional and occupational license fees during service, licenses remain valid for six months after discharge, and expedited applications are available for service members and spouses.
State employee military leave
State employees who are National Guard members or Reservists are entitled to 120 hours of military leave each calendar year.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and members of Reserve components returning from duty.
Burials & memorials
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery
The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise serves as the state's veterans cemetery.
VA resources in Idaho
Boise Regional Benefits Office
The VA regional office serving Idaho for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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Questions about what applies to you?
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