State file · ME

Veteran benefits in Maine

Maine fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax, gives veterans free admission to every state park and historic site, waives dependent tuition at state schools, and operates six state veterans homes. Here's the landscape, category by category.

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Maine file

Financial benefits

Military retirement pay not taxed

For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, benefits received under a military retirement plan are fully exempt from Maine income tax. Separately, veterans and spouses may each deduct up to $10,000 of pension and taxable/nontaxable Social Security benefits — up to $20,000 for married joint filers.

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.

Veterans property tax exemption

Eligible veterans receive a $6,000 property tax exemption; requirements include state residency and notifying municipal assessors by April 1.

Paraplegic veteran property tax exemption

An exemption of up to $50,000 of just valuation for a specially adapted housing unit, for veterans who are paraplegic under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 21, Section 2101 and received the federal adaptive housing grant.

Sales tax picture

Statewide sales tax is 5.5% with no additional local levy, so the combined average is 5.5%.

Recreation

Free state park admission

Any Maine veteran with an other-than-dishonorable discharge gets free admission to all of Maine's state parks and historic sites.

Hunting & fishing licenses

A disabled veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 50% can get a free license — covering archery, muzzleloader, crossbow, and various game — that remains valid for the life of the license holder. Active duty Maine residents can buy discounted licenses, and non-resident active duty members pay the resident fee.

Education programs

Dependent tuition waiver

Maine offers a 100% waiver of tuition and all fees at state schools for dependents of Maine veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or were killed in action. Spouses have 10 years from first entrance to complete their program; children have 6 academic years to complete 8 semesters.

Veteran housing

Maine Veterans' Homes

Maine operates state veterans homes in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, and South Paris. Veterans need at least one day of Armed Forces service and a discharge other than dishonorable; spouses and unmarried surviving spouses (including Gold Star parents) are eligible if they meet age and residency requirements.

Employment & job training

State hiring preference

Honorably discharged veterans get a 5-point preference on state employment scoring; disabled veterans with a 10% or greater rating get a 10-point preference. Employees who are veterans or Gold Star spouses must also be retained in preference to other competing employees.

CareerCenter employment assistance

Maine's CareerCenters offer specialized employment and training services for veterans.

Paid military leave for state employees

State employees receive 17 workdays of paid military leave per calendar year, with unlimited leave without pay when service exceeds that allotment. Activated Maine National Guard members are entitled to at least the same pay and allowances as the U.S. Armed Forces would pay, with a floor of 12 hours a day at the state minimum wage.

USERRA and state reemployment rights

State employees retain reemployment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 and Maine law.

Burials & memorials

Burial fees

Burial is free of charge for veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge, as well as their dependents.

National cemeteries in Maine

Maine's national cemetery sites are Togus National Cemetery and the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Soldiers' Lot in Augusta.

VA resources in Maine

Togus Regional Benefits Office

The VA regional office in Augusta serving Maine for benefits claims and questions.

Official site

VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus

VA medical care for Maine, based at Togus in Augusta.

Official site

Before 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?

Programs are one thing — your situation is another. Tell us where you are and we'll help you get oriented, in plain language.

(619) 786-0465