State file · MD

Veteran benefits in Maryland

Maryland offers targeted income tax subtractions for military pay, a full property tax exemption for permanently disabled veterans, and free state park entry for all veterans. Here is the landscape, category by category.

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Maryland file

Financial benefits

Income tax subtractions

Military pay earned while serving overseas is tax-free up to $15,000, and military retirement pay is tax-free up to $5,000. Surviving spouses receiving Survivor Benefit Plan payments may subtract up to $5,000 — or $15,000 at age 65 and older — from retirement income.

Property tax exemption

Permanently disabled veterans are exempt from property tax on their primary residence, and the exemption transfers to a surviving spouse.

Military disability retirement pay

Tax exclusions may apply to disability retirement pay for those entitled before September 25, 1975, those serving on that date, those with combat-related injuries, or those who would qualify for VA disability compensation. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors.

Vessel excise tax exemption

Active duty personnel are exempt from the 5% excise tax on vessels purchased out of state and brought into Maryland.

Sales tax picture

Statewide sales tax is 6.0%, with prescription medicines and unprepared foods exempt. Under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, a non-resident spouse's wages may also be exempt from Maryland income tax.

Recreation

Hunting & fishing licenses

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating and former prisoners of war qualify for free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, and Purple Heart recipients receive a 50% discount. Maryland residents on official leave do not need a license, and non-residents stationed in Maryland buy at resident rates.

State park entry

All entrance charges at Maryland state parks are waived for all veterans, resident and non-resident alike.

Education programs

Maryland National Guard tuition waiver

Maryland National Guard members can receive tuition waivers for credited courses at state colleges and universities, with the exception of UMUC.

High school diplomas for wartime veterans

World War II and Korean War veterans who left high school early are eligible to receive a diploma, which can also be awarded upon completing a GED.

Veteran housing

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

The Maryland State Veterans Home at Charlotte Hall serves honorably discharged Maryland veterans; residents must be Maryland residents and either age 62 or older or unable to work due to disability.

Employment & job training

Federal hiring preference

Eligible veterans receive 5 or 10 points added to passing federal civil service examination scores.

CDL skills test waiver

Maryland waives the Class A and B skills tests for qualifying veterans who apply within 12 months of discharge.

State retirement service credit

State employees can claim up to 5 years of retirement credit for military service after 10 years of employment. A no-interest loan program is also available for veteran small business owners and reservists called to active duty.

USERRA protections

Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of service members and reservists returning from duty.

Burials & memorials

National cemeteries in Maryland

Maryland is home to Annapolis National Cemetery, Baltimore National Cemetery, Loudon Park National Cemetery, and Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery. Burial is free for honorably discharged veterans, and dependents may be eligible at cost.

VA resources in Maryland

Baltimore Regional Benefits Office

The VA regional office serving Maryland for benefits claims and questions.

Official site

VA Maryland Health Care System

VA medical care across the state through the Baltimore VA Medical Center, Loch Raven VA Medical Center, and Perry Point VA Medical Center.

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