State file · OH
Veteran benefits in Ohio
Ohio lets veterans deduct military retirement pay from state income tax, hands disabled veterans free hunting, fishing, and camping privileges, and adds one of the larger civil service exam credits in the country. Here's the rundown.
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Financial benefits
Military retirement pay deduction
Taxpayers who retired from active or reserve service in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or National Guard of any state can deduct that retirement pay from Ohio income tax.
Active duty pay stationed outside Ohio
Service members stationed outside Ohio can deduct military pay received for active-duty service performed while stationed out of state.
Survivor Benefit Plan exemption
SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP payments to a surviving spouse or former spouse of a military retiree are exempt from Ohio income tax, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free benefit for eligible survivors.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 5.75%, with county additions of up to 2.25%; the combined average is roughly 7.13%.
Recreation
Free licenses for disabled veterans
Disabled Ohio veterans are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses, free boating licenses and registration, and free camping at Ohio state parks.
Active duty hunting & fishing
Ohio residents on active duty do not have to buy a hunting license, fishing license, or Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, and active military and veterans receive a 10% camping discount.
Education programs
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship
Awards tuition assistance to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans, or of those declared missing in action or held as prisoners of war. The annual application deadline is May 15.
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program
Eligible Ohio National Guard members may receive up to 96 educational credits — the equivalent of 12 full-time quarters or 8 full-time semesters.
Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund
Provides tuition assistance to children and spouses of peace officers, firefighters, and armed services members killed in the line of duty, including during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Facilitates timely school enrollment for children of military families and helps prevent disadvantages caused by frequent moves and deployments.
Veteran housing
Ohio State Veterans Homes
Homes at Georgetown and Sandusky serve state-resident veterans who served during wartime, were discharged other than dishonorably, and are disabled and unable to earn a living. Cost is based on monthly income and assets.
Employment & job training
Civil service exam credit
Veterans are entitled to a 20% added credit on Ohio civil service exams, and current reserve and Guard members who complete initial entry-level training receive a 15% added credit.
Free educator licenses
The Ohio Department of Education waives educator license fees for veterans and current Armed Forces members, including National Guard and Reserve; spouses of active-duty service members may also receive a license free.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Ohio
Options include Dayton National Cemetery, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery in Columbus, Confederate Stockade Cemetery in Sandusky, and the Woodland Cemetery Soldiers' Lot in Cleveland.
VA resources in Ohio
Cleveland Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving Ohio for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteChalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center
VA outpatient care in Columbus.
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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