State file · VT

Veteran benefits in Vermont

Vermont offers disabled veterans a property tax exemption that towns can expand to $40,000, free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses at 60% disability, and National Guard tuition support through a forgivable loan program.

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Vermont file

Financial benefits

Military pay tax exemptions

Full-time active duty pay is exempt from Vermont income tax when earned outside the state. National Guard and Reserve members can exempt up to $2,000 for unit training in Vermont when federal adjusted gross income is under $50,000. Military retirement pay is taxed per federal guidelines.

Property tax exemption for disabled veterans

The first $10,000 of a home's appraised value is exempt, and municipalities may increase the exemption to $40,000. Eligible owners include veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating, recipients of non-service-connected pensions or military medical retirement, and surviving spouses of previously exempt veterans.

DIC and earned income credit

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free benefit for eligible survivors. Vermont also offers an earned income tax credit equal to 36% of the federal credit, prorated by residency.

Sales tax picture

The statewide sales tax rate is 6.0%, with local additions of up to 1.0%; the combined average is roughly 6.075%.

Recreation

Disabled veteran hunting & fishing license

Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating receive a free lifetime hunting and fishing license. Qualifying non-resident disabled veterans from reciprocal states can receive a free one-year license, and active duty members hunt and fish free (non-residents pay resident rates).

Green Mountain Passport

Veterans can purchase the Green Mountain Passport for state parks for $2, and it is free for veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating.

Education programs

National Guard Tuition Benefit Program

Vermont National Guard members attending Vermont institutions can receive an interest-free forgivable loan, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing, have completed basic training, and have exhausted federal tuition assistance.

Vermont Armed Services Scholarship

Provides free tuition for families of Vermont National Guard or active duty members who died in service.

Interstate Compact for military children

Vermont participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, supporting timely enrollment, smooth transfer of educational records, and on-time graduation.

Veteran housing

Vermont Veterans' Home at Bennington

The state veterans home in Bennington serves veterans with an honorable discharge and at least 90 days of service, with Vermont veterans prioritized. Residents without Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance pay out of pocket, with staff assistance in obtaining available coverage.

Employment & job training

Hiring preference

Eligible veterans receive 5 or 10 points in federal hiring and can apply for state positions otherwise open only to current state employees.

Military training leave

Reserve and National Guard members receive 15 days of authorized absence annually for training, with reinstatement rights preserving the same status, pay, and seniority.

CDL skills test waiver and USERRA

Veterans with a military CDL and at least 12 months of commercial vehicle driving experience may qualify for a CDL skills test waiver. USERRA protects the civilian job rights and benefits of service members and reservists.

Burials & memorials

Veterans burial sites in Vermont

National cemetery soldiers' lots are located at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro and Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier. There is no burial cost for the veteran and a small cost for dependents.

VA resources in Vermont

White River Junction Regional Office

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

Official site

White River Junction VA Medical Center

VA medical care for Vermont, based in White River Junction.

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.

Vermont file open

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