Alabama
Alabama Veteran Benefits at a Glance
This page tracks 20 Alabama state veteran benefits across 9 categories: property tax exemptions, income tax breaks, vehicle and registration benefits, education benefits, employment benefits, hunting and fishing benefits, healthcare benefits, free stuff and parks benefits, and other benefits. Many of these benefits depend on your VA disability rating, so each one is tagged with the rating it requires — use the filter below to see only the benefits you qualify for. The official source is the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, and the figures on this page were last verified on March 9, 2026.
On property taxes, Alabama offers 2 programs for veterans, including the 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption and Partially Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption; for state income tax, it provides Military Retirement Pay Exemption; and on employment benefits, there are 3 benefits such as the State Veteran Hiring Preference.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
2 benefits100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption from all property taxes on your homestead.
Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability pay $0 in property taxes on their homestead. Surviving unremarried spouse retains the exemption.
Partially Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption
Reduced property taxes through the state homestead exemption program.
Veterans with partial disability may qualify for the homestead exemption ($5,000 off assessed value for state taxes, varies by county). Also available to residents age 65+.
Income Tax
1 benefitMilitary Retirement Pay Exemption
Alabama fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.
Vehicle / Registration
3 benefits100% DV Plates + Free Registration
Free DV plates plus exemption from registration fees and ad valorem vehicle tax.
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Free DV specialty license plates for service-connected disabled veterans.
Military Specialty Plates
Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, and branch-specific plates available.
Education
2 benefitsGI Dependent Scholarship Program
Free tuition, fees, and books at Alabama public colleges for dependents of qualifying veterans.
Covers children, spouses, and unremarried widow(er)s. Provides up to 5 years of benefits at any Alabama public institution.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans receive in-state tuition at Alabama public institutions regardless of residency.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Preference in Alabama state government employment.
Priority of Service at Career Centers
Veterans receive priority at Alabama Career Centers with dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists.
Professional License Reciprocity
Alabama recognizes military training toward professional licensing with expedited processing.
Hunting & Fishing
1 benefitReduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans: $17.70 for 50% disabled, $3.60 for 100% disabled. Fishing licenses available at reduced fee for 20%+ disabled veterans.
Alabama offers reduced-fee (not free) hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans. The 50% Disabled Veteran license costs $17.70 and the 100% Disabled Veteran license costs $3.60. Fishing licenses for veterans with 20%+ disability are also available at a reduced fee.
Healthcare
3 benefitsVA Medical Centers
Four VA medical centers in Birmingham, Montgomery (Central Alabama), Tuscaloosa, and Tuskegee.
Alabama State Veterans Homes
Skilled nursing care at four locations: Alexander City, Bay Minette, Huntsville, Pell City.
Vet Centers
Free readjustment counseling in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree VETERAN Designation on Driver License
Free VETERAN designation on your Alabama driver license or ID card.
State Park Discounts
Reduced or free day-use fees at some Alabama state parks for disabled veterans.
Other Benefits
3 benefitsFree VA Claims Assistance
Free help filing VA disability, pension, and survivor benefit claims through county veteran service officers.
Alabama National Cemetery
Free burial for eligible veterans at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.
Paid Military Leave for State Employees
Alabama state employees receive up to 21 days of paid military leave per year.