Delaware
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
1 benefitDisabled Veteran Property Tax Credit
Property tax credit for veterans with a service-connected disability through the Senior/Disabled Property Tax Credit program.
Veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for the Senior/Disabled Property Tax Credit program. Additional school property tax credits may also be available for disabled veterans. County-level exemptions vary, so veterans should check with their county assessor for specific amounts.
Income Tax
1 benefitMilitary Retirement Pay Exclusion
Up to $12,500 of military retirement pay is exempt from Delaware state income tax.
Delaware allows an exclusion of up to $12,500 of military retirement pay under the state's pension exclusion provision. This exclusion applies to the state income tax, which ranges from 2.2% to 6.6%. Delaware also has no state sales tax, benefiting all residents including veterans.
Vehicle / Registration
3 benefitsDisabled Veteran License Plates
Specialty DV license plates available for veterans with a service-connected disability.
Veterans with a service-connected disability can obtain DV specialty license plates from the Delaware DMV. Various veteran-themed specialty plates are also available including general veteran, branch-specific, Purple Heart, and POW plates.
Veteran Specialty License Plates
Various veteran-themed specialty plates available for all veterans.
Delaware offers multiple veteran-themed specialty license plates including general veteran, branch-specific, Purple Heart, and POW plates. Available through the Delaware DMV.
Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans
100% disabled veterans may be exempt from vehicle registration fees.
Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled may qualify for an exemption from vehicle registration fees in Delaware.
Education
3 benefitsScholarship for Dependents of Deceased/Disabled Veterans
Children of deceased or 100% permanently disabled veterans may qualify for scholarships.
Children of deceased or 100% permanently disabled veterans may qualify for scholarships through the Delaware Higher Education Office. This is separate from federal GI Bill benefits.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans using GI Bill receive in-state tuition rates at Delaware public institutions.
Delaware complies with Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, ensuring veterans using GI Bill benefits receive in-state tuition rates at all Delaware public institutions regardless of residency status.
Delaware National Guard Tuition Assistance
State tuition assistance for Delaware National Guard members at public institutions.
Active members of the Delaware National Guard are eligible for state tuition assistance at Delaware public colleges and universities.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans receive preference points and priority in Delaware state merit system hiring.
Honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans receive preference in Delaware's state merit system hiring process, including additional points on examination scores.
Department of Labor Veteran Services
Priority of service at American Job Centers with dedicated veteran employment specialists.
Veterans receive priority of service at Delaware's American Job Centers. Dedicated Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) are available to assist with job searches and career services.
Professional License Reciprocity
Delaware recognizes military training toward professional licensing with expedited processing.
Delaware recognizes military training and experience toward professional licensing requirements. Expedited licensing is available for veterans and military spouses.
Hunting & Fishing
2 benefitsFree Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans
Free resident hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with 100% service-connected disability.
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive free resident hunting and fishing licenses in Delaware. Must provide VA disability documentation to the Delaware DNREC.
Reduced-Fee Hunting/Fishing Licenses for 60%+ Disabled Veterans
Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with 60% or greater disability.
Veterans with a 60% or greater service-connected disability can obtain reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses in Delaware. VA disability documentation is required.
Healthcare
4 benefitsWilmington VA Medical Center
VA Medical Center in Wilmington with community-based outpatient clinics in Dover and Georgetown.
The Wilmington VA Medical Center serves Delaware veterans with comprehensive healthcare services. Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) are located in Dover and Georgetown for more convenient access.
Delaware Veterans Home
State-operated skilled nursing and assisted living facility for veterans in Milford.
The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford provides skilled nursing and assisted living care for eligible veterans. The facility is operated by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.
Wilmington Vet Center
Free readjustment counseling, PTSD, and MST services for combat veterans in Wilmington.
The Wilmington Vet Center provides free readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and military sexual trauma (MST) services for eligible veterans.
Delaware Veterans Trust Fund
Emergency financial assistance for Delaware veterans in need.
The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance to Delaware veterans facing financial hardship. Assistance is provided through the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree Veteran Designation on Driver's License
Free 'VETERAN' designation on Delaware driver's license or ID card.
Honorably discharged veterans can have 'VETERAN' printed on their Delaware driver's license or ID card at no additional cost. Present DD-214 at any Delaware DMV office.
Free State Parks Admission
Delaware state parks do not charge entrance fees, benefiting all residents including veterans.
Delaware state parks generally do not charge entrance fees, providing free admission to all residents including veterans.
Other Benefits
4 benefitsDVA Claims Assistance and Benefit Counseling
Free VA claims assistance and benefit counseling through Delaware Veterans Service Officers.
The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs provides free state-level claims assistance and benefit counseling. Veterans Service Officers are available at no cost to help with VA disability claims, pension, and other benefits.
Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Free burial for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents at the Bear, Delaware location.
The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear provides free burial for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents. Services include gravesite, headstone, and perpetual care.
Veterans Treatment Court
Specialized court for veterans involved in the criminal justice system.
Delaware Superior Court offers a Veterans Treatment Court, a specialized court program for veterans in the criminal justice system that combines judicial supervision with treatment and support services.
Military Leave for State Employees
Up to 15 days of paid military leave per year for Delaware state employees.
Delaware state employees who are members of the National Guard or Reserves receive up to 15 days of paid military leave per year for military duty.