Maine

$6,000 property tax exemption on homestead for wartime veterans.

All veterans who served during a recognized war period receive a $6,000 property tax exemption on their homestead. Surviving unremarried spouses retain the exemption.

$50,000 property tax exemption for veterans who received a federal specially adapted housing grant.

Veterans who received a federal specially adapted housing grant (including paraplegic veterans) receive a $50,000 property tax exemption on their homestead. Note: a 100% disabled paraplegic veteran would also qualify for the $100,000 disability-based exemption, which may be more beneficial.

$100,000 exemption for 100% disabled veterans; $50,000 for veterans rated 50-90% disabled.

Maine provides enhanced property tax exemptions based on disability rating: veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive a $100,000 property tax exemption, and veterans rated 50-90% disabled receive a $50,000 exemption. These are in addition to the base $6,000 wartime veteran exemption.

Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Maine state income tax.

Since 2016, Maine fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Maine income tax rates range from 5.8% to 7.15%, making this a significant benefit for military retirees.

DV plates with exemption from registration fees for 100% disabled veterans.

DV specialty license plates for service-connected disabled veterans.

Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, Silver Star, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates available.

100% permanently disabled veterans exempt from municipal vehicle excise tax on one vehicle.

Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability are exempt from municipal vehicle excise tax on one vehicle. Purple Heart recipients and former POWs may also receive excise tax exemptions.

Free tuition at Maine public institutions for dependents of qualifying veterans.

Provides free tuition at University of Maine System and community college institutions for spouses and children of veterans who are 100% permanently disabled, died from service-connected causes, or are POW/MIA. Veteran must have been a Maine resident at time of entry or for 5 years.

100% tuition waiver at University of Maine System and Maine Community College System.

Veterans using GI Bill receive in-state tuition regardless of residency.

Dedicated veterans coordinators and priority registration at UMaine campuses.

University of Maine System campuses provide dedicated veterans coordinators and priority registration may be available at some campuses.

Preference for veterans in Maine state government hiring.

Maine grants hiring preference for veterans in state government positions. Disabled veterans receive additional preference.

Priority of service and DVOP specialists at Maine CareerCenters statewide.

Veterans receive priority of service at Maine CareerCenters with Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists available statewide.

Expedited professional licensing for veterans and military spouses.

Maine provides expedited professional licensing for veterans and military spouses. Military training and experience are accepted toward licensing requirements.

Maine encourages procurement from veteran-owned businesses.

Free combination hunting and fishing license for veterans with 70%+ disability.

Active duty military stationed in Maine qualify for resident license rates.

Active duty military stationed in Maine qualify for resident license rates. Military personnel on leave in Maine may also purchase resident licenses.

Togus VA Medical Center, the oldest VA facility in the nation, with CBOCs statewide.

The VA Maine Healthcare System is based at Togus, the oldest VA facility in the nation. Multiple Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) are located throughout the state including Bangor, Calais, Caribou, Lincoln, Portland, Rumford, and Saco.

State-run skilled nursing, residential, and memory care in six locations across Maine.

Maine Veterans' Homes provide skilled nursing, residential care, and memory care for eligible veterans at six locations: Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, and South Paris.

Readjustment counseling and PTSD services in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford.

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling, PTSD services, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling. Located in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston, Portland, and Sanford.

Free day-use admission at Maine state parks for disabled veterans; special access at Baxter State Park.

Veteran designation available on Maine driver's licenses and ID cards.

Requires DD-214 verification at Maine BMV. Serves as proof of veteran status for discounts and benefits.

Emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, and other critical needs.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services provides emergency financial assistance to veterans for housing, utilities, and other critical needs.

100% disabled veterans eligible for free passage on Maine Turnpike with E-ZPass.

Free VA claims assistance through state veterans service officers at regional offices.

Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services provides free VA claims assistance through state veterans service officers at regional offices throughout Maine.

Free burial at state veterans cemeteries in Augusta and Caribou.

Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery (Augusta) and Northern Maine Veterans' Cemetery (Caribou) provide free burial for eligible veterans and dependents.

Specialized courts connecting veteran offenders with VA services and treatment programs.

Maine has veterans treatment courts in select counties that connect veteran offenders with VA services and treatment programs as an alternative to traditional sentencing.

Up to 17 days of paid military leave per year for state employees.

Veterans age 65+ may qualify for frozen property tax assessments.

Veterans age 65 and older may qualify for property tax stabilization, which freezes their property assessment to prevent increases in property tax bills.