Ohio

Veterans with 100% total and permanent service-connected disability receive a property tax exemption on the first $50,000 of home value. Unremarried surviving spouses also qualify.

All Ohio homeowners age 65 or older, or permanently disabled, qualify for a homestead exemption on $26,200 of home value. This may stack with other exemptions in some cases.

Military pay earned while stationed outside Ohio is not taxed by the state. Ohio has a graduated income tax from 0% to 3.5%.

VA disability compensation is exempt from Ohio state income tax under federal law.

Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free DV license plates. Veterans with other levels of service-connected disability can also obtain DV plates.

Ohio offers specialty plates including Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, and branch-specific designs.

Children (ages 16-25) of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans with 60% or higher disability rating receive full tuition at Ohio public colleges or equivalent at private institutions, for up to 5 years.

Active Ohio Army or Air National Guard members receive 100% tuition coverage at Ohio public colleges and universities. One of the most generous Guard tuition programs in the nation.

Veterans receive in-state tuition at Ohio public institutions regardless of residency status.

Many Ohio public universities participate in GI Promise programs that ensure veteran-friendly campus services and support.

Veterans receive additional points on state civil service examinations, giving them a competitive advantage in state government hiring.

Veterans receive priority of service at OhioMeansJobs career centers with dedicated veteran employment representatives.

Ohio recognizes military experience toward professional licensing and provides expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.

Ohio state employees receive up to 22 days of paid military leave per calendar year.

Ohio resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with partial service-connected disability receive reduced-fee licenses.

Ohio has five VA Medical Centers in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland (Louis Stokes), Columbus, and Dayton, plus an extensive CBOC network — one of the largest VA healthcare presences in the nation.

Ohio operates veterans homes in Sandusky (one of the oldest and largest in the nation) and Georgetown, providing domiciliary and nursing care for eligible veterans.

Free readjustment counseling available at Vet Centers in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Parma, Toledo, and Youngstown.

Ohio state parks do not charge entrance fees for any visitors. Camping and lodge discounts may be available for disabled veterans at some locations.

Honorably discharged veterans can get a "VETERAN" designation added to their Ohio driver's license or state ID by presenting their DD-214 at the BMV.

Ohio provides free VA claims assistance through county veteran service commissions in all 88 counties — one of the most robust county-level veteran service systems in the nation.

Specialized veterans treatment courts are available in many Ohio counties including Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and others.

Ohio has historically offered cash bonuses to veterans of qualifying conflicts. Check with Ohio DVS for current eligibility and availability.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes Ohio veterans for their post-service contributions to their communities.