Vermont
Vermont Veteran Benefits at a Glance
This page tracks 26 Vermont 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 Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs, and the figures on this page were last verified on March 22, 2026.
On property taxes, Vermont offers 3 programs for veterans, including the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (50%+) and Permanently and Totally Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption; for state income tax, it provides Military Retirement Pay Exemption; and on education benefits, there are 4 benefits such as the Yellow Ribbon Program Participation.
Filter by Disability Rating
Property Tax
3 benefitsDisabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (50%+)
Veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability receive a base state exemption of $10,000 on their primary residence. Towns may vote to increase the exemption up to $40,000 (local option, not guaranteed).
Permanently and Totally Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans rated permanently and totally disabled receive a base state exemption of $10,000 on their primary residence. Towns may vote to increase the exemption up to $40,000 (local option, not guaranteed).
Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption
The unremarried surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran retains the same property tax exemption the veteran received.
Income Tax
1 benefitMilitary Retirement Pay Exemption
Vermont fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax for taxpayers with adjusted gross income at or below $125,000. The exemption phases out between $125,000 and $175,000 AGI, per Act 71 (2025).
Vehicle / Registration
3 benefits100% Disabled Veteran Registration Fee Exemption
Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled are exempt from vehicle registration fees in Vermont.
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Special DV license plates available for veterans with any service-connected disability rating from the VA.
Veteran Specialty License Plates
Vermont offers a variety of military specialty plates including Veteran, Purple Heart, POW, branch-specific, and Gold Star plates.
Education
4 benefitsYellow Ribbon Program Participation
Vermont State Colleges participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing additional tuition funding beyond GI Bill benefits.
Tuition Assistance for Dependents of Deceased Veterans
Tuition assistance available for dependents of Vermont veterans killed in action.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Vermont complies with federal Section 702, ensuring veterans using GI Bill benefits receive in-state tuition rates at Vermont public institutions.
Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit
Vermont National Guard members are eligible for state tuition assistance at Vermont public colleges and universities.
Employment
3 benefitsState Veteran Hiring Preference
Honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans receive preference in hiring for Vermont state government positions.
DOL Priority of Service for Veterans
Veterans receive priority of service at Vermont Job Centers, including access to DVOP and LVER employment services.
Military Professional License Reciprocity
Vermont recognizes military training toward professional licensing and provides expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses.
Hunting & Fishing
3 benefitsFree Hunting/Fishing License for 100% Disabled Veterans
Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled receive free resident hunting and fishing licenses in Vermont.
Reduced-Fee License for 50%+ Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability receive reduced-fee permanent hunting and fishing licenses.
Resident License Rates for Active Duty
Active duty military stationed in Vermont may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Healthcare
3 benefitsWhite River Junction VA Medical Center
The White River Junction VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare for Vermont veterans, with CBOCs in Bennington, Burlington, and Rutland.
Vermont Veterans Home
The Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington provides skilled nursing and residential care for eligible veterans.
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Free readjustment counseling available at Vet Centers in South Burlington and White River Junction for combat veterans, MST survivors, and other eligible veterans.
Free Stuff & Parks
2 benefitsFree "VETERAN" Driver License Designation
Honorably discharged veterans can get a "VETERAN" designation added to their Vermont driver license or state ID by presenting their DD-214 at the DMV.
Free State Park Admission on Veterans Day
Vermont offers free day-use admission at state parks on Veterans Day. Disabled veterans may also receive reduced camping fees.
Other Benefits
4 benefitsFree VA Claims Assistance
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs provides free assistance with VA disability claims, pension applications, and other VA benefits through Veterans Service Officers.
Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Free burial for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
Specialty court programs available in select Vermont judicial districts providing alternative sentencing options for veterans.
Paid Military Leave for State Employees
Vermont state employees receive 15 days of paid military leave per year for military duty.