Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, Arkansas offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, other, veterans home. Here's what Arkansas veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.
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Full exemption from all property taxes on the homestead and personal property for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected VA disability rating, OR veterans receiving VA Special Monthly Compensation for the loss/loss of use of one or more limbs or total blindness in one or both eyes. Extends to the unremarried surviving spouse and minor dependent children. Apply via VA Summary of Benefits letter to the county collector/treasurer.
All uniformed-services retirement benefits — including Reserve/Guard retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities — are fully exempt from Arkansas individual income tax, with no dollar cap, beginning tax year 2018. Replaced the prior $6,000 cap. A retiree using the full military exemption may not also claim the separate $6,000 general pension exemption for non-military retirement income.
VA service-connected disability compensation, military disability pension (IRC 104(a)(4)), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities are not subject to Arkansas income tax. Military disability retirement pay is fully exempt with no $6,000 cap.
Arkansas National Guard members receive a state-funded tuition waiver covering tuition and mandatory fees at Arkansas public institutions (up to 120 credit hours or a bachelor's degree). Separately, veterans honorably discharged within 3 years before enrollment qualify for in-state tuition rates regardless of current residency.
Waives tuition, mandatory fees, and room & board at any Arkansas public or private college, university, or technical institute for spouses and children of Arkansans who were killed or are missing in action, were POWs, or are rated 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled by the VA. Limited to 8 semesters or degree completion; recipients must maintain a 2.0 GPA and ~24 semester hours annually.
Veterans receive a 5-point preference added to state employment examination scores; disabled veterans receive a 10-point preference. State employees who are reserve-component members also receive up to 15 days paid military leave annually (30 days for emergency active-duty activation).
First Disabled Veteran specialty license plate issued free of charge. The DFA specialty-plate page documents eligibility for veterans certified by the VA as 100% non-service-connected disabled (Act 7 of 1949 / Act 30 of 1979). State benefit libraries also report a 30%-or-greater service-connected pathway. One additional plate available for $4.00; surviving-spouse reissuance $4.00.
Veterans who receive VA funds (grant) toward the purchase or adaptation of a specially equipped vehicle for a service-connected disability are exempt from Arkansas gross receipts (sales) tax on that vehicle purchase/modification.
Resident veterans with a service-connected rating of 70% or higher, or 50% or higher who hold the Purple Heart, may purchase a lifetime combination license (VLL2) for $52.50 covering hunting, fishing, trout permit, and state duck stamp privileges.
100% totally and permanently disabled resident veterans (VA-certified, with 1-year Arkansas residency) may purchase a lifetime fishing license for $1.50, lifetime hunting license for $1.50, or lifetime combination license for $3.00. Apply by mail to the AGFC Little Rock office with VA documentation.
Persons with a 100% total and permanent disability rating receive a 50% discount on standard campsite fees at all Arkansas State Parks, year-round. Does not apply to cabins or yurts. Park day-use entry is already free for everyone. Proof: VA award letter dated within 2 years, an AR DV/DAV license plate, or America the Beautiful Access Pass.
Two Arkansas State Veterans Cemeteries (North Little Rock and Birdeye) offer no-cost burial for eligible veterans, perpetual care, federally furnished headstones/markers, and military funeral honors. A nominal fee (~$807 reported) applies for eligible dependent burials.
Two state veterans homes provide skilled nursing/long-term care: Fayetteville (approx. 90 beds) and North Little Rock (approx. 96 beds). Open to honorably discharged veterans (and in defined cases spouses and Gold Star parents) with a documented medical need. Services include skilled nursing, hospice, therapy, and transportation.
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Arkansas offers veteran benefits across property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, other, veterans home. Highlights include Disabled Veteran Homestead & Personal Property Tax Exemption, Military Retirement Pay Full Income Tax Exemption (Act 141 of 2017), VA Disability Compensation Not Taxed. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.
Full exemption from all property taxes on the homestead and personal property for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected VA disability rating, OR veterans receiving VA Special Monthly Compensation for the loss/loss of use of one or more limbs or total blindness in one or both eye
All uniformed-services retirement benefits — including Reserve/Guard retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities — are fully exempt from Arkansas individual income tax, with no dollar cap, beginning tax year 2018. Replaced the prior $6,000 cap. A retiree using the full military exemption may not
Many state benefits are tied to your VA disability rating — the higher your rating, the more you may qualify for. Use the free VA Ready calculator to confirm your combined rating, then check which state benefits you've earned.