Connecticut Veterans Benefits

Veterans with at least 90 days of cumulative wartime service (as defined in CGS § 27-103), or separated earlier due to a VA-rated service-connected disability, receive a minimum municipal property tax exemption. CGS § 12-81(19) requires a basic $1,000 exemption; CGS § 12-81g requires an additional exemption that, combined, provides at least $1,500 in property tax relief, with a larger additional exemption for income-qualified veterans. No VA disability rating is required - this is based on qualifying wartime service. Apply through the local tax assessor.

Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating receive a municipal property tax exemption that scales with the rating, with a higher exemption for lower-income veterans. Per the OLR analysis, a veteran with a 100% rating is entitled to an exemption of at least $10,500 if income is $18,000 or less ($21,000 or less if married); above that income threshold the exemption is at least $5,250. Exact amounts vary by rating tier and town. Confirm exact figures with the local assessor, as amounts are statutory minimums that towns may exceed.

Beginning with the 2024 assessment year, every Connecticut municipality must fully exempt from property tax the primary residence OR one motor vehicle of a veteran who has a permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability rating of 100% from the VA. A temporary 100% rating does NOT qualify - the rating must be permanent and total. Towns may optionally extend the full exemption to veterans rated 100% on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Apply through your local tax assessor with VA documentation.

Connecticut allows a 100% deduction of federally taxable military retirement pay (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Army/Air National Guard) when computing Connecticut adjusted gross income, effectively making military retirement pay state-tax-free. Reached the full 100% level effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Former spouses receiving a court-ordered share of the retiree's pay do not qualify for this deduction.

VA disability compensation and military disability retirement pay received for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service are not subject to Connecticut income tax. Connecticut taxes such benefits to the same extent as federal law, and VA disability compensation is excluded from federal gross income, so it is also not taxed by Connecticut.

The State waives 100% of tuition for qualifying veterans at any Connecticut State College and University (CSCU) institution, the University of Connecticut and its regional campuses, and the state community colleges, for fall and spring credit courses (undergraduate and graduate), plus a 50% waiver on summer/intersession Extension Fund courses. The waiver covers tuition only - not fees, books, parking, or room and board. Eligibility generally requires honorable service with qualifying wartime service and Connecticut residency; bring a DD-214 when applying. Also covers tuition exceeding the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit.

Connecticut provides a veterans' hiring preference for state employment to eligible veterans and certain spouses by adding points to passing scores on competitive civil service hiring examinations. Administered through the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) statewide human resources / Military Talent program. No VA disability rating is required, though additional preference may apply to disabled veterans.

Connecticut issues Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates with no fee for new registrations, transfers, or renewals of the DV plate. Other fees (title, lien, Clean Air Act) may still apply. Eligibility requires proof of military service (DD-214) and a medical certification meeting DMV criteria; initial requests are made at the DMV Wethersfield office. A separate Waiver of Registration Fee (form B-276) is available for certain service-connected disabled veterans.

DEEP offers free hunting/fishing licenses (permits and stamps not included) to Connecticut residents who have lost, or permanently lost the use of, one or more limbs, with physician verification. Service-connected veterans rated 10% or more receive a 50% discount on sport fishing licenses. Veterans rated 100% can obtain free licenses. Available through DEEP's online licensing system, DEEP offices, and participating town clerks.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs operates the state veterans home campus at 287 West Street, Rocky Hill. It includes the Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center, a 125-bed Medicare/Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facility providing long-term care, plus residential programs (including Patriots' Landing) offering supportive housing, rehabilitation, and recovery for veterans and eligible family members. The DVA also operates the State Veterans Cemetery and memorial services.

A state fund (established 1919, administered by the American Legion Department of Connecticut) providing temporary emergency financial assistance to needy wartime veterans and their families who reside in Connecticut. Covers needs such as food, clothing, shelter, fuel, utilities, medical/surgical aid, and burial expenses. Eligibility requires qualifying wartime service (at least 90 days), honorable discharge, Connecticut residency, and demonstrated financial need. Apply through a designated Fund Representative / Veterans Aid Investigator in your community.