Louisiana Veterans Benefits

Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled (or determined totally disabled / individual unemployability) are exempt from all ad valorem (property) taxation on their primary residence. Certain municipal tax assessments may still apply. Veteran must obtain an updated Form A25 from a Louisiana DVA Parish Service Office, then apply with the parish assessor. Established by Louisiana Constitution Article VII Sec. 21 as amended by Amendment 2 (2022), effective Jan 1, 2023.

Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50-69% receive an additional exemption of the next $2,500 of assessed valuation (approximately $25,000 of fair market value) on their primary residence, on top of the standard homestead exemption. Requires Form A25 from a LA DVA Parish Service Office. Authorized by La. Const. Art. VII Sec. 21 (Amendment 2, 2022).

Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 70-99% receive an additional exemption of the next $4,500 of assessed valuation (approximately $45,000 of fair market value) on their primary residence, on top of the standard homestead exemption. Requires Form A25 from a LA DVA Parish Service Office. Authorized by La. Const. Art. VII Sec. 21 (Amendment 2, 2022).

The unremarried surviving spouse of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or the Louisiana National Guard is eligible for exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the home. Additionally, the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who had a 50%+ disability rating may carry the corresponding tiered exemption forward if they occupy and remain owner of the property.

Active-duty service members who are Louisiana residents and stationed outside Louisiana for 120 or more consecutive days may exclude up to $50,000 of military pay from Louisiana taxable income. This is an active-duty (not disability-rating) provision.

Louisiana fully excludes federal military retirement pay (and military Survivor Benefit Plan payments) from state taxable income under the federal retirement benefits exclusion, R.S. 47:44.2. There is no dollar cap. Confirmed by the Louisiana Department of Revenue FAQ.

VA disability compensation is not subject to Louisiana state income tax. It is excluded from federal adjusted gross income (the starting point for the LA return), and Louisiana additionally recognizes military disability retirement pay received as a pension/annuity for personal injury or sickness from active service as exempt.

Eligible veterans, their spouses, children, and active-duty military using federal educational benefits are granted in-state (resident) tuition rates at Louisiana public institutions regardless of formal residency status.

Louisiana's Title 29 program (R.S. 29:288) waives tuition and most school-imposed fees at state colleges/universities for children, spouses, and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans. For children of a LIVING veteran, the veteran must be rated 90-100% (or 100% individual unemployability) and be a LA resident at least 1 year; child must be ages 16-25. Children/surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability during a wartime period also qualify. Apply through a parish veterans service office.

Louisiana grants hiring preference points in state civil service: 5 points for honorably discharged wartime/campaign veterans (or 90+ days active duty after 9/11), and 10 points for veterans with a service-connected disability rating (and certain eligible family members). Veterans hired within 12 months of discharge may be appointed without a civil service exam.

Resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or more qualify for a Disabled Veteran / military honor specialty license plate at no charge. Per R.S. 47:490.4, no fee is charged for the plate and it is exempt from standard renewal requirements. Requires a VA letter reflecting at least 50% disability. Issued through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Resident and non-resident veterans with a PERMANENT service-connected disability classification of 50% or more receive a free Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing License from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Basic/Deer/Waterfowl/Turkey Hunting, and the WMA Access Permit (does not include the Federal Duck Stamp). The $4 processing fee is covered by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation. Renewed annually.

Honorably discharged military veteran residents (no disability rating required) may purchase a recreational hunting and fishing combination license for $20, an 80% discount from the standard $100 Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise license. Offered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Disabled veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating are exempt from Louisiana state park day-use entrance fees. Tied to the disabled-veteran credentials issued through the LA DVA.

Louisiana operates five state veterans homes providing nursing/long-term care. Admission requires 90+ days active duty with honorable discharge (or less if discharged for a service-connected disability); spouses and Gold Star parents may also be eligible. Per the LA DVA, there is no monthly fee for veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 70% and 100%; others pay on an income/means basis.

The Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund provides need-based emergency financial assistance to eligible Louisiana service members, veterans, and their families for expenses such as housing, utilities, and medical costs. The fund can pay up to $10,000 per need-based claim in a 12-month period. Administered by the LA Department of Veterans Affairs.