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Veterans Benefits in Alabama

10 benefit programs available in Alabama.

Healthcare

Alabama State Veterans Homes (4 Facilities)

Long-term skilled nursing care

Alabama operates four state veterans homes in Alexander City, Huntsville, Bay Minette, and Pell City providing 24/7 skilled nursing care.

Agency: Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Four locations: Bill Nichols (Alexander City), Floyd E. Tut Fann (Huntsville), William F. Green (Bay Minette), Col. Robert L. Howard (Pell City). Costs based on ability to pay and VA per diem.

Education

Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship

Up to 5 years (10 semesters) of free tuition

Provides free tuition at Alabama public colleges for dependents of veterans who have a 40% or greater permanent service-connected disability rating, who died as a result of service, or who are former POW/MIA. Spouses and children of 100% P&T disabled veterans receive up to 10 semesters; spouses of 40–90% disabled veterans receive up to 6 semesters.

Agency: Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Spouses of 100% P&T veterans get up to 10 semesters; spouses of 40-90% rated veterans get up to 6 semesters. Children must start before age 26. Last-dollar benefit: all other grants/scholarships (including federal dependent education benefits) applied first.

Alabama National Guard Tuition Assistance

Up to 100% tuition assistance

Provides up to 100% tuition assistance for Alabama National Guard members attending Alabama public colleges and universities.

Agency: Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program

Note: ANGEAP is a payer of last resort. All grants, scholarships, Ch.33, and other education benefits are deducted before ANGEAP calculates its payment.

Employment

Alabama State Employment Veterans Preference

5-10 points added to state employment exam scores

Alabama provides 5 points for veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans added to passing state employment examination scores.

Agency: Alabama State Personnel Department

Note: 5 points for all honorably discharged veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans. Also extends to eligible spouses and surviving spouses.

Tax

Alabama Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Full exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax

All military retirement pay, SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities are fully exempt from Alabama state income tax. Combat zone pay is also exempt.

Agency: Alabama Department of Revenue

Note: Applies automatically when filing Alabama state income tax return. Includes SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP annuities.

Alabama Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Full property tax exemption

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive a complete exemption from all Alabama property taxes on their primary residence.

Agency: Alabama Department of Revenue

Note: Apply at your county tax assessor office. Must provide VA disability letter. Surviving unremarried spouses of 100% disabled veterans also qualify for the exemption.

Transportation

Alabama Disabled Veteran Vehicle Tax Exemption

Full exemption from vehicle registration fees and license taxes

Veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability are exempt from state registration fees, license taxes, and issuance costs for one vehicle. VA-furnished vehicles are exempt from all license fees and ad valorem taxes.

Agency: Alabama Department of Revenue

Note: Applies to one vehicle. Contact your county license plate issuing office. VA-furnished vehicles get full fee and ad valorem tax exemption.

Recreation

Alabama Veterans Hunting and Fishing License Discount

$2 license (100% disabled) or 50% discount (50%+)

Veterans with 100% disability pay $2 plus issuance fee for a hunting license; veterans with 50-99% disability pay half price. Freshwater fishing licenses are discounted for veterans with 20%+ disability.

Agency: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Note: Hunting: 100% disabled = $2; 50-99% = half price. Freshwater fishing discounts at 20%+. Must provide VA disability documentation.

Alabama Parks for Patriots Free State Park Admission

Free state park admission year-round

Free day-use admission to all Alabama State Parks year-round for honorably discharged Alabama resident veterans and active-duty service members.

Agency: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Note: Must show military ID, Alabama driver's license with Veteran designation, or DD214. Nonresidents get free admission on state and federal holidays only.

Other

Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Free burial and perpetual care

Provides free burial for eligible veterans at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, including gravesite, opening/closing, and perpetual care.

Agency: Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Located at 34904 Alabama Highway 225, Spanish Fort, AL 36527. Dependent burial fee is $375. Pre-registration encouraged.

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