State benefits
Arkansas veterans are eligible for 7 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Employment, Tax, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs and application paths.
7 programs5 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized skilled nursing care
The Arkansas Veterans Home in Fayetteville provides skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible Arkansas veterans at subsidized rates.
Note: Located in Fayetteville. VA per diem offsets costs.
Employment
Value: Hiring preference for state employment
Arkansas grants veterans preference in state employment with points added to passing civil service exam scores. Disabled veterans receive additional consideration.
Note: Disabled veterans receive additional preference beyond standard veteran preference.
Tax
Value: Full exemption on military retirement income
Military retirement pay received by Arkansas residents is fully exempt from state income tax, providing significant annual savings for retired military personnel residing in the state.
Note: Claim the exemption on your AR1000 state tax return. No cap on the exempted amount. VA disability compensation is also tax-free at both federal and state levels.
Value: Full property tax exemption
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected VA disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes on their primary residence in Arkansas.
Note: Must be 100% P&T rated. Apply at your county assessor's office with VA disability letter. Surviving spouses retain the exemption as long as they do not remarry and continue to reside in the home.
Recreation
Value: Free lifetime license (100%) or discounted annual (70%+)
Arkansas veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive a free lifetime combination hunting and fishing license. Veterans with 70%+ disability receive discounted annual licenses.
Note: 100% disabled get free lifetime. 70%+ get discounts. Apply with VA documentation.
Value: Free camping at state parks
Arkansas resident disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive free camping at all Arkansas state parks.
Note: 100% disabled veterans only. Covers tent and RV camping sites.
Other
Value: Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)
Arkansas operates two state veterans cemeteries in North Little Rock and Birdeye providing burial at no cost for eligible veterans and their dependents.
Note: Two locations: North Little Rock and Birdeye. Free for veterans and eligible dependents.
“Claim the exemption on your AR1000 state tax return. No cap on the exempted amount. VA disability compensation is also tax-free at both federal and state levels.”
Questions
Arkansas offers 7 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Employment, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many Arkansas benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.
Most Arkansas state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.
Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Arkansas does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.
Applications for Arkansas state benefits are typically submitted through the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.
Yes — Arkansas has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.
Most Arkansas state benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Most federal VA benefits require a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, but the GI Bill is stricter: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty requires an honorable discharge, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill ordinarily does too. With an other-than-honorable discharge, VA makes a character-of-discharge determination, and some benefits may still be available; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.
Agency · Healthcare benefit source — Arkansas
Agency · Tax benefit source — Arkansas
Agency · Recreation benefit source — Arkansas
Agency · Recreation benefit source — Arkansas
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
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