Skip to main content

Veterans Benefits in Idaho

9 benefit programs available in Idaho.

Healthcare

Idaho Veterans Home (Boise)

Subsidized skilled nursing and memory care

The Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and memory care for eligible Idaho veterans and their spouses at subsidized rates.

Agency: Idaho Division of Veterans Services

Note: Additional facilities in Lewiston and Pocatello. VA Aid & Attendance can offset costs.

Education

Idaho Veterans Education Benefits

Free tuition at state institutions

Idaho provides education benefits for veterans including in-state tuition guarantees, the National Guard State Education Assistance Program (SEAP, up to ,000/year), and the Public Safety Officer Dependent Scholarship for children of KIA/disabled members. Contact the Idaho Division of Veterans Services for current program availability.

Agency: Idaho State Board of Education

Note: Requires 180+ days active duty. Dependents of KIA veterans also qualify. Interaction with federal GI Bill varies — contact school financial aid office for details. Apply through the institution's veteran services office.

Employment

Idaho Veterans Employment Preference

5–10 point hiring preference

Idaho grants veterans preference in state employment with 5 points for veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans added to passing civil service exam scores.

Agency: Idaho Division of Human Resources

Note: 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans.

Financial

Idaho Veterans Emergency Assistance Grant

Emergency financial assistance (amount varies)

Idaho Division of Veterans Services provides emergency financial assistance to Idaho veterans facing immediate hardship, covering rent, utilities, and other urgent needs.

Agency: Idaho Division of Veterans Services

Note: For veterans in financial crisis. Contact a county Veterans Service Officer to apply.

Tax

Idaho Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Full exemption on military retirement income

Idaho exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax for qualifying veterans, making it a financially favorable state for retired military personnel.

Agency: Idaho State Tax Commission

Note: Full exemption with no cap. Claim on your Idaho Form 40 state tax return. Combined with Idaho's low cost of living and outdoor recreation, this makes Idaho popular with military retirees.

Idaho Property Tax Reduction for Veterans

Up to $1,500 annual property tax reduction

Idaho veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (or 100% compensation via individual unemployability) receive a property tax reduction of up to $1,500 on their primary residence. The veteran must own and occupy the home as their primary residence and the property must have an active Idaho Homeowners Exemption. There is no income limit. Veterans with a permanent and total designation do not need to reapply annually.

Agency: Idaho State Tax CommissionDeadline: April 15 of each year (P&T veterans exempt from annual renewal)

Note: Must have Idaho Homeowners Exemption active first. TDIU (individual unemployability) qualifies. P&T veterans file once; others must reapply annually by April 15. No income limit.

Recreation

Idaho Free Hunting & Fishing for Disabled Veterans

Free hunting and fishing license (40%+ disability)

Idaho veterans with a 40% or greater service-connected disability receive a free combination hunting and fishing license. Veterans with less than 40% can purchase a reduced-fee license.

Agency: Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Note: 40%+ disability gets free combination license. Lower ratings get reduced fees.

Idaho State Parks Passport for Disabled Veterans

Free annual state parks passport ($40 value)

Idaho veterans with a service-connected disability receive a free annual Idaho State Parks Passport providing day-use access to all state parks.

Agency: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Note: Any service-connected disability qualifies. Covers day-use at all Idaho state parks.

Other

Idaho State Veterans Cemetery (Boise)

Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)

The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise provides burial at no cost for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children.

Agency: Idaho Division of Veterans Services

Note: Located in Boise. Free for veterans. Spouses and dependents also eligible.

Discover All Benefits You Qualify For

AIDEN matches your service history, disability rating, and location against every available benefit program to find what you qualify for.

Get Personalized Results