State benefits
Kansas veterans are eligible for 8 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, 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.
8 programs6 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized skilled nursing care
Kansas operates two state veterans homes in Dodge City and Winfield providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible Kansas veterans.
Note: Two facilities: Dodge City and Winfield. VA per diem offsets costs.
Education
Value: Full tuition and required fees waiver at Kansas public institutions (undergraduate)
The Kansas Hero's Scholarship (established by KSA 75-4364) provides a tuition and required fees waiver for eligible dependents and spouses of certain deceased or disabled military personnel and public safety officers who were Kansas residents. Recipients may attend any eligible Kansas public post-secondary institution tuition-free at the undergraduate level. Students remain responsible for other charges including room, board, and supplies. Applications open April 9, 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Note: Undergraduate only — does not cover graduate programs. Room and board not covered. Application cycle opens in April for the following academic year. Interaction with federal education benefits varies — contact school financial aid office for details.
Employment
Value: 10-point hiring preference
Kansas grants veterans a 10-point preference on state civil service examinations. Disabled veterans and spouses of disabled veterans also receive additional consideration.
Note: 10-point preference for veterans. Spouses of disabled veterans also eligible.
Tax
Value: Varies by income and disability rating
Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating may be eligible for a property tax refund on their homestead. The refund amount is based on income and disability rating.
Note: Income-tested benefit — lower income veterans get a larger refund. File with your Kansas income tax return using Schedule S. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Value: Full exemption on military retirement income
Kansas fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax starting in tax year 2022, making Kansas increasingly attractive for retiring service members.
Note: Effective tax year 2022 and forward. No cap on the exemption amount. Claim on Schedule S of your Kansas income tax return. VA disability compensation is also exempt at both state and federal levels.
Recreation
Value: Free hunting and fishing licenses (30%+); free lifetime license (100%)
Kansas veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability receive free hunting and fishing licenses. A free lifetime combination license is available for 100% disabled veterans.
Note: 30%+ gets free annual license. 100% disabled gets free lifetime combination license.
Value: Free annual state park vehicle permit ($25+ value)
Kansas veterans with a service-connected disability receive a free annual vehicle permit for Kansas state parks.
Note: Any service-connected disability qualifies. Covers all Kansas state parks.
Other
Value: Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)
Kansas operates state veterans cemeteries in WaKeeney and Fort Dodge providing burial at no cost for eligible veterans and their dependents.
Note: Two state cemeteries. Free for veterans and eligible dependents.
“Income-tested benefit — lower income veterans get a larger refund. File with your Kansas income tax return using Schedule S. Surviving spouses may also qualify.”
Questions
Kansas offers 8 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas state benefits are typically submitted through the Kansas 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 — Kansas 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.
Yes — Kansas offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.
Most Kansas 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 — Kansas
Agency · Education benefit source — Kansas
Agency · Employment benefit source — Kansas
Agency · Tax benefit source — Kansas
Agency · Recreation benefit source — Kansas
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
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