Veterans Benefits in Kansas

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, application paths, and 2026 verification status.

What healthcare benefits does Kansas offer to veterans?

Kansas Veterans Homes (Dodge City & Winfield)

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.

Agency: Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office

Note: Two facilities: Dodge City and Winfield. VA per diem offsets costs.

Which education benefits are available to Kansas veterans?

Kansas Hero's Scholarship (Military Dependents)

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.

Agency: Kansas Board of Regents

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.

Which employment benefits does Kansas offer to veterans?

Kansas Veterans Employment Preference

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.

Agency: Kansas Department of Administration

Note: 10-point preference for veterans. Spouses of disabled veterans also eligible.

How does Kansas handle veteran property tax exemptions?

Kansas Disabled Veterans Property Tax Refund

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.

Agency: Kansas Department of RevenueDeadline: April 15 (filed with state income tax return)

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.

Kansas Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

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.

Agency: Kansas Department of Revenue

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.

Which recreation benefits does Kansas offer to veterans?

Kansas Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License

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.

Agency: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Note: 30%+ gets free annual license. 100% disabled gets free lifetime combination license.

Kansas State Parks Free Annual Permit for Disabled Veterans

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.

Agency: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Note: Any service-connected disability qualifies. Covers all Kansas state parks.

Which additional benefits does Kansas offer to veterans?

Kansas Veterans Cemetery (WaKeeney & Fort Dodge)

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.

Agency: Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office

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.

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Kansas offer to disabled veterans?

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.

Do I need a specific disability rating to qualify for Kansas veteran benefits?

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.

Do I need to be a Kansas resident to claim state veteran benefits?

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.

Can I stack Kansas benefits with federal VA benefits?

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.

Where do I apply for Kansas veteran benefits?

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.

Does Kansas offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

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.

Does Kansas have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

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.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for Kansas veteran benefits?

Most Kansas state benefit programs and all federal VA benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify for some programs; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.

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