Veterans Benefits in Maryland

Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Maryland veterans are eligible for 12 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Housing, 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 Maryland offer to veterans?

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Assisted living and skilled nursing care

Maryland operates the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, a 454-bed facility providing assisted living (168 beds) and skilled nursing (286 beds) with medical, dental, psychological, and therapeutic care.

Agency: Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Only state veterans home in Maryland. 454 beds: 168 assisted living, 286 skilled nursing. Located in St. Mary's County on 126 acres. Medicare/Medicaid certified. In operation since 1985.

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Which education benefits are available to Maryland veterans?

Maryland VAIC Scholarship

Up to 50% of tuition, fees, room and board for 5 years

The Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship provides up to 50% of tuition, fees, room and board for up to five years for veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, as well as their spouses and children.

Agency: Maryland Higher Education Commission

Note: Application deadline is March 1 each year via the MD CAPS online system. For veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and their spouses and children.

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Maryland In-State Tuition for Veterans

In-state tuition rates at Maryland public colleges and universities

Veterans, National Guard members, and active-duty service members residing in Maryland qualify for in-state tuition rates at all Maryland public institutions regardless of how long they have lived in the state.

Agency: Maryland Higher Education Commission

Note: No minimum residency period required. Valid at all Maryland public institutions.

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Maryland Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship

Up to $13,689 per year (2025–2026)

Provides tuition assistance to dependents of veterans who died or became disabled in the line of duty, for use at Maryland accredited colleges and universities. The award may not exceed the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees of a resident undergraduate at a four-year University System of Maryland institution.

Agency: Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

Note: Up to $13,689/year (2025-2026). For dependents of veterans killed or disabled in duty. Must attend a Maryland accredited institution. Renewable for up to 5 years if maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

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Which housing benefits does Maryland offer to veterans?

Maryland Homefront Veterans Mortgage Program

0.25% interest rate discount on 30-year fixed mortgage

Provides military veterans and active-duty military with a special 0.25% interest rate discount on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage for home purchases through the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Agency: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Note: Available to both veterans and active-duty military. Provides a 0.25% rate discount on 30-year fixed rate mortgages.

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Which employment benefits does Maryland offer to veterans?

Maryland Expedited Professional Credential Transfer

Expedited professional license and credential transfer

Maryland offers expedited professional credential and license transfer for veterans and military spouses relocating to Maryland, including college credit recognition.

Agency: Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: For veterans and military spouses relocating to Maryland. Includes assistance with professional credentials, college credits, and licensing transfers.

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Maryland Veterans Employment Hiring Preference

10 hiring preference points for state employment

Maryland offers 10 hiring preference points for state employment to eligible veterans, former POWs, spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses.

Agency: Maryland Department of Budget and Management

Note: 10 points for all eligible categories: veterans with or without disability, former POWs, spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses.

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How does Maryland handle veteran property tax exemptions?

Maryland Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Up to $34,300 pension exclusion; full VA disability payment exemption

Maryland provides a pension exclusion for military retirement income. Residents aged 65 or older, or those who are disabled, may exclude up to $34,300. All VA disability payments are completely exempt.

Agency: Comptroller of Maryland

Note: Pension exclusion of up to $34,300 for those 65+ or disabled. All VA disability compensation, pensions, and grants are fully exempt.

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Maryland Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Full lifetime property tax exemption

Maryland exempts 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans from all property taxes on their primary residence for life.

Agency: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)

Note: Lifetime exemption — once approved, no need to reapply. Surviving unremarried spouses also qualify. Apply through SDAT with VA disability documentation.

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Which recreation benefits does Maryland offer to veterans?

Maryland Free Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

Free lifetime hunting and fishing license with all stamps/permits

Maryland resident veterans who are former POWs or have a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime hunting or fishing license with all stamps and permits included.

Agency: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Note: For 100% disabled veterans or former POWs only. Lifetime license includes archery stamps, muzzleloader stamps, sika deer stamp, and furbearer permit.

Apply →Source

Maryland Free State Park Admission for Veterans

Free state park admission year-round

Maryland resident and nonresident veterans receive free entry to all Maryland state parks year-round.

Agency: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Note: Applies to both resident and nonresident veterans. Fee waiver is for the veteran only.

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Which additional benefits does Maryland offer to veterans?

Maryland State Veterans Cemeteries

Free burial for eligible veterans

Maryland operates five state veterans cemeteries in Cheltenham, Crownsville, Flintstone, Hurlock, and Owings Mills providing free burial to eligible veterans.

Agency: Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Five locations: Cheltenham, Crownsville, Flintstone, Hurlock, and Owings Mills. No cost to veterans. Dependents may also be eligible.

Apply →Source
“Available to both veterans and active-duty military. Provides a 0.25% rate discount on 30-year fixed rate mortgages.”

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Maryland offer to disabled veterans?

Maryland offers 12 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Housing, 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 Maryland veteran benefits?

Many Maryland 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 Maryland resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Maryland 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 Maryland benefits with federal VA benefits?

Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Maryland 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 Maryland veteran benefits?

Applications for Maryland state benefits are typically submitted through the Maryland 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 Maryland offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes — Maryland 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 Maryland have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

Yes — Maryland 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 Maryland veteran benefits?

Most Maryland 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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