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Veterans Benefits in North Carolina

11 benefit programs available in North Carolina.

Healthcare

NC State Veterans Homes — Skilled Nursing Care

Subsidized skilled nursing care based on ability to pay

Five state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and long-term care for honorably discharged NC resident veterans in need of nursing-level care.

Agency: North Carolina Division of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

Note: Five homes across NC including newest facility in Kernersville (opened Nov 2023). Fee based on actual cost of care and ability to pay. Must be referred by a licensed physician.

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Education

NC Scholarship Loan Fund for Veterans

Up to $500 per year

Provides scholarships to eligible veterans attending North Carolina educational institutions. Awards are converted to loans if recipients do not meet service obligations.

Agency: North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs

Note: Modest benefit ($500/year). Converts to loan if service obligation not met. Apply through NC Division of Veterans Affairs.

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NC Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans

Up to 8 semesters of tuition assistance

Up to eight semesters of financial assistance at NC public institutions for children of wartime veterans who are deceased, disabled, or were POWs. Class I recipients (100% disabled/deceased) get priority funding.

Agency: North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

Note: Class I (100% disabled/deceased) get priority. Program has faced funding limits — apply early through NC DMVA.

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Housing

NC Veterans Home Loan Program

Below-market mortgage rates

North Carolina offers below-market interest rate home loans through the NC Housing Finance Agency for qualifying veterans purchasing their primary residence.

Agency: North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)

Note: NC Home Advantage Mortgage program — below-market rates with down payment assistance up to 3% for veterans. Can be combined with VA Home Loan.

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Employment

NC Veterans Employment Preference

10-point bonus on state employment exams

Veterans receive preference in all state employment including hiring, promotions, reassignments, transfers, and reduction-in-force. Veterans and National Guard members receive 10 additional points on employment exams.

Agency: North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR)

Note: Applies to all state departments, agencies, and institutions. 10 additional points on numerically scored tests. Also covers National Guard members.

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Tax

North Carolina Property Tax Exclusion for Disabled Veterans

$75,000 assessed value exclusion

Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability qualify to exclude the first $75,000 of assessed home value from property taxes. Effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2025 (previously $45,000).

Agency: North Carolina Department of Revenue / County Tax Office

Note: Increased from $45,000 to $75,000 effective July 2025. Apply at county tax office. Must be 100% P&T. Surviving spouses also qualify. NC also exempts disabled veteran motor vehicles from property tax.

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North Carolina Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption

Full state income tax exemption on military retirement pay

North Carolina fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax for veterans who served at least 20 years or were medically retired. SBP payments also exempt.

Agency: North Carolina Department of Revenue

Note: Must have served 20+ years or medically retired. SBP and disability retirement pay also exempt. Severance pay NOT included.

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Transportation

NC Disabled Veteran Free License Plate & Registration

Free license plate and registration for one vehicle

Veterans with 100% service-connected disability or IU receive one free Disabled Veteran license plate and free vehicle registration. Partially disabled veterans qualify for a plate at no additional fee.

Agency: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles / DMVA

Note: 100% disabled or IU get free plate and registration for one vehicle. Partially disabled get plate at no extra fee but still pay registration. Includes free handicap parking.

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Recreation

NC Disabled Veteran Free State Parks Annual Pass

Free annual state parks pass (valued at $90)

Since September 2024, veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability receive a free Annual Pass to all North Carolina state parks and recreation areas (normally $90).

Agency: North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

Note: Effective September 2024. Must have 50%+ VA disability. Covers admission and parking at all NC state parks.

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NC Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License

Lifetime hunting/fishing license for $10–$110

Veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or greater can purchase a discounted lifetime hunting and fishing license for a one-time fee of $10 to $110. Valid for life while disability rating stays at 50%+.

Agency: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Note: One-time fee. Must have 50%+ VA disability. Valid for life while rating is maintained.

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Other

NC State Veterans Cemetery — Free Burial

Free burial plot and interment services

Free burial at four state veterans cemeteries (Black Mountain, Jacksonville, Fort Liberty, Goldsboro) for eligible veterans and their spouses. Includes gravesite, opening/closing, and government headstone/marker.

Agency: North Carolina Division of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)

Note: Four cemeteries: Black Mountain, Jacksonville, Fort Liberty, Goldsboro. Spouses may be interred with the veteran. No charge for veteran interment.

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