Veterans Benefits in North Carolina

Last verified: APR 22, 2026

North Carolina veterans are eligible for 11 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 North Carolina offer to veterans?

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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Which education benefits are available to North Carolina veterans?

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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Which housing benefits does North Carolina offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

Which employment benefits does North Carolina offer to veterans?

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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How does North Carolina handle veteran property tax exemptions?

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.

Apply →Source

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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Which transportation benefits does North Carolina offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

Which recreation benefits does North Carolina offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source

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.

Apply →Source

Which additional benefits does North Carolina offer to veterans?

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.

Apply →Source
“NC Home Advantage Mortgage program — below-market rates with down payment assistance up to 3% for veterans. Can be combined with VA Home Loan.”

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does North Carolina offer to disabled veterans?

North Carolina offers 11 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Housing, Employment, Tax, Transportation, 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 North Carolina veteran benefits?

Many North Carolina 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 North Carolina resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most North Carolina 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 North Carolina benefits with federal VA benefits?

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

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

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

Yes — North Carolina 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 North Carolina veteran benefits?

Most North Carolina 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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