State benefits
North Dakota veterans are eligible for 8 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Financial, 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 programs5 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized basic and skilled nursing care (149 beds)
The North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon provides 111 basic care beds and 38 skilled nursing beds for eligible veterans requiring residential care.
Note: Located in Lisbon. 111 basic care + 38 skilled nursing beds. VA Aid & Attendance can offset costs.
Education
Value: Free tuition and fees at state institutions for dependents (up to 45 months)
North Dakota provides free tuition and fees at any state-supported institution to dependents (spouse, surviving spouse, child, or stepchild) of North Dakota veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating (including TDIU), or who were killed in action or died from a service-connected cause. The benefit covers a bachelor's degree or certificate for up to 45 months or 10 semesters.
Note: TDIU qualifies as 100%. Covers spouse, surviving spouse, children, and stepchildren. Up to 45 months or 10 semesters. Interaction with federal education benefits varies — contact school financial aid office for details.
Financial
Value: Emergency financial assistance, amount varies
The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs operates an aid fund providing emergency financial assistance to North Dakota veterans and their families facing hardship due to illness, injury, or temporary economic difficulty.
Note: Emergency assistance for veterans in crisis. Contact NDDVA directly — response is typically fast. Can cover rent, utilities, medical bills, and other urgent needs. No disability rating required.
Value: Up to $3,000 per year for medical and emergency assistance
The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Hardship Assistance Program provides grants up to $3,000 per year for low-income veterans or spouses for medical assistance including hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental care.
Note: Means-tested. Up to $3,000/year. Covers hearing aids, eyeglasses, dental. Grant — not a loan.
Value: Up to $5,000 loan at 8% (half interest returned if paid on time)
North Dakota resident veterans may apply for a loan of up to $5,000, payable over four years at 8% interest. If all repayment conditions are met, one-half of the interest is returned upon the last payment.
Note: $5,000 max over 4 years. Unique incentive: half the interest is returned if all payments are on time.
Tax
Value: $6,750 credit up to full property tax credit for 100% disabled veterans
North Dakota veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater receive a property tax credit on their homestead. The credit is $6,750 for 50–69% disability, scaling up to a full credit for 100% rated veterans.
Note: Scales with disability: $6,750 for 50-69%, higher for 70%+, full credit for 100%. File with your county auditor by February 1. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible.
Value: Full state income tax exemption on military retirement pay
North Dakota fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax, effective since the 2019 tax year.
Note: Full exemption since 2019. All military retirement pay exempt. Claim on ND state return.
Recreation
Value: Free annual state park permit
North Dakota veterans with a 100% service-related disability and former POWs receive a free annual state park permit.
Note: 100% SC disabled or former POW. Free annual permit. Bring VA documentation.
“Scales with disability: $6,750 for 50-69%, higher for 70%+, full credit for 100%. File with your county auditor by February 1. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible.”
Questions
North Dakota offers 8 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Financial, Tax, Recreation. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota state benefits are typically submitted through the North Dakota 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 — North Dakota 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 — North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 — North Dakota
Agency · Education benefit source — North Dakota
Agency · Tax benefit source — North Dakota
Agency · Tax benefit source — North Dakota
Agency · Recreation benefit source — North Dakota
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
VeteranHQ
Our engine matches your service history, disability rating, and location against every available benefit program to find what you qualify for.
Get Personalized Results