Veterans Benefits in North Dakota

North Dakota veterans are eligible for 9 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, application paths, and 2026 verification status.

What healthcare benefits does North Dakota offer to veterans?

North Dakota Veterans Home (Lisbon)

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.

Agency: North Dakota Veterans Home

Note: Located in Lisbon. 111 basic care + 38 skilled nursing beds. VA Aid & Attendance can offset costs.

Which education benefits are available to North Dakota veterans?

North Dakota Free Tuition for Dependents of Disabled Veterans

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.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

North Dakota Dependent Education – Free Tuition for Children of Deceased Veterans

Free tuition at state institutions for dependents of deceased veterans

Qualified dependents of deceased resident veterans receive free tuition at any North Dakota state-supported college, technical school, or vocational-technical institution.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: For dependents of deceased ND resident veterans. Covers tuition at any state-supported institution.

Which financial benefits does North Dakota offer to veterans?

North Dakota Veterans' Aid Fund

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.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

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.

North Dakota Hardship Assistance Grant

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.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: Means-tested. Up to $3,000/year. Covers hearing aids, eyeglasses, dental. Grant — not a loan.

North Dakota Veterans Aid Loan ($5,000)

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.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: $5,000 max over 4 years. Unique incentive: half the interest is returned if all payments are on time.

How does North Dakota handle veteran property tax exemptions?

North Dakota Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit

$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.

Agency: North Dakota Office of State Tax CommissionerDeadline: February 1 of each year

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.

North Dakota Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

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.

Agency: North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner

Note: Full exemption since 2019. All military retirement pay exempt. Claim on ND state return.

Which recreation benefits does North Dakota offer to veterans?

North Dakota Free State Park Permit for 100% Disabled Veterans

Free annual state park permit

North Dakota veterans with a 100% service-related disability and former POWs receive a free annual state park permit.

Agency: North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department

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.
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, www.nd.gov

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does North Dakota offer to disabled veterans?

North Dakota offers 9 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Financial, Tax, Recreation. 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 Dakota veteran benefits?

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.

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

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.

Can I stack North Dakota benefits with federal VA benefits?

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.

Where do I apply for North Dakota veteran benefits?

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.

Does North Dakota offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

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.

Does North Dakota have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

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.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for North Dakota veteran benefits?

Most North Dakota 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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