Veterans Benefits in Rhode Island

Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Rhode Island veterans are eligible for 8 state and federal benefit programs, including Education, Employment, Tax, 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.

Which education benefits are available to Rhode Island veterans?

Rhode Island Veterans' Tuition Waiver

Free tuition at state colleges and university

Rhode Island resident veterans are eligible for a tuition waiver at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island for undergraduate and some graduate programs.

Agency: Rhode Island Office of Postsecondary Commissioner

Note: Covers URI, RIC, and CCRI. Includes some graduate programs. Interaction with federal GI Bill varies — contact school financial aid office for details. Apply through the institution's veteran services office.

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Rhode Island Free Tuition for Disabled Veterans (10%+)

Full tuition waiver at state institutions

Rhode Island veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10% receive free tuition at all state colleges and universities, including URI, RIC, and CCRI.

Agency: Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services

Note: Only 10% disability required — one of the lowest thresholds for free tuition in the country. Interaction with federal education benefits varies — contact school financial aid office for details.

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Which employment benefits does Rhode Island offer to veterans?

Rhode Island Veterans Employment Preference

5-point hiring preference on state employment exams

Rhode Island provides a 5-point preference on civil service entrance exam scores for veterans applying for competitive state employment positions.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Administration

Note: 5 points added to passing civil service exam scores for state employment.

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How does Rhode Island handle veteran property tax exemptions?

Rhode Island Property Tax Exemption for Veterans

Varies by municipality; minimum set by state law

Municipalities in Rhode Island are authorized to provide property tax exemptions to veterans. The state mandates a minimum exemption amount, with many cities offering additional local exemptions beyond the state floor.

Agency: Rhode Island Division of Municipal Finance / Local Assessors

Note: Exemption amounts vary significantly by municipality — check with your local tax assessor for the exact amount. Some cities offer double or triple the state minimum. Disabled veterans typically receive higher exemptions.

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Rhode Island Military Disability Retirement Income Tax Exemption

State income tax exemption on military disability retirement and DIC

Rhode Island exempts military disability retirement pay from state income tax. DIC payments are also fully tax-free at the state level.

Agency: Rhode Island Division of Taxation

Note: Military disability retirement pay and DIC are fully exempt from RI state income tax.

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Rhode Island Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption on Motor Vehicles

Full vehicle excise tax exemption

Rhode Island veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are fully exempt from excise tax on one motor vehicle registered in their name, saving hundreds annually.

Agency: Rhode Island Division of Veterans Affairs

Note: Applies to one vehicle only. File with your city/town tax collector with VA 100% disability letter. Saves hundreds annually given RI's vehicle excise tax rates. Surviving spouses may also qualify.

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Which recreation benefits does Rhode Island offer to veterans?

Rhode Island Free Hunting & Fishing for 100% Disabled Veterans

Free hunting and fishing licenses

Veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA are eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Note: Must be 100% VA-rated disabled.

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Which additional benefits does Rhode Island offer to veterans?

Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Exeter)

Free or reduced-cost burial (saves $5,000–$10,000+)

The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter provides burial options including in-ground casket, cremation, and columbarium niche for honorably discharged wartime veterans and their eligible dependents.

Agency: Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services

Note: Located in Exeter. Multiple burial options. Guard/Reserve with 20 years also eligible.

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“Exemption amounts vary significantly by municipality — check with your local tax assessor for the exact amount. Some cities offer double or triple the state minimum. Disabled veterans typically receive higher exemptions.”
— Rhode Island Division of Municipal Finance / Local Assessors, www.tax.ri.gov

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Rhode Island offer to disabled veterans?

Rhode Island offers 8 veteran benefit programs spanning Education, 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 Rhode Island veteran benefits?

Many Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island benefits with federal VA benefits?

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

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

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

Yes — Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island veteran benefits?

Most Rhode Island 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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