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Veterans Benefits in South Carolina

12 benefit programs available in South Carolina.

Healthcare

SC Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home

Subsidized long-term skilled nursing care

A 220-bed state-operated skilled nursing facility in Anderson, SC providing 24-hour clinical care. Part of SC's network of state veterans nursing homes (also in Columbia and Walterboro).

Agency: South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs

Note: Located at 4605 Belton Highway, Anderson, SC 29621. Phone: 864-261-6734. SC also operates veterans homes in Columbia and Walterboro.

Education

SC Free Tuition for Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans

Free tuition at any SC state-supported college ($5,000–$13,000/year)

Free tuition at all SC state-supported colleges for children (up to age 26) of veterans who were KIA, died in service, died from service-connected disability, were POWs, or are 100% P&T disabled from wartime service.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs

Note: Covers tuition only — fees, books, room and board not included. Both student and veteran must be SC residents for 12+ continuous months. Contact SCDVA at 803-960-8327.

SC Free Tuition for National Guard and Veterans

Free tuition at SC technical colleges

South Carolina offers free tuition at state technical colleges for qualifying veterans and National Guard members who meet residency and service requirements.

Agency: South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

Note: Covers tuition only at SC technical colleges — books and fees are not included. Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Employment

SC State Employment Preference for Veterans

Guaranteed interview for qualifying state positions

SC requires every state agency and higher education institution to interview at least one qualified veteran for every full-time position. Veterans are given hiring preference when equally qualified.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs

Note: Must submit DD Form 214 with application. Must meet minimum qualifications. Applies to all state agencies and public higher education.

Financial

SC Military Family Relief Fund

Emergency financial grants for essential expenses

Provides monetary grants to families of SC National Guard and Reserve members called to active duty, covering food, housing, utilities, medical services, and essential expenses.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs

Note: Primarily for National Guard and Reserve families activated post-9/11. Phone: 803-734-0200. Funded by voluntary contributions including SC income tax check-off.

Tax

SC Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Full exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax

South Carolina fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax regardless of age, with no earned-income cap. Surviving spouses also qualify.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Revenue

Note: Claim the deduction on your SC individual income tax return (SC 1040). No age or income cap. In effect since tax year 2022.

South Carolina Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Full property tax exemption

Veterans with a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability receive a full exemption from property taxes on their legal residence.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Revenue

Note: Apply through your county auditor office. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans retain the exemption as long as they do not remarry and continue to occupy the home.

SC Disabled Veteran Vehicle Property Tax Exemption

Full vehicle property tax exemption on up to two vehicles ($200–$600/year)

100% P&T disabled veterans are exempt from vehicle property tax on up to two privately owned vehicles. Surviving spouses retain exemption on one vehicle.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Revenue

Note: Apply through MyDORWAY or county auditor. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. Separate from real property tax exemption.

Transportation

SC Veterans Vehicle Plate and Registration Discount

Free license plate and vehicle property tax exemption

Disabled veterans in South Carolina receive a free vehicle license plate and are exempt from property tax on one vehicle if 100% service-connected disabled.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

Note: Must present VA disability letter at your local DMV office. Covers one vehicle only. Vehicle property tax exemption applies in addition to the free plate.

Recreation

SC Free Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

Free 3-year combination hunting and fishing license

Free three-year combination hunting and fishing license for disabled veterans receiving VA disability compensation. Paraplegic, quadriplegic, or legally blind veterans qualify for a lifetime license.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Note: Requires VA disability certification dated within last 12 months. Covers freshwater/saltwater fishing, hunting, big game, WMA, and Migratory Waterfowl Permit. Lifetime license for paraplegic/quadriplegic/blind.

Other

SC Veterans Treatment Court Program

Diversion from criminal justice system into treatment programs

Established by the 2014 Veterans Treatment Court Program Act, diverts qualifying veteran offenders into rehabilitative treatment combining judicial supervision, mentorship, and VA services.

Agency: South Carolina Judicial Branch / SC Department of Veterans' Affairs

Note: Minimum 12 months of court supervision. Multiple VTC locations across SC judicial circuits. SCDVA received $1.8M federal grant to expand statewide.

SC-VALOR Free Legal Assistance for Veterans

Free or heavily discounted legal services

Collaboration between the SC Attorney General's Office, SC Bar, and SC Military Department providing free legal clinics and pro bono attorney referrals for veterans.

Agency: South Carolina Attorney General's Office

Note: Free clinics handle wills, powers of attorney, and common issues. Complex cases referred to volunteer attorneys. Handles SCRA issues. Call 803-734-8387 (803-734-VETS).

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