State benefits
South Dakota veterans are eligible for 8 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, 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 programs6 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized domiciliary and skilled nursing care
The Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota Veterans Home in Hot Springs provides domiciliary and skilled nursing care for eligible South Dakota veterans in a campus-style setting near VA facilities.
Note: Named after Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Fitzmaurice. Located in Hot Springs near the Black Hills VA campus.
Education
Value: Up to 4 years free tuition at state institutions
Eligible South Dakota veterans may receive one month of free tuition at state institutions for each month of qualifying service, with a minimum of one and maximum of four academic years.
Note: One month of free tuition per month of qualifying service. Max 4 academic years. IMPORTANT: Cannot be used if eligible for GI Bill or ANY federal education program. Veterans must exhaust or be ineligible for all federal education benefits first.
Value: Tuition waiver at state institutions for surviving dependents
Surviving dependents of service members who were South Dakota residents for 6+ months before entering service may receive tuition waivers at state colleges and universities.
Note: Veteran must have been SD resident 6+ months before service. For surviving dependents.
Employment
Value: Hiring preference for state employment
South Dakota provides hiring preference for veterans seeking state government employment positions. Disabled veterans receive additional preference over non-disabled veterans.
Note: Disabled veterans receive additional preference points beyond standard veteran preference.
Tax
Value: No state income tax on any veteran income
South Dakota has no state income tax, which means all military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and other veteran income is completely free from state income taxation.
Note: South Dakota has no state income tax — all military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, SBP, and other income is fully exempt. No filing required. One of 9 states with no income tax.
Value: Up to $200,000 reduction in assessed value (2025+)
South Dakota veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability receive a reduction of up to $200,000 off the assessed value of their primary residence, effective with the 2025 assessment (taxes payable 2026). This is an increase from the previous $150,000 cap. Applications must be submitted to the county assessor by November 1.
Note: Increased from $150,000 to $200,000 for 2025 assessment. Must apply to county assessor by November 1. Must be P&T rated. Surviving spouses retain the benefit while residing in the home.
Recreation
Value: $10 four-year license (40%+); free annual license (100% P&T)
South Dakota offers tiered hunting and fishing license benefits for disabled veterans. Veterans with a 40% or greater service-connected disability receive a reduced-fee 4-year combination hunting and fishing license for $10. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability receive a free annual hunting and fishing license under SDCL 41-6-11.
Note: Tiered benefit: 40%+ gets $10 four-year license; 100% P&T gets free annual license. Apply at any GFP office or license vendor. POW veterans also receive a free license regardless of disability rating.
Other
Value: Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)
South Dakota operates the state veterans cemetery in Sioux Falls providing burial services at no cost for eligible veterans, their spouses, and minor dependents.
Note: Located in Sioux Falls. Free for veterans. Eligible spouses and minor dependents also qualify.
“South Dakota has no state income tax — all military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, SBP, and other income is fully exempt. No filing required. One of 9 states with no income tax.”
Questions
South Dakota offers 8 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many South 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 South 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 South 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 South Dakota state benefits are typically submitted through the South 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 — South 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 — South 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 South 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 — South Dakota
Agency · Recreation benefit source — South Dakota
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
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