8 benefit programs available in South Dakota.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AIDEN matches your service history, disability rating, and location against every available benefit program to find what you qualify for.
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