Skip to main content

Veterans Benefits in Tennessee

13 benefit programs available in Tennessee.

Healthcare

Tennessee State Veterans Homes (6 Facilities)

Long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitative care

Tennessee operates six State Veterans Homes in Clarksville, Cleveland, Humboldt, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Arlington providing long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitative care.

Agency: Tennessee State Veterans Homes Board

Note: Six facilities: Clarksville, Cleveland, Humboldt, Knoxville (140 beds), Murfreesboro (140 beds, on VA campus), Arlington/Shelby County (126 beds, private rooms). VA per diem offsets costs.

Apply →Source

Education

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Veterans

Up to $1,500 per semester

Tennessee veterans who served after September 11, 2001, may qualify for additional HOPE scholarship funding at Tennessee colleges and universities.

Agency: Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Note: HOPE Scholarship covers tuition at TN public institutions. Veterans may also qualify for TN Reconnect (free community college for adults 25+). Can be combined with federal GI Bill.

Apply →Source

Tennessee Dependent Survivors Tuition Waiver

Full tuition and fees waiver ($8,000-$12,000/year)

Waives tuition, maintenance fees, activity fees, and registration fees at all TN state-supported colleges for dependent children (under 23) and surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty, were MIA, or were POWs.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Veterans Services

Note: Veteran must have been a TN resident at time of death. Children must be under 23. Contact VA School Certifying Official at your institution.

Apply →Source

Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant

Up to $1,000 per semester (full-time)

Provides postsecondary education financial assistance to decorated post-9/11 veterans. Up to $1,000/semester full-time or $500 part-time, limited to 375 recipients annually.

Agency: Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC)

Note: Must have received Iraq/Afghanistan Campaign Medal or GWOT Expeditionary Medal. ,000/semester (full-time). Lottery-funded cash grant — additive on top of GI Bill and HOPE. Deadlines: Sep 1 (fall), Mar 1 (spring).

Apply →Source

Employment

Tennessee TEAM Act Veterans Interview Guarantee

Guaranteed interview for qualifying state positions

Under the TEAM Act, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for state preferred service positions are guaranteed an interview. If equal qualifications, hiring preference is given to veterans.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Human Resources

Note: Signed into law April 24, 2012. Per TCA § 8-30-307, if a non-veteran is selected over a veteran, reasons must be filed within 30 days. Spouses of veterans also qualify. Stronger than general employment preference — provides actual interview guarantee.

Apply →Source

Tennessee Veterans Employment Preference

Tennessee state law mandates a preference for veterans in all state employment, with additional consideration for disabled veterans in competitive examinations.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Human Resources

Note: Applies to state merit system positions. Disabled veterans receive additional points. TN also has strong veteran entrepreneurship programs through TDVS.

Apply →Source

Tax

Tennessee No State Income Tax

Full exemption from state income tax on all earned income and military retirement pay

Tennessee has no state income tax on earned income, including military retirement pay, TSP distributions, and VA disability compensation. The Tennessee Constitution prohibits a general state income tax.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Revenue

Note: No application needed — TN has no state income tax. One of only 8 states with no income tax. The Hall Tax on interest/dividends was repealed Jan 1, 2021.

Apply →Source

Tennessee Disabled Veterans Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption

Motor vehicle privilege tax exemption plus free registration plates

100% P&T disabled veterans are exempt from county motor vehicle privilege tax. Former POWs qualify regardless of disability rating. VA automobile grant recipients are exempt from sales tax on adapted vehicles.

Agency: County Tax Assessor / Tennessee Department of Revenue

Note: Must be 100% P&T or former POW. Free registration plates for first vehicle. Submit VA disability certification to county office.

Apply →Source

Tennessee Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief

Significant property tax reduction

Provides property tax relief on the primary residence of 100% service-connected disabled veterans. Surviving spouses may also qualify for ongoing relief.

Agency: Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury / County Trustee

Note: Must be 100% P&T. Tax relief on first $175,000 of property value. Surviving spouses retain benefit. Apply at county trustee office.

Apply →Source

Recreation

Tennessee Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License

Lifetime license for $10 (standard annual combo costs $50+)

Lifetime hunting and fishing license for $10 for veterans with 100% P&T disability or 30%+ disability from wartime service.

Agency: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

Note: Two qualifying paths: (1) 100% P&T disability, or (2) 30%+ from wartime service. One-time $10 fee covers all hunting and fishing privileges for life. Per TN Code § 70-2-104.

Apply →Source

Tennessee State Parks Veterans Camping and Cabin Discount

25-50% discount on camping and cabin stays

TN resident veterans receive 25% off camping and cabins year-round, 50% off in winter (Dec-Feb). 100% disabled veterans get 50% off year-round. Free camping on Veterans Day.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation / State Parks

Note: Must show proof of TN residency and veteran status. 100% disabled get 50% off year-round. Free one-night camping on Veterans Day. Reservations: 1-888-867-2757.

Apply →Source

Other

Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries (5 Locations)

Free burial including gravesite, opening/closing, headstone, and perpetual care

Tennessee maintains five state veterans cemeteries providing dignified burial at no cost: two in Knoxville, one each in Nashville, Memphis, and Parkers Crossroads.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Veterans Services

Note: Five cemeteries: East TN (Lyons View, est. 1990), East TN (Gov. Sevier Hwy, est. 2011), Middle TN (Nashville, 30,813 plots), West TN (Memphis), Parkers Crossroads (est. 2018, 49,000 plots). Pre-registration available.

Apply →Source

Tennessee Veterans Treatment Courts

Potential charge dismissal or reduced sentencing upon completion

Specialized courts in multiple counties providing treatment-focused alternatives for veteran defendants charged with non-violent offenses, addressing PTSD, substance abuse, and mental health.

Agency: Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Note: Operating in Davidson (Nashville), Montgomery, Shelby (Memphis), Williamson, and Madison counties. 92% of graduates did not re-offend (FY2019).

Apply →Source

Discover All Benefits You Qualify For

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

Get Personalized Results