Skip to main content

Veterans Benefits in Vermont

10 benefit programs available in Vermont.

Healthcare

Vermont Veterans Home (Bennington)

Subsidized residential and skilled nursing care

The Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington provides residential care, skilled nursing, and memory care for eligible veterans. Vermont veterans have priority admission, but out-of-state veterans may also apply.

Agency: Vermont Veterans Home

Note: Located in Bennington. VT veterans get priority but out-of-state may apply. Includes memory care unit.

Education

Vermont Armed Services Scholarship (Dependents)

Full tuition at Vermont state schools for surviving dependents

Vermont offers the Armed Services Scholarship for spouses and children of military members who died on active duty since 2001. When used at Vermont state schools, the scholarship covers full tuition.

Agency: Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Note: For spouses and children of service members who died on active duty since 2001. Full tuition at state schools. Interaction with federal education benefits varies — contact school financial aid office for details.

Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit

Full tuition at Vermont State University and VTC

Vermont National Guard members in good standing receive a tuition benefit covering 100% of tuition at Vermont State University and Vermont Technical College, making higher education accessible while serving.

Agency: Vermont National Guard — Education Office

Note: Covers Vermont State University and VTC. IMPORTANT: Must exhaust Post-9/11 GI Bill and federal TA before becoming eligible. Cannot be used concurrently with Ch.33.

Financial

Vermont Veterans' Assistance Program

Emergency financial assistance, amount varies by need

The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs provides emergency financial assistance to Vermont veterans and their families to prevent eviction, utility shutoff, or other housing emergencies while long-term benefits are established.

Agency: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs

Note: Emergency bridge assistance while long-term benefits are being established. Covers rent, utilities, and other urgent needs. No disability rating required. Contact Vermont OVA directly for fast response.

Tax

Vermont Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption

Full income tax exemption on military retirement (AGI ≤$125K)

Under Act 71 (effective 2025 tax year), Vermont fully exempts military retirement pay and survivor benefit income from state income tax for taxpayers with AGI of $125,000 or less. Partial exemption applies for AGI between $125,000 and $175,000.

Agency: Vermont Department of Taxes

Note: New under Act 71 (2025). Full exemption if AGI ≤$125K. Partial for $125K–$175K. Includes SBP/survivor benefits.

Vermont Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

$40,000 reduction on listed property value

Vermont veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater are eligible for a property tax exemption of $40,000 on the listed value of their homestead, reducing their annual property tax bill.

Agency: Vermont Department of Taxes

Note: Apply through your town clerk or assessor. $40,000 off listed value for 50%+ disabled veterans. Surviving spouses and surviving parents of KIA veterans may also qualify for exemptions.

Vermont Veteran Tax Credit ($250)

Up to $250 annual tax credit

Vermont veterans with AGI of $25,000 or less receive a $250 tax credit. The credit phases out between $25,000 and $30,000 AGI. Effective beginning 2025 tax year.

Agency: Vermont Department of Taxes

Note: New for 2025. $250 credit for AGI ≤$25K. Phases out $5 per $100 of AGI over $25K. Zero credit above $30K AGI.

Recreation

Vermont Free Hunting & Fishing License for 60%+ Disabled Veterans

Free combination hunting and fishing license with all big-game tags

Vermont resident veterans with at least a 60% service-connected disability rating receive a free combination hunting and fishing license that includes all big-game licenses.

Agency: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Note: 60% SC disability threshold. Includes all big-game licenses — very comprehensive.

Vermont Green Mountain Passport – Free State Parks

Free state park and historic site admission ($2 one-time fee)

Vermont veterans may receive the Green Mountain Passport for $2, providing free day-use access to all Vermont state parks, historic sites, and Burlington city parks.

Agency: Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Note: Nominal $2 fee. Covers all state parks, historic sites, AND Burlington city parks. Available to ALL veterans.

Other

Vermont Veterans Cemetery (Randolph Center)

Free burial for veterans (saves $5,000–$10,000+)

Vermont's state veterans cemetery in Randolph Center provides burial for veterans, spouses, and unmarried minor children. National Guard and Reserve members with 20 years of service also eligible. No cost for veteran burial.

Agency: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs

Note: Located in Randolph Center. Free for veterans. Guard/Reserve with 20 years also eligible.

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