Veterans Benefits in Vermont

Vermont veterans are eligible for 10 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Financial, 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, application paths, and 2026 verification status.

What healthcare benefits does Vermont offer to veterans?

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.

Which education benefits are available to Vermont veterans?

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.

Which financial benefits does Vermont offer to veterans?

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.

How does Vermont handle veteran property tax exemptions?

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.

Which recreation benefits does Vermont offer to veterans?

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.

Which additional benefits does Vermont offer to veterans?

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.

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

Frequently asked questions

What benefits does Vermont offer to disabled veterans?

Vermont offers 10 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Financial, Tax, Recreation, Other. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.

Do I need a specific disability rating to qualify for Vermont veteran benefits?

Many Vermont 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.

Do I need to be a Vermont resident to claim state veteran benefits?

Most Vermont 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.

Can I stack Vermont benefits with federal VA benefits?

Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Vermont does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.

Where do I apply for Vermont veteran benefits?

Applications for Vermont state benefits are typically submitted through the Vermont 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.

Does Vermont offer a property tax exemption for disabled veterans?

Yes — Vermont 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.

Does Vermont have a veteran tuition waiver or education assistance program?

Yes — Vermont 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.

Is an honorable discharge required to qualify for Vermont veteran benefits?

Most Vermont state benefit programs and all federal VA benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Veterans with other-than-honorable discharges may still qualify for some programs; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.

Discover All Benefits You Qualify For

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

Get Personalized Results