Louisiana Veteran Benefits

Nonresident military spouses do not have to pay income tax in Louisiana for wages earned in Louisiana. Who is eligible for the Louisiana Nonresident Military Spouse Income Tax Exemption? To be eligible nonresident military spouses must meet the following requirements:

Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are excluded from Louisiana state taxes.

The Louisiana Special Assessment Level allows someone who meets eligibility requirements to have the assessed value of their property frozen. This does not freeze the amount of their tax bill but only the assessed value of the property will be frozen.

Military pay received for service in a combat zone that is excluded from a service member's federal adjusted gross income is also exempt from Louisiana income tax.

Louisiana provides educational financial assistance for the children and surviving spouses of certain resident Veterans.

STEP provides an exemption from all tuition charges at a Louisiana state supported educational institution for eligible Louisiana National Guard Service members.

The Louisiana Patriot Scholarship pays all mandatory fees while a Louisiana National Guard Service member works toward an undergraduate degree at a Louisiana public institution of higher learning. Scholarships can be used for four academic years (12 semesters or 16 quarters).

Nonresident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Louisiana and their dependents are authorized residency for tuition purposes at Louisiana public colleges and universities.

Children of service members who are reassigned to Louisiana are offered advanced enrollment in a Louisiana public school before they move to Louisiana.

MFA provides financial support to Veterans, service members and their families when they experience financial hardships. These funds can be used for things such as housing, utilities, medical services, and other essential expenses that may have incurred an undue financial hardship.

In addition to the homestead exemption, resident Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating may receive an added exemption on their primary residence: an extra $2,500 of assessed value at a 50%-69% rating, an extra $4,500 at 70%-99%, and a full exemption from ad valorem taxation at 100% (certain municipal assessments excepted). Unremarried surviving spouses may qualify.

Louisiana does not tax military retired pay. Retirement benefits received for service in the U.S. Armed Forces are excluded from Louisiana individual income tax.

Resident and nonresident Veterans whohave a permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA of 50% or more are eligible for free recreational fishing and hunting licenses.

Nonresident active duty service members and their dependents may purchase Louisiana hunting or recreational fishing licenses at resident prices. Applicants must show a valid military ID card when they purchase their license.

Nonresident Purple Heart recipients are eligible to purchase hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices. Applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 or any other military document that indicates the applicant received a Purple Heart.

Louisiana resident or native-born retired service members who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $20. Applicants must provide:

A Louisiana resident surviving spouse of a service member who was killed in action while serving in a combat zone may be eligible for the Louisiana Resident Disabled/Special Needs License for $4.

Honorably discharged service members may be eligible to purchase a recreational Louisiana hunting and fishing combination license for $20.

Service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and retired service members receive 15% off all rentable facilities. Service members and retired service members must show their military ID card to receive the discount.

Public employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for 15 days paid leave per calendar year when ordered to duty or training.

This is an additional distinction available within the Veteran Initiative for service-connected disabled-Veteran-owned businesses. To qualify, the business must meet all the requirements above, as well as at least 51% of the business must be owned by a service-connected disabled Veteran.

The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative was created to recognize and promote businesses that are at least 51% owned by Veterans, active or reserve component service members or surviving spouses.

The Louisiana Military Service Relief Act provides protections to service members and their families. Some of the benefits provided are:

Louisiana offers a Veterans' Hiring Preference for state employment to Veterans, their spouse, surviving spouse, and surviving parents. Those eligible can receive five or ten points added to the final passing scores on civil service examinations.

State employees who leave their position to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are entitled to be reemployed to their same position, or a position of similar seniority, status and pay after they are discharged from military service. The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible.

10 points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements.

Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium.

The Boot is a state-funded nonprofit organization, run by former service members, committed to helping service members successfully transition to civilian life in Louisiana. They also strive to attract and resettle service members leaving the U.S. Armed Forces into Louisiana.

The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

Louisiana National Guard service members who are disabled while serving on federal or state active duty, on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for compensation from the state.

The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains four national cemeteries in Louisiana. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.

Honorably discharged disabled Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater from the VA of are eligible for free ID cards and driver's licenses.

The Louisiana Gold Star Family license plate is available to the immediate family members of a U.S. Armed Forces service member killed in action. Normal charges apply for this license plate.

Louisiana offers a CDL skills test waiver to service members and former service members based on their military training and experience.

Louisiana Clerks of Court will record a service member's honorable discharge documents free of charge.

State officials must provide certified copies of records (birth certificate, marriage license, death certificate, etc.) required when applying for VA benefits free of charge.

Louisiana National Guard Service members in uniform and under official orders are not required to pay for parking or tolls for ferries or bridges when going to, engaged in, or returning from official business.

The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created to honor, recognize, and thank Louisiana Veterans for their honorable military service.

The VA has numerous resources and locations throughout the state available to assist Veterans and family members. To find a VA location in Louisana enter Louisiana in the location field and choose the facility type you are searching for from the drop down menu at the "Learn more…" link below.