Vermont Veteran Benefits

Military pay is exempt from Vermont income taxes for resident service members serving on full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces when they are serving outside of Vermont.

Vermont offers a tiered tax exemption for military retired pay based on the Veterans Federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

A nonresident military spouse stationed in Vermont may be eligible for an income tax exemption for wages earned in Vermont. To be eligible a military spouse must answer yes to the following questions:

Vermont offers a tax credit for low income Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may be eligible for a tax credit based on their federal adjusted gross income (AGI):

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:

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

Qualified service members are eligible for a 180-day extension to file a Vermont Property Tax Credit or a Vermont Renter Credit .

VNGTBP offers interest-free and forgivable loans to Vermont National Guard (VTNG) Service members. Loan forgiveness means that service members do not have to pay part, or all, of their loan if they meet program requirements. VNGTBP provides loans for the following academic programs:

The Vermont Armed Services Scholarship provides educational assistance to the families of service members who were serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and died on active or inactive duty.

Vermont offers high school diplomas to wartime Veterans who left high school before receiving their diploma to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Vermont Department of Labor administers UI benefits that provide temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable are eligible for a VETERAN designation on their Vermont Driver's License or ID card. Vermont Statutes, Title 23, Chapter 9, Section 610

Vermont offers a CDL skills test waiver to service members and former service members (separated within the past year) based on their military training and experience.

Resident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and their immediate family members are authorized an extension of their Vermont driver's license expiration date for up to four years after their license would normally expire.

Honorably discharged Vermont resident Veterans who received assistance from the VA to purchase or modify a vehicle that has been adapted to accommodate their disabilities are eligible for the following fee exemptions.

Service members and Veterans who were wheeled vehicle mechanics when they served in the U.S. Armed Forces can receive an examination waiver to become a Vermont Certified Inspection Mechanic.

Honorably discharged Veterans and currently serving active duty service members are eligible for the Vermont U.S. Veteran license plate.

The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs administers the Vermont Veteran Assistance Fund that provides grants to individuals and organizations who help Veterans in Vermont.

Vermont offers free hunting, fishing, or combination licenses to eligible disabled Veterans. Who is eligible for Vermont Free Disabled Veteran, Fishing, Hunting or Combination Licenses? Vermont resident Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 60% or greater from the VA are eligibl

Vermont resident Veterans who received an honorable discharge are eligible for a $2 lifetime Green Mountain Passport. The passport authorizes free day entry at Vermont State Parks, historic sites and fully state sponsored events.

Vermont service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized a leave of absence from their job for 15 days in any calendar year for military drill, training, or other temporary duty under military authority.

Vermont offers Veterans preference when hiring for state employment. Preference is given by adding points to the scores of eligible applicants.

The Vermont Department of Labor has trained staff at their Career Resource Centers to help Veterans find work, identify job training needs and by providing funds for training.

Ten 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 Vermont Hilton Honors Military Program helps make the career transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program provides hotel accommodation for required employment related travel.

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:

The Vermont Veterans Dental Program provides funds for dental services for eligible resident Veterans.

The VVMC located in Randolph Center offers a dignified final resting place for Veterans, their spouses, and eligible children.

Low income Veterans are guaranteed a proper burial paid for by Vermont. For more information, contact the Vermont Economic Services Division at 800-479-6151.

The Vermont Veteran and Family Outreach Program has a 24-hour crisis call center to help Vermont Veterans, service members, and their families. Their Outreach Specialists can provide the following assistance:

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

The Vermont Patriots Medal is presented to the next-of-kin of a Vermont service member who was killed in action. Please contact the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs for more information and to apply.

The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs maintains copies of discharge records for most Veterans who entered active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces from Vermont. Veterans can apply for their records to assist them with benefit claims for federal and state benefits.

The Vermont Veterans' Home located in Bennington, Vermont provides rehabilitation and long term care for Veterans and their eligible family members.

The Vermont National Guard has an Honor Guard team that performs Military Funeral Honors during funeral services for Veterans. During Military Funeral Honors the honor guard will perform a gun salute, flag folding ceremony, present the flag to the next of kin, and play Taps.

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