Rhode Island State Veteran Benefits

Rhode Island offers a range of benefits for its veterans, covering education, employment, housing, and other financial aids:

Housing Benefits

Rhode Island Veterans Home: Located in Bristol, it’s available for honorably discharged Rhode Island wartime veterans, with costs based on 80% of adjusted net income.

Education Benefits

In-State Tuition: Veterans are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in Rhode Island under certain conditions.
Tuition Waivers for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated from 10% to 100% may receive free tuition at Rhode Island public colleges and universities, subject to certain conditions.
Rhode Island National Guard State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP): Offers tuition exemptions to Guard members pursuing higher education.

Veterans Hiring Preference: Rhode Island provides hiring preferences to veterans for state jobs, including additional points on civil service exams for veterans and disabled veterans.

Financial and Tax Benefits

Retiree Income Tax: Military retirement pay is tax-free starting in 2023.
Property Tax Exemption: Various exemptions are available for veterans on real estate or motor vehicle taxes, with specific categories including totally and partially disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and others.

Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing Licenses: 100% disabled veterans are eligible for free licenses, applicable to residents and non-residents alike.
State Park Admission: Veterans with a 100% VA disability can access Rhode Island state parks for free, although camping and other specific fees still apply.

Free Vehicle Registration for Disabled Veterans: Lifetime exemption from annual vehicle registration and license fees is available for veterans who have lost limbs or their use, or are totally disabled.

Rhode Island Veterans’ Cemetery: Provides burial services for eligible Rhode Island wartime veterans, some spouses, and dependents in Exeter.