Alaska offers a range of benefits to its veteran residents, including support in housing, education, employment, and recreational activities.
Housing Benefits
- Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home: This facility provides assisted living services to veterans aged 65 and older who need such care and have lived in Alaska for a minimum of one year prior to applying.
- Veterans Land Discount/Purchase Preference: This program offers eligible veterans the opportunity to purchase unoccupied residential land through a limited sale at fair appraised market value, which includes a 20% discount for qualified individuals.
- Veterans Mortgage Program: Managed by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), this program offers financing options to qualified veterans at low interest rates, often requiring little or no down payment.
Employment Benefits
- Veterans and eligible spouses can receive priority services from the Alaska Department of Labor. This includes help with job searches and counseling.
- Veterans and National Guard members may also have an edge when applying for state jobs. Their exam scores could be boosted by 5% or 10%.
- Veterans and eligible spouses can receive priority services from the Alaska Department of Labor. This includes help with job searches and counseling.
- Veterans and National Guard members may also have an edge when applying for state jobs. This advantage can boost their exam scores by 5% or 10%.
Education Benefits
- Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans can get tuition waivers at University of Alaska. National Guard members may qualify for up to 100% tuition assistance for their studies.
Recreation Benefits
- State Park Access: Disabled veterans are eligible for a free Alaska State Park Camping Pass, valid for two years in all developed state park campgrounds.
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Disabled veterans with at least a 50% disability and an honorable discharge can obtain free hunting and sport fishing licenses. Active-duty military members stationed in Alaska and their dependents can get licenses at resident rates.
Additional Benefits
- Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more from the VA do not have to pay property taxes. This exemption applies to the first $150,000 of their home’s assessed value.
Death Gratuity: A death gratuity of $750 is available to the surviving spouse or personal representative of a qualified veteran who was a resident of Alaska at the time of death