Arkansas offers a variety of benefits to its veteran residents across several categories, including education, employment, housing, financial assistance, and recreational opportunities. Here’s an overview based on the information gathered:
Education Benefits
- Tuition Benefits for Military Dependents: Offers free tuition and fees for qualifying military spouses and dependent children at state-supported colleges, universities, technical schools, or vocational schools.
- In-State Tuition: Veterans, qualifying military dependents, currently serving military members, and dependent spouses are eligible for in-state tuition rates.
- Diplomas for Veterans Program: Provides high school diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam.
Employment Benefits
- State Hiring Preference Points: Veterans and spouses of disabled or deceased veterans receive preference points for state job applications.
- Arkansas Workforce Services for Veterans: Offers job counseling and referral services, including programs specifically designed for disabled veterans.
Housing Benefits
- Arkansas State Veterans Homes: Two veterans’ homes in Fayetteville and North Little Rock provide 24-hour nursing service and medical care.
- Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Available for veterans with certain disabilities, un-remarried surviving spouses, and dependent minor children.
- Arkansas veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA disability rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence. To qualify for the exemption, the veteran must own the property and must have a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA disability rating OR have been awarded Special Monthly Compensation by VA for (1) The loss or loss of use of one or more limbs or (2) Total blindness in one or both eyes.
Financial Benefits
- Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from state taxes in Arkansas.
- Homestead Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans who meet specific criteria are exempt from state taxes on their homestead and personal property.
Recreational Benefits
- State Park Discounts: 100% permanently disabled veterans can enjoy half-price camping in most Arkansas State Parks.
- Hunting and Fishing License Discounts: Available to military retirees over age 60 and 100% disabled veterans who are Arkansas residents.
Additional Benefits
- Arkansas State Veteran Cemeteries: Veterans, spouses, and dependent children may qualify for interment at the state veterans’ cemeteries in North Little Rock and Birdeye.