Veterans in Connecticut have access to a variety of benefits ranging from educational support to healthcare, financial aid, and employment opportunities. Here’s a detailed overview:
Education
- Tuition Waivers: Veterans can attend Connecticut Public Colleges and Universities tuition-free, covering 100% of tuition for General Fund courses and 50% for Extension Fund and summer courses at Connecticut State Universities.
- High School Diplomas: WWII veterans who left high school for military service may receive diplomas from local Boards of Education.
Employment
- State Job Protection: Veterans who leave certain jobs for military service are entitled to be reinstated in their former positions upon return, within 90 days of confirming satisfactory service.
- Hiring Preferences: Wartime veterans may receive additional points on state and municipal employment exams, with specific points awarded based on eligibility for VA compensation, wartime service, and more.
Health and Welfare
- Healthcare Services: Veterans and their families are eligible for medical, dental, and prescription coverage, with specialized services available for female health issues and mental health support, including PTSD treatment.
- Veterans Home in Rocky Hill: Offers a residential program, substance abuse recovery program, and skilled care, with services provided by staff physicians, nurses, and community specialists.
Financial
- Tax Breaks: Veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions, with additional exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Connecticut does not tax military retirement pay.
- Military Relief Fund: Provides grants to service members and their families experiencing financial hardship due to military service, with grants not exceeding $5,000.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Active-duty military members can purchase licenses at the resident rate.
- State Parks: Connecticut offers a free lifetime pass to all state parks and forests for residents with a service-connected disability.
Additional Support
- Veterans Cemetery: Eligibility for burial in the state veterans cemetery in Middletown for veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and their spouses.
- Connecticut Military Mortgage Option: Special home buyer benefits are available through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority for military families and veterans.