Idaho offers a comprehensive suite of benefits for veterans, ranging from housing and financial assistance to recreational opportunities and employment benefits. Here’s an overview:
Housing Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Idaho has state veterans homes in Boise, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Post Falls offering skilled nursing care. Eligibility includes honorable discharge, Idaho residency, and unemployability due to age, illness, or disability​​​​.
Financial Benefits
- Income Tax: Military pay is exempt from state taxes if stationed out-of-state. Retirement and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) income deductions are available, with specific amounts for single and joint filers based on age and disability status​​.
- Property Tax: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or deemed unemployable by the VA can receive significant property tax reductions. There are also benefits for veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability based on income​​.
- Grocery Tax Credit: Available to veterans aged 65 or older, or disabled and aged 62 or older, who may not be required to file an income tax return​​.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: A grant of up to $1,000 is available for wartime veterans facing extreme emergencies, with specific eligibility criteria​​​​.
Employment Benefits
- State Employment Preference: Veterans receive preference points for state employment, with additional points for disabled veterans. These points are also available to surviving spouses​​​​.
- Occupational Licenses: Expedited processing and fee waivers for military members and their families, with credit for military training towards licensing requirements​​​​.
Recreational Benefits
- State Parks Veterans Pass: 100% service-connected disabled veterans enjoy free access and camping at state parks​​.
- Hunting & Fishing Licenses: Reduced fees for resident disabled veterans and nonresident disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 40%​​.
Burial Benefits
- State Veterans Cemeteries: Located in Blackfoot and Boise, following National Veterans Cemetery eligibility requirements without the need for state residency​​​​.