Veterans in North Carolina have access to a range of benefits, including those related to education, employment, housing, and more. Here’s a summary of some key benefits:
Education Benefits
- Scholarships for Children of Wartime Veterans: Offers financial assistance for up to eight academic semesters to children of certain categories of deceased, disabled, or combat veterans, provided the veteran was a North Carolina resident when active service began.
- Tuition Benefits for Out-Of-State GI Bill Users: Qualifying spouses and children of active-duty service members may be eligible for in-state tuition rates without meeting the 12-month residency requirement if the student uses the GI Bill.
Employment Benefits
- Government Hiring Preference for Veterans: Veterans receive preference in employment within state government roles, acknowledging their service and the sacrifices made.
- Professional Licensing Credit for Military Experience: Veterans and military spouses can receive credit towards state licensing in various professions based on military training and experience.
Housing Benefits
- Home Advantage Mortgage Program: Offers down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers, including veterans, which can be combined with a Mortgage Credit Certificate to lower federal income taxes.
- Veterans’ Assisted Care Homes and Nursing Homes: Available for honorably discharged veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria, with facilities located in Fayetteville, Salisbury, Black Mountain, and Kinston.
Financial Benefits
- Retirement Income Tax Breaks for Veterans: Service members with creditable service by August 12, 1989, may be exempt from state income tax on military retirement pay.
- Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion: Offers a property tax break for primary residences to honorably discharged veterans with VA-rated disabilities.
Additional Benefits
- Legal Assistance for Veteran Claims: Provided by the North Carolina Central University School of Law’s Veterans Law Clinic, offering help with filing VA claims and appeals.
- State Veteran Cemeteries: Offers burial benefits in six state-run cemeteries for qualifying veterans and their families.
- License Plates and IDs: Free or reduced-cost license plates for qualifying veterans, including plates for disabled veterans at no cost.