Oklahoma offers a wide range of benefits to its veterans, encompassing housing, education, financial, employment, and recreational supports:
Housing Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Oklahoma has several state veterans homes providing nursing care, with priority given to certain wartime veterans. Eligibility includes needing nursing care and eligibility for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs per diem payments.
Financial Benefits
- Property Tax Exemption: Offers a total exemption for 100% disabled veterans.
- Income and Sales Tax Exemption: Military pay is exempt from state income tax, and 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans are exempt from state sales tax.
Employment Benefits
- Veterans Preference for State Jobs: Veterans, disabled war veterans, and their un-remarried surviving spouses receive preference in state employment.
Education Benefits
- Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance: Provides tuition waivers for service members at all Oklahoma public colleges and universities, covering all mandatory fees and academic service fees.
- College Credit for Military Service: Academic credit is awarded for applicable military training and experience.
- Heroes Promise: Offers scholarships for children of service members killed in the line of duty, covering tuition at Oklahoma public colleges or universities.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Discounted lifetime licenses are available for veterans with at least a 60% VA disability rating. All honorably discharged Oklahoma resident veterans get free admission to state-owned parks and museums.