South Carolina offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, including housing, education, employment, and recreational benefits:
Housing Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Five homes located in Anderson, Columbia, Walterboro, Florence, and Gaffney, catering to honorably discharged residents in need of nursing care.
- Property Taxes for Disabled Veterans: Provides homestead tax deductions and complete property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans.
Education Benefits
- South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program: Offers up to $5,500 per year for tuition and fees, with a lifetime cap of $22,000.
- Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans: Available for children of South Carolina veterans meeting specific service and disability criteria.
- In-State Tuition Rates: Extended to veterans, active, and reserve component service members and their dependents regardless of residency duration in South Carolina.
Employment Benefits
- Veterans Preference: Grants priority for state and public jobs to honorably discharged veterans.
- State Retirement Credit for Military Service: Allows state employees to buy credit towards retirement based on their military service.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Available for free or at resident rates for totally disabled veterans and active-duty service members.
- State Park Admission: Offers reduced rates for permanently and totally disabled veterans.
Additional Benefits
- Income Tax: Military retirement pay is exempt from state taxes.
- Veterans Cemetery: The M.J. “Dolly” Cooper veterans cemetery in Anderson offers free burial for veterans and their spouses.