South Dakota provides a range of benefits to veterans, from housing and education to financial and recreational advantages. Here’s an overview:
Housing Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Eligible veterans and their spouses can access care at the South Dakota Veterans Home in Hot Springs, emphasizing ambulatory residents who can care for themselves.
Education Benefits
- Tuition Benefits: There are programs offering tuition reductions and waivers for National Guard members, their dependents, and the children and spouses of veterans who have died or become totally disabled due to service.
- High School Diplomas for Veterans: Veterans who served during specific periods and didn’t graduate can receive honorary diplomas from the school district of their choice.
Employment Benefits
- Veterans Hiring Preference: South Dakota gives hiring preference to veterans for state, county, municipal, and school district jobs. This includes interviews for veterans who meet the minimum qualifications.
Financial Benefits
- Property Tax Exemptions: Veterans with certain disabilities and qualifications may be exempt from property tax. There are also special property tax exemptions for paraplegic veterans.
- Veterans Bonus: Bonuses of up to $500 are available for veterans who served during specific periods and were South Dakota residents before their service.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Active duty service members stationed outside South Dakota and veterans hospitalized in Veterans hospitals within the state may fish or hunt without a license or at resident prices.
- State Park Entrance: Disabled veterans and former POWs can receive a free lifetime State Park Entrance License, offering free admission and discounts on camping fees.
Additional Benefits
- Veterans Records: Free certified copies of vital records are available for benefits claims.
- State Veterans Cemetery: Eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents can be buried in the South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls.