An estimated 61,454 veterans live in Delaware, making up 7.5% of the state's population or the 13th-highest of the 56 U.S. states, territories and District of Columbia.
Delaware Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Up to $12,500 of military retirement and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax free.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Follows federal tax rules.
Delaware Veteran Property Taxes
Permanently disabled veterans who have been state residents for at least three years may be exempt from the school tax portion of their property tax bill on a primary residence.
Delaware Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
Members of the state National Guard may receive reimbursement of up to 100% of costs for one associate degree and/or one bachelor's degree.
Military Dependent Education
Children of military members killed while on active duty or who died from disease, wounds, injuries or disabilities arising or resulting from performance of duty, as well as children of POW/MIA members, are eligible for up to four years of free college. The child must be between ages 16 and 24 and a resident of Delaware for at least three years prior to applying.
Delaware Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans, along with disabled veterans and their unremarried widows, receive 5 and 10 additional points, respectively, for initial state employment.
Military Spouse Employment
Military spouses moving to the state may receive a six-month occupational license while they await state licensing.
Delaware Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford is open to veterans who were Delaware residents for at least one year prior to application, served at least 180 days on active duty, were Reserve/Guard members eligible for retirement pay at 60 and require a nursing home level of care.
Homeless Veterans
No specific benefits.
Adapted Housing
No state-funded benefits.
Delaware Veteran Financial Assistance
Paraplegic veterans whose disability resulted from wartime military service may receive a pension of $3,000 per year paid in monthly installments.
Delaware Veteran Legal Assistance
Veterans, dependents and their families receive no-fee notary service from the Office of Veterans Services.
Delaware Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Honorably discharged veterans with at least a 60% service-connected Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating may apply for an exemption from hunting, trapping and fishing licenses from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Active-duty personnel stationed in the state are considered residents for the purpose of obtaining a hunting or fishing license.
Parks/Camping
Veterans, active-duty members and members of the state Guard who reside and own a motor vehicle registered in the state may receive a 50% discount on the annual fee for vehicle entrance into state parks and recreation areas.
Delaware Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-funded transportation benefits. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Delaware Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Delaware's two veterans cemeteries are in Bear and Millsboro. Veterans, spouses and dependent children may be eligible for interment.
Death certificate: A veteran's next of kin may receive a certified copy of a veteran's death certificate for no fee.
More Information
Visit the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs website for more information about any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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