The state of Ohio provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Ohio Veterans Homes
Ohio has veterans homes in Georgetown and Sandusky.
Honorably discharged Ohio resident wartime veterans who are disabled and unable to earn a living are eligible for admission. Costs are based on income. The Domiciliary at the Ohio Veterans Home Sandusky is for veterans who need some medical care or supervision but can live independently.
Ohio Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active-duty pay is tax-free if stationed out of state.
Retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free.
Homestead Exemption
Veterans rated by the VA as 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability and surviving spouses who occupy the same home are eligible for an expanded homestead exemption. The rate varies by location.
Military Injury Relief Fund
The fund grants up to three tax-exempt payments to service members injured on active duty after Oct. 7, 2001, and to individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress while serving after Oct. 7, 2001.
Ohio Home Loan Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers first-time home buyers home loans at an interest rate approximately a quarter of a percentage point lower than the going interest rate.
Financial Assistance
Each of Ohio's 88 counties operates a County Veterans Service Office that provides direct financial assistance to needy veterans upon receipt of a completed application. Contact your county office for details.
Ohio Veteran Employment Benefits
State Employment
Veterans are entitled to 20% added credit on an Ohio civil service exam. Current Reserve and National Guard members who successfully complete initial entry-level training get a 15% added credit.
Employment Assistance
Veterans can receive free individual job search assistance from a state employment specialist. In addition, veterans and their spouses can receive assistance from their local employment center in resume writing, interview success techniques and more.
Ohio Educator License Fee Elimination
The Ohio Department of Education has eliminated fees for educator licenses for any initial, or a renewal of an, Ohio educator license, permit or certificate for veterans or current active-duty members free of charge. Spouses of active-duty service members also may receive a license free of charge.
Ohio Veteran Education Benefits
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program
Eligible Ohio National Guard members can get up to 96 educational credits (12 full-time quarters or 8 full-time semesters) of tuition assistance toward an undergraduate degree at a participating Ohio institution during their enlistment. Members with a bachelor's degree aren't eligible; however, possessing prior college credits or possession of an associate degree does not affect eligibility.
Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship
The scholarship is available to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio wartime veterans. The student must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an eligible Ohio college or university. Ohio residency is required. Applicants must be under the age of 25 and maintain a 2.0 grade-point average.
The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees at two- and four-year public institutions and at eligible private colleges and universities. The amount changes every year.
Ohio Veteran Recreation Benefits
Active-Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Ohio active-duty residents don't have to buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit while on leave.
Non-resident active-duty members stationed in Ohio can buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit for the resident rate.
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Ohio resident permanently and totally disabled veterans and former POWs may receive free hunting and fishing licenses.
Camping at Ohio State Parks
Active military and veterans are entitled to a 10% discount that may be used for one campsite, getaway rental unit, cottage or lodge room per visit. Military ID or veteran identification must be presented to receive the discount.
Ohio resident former prisoners of war (POWs) or permanent and totally disabled veterans camp for free at state parks.
Watercraft Registration
Permanently and totally disabled Ohio resident veterans, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and former POWs receive free registration for personal watercraft.
Veterans Cemetery
The Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery is located in Sandusky.
Veterans residing in the Ohio Veterans Home can request burial in the cemetery.
Visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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