Ashley County

The Ashley County Circuit Clerk, as ex officio Recorder, files a veteran's DD-214 free at the courthouse in Hamburg: "There is no charge to have a DD-214 filed with the Ashley County Circuit Clerk's Office."

Veteran or family member with a discharge to record. Recording the discharge is free; no rating or service test applies.

The Ashley County Tax Collector, Lori Pennington, at the courthouse in Hamburg (870-853-2050), takes the State's disabled veteran exemption on the home and personal property; her page still asks for the VA letter every year by October 15, but since Act 876 of 2025 it is a one-time filing.

100% permanent and total, special monthly compensation, or qualifying survivor. The county collector administers the State exemption under Ark. Code Ann. Section 26-3-306. The disability test is the State test, not a county one.

Ashley County's veteran service officer, Cheryl Langley Bailey, helps county veterans, dependents and survivors with VA claims free at the courthouse in Hamburg (870-853-2070) early in the week and at 303 Main Street in Crossett (870-364-4207) from Wednesday afternoon to Friday.

Veterans, dependents and survivors. Open to any veteran, dependent or survivor. No rating is needed.

An Arkansas surviving spouse can keep the full property tax exemption while unmarried, pays no income tax on a Survivor Benefit Plan annuity, receives state hiring preference, may keep the veteran's plate, and can use the Heroes Scholarship if the death or disability qualifies. Gold Star family members get a free plate.

Unremarried for the property tax exemption, the preference and the scholarship. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 26-3-306(a)(1)(B)(iii), 21-3-302(c)(1)(C) and 6-82-2506(b).

The cabinet-level Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs runs the homes, cemeteries and a network of state, district and county veterans service officers who help with VA claims at no charge. Since 2025 jails and prisons must check every new inmate's veteran status and tell the department, and employers with 50 or more employees must post a veterans benefits notice.

No property tax at all on the home, the land around it (160 acres for 2025; from 2026 two acts of the same session conflict, one at 160 and one at 40), and personal property such as vehicles, for a veteran VA rates 100 percent permanent and total or pays special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a limb or blindness. An unremarried surviving spouse and minor children keep it. Since 2025 the VA letter is filed once, not every year.

100 percent service-connected. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-3-306(a)(1)(A)(i): "service-connected one hundred percent (100%) total and permanent disability".

A free disabled veteran plate, with disabled parking privileges, for an Arkansas resident VA rates at least 30 percent service-connected or permanent and total. The Finance department's own page still describes it by acts of 1949 and 1979, calls it a plate for non-service-connected disability, and charges $4 for a second plate that the statute caps at $1.

At least 30 percent service-connected. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-24-203(2)(B)(ii): "at least thirty percent (30%) disabled", owning a vehicle used by or for the veteran.

Lifetime hunting and fishing licences from the Game and Fish Commission for resident disabled veterans: $1.50 for hunting or fishing and $3 for both at 100 percent permanent and total, or $52.50 for a combination with trout and state duck stamps at 70 percent, or at 50 percent with a Purple Heart. One year of Arkansas residence is required.

At least 50 percent, which needs a Purple Heart below 70. AGFC VLL2: 70 percent or higher, or 50 percent or higher with a Purple Heart. The $1.50 and $3 licences need 100 percent permanent and total.

Tuition, mandatory fees and on-campus housing for a first bachelor's degree, for up to eight semesters, for the spouse or child of an Arkansan who is a prisoner of war, missing or killed in action, killed on ordnance delivery, or a disabled veteran, which since 2025 includes a military disability retiree as well as a veteran rated 100 percent permanent and total. It pays what federal DEA benefits do not.

Disabled veteran: a military disability retirement, or 100 percent permanent and total. Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-2503(a)(3), added by Act 340 of 2025.

A school board may grant a high school diploma to an Arkansas resident veteran who left school to serve in World War II, Korea or Vietnam, was honorably discharged, and served 18 consecutive months of active duty in the war period or was discharged for a service-connected disability.

Eighteen consecutive months, or a service-connected discharge, in the war period. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-16-133 and 6-16-134; ADE Rules Governing Diplomas for Veterans 3.02.3.

A public Arkansas college, trade school or vocational school must charge in-state tuition, whatever the student's residence, to a veteran honorably discharged after at least 90 days of active duty within three years before enrolling, and to that veteran's dependents, to current service members and their spouses, and to contracted ROTC cadets.

Honorable discharge after 90 days of active duty, within three years before enrolling. Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-205(1).

Active duty pay is fully exempt from Arkansas income tax, including annual training and other full-time duty. Guard and reserve drill pay is exempt only up to $9,000 a year, and a dual-status technician's civilian pay is not military pay at all. A nonresident spouse who shares the member's home state pays no Arkansas tax on wages earned here.

Drill pay is exempt only up to $9,000 a year. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-306(a)(1)(C). Active duty pay, including annual training, is fully exempt under (a)(1)(D) and (c)(1).

State and local government employees in the Guard or reserves get 15 days of paid military leave a year, carrying over up to 30, and 30 working days of paid leave when called up for an emergency. Since 2025 a state employee who is a veteran or Guard or reserve member earns annual leave faster by counting prior military service.

A public employee in the Guard or reserves. Ark. Code Ann. § 21-4-102(a)(1).

A resident military retiree aged 60 or older can buy a lifetime fishing licence for $10.50, hunting for $25 or both for $35.50 from the Game and Fish Commission, after one year of Arkansas residence.

Military retiree aged 60 or older. AGFC military retiree lifetime licence requirements.

All military retired pay, including Guard and reserve retirement, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities are exempt from Arkansas income tax. The catch is that a retiree whose exempt military pension is $6,000 or more loses the separate $6,000 exemption for any other pension or IRA.

A military pension of $6,000 or more cancels the $6,000 exemption for other retirement income. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-307(f), as amended by Act 358 of 2023; DFA AR1000F instructions.

Arkansas issues its military and veteran plates, including Armed Forces Veteran, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, ex-POW and retiree plates, free of charge apart from a renewal fee of no more than $1. The Gold Star Family plate is free to a spouse, parent, sibling or child. A Women Veterans plate was added in October 2025 and the Pearl Harbor Survivor plate was retired.

An honorable record of service or honorable discharge. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-24-204(d)(2).

An Arkansas Guard member on state active duty is a covered public employee: the state pays $50,000 to beneficiaries if the member is killed in the line of duty and $10,000 for a total and permanent disability. Guard members on long state or Title 32 orders get their own civil relief law, and Guard and reserve families can apply to the Military Family Relief Trust Fund.

On state active duty when killed or disabled. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 21-5-701(3) and 21-5-704(a).

Tuition-free study for up to 120 semester hours at a public Arkansas college for a Guard soldier or airman in good standing without a bachelor's degree. Since 2025 it also covers certificate and credential programs, and pays toward a private nonprofit Arkansas college up to the public amount.

A current Arkansas Guard member who has finished initial training. Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-214(a)(2) and (3).

An Arkansas licensing board must grant an automatic licence to a service member stationed here, a veteran who lives here, or the spouse of either, who holds a licence in good standing from another state, and must count military training toward licensure. A deployed member or spouse gets 180 days after return to renew.

Stationed in Arkansas, or a veteran living here, or a spouse of either. Ark. Code Ann. § 17-4-104.

A service member deployed out of state on federal orders owes no late penalty on property tax during the deployment and one tax year after it. A disabled veteran who qualifies for the property tax exemption pays no 10 percent yearly penalty when redeeming his or her own tax-delinquent land from the Commissioner of State Lands.

Deployment means Title 10 orders to a duty location outside Arkansas. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-36-201(d)(2), as amended by Act 550 of 2025.

A disabled veteran pays no Arkansas sales tax on a vehicle or adaptive equipment bought with VA's automobile allowance. There is no general sales tax exemption for disabled veterans: bills to create one died in 2023 and twice in 2025.

Only a purchase made with VA automobile or adaptive equipment assistance. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-52-401(6).

Half-price standard campsites at Arkansas State Parks for a U.S. citizen with a 100 percent or permanent and total disability, including veterans, shown by a VA award letter from the last two years. The rule also accepts a DV or DAV licence plate as proof, although that plate is issued from 30 percent.

100 percent disabled. 22 CAR § 50-103(a)(1) and (c)(1)(A)(ii): a document stating "100% disabled" or "permanent and total disability".

Free burial for an eligible veteran, with an $807 fee for a spouse or dependent, at the state veterans cemeteries in North Little Rock and Birdeye. The department's rule follows national cemetery eligibility, adds no residency test, and bars anyone convicted of a violent felony.

National cemetery eligibility with no Arkansas residency test. ADVA burial rule, sections V to VII, under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-81-112(c)(1).

Two state veterans nursing homes, in North Little Rock and Fayetteville, for veterans who need long-term care, with priority at 70 percent. The department's rule admits any veteran meeting the federal 180-day, other than dishonorable test, but bars anyone on a sex offender registry or with any felony conviction. North Little Rock charges $341.61 a day for a private room.

The federal 180-day, other than dishonorable test, or a 20-year Guard or reserve retirement. ADVA State Veterans Home admissions rule, section IV, adopting 38 U.S.C. 4211(4).

Five points for a veteran, ten for a disabled veteran, in state agency, college and school district hiring, with preference also in interviewing, promotion and layoffs. A veteran includes six years of honorable Guard or reserve service. The 2025 ban on preferential treatment by state entities expressly leaves it alone.

Honorable active duty, or six honorable years in the Guard or reserves. Ark. Code Ann. § 21-3-302(b).

The word "Veteran" on an Arkansas driver licence or ID for anyone whose discharge document shows honorable or general under honorable conditions. It costs nothing extra at a new licence or renewal. A member serving out of state can have an Arkansas licence extended until 60 days after separation.

Honorable or general under honorable conditions. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-812(a)(1)(A).

Circuit courts may run veterans treatment courts, with a VA veterans justice outreach specialist on the team, for a veteran or service member aged 18 or older with a substance use or mental health disorder. No discharge characterisation is required. Since 2025 a single record-sealing law covers every specialty court.

A veteran or service member with a substance use or mental health disorder. Ark. Code Ann. § 16-101-103.

Emergency help with basic living expenses, once a fiscal year, for the minor children of an honorably discharged Arkansas veteran who has died or is medically incapacitated. The department's rule and application set the incapacity at 30 percent or more; the statute names no percentage.

An honorably discharged veteran who has died or is medically incapacitated. Ark. Code Ann. § 20-81-101(b)(1).

Arkansas lets a private employer, city, county or township adopt a written veterans preference for hiring, promotion or layoffs without breaking discrimination law. It covers veterans with 180 days of active duty and an other than dishonorable discharge, spouses of permanently and totally disabled veterans, and surviving spouses.

More than 180 days of active duty and other than dishonorable. Ark. Code Ann. § 11-15-102(6).

Arkansas has no single definition of veteran. State hiring counts six years of honorable Guard or reserve service. The veterans homes and cemeteries borrow the federal 180-day, other than dishonorable test. The licence designation takes a general discharge, the child welfare fund needs an honorable one, and the veterans treatment court asks for no discharge at all.

State hiring: honorable active duty, or six honorable years in the Guard or reserves. Ark. Code Ann. § 21-3-302(b). Active duty for training alone does not count.

A higher VA pension for a veteran or survivor who needs another person’s help with daily living or is confined to the home. The yearly cap for a veteran alone is $29,093 with Aid and Attendance and $21,313 housebound.

• MAPR, veteran alone with Aid and Attendance, effective December 1, 2025: $29,093 a year (read 2026-10-08)
• MAPR, veteran alone, Housebound, effective December 1, 2025: $21,313 a year (read 2026-10-08)
• Pension net worth limit, December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026: $163,699 (read 2026-10-08)

Pension income and net worth. The person must qualify for Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension. Countable income must be under the MAPR and net worth under $163,699 (December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026).

A free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests and other federal lands for every U.S. military veteran and Gold Star family, and a free annual pass for current members and dependents.

Veteran or Gold Star family. Any veteran, including Guard and Reserve; current members and dependents for the annual pass.

A one-time payment of up to $27,908.90 toward a vehicle, plus adaptive equipment such as hand controls and lifts, for service-connected loss of a hand or foot, severe vision loss, severe burns, or ALS.

• Automobile allowance, effective October 1, 2026: up to $27,908.90 (read 2026-10-08)

Qualifying loss. A service-connected loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent bilateral vision impairment, a severe burn, or ALS. A combined percentage alone does not qualify.

A free gravesite, opening and closing, vault liner, headstone and perpetual care in a VA national cemetery for an eligible veteran, and for an eligible spouse or dependent child.

Eligible veteran or family member. Service and discharge rules for the veteran; spouse and dependent paths follow.

Health coverage for a spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

Permanent and total disability. A living sponsor is generally a veteran whom VA rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability. Death in service and death from a service-connected disability are other paths.

Military pay earned in any month served in a combat zone is free of federal income tax, in full for enlisted members and warrant officers and up to the top enlisted rate plus hostile fire pay for officers.

Service in a combat zone. Service in a designated combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area.

A tax-free monthly payment to a military retiree, at any rating from 10%, that replaces retired pay lost to the VA offset for disabilities the service branch decides are combat-related.

Rated 10% or more. A VA rating of at least 10% for a disability the service branch decides is combat-related, plus military retired pay.

Shopping at military commissaries and exchanges, and MWR retail, for every veteran with a VA service-connected rating, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs and primary family caregivers, since January 1, 2020.

Any service-connected rating. Any VA service-connected rating, including 0%; Purple Heart, former POW and caregiver paths need none.

Lets a military retiree rated 50% or more receive retired pay and VA disability compensation at the same time, instead of having retired pay cut dollar for dollar.

Rated 50% or more. A combined service-connected rating of at least 50%, plus military retired pay.

A free copy of a DD-214 and other service records from the National Archives’ National Personnel Records Center, requested online or on Standard Form 180.

Monthly tax-free payment to a surviving spouse, child, or parent after a service-connected death, or in defined cases after the death of a totally disabled veteran.

• Surviving spouse basic monthly rate, effective December 1, 2025: $1,699.36 (read 2026-10-08)

Education and training help for a spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

• Full-time monthly rate, October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027: $1,621.00 (read 2026-10-08)

Sponsor status. One path is a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability. Death in the line of duty and death from a service-connected disability are other paths.

Asks the service branch’s Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction to upgrade a discharge, with liberal consideration for PTSD, TBI, sexual assault or harassment, and the repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

Up to 9 more months of Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry benefits, or $30,000, for a student finishing a STEM degree or clinical training who has 6 months or less of entitlement left.

100% level and nearly exhausted. The student must be at the 100% Post-9/11 or Fry level with six months or less of entitlement left.

Life insurance through the service member for a spouse, up to $100,000 and not more than the member’s SGLI, and $10,000 free for each dependent child.

Spouse or child of an SGLI-insured member. The service member must have full-time SGLI.

Three ways a federal agency can hire a veteran outside or ahead of normal competition: VEOA for merit promotion jobs, VRA up to GS-11, and noncompetitive appointment for a veteran rated 30% or more.

30% for the disabled veteran authority. The 30% authority needs a compensable service-connected rating of 30% or more; VEOA and VRA have no rating floor.

VA disability compensation, pension, DIC, education and grant payments are not federal taxable income, and retired pay replaced by a retroactive VA rating can be refunded.

Five or ten points added to a passing score, or priority in category rating, for a qualifying veteran applying for a federal competitive service job, with ten points for a service-connected disability.

Qualifying service and honorable conditions. A war, campaign, listed period, or a service-connected disability for 10 points.

A free government headstone or marker for the grave of an eligible veteran in any cemetery, or a medallion to fix to a privately bought headstone.

Eligible veteran or service member. Discharge other than dishonorable, with the service rules for the era.

Transitional housing with services, for up to about two years, from community agencies VA funds, for a homeless veteran.

Homeless veteran. The veteran must be homeless and eligible for VA health care or the program’s expanded criteria.

A HUD Housing Choice rental voucher paired with VA case management for a homeless veteran, with housing first and no sobriety or treatment precondition.

Homeless and low income. The veteran must be homeless and meet the public housing agency’s income limit.

Compensation at the 100% rate, $3,938.58 a month for a veteran alone, for a veteran whose service-connected disabilities keep them from holding a steady job, without changing the rating itself.

• Rate paid, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025: $3,938.58 a month (read 2026-10-08)

Schedular rating gate. One disability at 60% or more, or a combined 70% with one disability at 40% or more. An extraschedular award below that is possible, so the filter uses the lowest schedular floor and does not hide the entry for an unanswered rating.

Free job search help from veterans’ employment specialists at American Job Centers, with priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses in every Labor Department-funded job program.

Veteran or eligible spouse. Any veteran or eligible spouse; DVOP services target listed barriers.

VA pays back the fees for a licensing or certification test, up to $2,000 a test, and for prep courses, out of GI Bill or DEA entitlement.

• Maximum reimbursement per test: $2,000 (read 2026-10-08)

Covered by a VA education benefit. Chapter 33, 30, 1606 or 35.

Up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level for the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

Line of duty death after September 10, 2001. The service member must have died in the line of duty, or from a service-connected disability within the listed windows, on or after September 11, 2001.

A special monthly pension of $5,780 for each living Medal of Honor recipient, paid regardless of income or other benefits.

• Medal of Honor pension, effective December 1, 2025: $5,780 a month (read 2026-10-08)

Medal of Honor Roll. The recipient must be entered on the Medal of Honor Roll.

An honor guard of at least two uniformed members, one from the veteran’s branch, who fold and present the flag and play Taps, at the family’s request and at no cost.

Eligible veteran. Active duty or Selected Reserve service with a discharge other than dishonorable.

Free VA treatment for any physical or mental health condition related to military sexual trauma, without having reported it at the time and regardless of discharge status or length of service.

MST during service. Care is for conditions related to military sexual trauma. Discharge status and length of service do not bar it.

Up to 36 months of education payments, $2,601 a month for full-time school from October 1, 2026, for a veteran who paid $1,200 into the program during active duty.

• Full-time monthly rate, effective October 1, 2026: $2,601.00 (read 2026-10-08)

Service and contribution. Active duty after June 30, 1985, with the $1,200 contribution and the required service, or another listed category.

Up to 36 months of education payments, $508 a month full time from October 1, 2026, for a Guard or Reserve member with a six-year Selected Reserve obligation.

• Full-time monthly rate, effective October 1, 2026: $508.00 (read 2026-10-08)

Six-year Selected Reserve obligation. A six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve, and continued satisfactory participation.

A direct VA mortgage, from 2.47% fixed for 30 years when read, to buy, build or improve a home on federal trust land for a Native American veteran or a veteran married to a Native American.

• NADL interest rate, as posted: from 2.47% (read 2026-10-08)

Native American veteran on trust land. A Native American veteran, or a veteran married to one, buying on trust land of a tribe with a VA memorandum of understanding.

Expanded VA health care and presumptive disability compensation for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation and other toxins, with health care enrollment open to every eligible toxic-exposed veteran since March 5, 2024.

Covered service. Service in a location and period the PACT Act covers, plus the basic service and discharge rules for VA health care.

Education assistance tied to qualifying active duty after September 10, 2001. Often called the GI Bill or Chapter 33.

• Private and foreign school tuition cap, August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027: $30,908.34 a year (read 2026-10-08)

Lets a service member with six years of service who agrees to four more transfer up to 36 months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.

Six years served, four more agreed. Must be requested while serving, with at least six years of service and a four-year added commitment.

An engraved certificate signed by the current President honoring a deceased veteran or reservist eligible for national cemetery burial, free to next of kin, family and friends.

Eligible for national cemetery burial. The veteran or reservist must have been eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

A monthly stipend, training, respite, mental health counseling and, in some cases, CHAMPVA health coverage for the family caregiver of a veteran rated 70% or more who needs in-person personal care.

Veteran rated 70% or more. The veteran must have a single or combined service-connected rating of 70% or more.

Free business training, counseling and loan guidance for veterans, service members and military spouses through Boots to Business and Veterans Business Outreach Centers.

Low-cost term life insurance of up to $500,000 for service members, at 5 cents per $1,000 a month plus $1 for traumatic injury coverage.

• Maximum coverage and premium: $500,000; 5 cents per $1,000 a month, plus $1 TSGLI (read 2026-10-08)

Serving member. Active duty, or Ready Reserve or Guard with scheduled drills, or another covered status.

Expedited Social Security disability claims for a service member disabled on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, and for a veteran rated 100% permanent and total by VA.

100% P&T, or disabled on active duty. A 100% P&T VA rating is one path to expedited processing; disability on active duty after September 30, 2001, is the other.

Extra earnings credited to a Social Security record for active duty from 1957 through 2001: $300 a quarter from 1957 to 1977, and $100 for each $300 of pay from 1978 to 2001, up to $1,200 a year.

• Military wage credit, 1978 to 2001: $100 per $300 of pay, up to $1,200 a year (read 2026-10-08)

Free seats left over on military aircraft for service members, retirees, Guard and Reserve members, their dependents, some surviving spouses, and veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total.

Permanent total rating for veterans. A veteran who is not a retiree qualifies only with a permanent service-connected disability rated as total, and flies only within and between the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. Members, retirees, Guard and Reserve members and dependents have their own paths.

A higher or added monthly rate for a service-connected loss of a limb, an organ or its use, blindness, being housebound, or needing another person’s daily help. SMC-K adds $139.87 a month to any rating from 0% up.

• SMC-K, added monthly amount, effective December 1, 2025: $139.87 (read 2026-10-08)
• SMC-S, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025: $4,408.53 (read 2026-10-08)
• SMC-R.2/T, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025: $11,271.67 (read 2026-10-08)

A specific service-connected loss. Each SMC level is set by a specific loss, or loss of use, or by the need for aid and attendance or being housebound. SMC-K is paid at any combined rating, including 0%.

Grants to build, buy or adapt a barrier-free home for a veteran with certain severe service-connected disabilities: up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) in fiscal year 2026, with temporary residence grants of $50,961 or $9,100.

• SAH maximum, fiscal year 2026: $126,526 (read 2026-10-08)
• SHA maximum, fiscal year 2026: $25,350 (read 2026-10-08)

Qualifying severe disability. A specific service-connected loss, loss of use, blindness, burn or other listed condition. A combined percentage alone does not qualify.

Grant-funded help, including temporary rent, deposits, utilities and case management, to keep a very low-income veteran family housed or rehouse it quickly.

Very low income. A very low-income veteran family under 38 C.F.R. part 62, homeless or at imminent risk.

A monthly annuity to a military retiree’s surviving spouse or child, generally 55% of the chosen base amount of retired pay, and automatic coverage for the survivors of a member who dies on active duty.

• Standard annuity for a spouse: 55% of the base amount (read 2026-10-08)

Retiree election or death on active duty. The retiree elected coverage at retirement, or the member died on active duty.

Needs-based monthly payment for a surviving spouse or child of a wartime veteran with limited income and net worth.

• MAPR, surviving spouse with no child, effective December 1, 2025: $11,699 a year (read 2026-10-08)

Income and net worth. Survivors Pension is needs-based. Income and net worth must fall under the current VA limits. Confirm the survivors pension rate chart.

A one-time payment of $25,000 to $100,000 to a service member with SGLI who suffers a scheduled traumatic loss, such as amputation, paralysis, blindness or an inability to perform daily activities.

• TSGLI payment range: $25,000 to $100,000 (read 2026-10-08)

SGLI-covered traumatic injury. SGLI coverage at the time of a traumatic injury that causes a scheduled loss.

Protects a civilian job, seniority and health coverage when a worker leaves for military service, for up to five years of cumulative service with one employer.

Civilian employee entering service. Covers employees who leave a civilian job for uniformed service and meet the notice and return rules.

A free U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran or reservist, given to the next of kin.

Eligible veteran or reservist. Service in a listed period or status with a discharge other than dishonorable.

Mileage at 41.5 cents a mile, less a $3 one-way deductible capped at $18 a month, for travel to VA or VA-approved care by a veteran rated 30% or more, traveling for a service-connected condition, on pension, or with low income.

• Mileage rate: 41.5 cents a mile (read 2026-10-08)
• Deductible: $3 one way, $6 round trip, $18 a month cap (read 2026-10-08)

Rated 30% or more, or another path. A 30% rating qualifies for all care. Travel for a service-connected condition, pension, low income and C&P exams are other paths below 30%.

Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and in some cases a burial allowance.

Money toward a veteran’s funeral and burial: up to $2,000 for a service-connected death after September 10, 2001, and $1,032 each for burial and plot for a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026.

• Service-connected burial allowance, death after September 10, 2001: up to $2,000 (read 2026-10-08)
• Non-service-connected burial and plot allowances, death on or after October 1, 2026: $1,032 each (read 2026-10-08)

Paid the costs, not reimbursed. The claimant paid the burial costs, and the veteran was not dishonorably discharged and meets a service-connected or listed non-service-connected condition.

A VA-backed refinance of any existing mortgage, VA or not, that can take cash out of home equity, with a 2.15% funding fee on first use and 3.3% after.

• Cash-out refinance funding fee: 2.15% first use, 3.3% after (read 2026-10-08)

VA home loan eligibility. A valid Certificate of Eligibility and occupancy of the home.

A yearly payment of $1,053.19 for each qualifying item when a service-connected prosthetic or orthopedic device, or a prescribed skin medication, wears out or stains clothing.

• Clothing allowance, effective December 1, 2025: $1,053.19 (read 2026-10-08)

Service-connected disability. The device or medication must be for a service-connected disability. No percentage floor applies.

VA-paid care from a community provider when VA cannot see an enrolled veteran within 30 minutes’ drive and 20 days for primary or mental health care, or 60 minutes and 28 days for specialty care.

Enrolled in VA health care. The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care or otherwise eligible for VA care, and meet one of the six community care criteria.

Free comprehensive dental care for a veteran rated 100% or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability, or who is a former prisoner of war, with narrower classes for other veterans.

100% for full dental (Class IV). Full dental care needs a 100% schedular rating; individual unemployability and former POW status are other full-care paths, and narrower classes reach other veterans.

Monthly tax-free pay for an illness or injury VA decides is connected to military service.

Combined rating. VA assigns a combined rating from 0% to 100%. Monthly compensation generally starts at 10%. A 0% rating can still matter for health care and other benefits.

When VA decides a beneficiary cannot manage VA payments, it appoints a fiduciary to receive and manage them, and oversees that fiduciary.

Enrollment in the VA health care system. A disability rating can change priority and copays. It is not the only way in.

Enrollment. No single combined-rating minimum applies to everyone. A rating can change priority group and copays. Other enrollment paths exist.

Hearing aids, eyeglasses and contact lenses for an enrolled veteran with a compensable service-connected disability, a Purple Heart, former POW status, and other listed situations.

Compensable rating, or another listed path. A compensable (10% or more) service-connected rating is the most common path. Purple Heart, former POW and other listed paths have no rating floor.

No VA funding fee, which is otherwise 1.25% to 3.3% of a purchase loan, for a veteran receiving or entitled to VA compensation, a surviving spouse on DIC, a Purple Heart recipient on active duty, and a service member with a pre-discharge rating.

• Purchase funding fee, under 5% down, first use and after: 2.15% and 3.3% (read 2026-10-08)

Receiving or entitled to compensation. A compensable service-connected rating is the usual path. DIC surviving spouses and active-duty Purple Heart recipients are exempt without one.

A guaranty that helps an eligible veteran, service member, or some surviving spouses buy, build, or refinance a home with a private lender.

A streamline refinance of an existing VA-backed loan to a lower rate or from an adjustable to a fixed rate, with a 0.5% funding fee and usually no appraisal.

• IRRRL funding fee: 0.5% of the loan (read 2026-10-08)

Existing VA-backed loan. The loan being refinanced must already be VA-backed.

Mental health care from VA, including free emergency suicidal crisis care for any veteran and most former service members, whatever the discharge or enrollment status.

Discharge and enrollment. Routine care follows VA health care enrollment. Emergency suicidal crisis care does not need enrollment or a qualifying discharge.

Needs-based monthly payment for a wartime veteran with limited income who is 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled.

• MAPR, veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025: $17,441 a year (read 2026-10-08)
• Net worth limit, December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026: $163,699 (read 2026-10-08)

Income and net worth. Pension is needs-based. Countable income must fall under the MAPR ($17,441 for a veteran alone from December 1, 2025) and net worth under $163,699.

Artificial limbs, wheelchairs, home oxygen, orthotics, mobility aids and home medical equipment for an enrolled veteran who needs them, prescribed by a VA clinician.

Enrolled and prescribed. The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care and the item prescribed by a VA clinician.

Up to $100 a month, and $1,200 over a lifetime, for tutoring in a course a GI Bill student is failing or at risk of failing.

• Tutorial assistance limit: $100 a month, $1,200 lifetime (read 2026-10-08)

Using VA education benefits at half time or more. The student must be using a VA education benefit at half time or more.

Free help with a VA claim from a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, or paid help from an accredited attorney or claims agent after an initial decision.

Tuition, housing and books for a non-degree high-tech training program, for a veteran or separating service member with 36 months of active duty, limited to 4,000 paid participants a fiscal year.

36 months of active duty. At least 36 months of active duty, a discharge other than dishonorable or within 180 days of separating, and under 62.

Free, confidential counseling at community Vet Centers for combat veterans, service members, survivors and families, kept apart from the VA medical record and open without VA health care enrollment.

Combat theater or listed service. The service member or veteran must meet one of the 38 U.S.C. 1712A service descriptions. No rating or enrollment is needed.

A free digital Veteran ID Card for proof of service at businesses, for a veteran with an honorable or general discharge, and a VA health ID card for enrolled veterans.

Honorable or general discharge. The VIC needs an honorable or general discharge; the VHIC needs VA health care enrollment.

Work support, and sometimes training, when a service-connected disability limits the work a veteran can do. Also called VR&E or Voc Rehab.

Service-connected rating. The basic published gate is a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, plus an employment handicap. A memorandum rating is a separate path for some serious employment handicaps.

SBA certification that lets a veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned small business compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts.

Any service-connected rating for SDVOSB. SDVOSB needs a service-connected disability at any rating, including 0%. VOSB needs no rating.

Guaranteed-acceptance whole life insurance of up to $40,000 for a veteran 80 or younger with any service-connected rating, including 0%, with no health questions.

• Maximum coverage: $40,000 (read 2026-10-08)

Any service-connected rating. Any service-connected rating qualifies, including 0%.

Paid part-time work on VA-related jobs at a school, VA facility or veterans’ organization for a student using VA education benefits at three-quarter time or more.

Three-quarter time or more. Enrolled at least three-quarter time and using a listed VA education benefit.

Renewable term life insurance of $10,000 to $500,000 after separation, converting SGLI. No health review if the application is in within 240 days.

Within 1 year and 120 days of leaving. A former SGLI-insured member applying within the window.

Mortgage life insurance of up to $200,000, paid to the lender, for a veteran under 70 who has received a Specially Adapted Housing grant.

• Maximum coverage: $200,000 (read 2026-10-08)

Specially Adapted Housing grantee under 70. The veteran must have received an SAH grant and apply before 70.

A federal tax credit to employers of up to $9,600 for hiring a qualified veteran, for hires who began work on or before December 31, 2025. The credit has expired for later hires unless Congress extends it.

Qualified veteran hired by December 31, 2025. A veteran in a WOTC target group who began work on or before December 31, 2025.

Covers private, out-of-state, foreign or graduate tuition above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap, matched by the school, for a student at the 100% benefit level.

• Private and foreign tuition cap, August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027: $30,908.34 (read 2026-10-08)

100% Post-9/11 level. The student must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% level, and the school must take part.