Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, South Carolina offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, veterans home. Here's what South Carolina veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.
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Full exemption from property tax on a home and the land it sits on (up to 5 acres, same parcel, owner-occupied, titled solely to the veteran or jointly with spouse) for veterans with a total, permanent, service-connected disability as determined by the VA. As of a recent expansion (retroactive to 2022), the exemption applies beginning with the year the disability occurs, not just the application year. Apply via MyDORWAY or through a County Veterans Service Officer with VA documentation of 100% permanent and total service-connected disability.
All military retirement income is fully deductible from South Carolina taxable income with no age requirement and no income cap (SC Code Section 12-6-1171). Covers Armed Forces retirement and survivor plans (SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP). Full exemption has been in place since tax year 2022.
VA disability compensation and VA pension are not subject to South Carolina income tax. These payments are excluded from federal taxable income (the starting point for the SC return), so they are not taxed at the state level. This is treatment, not a fixed dollar benefit.
Children (age 26 or younger) of qualifying wartime veterans may attend any SC state-supported college, university, or technical school free of tuition. The veteran must have served honorably during a defined wartime period AND meet one of: killed in action, died of service-related causes, permanently and totally disabled (VA-determined), Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient, former POW, or MIA. Both veteran and student must meet SC residency requirements (generally 12 months). Covers tuition only — not room, board, or fees. Administered by SCDVA under SC Code Section 59-111-20.
South Carolina provides a veterans hiring preference in state employment: at least one qualified veteran must be interviewed for each full-time-equivalent position. The veteran must have served on active duty, meet minimum training/experience requirements, be able to perform the duties, and provide a DD-214 (no documentation = no preference). Administered per SC Code Title 25, Chapter 11.
Veterans classified as totally and permanently disabled due to service-connected disabilities (or entitled to compensation for loss/loss of use of limbs or virtual blindness) qualify for a free Disabled Veteran license plate (also available as Handicapped and Motorcycle variants) with no plate fee. Available by mail only via SCDMV HQ in Blythewood using Application for Military License Plate (Form MV-37) with VA disability documentation.
Veterans with a total, permanent, service-connected disability are exempt from property tax on up to two private passenger vehicles owned or leased solely by the veteran or jointly with a spouse. Surviving spouses qualify, including those who relocate to SC after the veteran's death. Administered by SCDOR.
Resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating who are eligible for compensation may obtain a free 3-year Disability Combination License (freshwater + saltwater fishing, state wildlife hunting, base deer tags) from SCDNR. Requires a copy of unexpired SC driver's license/ID and current VA disability certification dated within the last 12 months.
South Carolina operates state veterans nursing-care homes providing skilled and intermediate nursing care, including Veterans' Victory House (Walterboro, 220 beds) and E. Roy Stone Jr. Veterans Pavilion (Columbia). Admission is open to veterans separated under general or honorable conditions who qualify as SC citizens and need skilled or intermediate nursing home care. Administered by SCDVA. Specific per-diem cost not confirmed from a primary .gov source.
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South Carolina offers veteran benefits across property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, veterans home. Highlights include Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (home + 5 acres), Military Retirement Pay Full Income Tax Exemption, VA Disability Compensation Not Taxed. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.
Full exemption from property tax on a home and the land it sits on (up to 5 acres, same parcel, owner-occupied, titled solely to the veteran or jointly with spouse) for veterans with a total, permanent, service-connected disability as determined by the VA. As of a recent expansion (retroactive to 20
All military retirement income is fully deductible from South Carolina taxable income with no age requirement and no income cap (SC Code Section 12-6-1171). Covers Armed Forces retirement and survivor plans (SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP). Full exemption has been in place since tax year 2022.
Many state benefits are tied to your VA disability rating — the higher your rating, the more you may qualify for. Use the free VA Ready calculator to confirm your combined rating, then check which state benefits you've earned.