Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, Tennessee offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, other, veterans home. Here's what Tennessee veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.
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State-funded reimbursement of property taxes paid on a disabled veteran's primary residence, administered through the County Trustee. Eligibility requires a service-connected PERMANENT AND TOTAL disability as determined by the VA, OR a qualifying condition (paraplegia/permanent paralysis of both legs, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, legal blindness), OR a 100% total and permanent rating as a former POW. Veteran must own and occupy the home.
Surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran may continue to receive the property tax relief benefit. Detailed eligibility/amount is administered through the County Trustee; the state page lists it as a distinct program but does not republish the dollar figures, so the specific cap is confirmed only by reference to the disabled-veteran program ($175,000 market-value basis).
Tennessee levies no state income tax on wages or retirement income. The Hall Income Tax (interest/dividends only) was fully repealed effective Jan 1, 2021. Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are not taxed by the state.
Lottery-funded higher-education grant for honorably discharged veterans (and current/former Reserve or TN National Guard members) who received the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Awarded first-come to roughly 375 veterans annually, up to 8 full semesters. Administered by the TN Student Assistance Corporation.
Mandatory hiring/interview preference for honorably discharged veterans (and eligible spouses/surviving spouses) in TN state service. When a veteran and a non-veteran candidate have equal qualifications, the veteran must be given preference; an appointing authority passing over an eligible veteran must file written reasons within 30 days. Per TCA 8-30-307.
Disabled veterans who meet the state's disabled-driver definition (TCA 55-21-102) may obtain a free disabled-driver decal to affix to their existing specialty plate. Eligibility follows the general disabled-driver statute rather than a specific VA percentage.
A veteran with a VA-determined 100% permanent total service-connected disability receives one license plate and registration free of charge. Also exempts 100% P&T veterans and former POWs from the county motor vehicle privilege tax. Per TCA 55-4-256; administered by TN Dept of Revenue (VR-13).
Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes, OR 30% or more disabled by reason of service in any war, may obtain a combined lifetime sport fishing and hunting license. Issued via TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application.
Tennessee resident veterans get 50% off standard nightly camping base rates during off-season (Dec 1-Feb 28/29). Veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability get 50% off camping AND overnight cabin lodging fees (premium sites excluded). Proof of service and TN residency required.
Tennessee offers a 'VETERAN' designation/ID printed on a state driver license or ID card for honorably discharged veterans, used to verify status for benefits and discounts.
Five state veterans homes provide long-term skilled nursing/residential care for eligible veterans, operated by the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board. Locations: Humboldt, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Knoxville, and Cleveland. Per-facility eligibility/services available on each home's site.
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Tennessee offers veteran benefits across property tax, income tax, education, employment, vehicle, recreation, other, veterans home. Highlights include Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans, Property Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses (of disabled veterans), No State Income Tax on Military Retirement / VA Compensation. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.
State-funded reimbursement of property taxes paid on a disabled veteran's primary residence, administered through the County Trustee. Eligibility requires a service-connected PERMANENT AND TOTAL disability as determined by the VA, OR a qualifying condition (paraplegia/permanent paralysis of both leg
Tennessee levies no state income tax on wages or retirement income. The Hall Income Tax (interest/dividends only) was fully repealed effective Jan 1, 2021. Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are not taxed by the state.
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.