The military retired pay of Service members who retired before January 1, 1998, is completely exempt From Kentucky income taxes. Service members who retired from the U.S. Armed Forces after December 31, 1997, may exclude up to $31,110 of their military retired pay from Kentucky income taxes. Retired Service members who have creditable service prior to January 1, 1998, but retired after December 31, 1997, may be able to exclude more than $31,110. To determine the additional percentage of their military retired pay that may be excluded for service prior to January 1, 1998 retired Service…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include: Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families; Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living; Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or; Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program; See for more information.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Kentucky State Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities
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Kentucky allows a pension income exclusion of up to $31,110 for survivor benefit annuities.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Veteran Designation on Kentucky Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
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Kentucky offers a Veteran designation on Kentucky driver’s licenses and ID cards to honorably discharged Veterans. Veterans must apply at the nearest Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office. Veterans are required to provide a copy of one of the following documents as proof of eligibility: VA ID card or VA Health ID card; DD214; DD256; DD257; NGB22
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans must apply at the nearest Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office.
Kentucky offers 41 license plate designs for motor vehicles and motorcycles to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members and their family members. Applicants can request these license plates through their local County Clerk. All license plates may be issued for non-commercial motor vehicles that have a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs. and may be personalized for an additional fee. Applicants who are unsure if they are eligible for a specific license plate can contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 800-572-6245. A…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants who are unsure if they are eligible for a specific license plate can contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 800-572-6245.
Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for the Kentucky Medal of Honor license plate. There are no purchase or renewal fees for this license plate. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214 as proof they were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Veterans and service members who are Purple Heart recipients are eligible for the Kentucky Purple Heart license plate. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214 as proof they were awarded the Purple Heart. The initial purchase cost for this plate is $26 and there is a $14 fee to renew the plates.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Kentucky Disabled Veteran (Fee) license plate is available to honorably discharged Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the VA between 50% and 99%. Veterans must show proof of disability percentage and that they received an honorable discharge. Both purchase and renewal fees for this plate are $26.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Kentucky Disabled Veteran (No Fee) license plate is available to honorably discharged Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the VA of 100% or received VA funds to purchase or modify a vehicle to accommodate their disability. Veterans must show proof of disability percentage, or that they received VA funds to purchase or specially modify a vehicle and that they received an honorable discharge. There are no purchase or renewal fees for this license plate
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Kentucky Army Veteran license plate is available to honorably discharged Veterans who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Army and currently serving Soldiers. Soldiers must show their military ID card when applying. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as proof they received an honorable discharge. Both purchase and renewal fees for this plate
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
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Kentucky Gold Star License plates are available for immediate Family members of a Service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Applicants should contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 502-564-9203 or 800-572-6245 who will verify eligibility then provide the proper documentation to take to the County Clerk's office to apply for the license plate. Both purchase and renewal fees for this plate are $31. Kentucky offers Gold Star license plates for the following Family members:
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants should contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 502-564-9203 or 800-572-6245 who will verify eligibility then provide the proper documentation to take to the County Clerk's office to apply for the license plate.
Kentucky Disabled Sportsman’s License for Resident Veterans
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Kentucky resident disabled Veterans who have a 50% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for a Disabled Sportsman’s License. This license costs $12 annually and includes Combination Hunting and Fishing Licenses, all Deer Permits, Spring and Fall Turkey Permit, Kentucky Migratory Bird/Waterfowl Permit and Trout Permit. Veterans must first request a disability license authorization number (good for three years). Applicants are required to provide a that verifies they have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more and includes their current address…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans can submit their disability documents online to the , by mail, fax or in person to: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resource , Disability License 1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 (in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. EST) Fax: 502-564-9845 After receiving their Disability Authorization, they can apply as normal.
Kentucky State Park Benefits for Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and Former Prisoners of War (POWs)
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Kentucky State Parks military discount: code "USA" when booking online Nov–March for lodge and cottage deals; April–October choose "Military Discount" under Special Rates for 15% off lodging.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Those eligible can stay for a maximum of three overnight stays per calendar year, three nights maximum for each visit. The free accommodation (room, cottage, or campsite) will apply only to those occupied by the Veteran themselves.
Kentucky offers a tuition waiver to the Spouse and Children of certain Veterans. Students can receive a waiver of tuition at any two-year, four-year or vocational technical school that are operated and funded by the Kentucky Department of Education. Private or out of state schools do not qualify for the Tuition Waiver.
Who qualifies
For a Veteran’s dependent to be eligible the Veteran must be a current Kentucky resident or was a resident at their time of death, dependents of Veterans are not required to be Kentucky residents. The Spouse, unremarried Surviving Spouse, Children, stepchildren and adopted Children are eligible if the Veteran meets the following requirements: Died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; Died as a direct result of a service-connected disability as determined by the VA; 100% service-connected disabled; Totally disabled (non-service-connected) with wartime service; Deceased and lived in Kentucky at the time of death and served during a wartime period; A Veteran’s or Service member’s biological Child who has certain birth defects (such as spina bifida) linked to military service are also eligible. Dependent children are eligible until their 26th birthday, there is no age limit
How to apply
Submission instruction and required documentation are listed on the application.
Kentucky High School Diploma Program for Veterans of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War
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Kentucky school districts will issue high school diplomas to Veterans who left high school before graduating to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II (WWII), the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam War.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged resident Veterans who left high school prior to graduation during the following dates are eligible: WWII -December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946; Korean Conflict - June 25, 1950, through January 27, 1955; Vietnam War - August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975 (If serving in Vietnam prior to August 5, 1964, the period begins February 28, 1961); and Veterans must submit a copy of their discharge paperwork that indicates they received an honorable discharge from service in the U.S. Armed Forces during one of the time periods listed above and the name of school and district where the Veteran attended high school to: Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs 1111 Louisville Road Frankfort, KY 40601 Kentucky Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) : The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children
How to apply
Honorably discharged resident Veterans who left high school prior to graduation during the following dates are eligible: WWII -December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946; Korean Conflict - June 25, 1950, through January 27, 1955; Vietnam War - August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975 (If serving in Vietnam prior to August 5, 1964, the period begins February 28, 1961); and Veterans must submit a copy of their discharge paperwork that indicates they received an honorable discharge from service in the
Kentucky Retirement Credit Computed for Military Service
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Former Service members and reserve component Service members who are state or local government employees and participate in a Kentucky retirement pension program can purchase service credit for their time they served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For most state or local government employees buying military service credit will increase their pension. Certain current state or local government employees who are reserve component Service members and take a leave of absence when they are called to federal active duty during a national emergency are eligible for free service credit for their time…
Who qualifies
All service credit must have been for service in the U.S. Armed Forces for which the employee received an honorable discharge. Employees who receive military retired pay are not eligible to purchase service credit. For more information, please contact the .
Kentucky offers Veterans’ Preference by granting interview preference to Veterans and their eligible Family members who are applying for state and local government competitive classified positions. To receive interview preference, applicants must meet minimum requirements for the position and provide the required documentation before the advertisement closing date for the job vacancy. Interview preference only applies to candidates seeking initial appointment.
Who qualifies
The following applicants are eligible for Veterans’ preference: Veteran who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) Discharge; Service members currently serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces; Spouse of an eligible Veteran or current Service member; Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a deceased Veteran; Dependent parent of a disabled or deceased Veteran; Veterans are not required to have served during a time of war or conflict to be eligible. U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members are not required to have been called to active duty or mobilized to qualify for preference. For more information, please call 502-564-8030.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Kentucky Career Centers have staff who are specifically trained to assist Veterans and Service members who are leaving the U.S. Armed Forces find suitable and sustainable civilian employment. Some of the services provided include: Priority of service; Career assessments; Job search assistance; Interview preparation; Labor market information; Resume and cover letter assistance; Access to computers and internet service; Translating military experience into civilian equivalent; Specialized services for Veterans with disabilities through the ; Kentucky Career Centers also maintains the with…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs has a Homeless Veterans Grant Program that provides assistance to honorably discharged Veterans who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless by connecting them to resources across the state. Resources include but are not limited to: Immediate needs - food, clothing, access to shelter; Referrals to homeless Veteran providers; Rent and utilities assistance; To apply for a grant Veterans must submit a completed by email to kdvafinancialassist@ky.gov . For more information, please use the online contact form at the bottom of the page at the…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Resources include but are not limited to: Immediate needs - food, clothing, access to shelter; Referrals to homeless Veteran providers; Rent and utilities assistance; To apply for a grant Veterans must submit a completed by email to kdvafinancialassist@ky.gov . For more information, please use the online contact form at the bottom of the page at the “Learn more…” link below or call 502-401-6154, or 572-782-5738.
Kentucky has five State Veterans Cemeteries that offer a dignified final resting place to Kentucky Veterans and their eligible Family members. Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Locations: 5817 Fort Campbell Boulevard Hopkinsville, KY 42240 Phone: 270-889-6106 Fax: 270-889-6109 2501 North Dixie Boulevard Radcliff, KY 40160 Phone: 270-351-5115 Fax: 270-351-5445 205 Eibeck Lane Williamstown, KY 41097 Phone: 859-823-0720 Fax: 859-824-0324 1280 KY HWY 118 Hyden, KY 41749 Phone: 606-672-2168 Fax: 606-672-2751 100 Veterans Memorial Drive Grayson, KY 41143 Phone: 606-929-5354 Fax: 606-929-5347 The…
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for the burial at a Kentucky Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the . The following are the general eligibility requirements: Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or; Died while serving on active duty, or; Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or; Reserve component Service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify); Spouses and Children (burial of dependent Children is limited to unmarried Children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a Child who develops a life
How to apply
*Note* Those who choose to apply for and receive a National Cemeteries Administration Commemorative Urn or Plaque will lose eligibility for burial at a Kentucky Veteran Cemetery. Documentation requirements and submission instructions are listed on the application.
The mission of the Kentucky Women Veterans Program is to ensure that Kentucky's women Veterans have equal access to federal and state Veterans' services and benefits. They achieve this by: Performing outreach to raise awareness of eligibility for federal and state Veterans' services and benefits; Assess the needs of women Veterans; Make recommendations to improve benefits and services; Review programs, projects and other initiatives designed to address the needs of women Veterans; Incorporate women Veterans' issues in the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs’ strategic planning;…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Certified Copies of Public Records for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Provided Free of Charge
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Certified copies of public records maintained by Kentucky officials that are required by the VA to be used to determine eligibility for benefits must be provided free of charge.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will issue a medal to honor Kentuckians killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Who qualifies
One medal will be issued to the primary next of kin of a Kentucky resident who was killed in a combat related incident on or after January 1, 1991, in the following order of precedence: Surviving Spouse; Children; Parents (unless legal custody was granted to another person); Blood or adoptive relative granted custody; Sibling in order of age (oldest first); Grandparents; Other relative; Close friend or associate; Deceased Service members can be nominated by submitting a completed and a copy of the Service member’s DD1300 (Report of Casualty) by fax to 502-564-9240, or by mail to: Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs ATTN: Medal for Freedom 1111B Louisville Road Frankfort, KY 40601 For more information, please call 502-564-9203.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Kentucky runs state veterans long-term care centers, such as the 120-bed Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center, offering skilled nursing and rehab for Kentucky veterans.
Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission: Veteran who received a discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable; Kentucky resident at the time of application; Disabled due to disease, wounds, age, or otherwise requires nursing care; Veteran’s medical needs must be met by the Veterans Center; For more information or to apply, please use the online application inquiry for the Veterans Center the Veteran is interested in.
How to apply
Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable; Kentucky resident at the time of application; Disabled due to disease, wounds, age, or otherwise requires nursing care; Veteran’s medical needs must be met by the Veterans Center; For more information or to apply, please use the online application inquiry for the Veterans Center the Veteran is interested in.
The Homegrown by Heroes marketing initiative offers farmers and agricultural producers located in Kentucky, who are currently serving Service members or Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, the opportunity to use the Homegrown by Heroes logo on their agribusiness signage and agriculture products. This distinctive logo will identify their business as locally owned by a Service member or Veteran.
Who qualifies
Any Veteran or Service member in good standing, regardless of when, where, or how they served who has a farming operation or agribusiness located in Kentucky are eligible to participate in the Homegrown by Heroes program . All participants must be a and provide documentation verifying they are a Service member or Veteran.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.