Louisiana Homestead Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses
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Beyond the standard homestead exemption on the first $7,500 of assessed value, the remaining assessed value of a homestead owned and occupied by a veteran with a qualifying service-connected rating (100% in the constitution) may be exempt, subject to local approval. Confirm with your parish assessor.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Local municipality taxes may still apply. Those eligible will be required to get an updated Form A25 from a before they can apply with their county assessor.
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…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Louisiana State Tax Exclusion for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities
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SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are excluded from Louisiana state taxes.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Louisiana Special Assessment Level for Service Members, Disabled Veterans, Spouses and Surviving Spouses
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The Louisiana Special Assessment Level allows someone who meets eligibility requirements to have the assessed value of their property frozen. This does not freeze the amount of their tax bill but only the assessed value of the property will be frozen. The amount of taxes due could change because of an increase in the tax rate or if the size of the living area is increased. The occupying owner or owners must have a total combined adjusted gross income that is less than the amount determined by each Parish Tax Assessor.
Who qualifies
To qualify for a special assessment level applicants must meet the following requirements: Service member or Veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more from the VA, or their surviving spouse who is 45 years old or older, or has minor children; Spouse of a service member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who is declared missing in action or a prisoner of war for more than 90 days; Surviving spouse of a service member who was killed in action; For more information or to apply applicants should contact their local Parish Tax Assessor.
How to apply
Armed Forces who is declared missing in action or a prisoner of war for more than 90 days; Surviving spouse of a service member who was killed in action; For more information or to apply applicants should contact their local Parish Tax Assessor.
Louisiana Driver’s License or ID Card, Veteran and Disabled Veteran Designation
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The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles offers a designation on Louisiana driver’s licenses or ID cards for eligible Veterans to indicate they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or that they are a disabled Veteran.
Who qualifies
Veteran Designation: Veterans who received an honorable discharge are eligible for the Veteran Designation. No fee is charged when requesting a designation. Fees will apply if the Veteran requests to add the designation during their renewal period or when requesting a duplicate. Veterans are required to provide a copy of official documentation as proof they received an honorable discharge. Free Licenses and Disabled Veteran Designation: Honorably discharged disabled Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater from the VA of are eligible for free ID cards and driver’s licenses. Veterans who have a service-connected 100% disability rating from the VA are eligible for a Disabled American Veteran designation. Disabled Veterans must provide official documentation from the VA or their branch of service that they have a service-connected disability rating. Please r
How to apply
Fees will apply if the Veteran requests to add the designation during their renewal period or when requesting a duplicate. Veterans can apply at their local .
Louisiana Military and Veteran Special Vehicle License Plates
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The offers 50 distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, Veterans, retired service members and eligible family members. These plates may be issued for use on privately-owned passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, or vans. All plates have specific documentation requirements to prove eligibility. The cost of these plates is the same as regular issue license plates and may be requested through the or at a . For more information or questions, please call the Specialized Vehicle Unit at 225-925-6371, or 225-925-6146. Louisiana Medal of Honor…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
Louisiana National Guard Service members in uniform and under official orders are not required to pay for parking or tolls for ferries or bridges when going to, engaged in, or returning from official business. Any private vehicle operated by a disabled Veteran is not required to pay tolls for ferries or bridges, or parking facilities owned or operated by the state. These exemptions do not apply for Crescent City Connection bridges or ferries.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
These exemptions do not apply for Crescent City Connection bridges or ferries.
Louisiana Resident and Nonresident Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing Licenses
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Resident and nonresident Veterans whohave a permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA of 50% or more are eligible for free recreational fishing and hunting licenses. This license includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing Licenses, Basic, Deer, Waterfowl, and Turkey Hunting Licenses, and a Wildlife Management Area Access Permit. Veterans also have the option of ordering a free durable hard card. Veterans will be required to provide a completed application, a copy of their Driver’s License or ID Card, and a copy of their . If Veterans cannot submit a VA Benefit Summary Letter,…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans will be required to provide a completed application, a copy of their Driver’s License or ID Card, and a copy of their . If Veterans cannot submit a VA Benefit Summary Letter, they can have their application certified by a Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) Service Office.
Purple Heart Recipients Can Purchase Louisiana Hunting and Fishing Licenses at Resident Prices
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Nonresident Purple Heart recipients are eligible to purchase hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices. Applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 or any other military document that indicates the applicant received a Purple Heart. Applicants can submit required documentation, fee and completed application in person at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge or by mail to: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Attn: Sport License PO Box 98000 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 For more information, please call 225-765-2887.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 or any other military document that indicates the applicant received a Purple Heart. Applicants can submit required documentation, fee and completed application in person at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge or by mail to: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Attn: Sport License PO Box 98000 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 For more information, please call 225-765-2887.
Louisiana Resident Retired Service Member Reduced Cost Hunting and Fishing License
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Louisiana resident or native-born retired service members who served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $20. Applicants must provide: Residents - Copy of valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana ID card (issued a minimum of six months prior to applying) and a copy of their retired military ID card; Nonresidents - Certified copy of their Louisiana birth certificate, a copy of their driver’s license and a copy of their retired military ID card; Applicants can submit the required documentation,…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants must provide: Residents - Copy of valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana ID card (issued a minimum of six months prior to applying) and a copy of their retired military ID card; Nonresidents - Certified copy of their Louisiana birth certificate, a copy of their driver’s license and a copy of their retired military ID card; Applicants can submit the required documentation, fee and completed application in person at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters
A Louisiana resident surviving spouse of a service member who was killed in action while serving in a combat zone may be eligible for the Louisiana Resident Disabled/Special Needs License for $4. This license includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing Licenses, Basic, Deer, Waterfowl, and Turkey Hunting Licenses, and a Wildlife Management Area Access Permit. Surviving spouses must have lived in Louisiana continuously for at least six months prior to application and are required to provide copies of the following documents when they apply: DD1300 Report of Casualty; Death certificate; Valid…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Surviving spouses must have lived in Louisiana continuously for at least six months prior to application and are required to provide copies of the following documents when they apply: DD1300 Report of Casualty; Death certificate; Valid Louisiana driver’s license or ID card; Surviving spouses can submit the required documentation, fee, and a completed application in person at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge, or by mail to: Louisia
Louisiana State Parks offers several benefits for service members, retired service members, and disabled Veterans. Free Entrance to Louisiana State Parks for Disabled Veterans: Disabled Veterans are eligible for a free Louisiana State Parks Permit that authorizes the Veteran and those with them (in a single private vehicle) free entry into a Louisiana State Park. Veterans can apply at their local parish Veterans Service Office. Reduced Admission and Discount for Service Members, Retired Service Members, and Disabled Veterans: Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans can apply at their local parish Veterans Service Office.
Free annual basic and saltwater fishing plus basic, deer, waterfowl and turkey hunting licenses for veterans with a permanent 50%+ service-connected rating. The federal duck stamp is not included.
Louisiana Educational Benefits for Children, Spouses and Surviving Spouses of Veterans
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Louisiana provides educational financial assistance for the children and surviving spouses of certain resident Veterans. Those eligible may attend a public postsecondary education institution and are exempt from paying tuition, matriculation, registration, laboratory, athletic, medical, and other school-imposed fees.
Who qualifies
The Veteran must meet one of the following prerequisites for their dependents to be eligible: Died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (spouse and children are eligible); Died from a service-connected disability incurred during a wartime period (spouse and children are eligible); Was declared missing in action or a prisoner of war (only spouse is eligible); Has a service-connected disability rating of at least 90% or declared to be unemployable as a result of a their disability (only children are eligible); In addition to meeting the prerequisites listed above deceased Veterans must have been a resident of Louisiana for at least 12 months immediately prior to entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, or a living Veteran must have been a resident for at least 12 months immediately prior to their child's admission into an educational program. The surviving spouse must use this benefit within 10
How to apply
To apply, students should contact their local Parish Veterans Service Officer.
Deadline
The surviving spouse must use this benefit within 10 years of their date eligibility.
Louisiana Residency for Tuition Purposes for Service Members, Dependents and Veterans
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Nonresident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Louisiana and their dependents are authorized residency for tuition purposes at Louisiana public colleges and universities. The child or spouse of a nonresident service member who has been reassigned out of Louisiana will keep their residency for tuition purposes if they stay in Louisiana to continue their education. In addition, Veterans using VA educational benefits or students using transferred VA educational benefits who remains continuously enrolled and live in Louisiana also qualify for…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information, students should contact the educational institution they plan to attend.
Louisiana Works, Veterans' Services provides job assistance, training referrals and placement services for Veterans and eligible spouses. Additionally, those eligible will receive priority of service for all Louisiana Works job training programs. Priority of service means that Veterans and eligible spouses are entitled to preference over others for a service, either earlier in time or, if the resource is limited, they receive access instead of those not eligible. Priority of Service Eligibility: Veterans must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible for Priority of Service:…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Armed Forces and unemployed; Did not receive a high school diploma or equivalent; Criminal offender released in last 12 months; Low income; The Louisiana Workforce Commission also has whose primary role is employer outreach on behalf of Veterans, which includes: Seminars for employers; Job search workshop; Establishing job search group; Facilitating employment, training, and placement services; Performing individualized job development services for Veterans, especially Veterans determined to be
The Louisiana Veteran Initiative is a certification program that is designed to help eligible Louisiana Veteran-owned and service-connected disabled Veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state government level. The Louisiana Veterans Initiative provides: Business and contact information to state purchasing officials and prime contractors who are looking for subcontractors; State agencies are encouraged to get quotes from and use qualified, certified companies whenever possible; For small purchases (less than $25,000), state…
Who qualifies
The program is open to all Louisiana businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements for a Small Entrepreneurship (SE) under the Veteran Initiative: 51% or more of the business must be owned by a Veteran; Principal place of business is in Louisiana; Company must have less than 50 full-time employees; Average annual gross receipts must not exceed $6 million for non-construction and $10 million for construction companies; Business must be independently owned and operated; Business must not be dominant in its professional field; Owned by a Louisiana resident; Owned by and have officers who are U.S. citizens or legal residents; Service-Connected Disabled Veteran: This is an additional distinction available within the Veteran Initiative for service-connected disabled-Veteran-owned businesses. To qualify, the business must meet all the requirements above, as well as at least 51% of
How to apply
The Louisiana Veterans Initiative provides: Business and contact information to state purchasing officials and prime contractors who are looking for subcontractors; State agencies are encouraged to get quotes from and use qualified, certified companies whenever possible; For small purchases (less than $25,000), state agencies can waive the required additional quotes if a certified company submits a quote that is reasonable; 12% of the total evaluation points can be added to a bid on a Request fo
The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative was created to recognize and promote businesses that are at least 51% owned by Veterans, active or reserve component service members or surviving spouses. Certified companies are added to the for customers who wish to patronize Louisiana Veterans First Businesses. Companies must have its principal place of business in Louisiana and be owned by Louisiana residents who are U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Who qualifies
The following individuals are eligible to participate: Veterans who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces - must provide a certified copy of DD214, NGB22, or DD256; Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve - must show valid military ID; Surviving spouse who is eligible for a - must show a letter from the VA confirming they are receiving ; Those interested can register online at the . For more information, please email louisianaveteransfirst@la.gov , or call 800-450-8115, or 225-342-3000.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Louisiana Military Service Relief Act provides protections to service members and their families. Some of the benefits provided are: Pay compensation; Leave status; Retirement credit; Life, health, and accident insurance coverage; Reemployment rights after release from military service; Prohibits academic penalties; Deferral of state income taxes; Validation of professional and occupational licenses; Suspension or termination of cellular phone and wireless service plan contracts for service members called to active duty;
Who qualifies
Louisiana Residents called to military service in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for benefits and protections provided by the Louisiana Military Service Relief Act. For a complete list of benefits provided by the Louisiana Military Service Act please refer to the Louisiana Revised Statues Title 29, sections 401 through 425 at the “Learn more…” link below.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Louisiana Civil Service Veterans’ Hiring Preference
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Louisiana offers a Veterans’ Hiring Preference for state employment to Veterans, their spouse, surviving spouse, and surviving parents. Those eligible can receive five or ten points added to the final passing scores on civil service examinations. These additional points are added only in new hiring situations and do not apply for promotions. Those eligible for Veterans’ preference whose length of service and efficiency ratings are at least equal to those of other competing employees are eligible for retention during layoffs.
Who qualifies
Five preference points are awarded to Veterans who were honorably discharged who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the following periods: A declared by the U.S. Congress; In a peacetime campaign or expedition for which campaign badges are authorized; For at least ninety days after September 11, 2001 (other than for training); Ten preference points are awarded to an honorably discharged Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and has a service-connected disability rating from the VA, or one of their following family members: Spouse of a Veteran whose disability prevents them from working; Unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran who served during any of the time periods listed above; Unremarried surviving parent of a service member who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or a Veteran who has a service-connected total and permanent disability; Div
How to apply
These additional points are added only in new hiring situations and do not apply for promotions.
Reinstatement to Louisiana State Employment after Military Service
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State employees who leave their position to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are entitled to be reemployed to their same position, or a position of similar seniority, status and pay after they are discharged from military service. The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
MFA provides financial support to Veterans, service members and their families when they experience financial hardships. These funds can be used for things such as housing, utilities, medical services, and other essential expenses that may have incurred an undue financial hardship. MFA can pay up to $10,000 per claim in a 12-month period.
Who qualifies
To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements: Louisiana resident; Service member in good standing in the Louisiana National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves, or; Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Honorable, or Under Honorable Conditions discharge (DD214 and/or NGB22 is required) and meets one of the following conditions: Served at least 24 months of continuous active duty (other than for training); Served at least 90 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Early or Hardship Discharge , ; Has a service-connected disability and is eligible for compensation from the VA; Received a discharge after less than 90 days of service in the U.S. Armed Forces due to a service-connected disability; ; MFA is a payer of last resort. All applicants should search for assistance from other available sources before applying. Applicants can
How to apply
Applicants can apply using the or they can use the online application located at the bottom of the page at the “Learn more…” link below. Please mail the completed application, with all required supporting documentation (listed on the application) to: Louisiana Departments of Veterans Affairs ATTN: MFA Administrator PO Box 94095 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9095
Louisiana Clerks of Court will record a service member’s honorable discharge documents free of charge. Once recorded these documents are confidential and cannot be released or shown to any person except the Veteran or someone they designate. Upon the death of the Veteran these records can be provided to the executor of their estate, surviving spouse, or a family member. Those requesting these records must provide official documentation of the Veteran’s death.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Free Copies of Louisiana Public Records for Benefit Claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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State officials must provide certified copies of records (birth certificate, marriage license, death certificate, etc.) required when applying for VA benefits 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 Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) has five Veterans Homes that provide short and long term nursing care for eligible Veterans and their family members. Each Veterans Home provides a unique, comforting environment where Veterans are able to live alongside their brothers and sisters in arms while receiving comprehensive care and support. Louisiana Veterans Homes Locations: – 156 bed facility 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Bossier City, LA 71112 Phone: 318-741-2763 Fax: 318-741-2783 – 129 bed facility 4739 Highway 10 Jackson, LA 70748 Phone: 225-634-5265 Fax: 225-634-4057 –…
Who qualifies
To be eligible for admission at a Louisiana Veterans Home, Veterans must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 90 days or more and received an honorable discharge for their most recent period of active duty service. If the Veteran’s active duty service was less than 90 days, the Veteran must have been discharged due to a service-connected disability. Veterans must be a resident of Louisiana, unless the Veteran is referred from an in-state VA Medical Center or by an LDVA Counselor. In addition, the spouse, surviving spouse and Gold Star Parents of an eligible Veteran may also be admitted. To apply, submit an application to the admissions coordinator at the applicants preferred Louisiana State Veterans Home. LDVA, Veterans Home Application for Admission
How to apply
To apply, submit an application to the admissions coordinator at the applicants preferred Louisiana State Veterans Home. LDVA, Veterans Home Application for Admission
Louisiana has five State Veterans Cemeteries located throughout the state that offer a dignified final resting place for eligible Veterans and their family members. Louisiana Veterans Cemetery Locations: 3348 University Parkway Leesville, LA 71446 Phone: 337-238-6405 Fax: 337-238-6448 Email: clvc@la.gov 2413 Hwy 425 Rayville, LA 71269 Phone: 318-728-4346 Fax: 318-728-5921 Email: nelavc@la.gov 7970 Mike Clarke Road Keithville, LA 71047 Phone: 318-925-0612 Fax: 318-925-5521 Email: nlvc@la.gov 34888 Grantham College Drive Slidell, LA 70460 Phone: 985-646-6458 Fax: 985-646-6481 Email:…
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for burial at a Louisiana State Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can be viewed at the . The following are the general eligibility requirements to be buried in a Louisiana State Veterans Cemetery: 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 dependents (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 educ
How to apply
For more information, please contact the nearest LDVA office or contact one of the Louisiana State Veterans Cemeteries directly.
The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created to honor, recognize, and thank Louisiana Veterans for their honorable military service. The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available with a blue ribbon for Veterans who received an honorable discharge, a purple ribbon for Purple Heart recipients, a black ribbon for prisoners of war, and a yellow ribbon for those killed in action. Only one medal per Veteran is awarded.
Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Current Louisiana resident, or; Louisiana resident when they entered the U.S. Armed Forces, or; Louisiana resident at the time of their death; Served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces; Received an honorable discharge or died prior to separation (must attach DD214 or DD1300); Applicants can apply online at the “Learn more…” link below or they can submit a completed application and copies of required documentation to: Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs ATTN: Honor Medal PO Box 94095 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095. Fax: 225-219-5590 For more information, please call 225-219-3700.
How to apply
Armed Forces; Received an honorable discharge or died prior to separation (must attach DD214 or DD1300); Applicants can apply online at the “Learn more…” link below or they can submit a completed application and copies of required documentation to: Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs ATTN: Honor Medal PO Box 94095 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095.
LDVA operates five veterans homes. Eligibility generally needs an honorable discharge and 90 days of active duty (with exceptions for service-connected discharge).