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North Carolina veteran benefits by rating

25 benefits for veterans and families. Main source: NC DMVA: Veterans Property Tax Relief · State agency: NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs.

25 benefits

Disabled veteran homestead exclusion ($45,000)

100% P&TProperty tax

The first $45,000 of your home's appraised value is excluded from property tax.

Who qualifies
NC resident, honorable discharge, and either 100% P&T service-connected OR receiving specially adapted housing benefits (38 USC 2101). A never-remarried surviving spouse may qualify.
How to apply
Complete Form NCDVA-9 and get it certified by a County or State Veterans Service Officer. Then file it with Form AV-9 at your county tax office.
Deadline
June 1 of the tax year (start early, because certification takes time).
Law
N.C.G.S. § 105-277.1C
Source: NC DMVA: Veterans Property Tax ReliefSource: N.C.G.S. § 105-277.1CLast verified: 2026-10-16

Military retirement deduction (100% of it)

Any veteranTaxes & payFor retiree

All military retirement pay (and SBP) can be deducted from NC income tax, since 2022.

Who qualifies
Retiree with 20+ years of service OR a medical retirement under 10 USC Chapter 61 (not severance pay).
How to apply
Deduct it on Form D-400 Schedule S.
Deadline
Your annual return.
Source: NCDOR: Military RetirementLast verified: 2026-10-16

North Carolina Taxes on Military Retired Pay

Any veteranTaxes & paySource-checked

Military retired pay received for 20 or more years of service in the U.S. Armed Forces or by service members who are medically retired can be deducted from North Carolina adjusted gross income. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay

Check eligibilityTaxes & payAuto-imported · verify (low confidence)

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.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Tax Deduction for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) and Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities

Any veteranTaxes & payFor survivorAuto-imported · verify

Survivor annuities can be deducted from a taxpayer's North Carolina adjusted gross income.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Check eligibilityTaxes & payAuto-imported · verify (low confidence)

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of 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.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Free 100% Disabled Veteran plate

100%+Vehicles

A free DV plate for one vehicle and one motorcycle.

Who qualifies
Veteran rated 100% combined, or TDIU paid at the 100% rate.
How to apply
NCDMV, with your VA letter.
Deadline
None.
Law
N.C.G.S. § 20-79.7
Source: NC DMVA: Military and Veteran License PlatesLast verified: 2026-10-16

“VETERAN” Designation on North Carolina Driver Licenses and ID Cards

Any veteranVehicles

Honorably discharged North Carolina Veterans are eligible to add a “VETERAN” designation on their driver licenses or ID cards. It is free to add the designation, but renewal or duplicate fees will still apply. Veterans can apply for the designation at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Driver License Office. To request the designation Veterans must provide one of the following documents as proof they received an honorable discharge: DD214 or DD215 - Certificate of Release or Discharge; WD AGO 53/55 - Report of Separation; NAVMC 78-PD - Notice of Separation; NAVPERS - Separation…

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
It is free to add the designation, but renewal or duplicate fees will still apply. Veterans can apply for the designation at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Driver License Office.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (www.ncdot.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Special Military and Veterans License Plates

100%+VehiclesAuto-imported · verify

North Carolina offers 31 distinctive license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members, and certain family members. Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. A short description of some of these license plates is listed below. Military and Veterans license plates may be ordered from the , by mailing the , to the address on the form, or from any . These license plates may be personalized for a $30 fee. All requests for Military and Veterans Specialty License Plates must be certified by the North Carolina…

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. All requests for Military and Veterans Specialty License Plates must be certified by the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to ensure eligibility criteria is met prior to application.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Lifetime hunting & fishing license at 50%+ (reduced price)

50%+Outdoors & parks

Lifetime sportsman license for $131, or lifetime hunting/inland fishing for $15 (plus a $5 transaction fee).

Who qualifies
NC resident veteran rated 50%+ by the VA.
How to apply
Submit the NC Wildlife disabled veteran application with VA certification.
Deadline
None.
Law
N.C.G.S. § 113-270.1D
Source: N.C.G.S. § 113-270.1DLast verified: 2026-10-16

North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission Lifetime Disabled Veteran Licenses

50%+Outdoors & parksAuto-imported · verify

North Carolina offers the following lifetime licenses to eligible disabled Veterans. Lifetime Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing License $14 – Statewide inland fishing including fishing in designated Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters Lifetime Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing License $14 - Statewide coastal fishing Lifetime Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing License $14 - Statewide hunting and inland fishing including fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands,…

Who qualifies
North Carolina resident Veterans who have a 50% or greater disability rating from the VA are eligible. All applications for a disabled Veteran licenses must be certified by the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA) to ensure eligibility. After certification applicants can apply online at or they can mail their license application and payment to: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 1707 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700
How to apply
After certification applicants can apply online at or they can mail their license application and payment to: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 1707 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Mountain Heritage Trout Fishing License Exemption for Resident and Nonresident Veterans

Any veteranOutdoors & parks

Resident and nonresident Veterans who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from licensing requirements while fishing in North Carolina Mountain Heritage Trout waters. Veterans must carry their DD214 (or equivalent) when fishing as proof of their service and that they received an honorable discharge.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (www.eregulations.com)Last verified: 2026-10-16

North Carolina State Park Discount for Service Members and Veterans

Any veteranOutdoors & parks

Service members and Veterans are eligible for a $6 discount per night on campsite reservations at North Carolina State Parks. Service members and Veterans must provide proof of military service or Veteran status at check in. Discounts cannot be applied to activity fees or permits, primitive or group campsites, vacation cabins, and facility rentals. The discount can be applied to marina transient dockage slip rentals at Carolina Beach State Park.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (www.ncparks.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

NC Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans

20%+EducationFor family

Tuition and fees, plus room and board for some classes, at NC public schools for the children of qualifying wartime veterans. Class I-A/I-B covers 100% P&T or 20%+ wartime disability.

Who qualifies
Child of a wartime veteran meeting the class rules (death, 100%, 20%+ wartime disability, Purple Heart, etc.) with NC residency requirements.
How to apply
Apply through the NC DMVA scholarship portal.
Deadline
Check the portal; there is an annual application window.
Law
N.C.G.S. § 143B-1224

North Carolina Residency for Tuition Purposes for Students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits or the Fry Scholarship

Any veteranEducationSource-checked

North Carolina higher education institutions offer resident tuition rates to students who meet one of the following criteria: Using VA education benefits within three years of the service member's discharge or retirement date; They are receiving the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (FRY Scholarship) ; Learn more about North Carolina Residency for Tuition Purposes for Students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits or the Fry Scholarship

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Note

Any veteranEducationAuto-imported · verify

Due to limited funding, Spring 2026 awards for the North Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans will be pro-rated by 25% of each student’s Fall 2025 award amount. They also anticipate that the application portal for new January 2026 applicants will not open, unless additional funding is appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly. Updates will be provided at the “Learn more link…” as more information becomes available.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
They also anticipate that the application portal for new January 2026 applicants will not open, unless additional funding is appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Incorporated Scholarship Program (NCVVI)

Any veteranEducation

NCVVI was formed to grant scholarships at accredited educational institutions by Vietnam Veterans. The amount of the scholarships will range from $1,500 to $2,500 and can be used to pay expenses for any year of undergraduate study at any college, junior college, community college, or trade school.

Who qualifies
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements: North Carolina resident (waived for families of current NCVVI members living in North Carolina); Served in the Vietnam theater of operations; Spouse or descendent of a Vietnam Veteran; For more information, please email info@ncvvi.org . North Carolina Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by: Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements; Facilitating the student placement process through which children of milita
How to apply
Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities; Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families; Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact; Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact; Promoting coordinatio
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (www.ncvvi.org)Last verified: 2026-10-16

North Carolina State Employment Veteran and National Guard Preference

Check eligibilityJobs

North Carolina offers employment preference for eligible Veterans, current and former North Carolina National Guard Service members and their spouses for state initial employment, subsequent employment, promotions, reassignments, horizontal transfers and reduction-in-force situations. To claim Veterans’ preference, applicants must meet the minimum training and experience requirements for the position and must be capable of performing the duties required for the position.

Who qualifies
Veteran Preference: Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) during a period of war and received an other than dishonorable discharge; Veteran who has a service-connected disability they received during peacetime; Spouse of a disabled Veteran; Surviving spouse or dependent of a Veteran who died while serving on active duty during a period of war either directly or indirectly as a result of that service; Spouse of a Veteran who has a service-connected disability they received during peacetime; Surviving spouse or dependent of a Veteran who died in the line of duty during peacetime; National Guard Preference: North Carolina resident who is a current member in good standing in the North Carolina National Guard; North Carolina resident who is a former member of the North Carolina National Guard who was discharged under honorable conditions after a
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.
Source: Official source (oshr.nc.gov)Last verified: 2026-10-16

North Carolina Private Employer Veterans Preference

100% P&TJobsAuto-imported · verify

North Carolina private employers are authorized to have a Veteran hiring preference. Employers may also offer a hiring preference for spouses of Veterans who have a total and permanent disability rating.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

Retirement Credit for Military Service in North Carolina Local Government Employee Retirement Systems (LGERS)

Any veteranJobsSource-checked

Participants in LGERS may be eligible to receive retirement credit for qualifying military service. Military Service Credit (No Cost) - State employees and teachers who left LGERS covered employment to serve on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, received a discharge other than dishonorable, then return to LGERS employment may be eligible for Military Service Credit at no cost. Employees can receive credit for their first period of active duty service up until they are eligible for discharge. Employees must request service credit: Within two years of earliest discharge date, or; At any…

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Veterans Employment Assistance

Check eligibilityJobsAuto-imported · verify (low confidence)

The N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions provides employment assistance for Veterans, service members leaving the U.S. Armed Forces, and eligible spouses. Services provided at NCWorks Career Center: Career assessments; Labor market information; Training opportunities, job fairs, and workshops; Job interview preparation; Resume and cover letter assistance; Assistance using ; Access to computers and free internet service; Priority of service and assistance applying for federal employment and training programs; Specialized services are provided for Veterans with significant barriers to…

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information or assistance please contact the nearest NCWorks Career Center or call 855-NCWorks (855-629-6757).
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Veterans Guardianship Act

Any veteranOtherAuto-imported · verify

North Carolina Veterans’ Guardianship Act authorizes the appointment of guardians for incompetent Veterans, incompetent dependents of Veterans, and minor dependents of Veterans. Guardians assume all responsibility for their financial affairs, maintains their properties and applies for and manages benefits they may be eligible for. Contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information by calling 844-624-8387 or use the .

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information by calling 844-624-8387 or use the .
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina Veterans Discharge Records

Any veteranOtherAuto-imported · verify

The Register of Deeds of any North Carolina County is required to record all official discharges for resident Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Register must provide free certified copies when requested by a Veteran.

Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina State Veterans Homes

Check eligibilityOtherSource-checked

North Carolina has four full-service, skilled nursing facilities for Veterans and their eligible family members that offer high quality nursing care to improve their resident’s quality of life. Each has a highly skilled professional staff that provides exceptional care and activities to enrich Veterans lives. All care is provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants under the direction of licensed physicians. North Carolina Veterans Home Locations: - 99 bed facility 601 Brenner Ave, Building #10 Salisbury, NC 28144 Phone: 704-639-2320 – 100 bed…

Who qualifies
To be eligible for admission Veterans must meet the following requirements: Served in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty (other than for training); Received a discharge under honorable conditions; Resident of North Carolina two years prior to the date of admission; Referred by a licensed physician and determined to require skilled nursing care; Disabled due to age, disease, or other reasons determined through a physical exam; Veterans home must be able to meet the needs of the Veteran; Non-Veterans may occupy up to 25% of the total beds in a State Veterans Home. Eligible non-Veterans includes the following family members: Eligible Veteran’s spouse; Surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran; Gold Star Parents of a service member who died in the line of duty while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war or national emergency; For more information and to apply,
How to apply
Armed Forces during a time of war or national emergency; For more information and to apply, please contact the Veterans home directly.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Program

Check eligibilityOtherSource-checked

North Carolina has four state Veterans cemeteries that offer a dignified final resting place for North Carolina Veterans and their eligible family members. North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Locations: Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery 962 Old US Hwy 70 Black Mountain, NC 28711 Phone: 919-664-1195 Fax: 919-664-1196 Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery 110 Montford Point Road Jacksonville, NC 28541 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1486, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Phone: 919-664-1110 Fax: 919-664-1111 Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery 8220 Fort Bragg Boulevard Spring Lake, NC 28390…

Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for the burial at North Carolina State Veterans Cemeteries are the same as for VA National Cemeteries except for a North Carolina residency requirement. 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 qualified for military retired pay (or would have qualified except 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 edu
How to apply
For more information or to schedule a burial please contact the nearest cemetery.
Deadline
Not stated on source; check the official link.

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