Full exemption of property tax on your home and up to 5 acres.
Who qualifies
Veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability who owns the home (or jointly with a spouse), lives in it, and has 4% legal-residence status.
How to apply
PT-401-I to the county auditor with a VA or County Service Officer certificate.
Deadline
For the year of the rating, apply by the date taxes are due.
Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active duty 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.
South Carolina Income Tax Exemption 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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Surviving spouses are not required to pay South Carolina income taxes on SBP, RCSBP, RSFPP 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 South Carolina Driver’s Licenses, Beginner’s Permits and ID cards
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The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) offers a "Veteran" designation on driver’s licenses, ID cards and beginner’s permits for eligible Veterans.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for the “Veteran” designation. Veterans must provide one of the following documents listed below when they apply: DD214 (discharge paperwork) “Honorable” or “General Under Honorable Conditions” discharge; National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22) that must show: “Honorable” or “General Under Honorable Conditions” discharge, and; At least 20 years of qualifying military service in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces; ; Letter of eligibility for retired pay (20 year letter) from a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces; Veteran ID Card issued by the VA ; There is no fee for adding a designation to licenses or permits. To apply Veterans must visit a SCDMV location.
How to apply
Veterans must provide one of the following documents listed below when they apply: DD214 (discharge paperwork) “Honorable” or “General Under Honorable Conditions” discharge; National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22) that must show: “Honorable” or “General Under Honorable Conditions” discharge, and; At least 20 years of qualifying military service in a reserve component of the U.S. To apply Veterans must visit a SCDMV location.
South Carolina Military and Veteran License Plates
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The offers 56 distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces service members, Veterans, retired service members and eligible family members. Each license plate has specific eligibility and documentation requirements. Applications for military plates will only be processed by mail at SCDMV Headquarters in Blythewood. To request a military or Veteran License plate applicants must mail all the following: Completed ; Official military documentation (DD214, NGB22, official orders, Veterans ID Card from the VA); Any other required documents (listed on…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
To request a military or Veteran License plate applicants must mail all the following: Completed ; Official military documentation (DD214, NGB22, official orders, Veterans ID Card from the VA); Any other required documents (listed on the application under plate requirements); Applicable fees (listed on the application); For all military license plates that offer handicap parking (listed on the application) the eligible applicants must include the ; SCDMV Specialty Plates PO Box 1498 Blythewood,
Free South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Disabled Resident Veterans
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SCDNR issues a no-cost 3-year Disability Combination License (fishing, state hunting, big game, WMA permit) to qualifying disabled residents, including disabled veterans. Some permits (bear, migratory waterfowl) must still be bought.
Who qualifies
Resident Veterans who have a disability rating from the VA and are eligible for compensation may apply. Applicants must include a copy of their unexpired state driver’s license or ID card and a current copy of their disability certification from the VA (dated within the last 12 months). Mail applications and documentation to: SCDNR License Office PO Box 11710 Columbia, SC 29211-1710 SCDNR Phone: 803-734-3833
How to apply
Resident Veterans who have a disability rating from the VA and are eligible for compensation may apply.
Free tuition for children of P&T disabled wartime veterans
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Free tuition at SC state colleges, universities and technical schools for a child (age 26 or under, undergraduate) of a wartime veteran rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA "from any cause", or of a veteran who was KIA, POW, MIA, a Medal of Honor recipient or a Purple Heart recipient.
Who qualifies
Veteran served during a war period and meets SC residency rules (or the child has lived in SC since birth).
In-State Tuition Rates at South Carolina Public Institutions of Higher Education for Veterans, Service Members and Dependents
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Veterans, active and reserve component service members and dependents are authorized in-state tuition and fee rates regardless of how long they have lived in South Carolina. For a child whose parent is serving on active duty outside of South Carolina, the student must be receiving transferred VA educational financial assistance to be eligible for in-state rates. Once the VA assistance has been exhausted, students will be charged out-of-state rates, unless the student can claim South Carolina residency.
Who qualifies
Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Veteran who served 90 days or longer on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; Dependent using transferred VA education assistance; Service member entitled to and receiving VA educational assistance; Nonresident service members stationed in South Carolina and their dependents ; All students must live in South Carolina to be eligible
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
University of South Carolina, School of Law, Legal Clinic for Veterans
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Veterans can receive free legal services though the Veterans Legal Clinic at the University of South Carolina, School of Law. The clinic is currently taking on a limited number of Veterans seeking to appeal recent or older VA benefits denials related to disability compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation, GI Bill, healthcare access, character of discharge, and overpayments. The c linic will also take on a limited number of family law cases and other civil matters when capacity allows. For more information please call 803-777-2278, or complete the .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Carolina State Employee Veterans Hiring Preference
Any veteranJobs
South Carolina offers a Veterans hiring preference when hiring for state employment by requiring at least one qualified Veteran to be interviewed for every full time equivalent position.
Who qualifies
To be eligible the Veteran must meet the following requirements: Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) and was discharged under honorable conditions; Must meet the minimum training and experience requirements for the position
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Carolina Public Employees Receive Retirement Credit for Military Service
Any veteranJobs
An active member of the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) may purchase up to six years of service credit for any period of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. They are not eligible to purchase service credit if they already have service credit in SCRS, Police Officer Retirement System or the General Assembly Retirement System. The cost calculation is based in part on the employee’s current age and service credit, as well as their career highest annual pay at the time South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) receives the service purchase request. The cost, which is…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Carolina Operation Palmetto Employmentis a statewide initiative supported by the South Carolina National Guard, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, and other business and state agency partners. Operation Palmetto Employment is a commitment to help service members, family members and Veterans find meaningful civilian careers by: Accurately identifying South Carolina's military community; Streamlining the employment process; Leveraging military expertise; Ensure cooperation between providers and employers;
Who qualifies
Unemployed service members, family members or Veterans are eligible for assistance.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
SC WORKS Centers across South Carolina have staff who are specifically trained to assist service member and Veteran jobseekers find civilian employment. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) representatives provide intensive case management services for targeted Veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged. Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) conduct employer outreach to help develop employment and training opportunities for Veterans. They market job-seeking Veterans and serve as advocates for Veterans with businesses, industries, and other community-based…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For the first 24 hours that a job is listed only Veterans and service members can view and apply for the position.
SC-SCRA expands and supplements the rights, benefits, and protections of the to South Carolina National Guard Service members and their families when the service member is ordered to state active duty. In addition to the existing USERRA protections covering areas like employment, rent, mortgages, liens, leases, pensions and health insurance, the SC-SCRA grants service members the right to terminate certain types of contracts if they receive military orders requiring them to relocate for 90 days or more. Contracts that can be terminated under these conditions include: Telecommunication…
Who qualifies
Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, or National Guard service member s who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible. The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
How to apply
Available remedies include: An injunction; Restitution payments; Civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation; For more information or assistance, please contact the South Carolina National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at 803-299-4319. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
South Carolina operates state veterans nursing homes for skilled and intermediate care, including Stone Veterans Pavilion (Columbia), Veterans' Victory House (Walterboro) and Richard Michael Campbell Veterans Home (Anderson).
Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to a South Carolina State Veterans Nursing Home: Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge; South Carolina resident for at least one year; Requires skilled or intermediate nursing home care as determined by the VA; For more information, please contact a South Carolina, County Veterans’ Affairs Office, or the nursing home directly.
How to apply
Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge; South Carolina resident for at least one year; Requires skilled or intermediate nursing home care as determined by the VA; For more information, please contact a South Carolina, County Veterans’ Affairs Office, or the nursing home directly.
South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) Veteran Advisors
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SCNG Veteran Advisors assist Veterans, service members and family members regarding all benefits and entitlements they are eligible for. Veteran Advisors coordinate with regional partners to maximize local resources and minimize delays in services. Advisors will provide assistance in the following areas: VA claims and compensation; Employment services; Education benefits; Medical issues or documents; Behavioral health concerns; Financial issues and advice; Family services; Legal services; Housing assistance, VA Home Loans; Military records to include separation documents, medical records,…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Carolina Military Family Relief Fund (SCMFRF)
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SCMFRF provides monetary grants to famil ies of South Carolina National Guard Service members and South Carolina residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who were called to active duty. The active duty service must have been because of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks or future operations as determined by the President or the Governor of South Carolina. Grants are based on need, status and service-connected injury or illness. SCMFRF grants are to help famil ies pay for the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services, and other expenses that become difficult…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants must mail their application and any required documentation (listed on the application) to: South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs ATTN: SCMFRF Coordinator 1205 Pendleton Street, Ste.
Recording of Discharges and Certified Copies for South Carolina Veterans
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South Carolina County Clerks will record official military discharge documents free of charge and will provide certified copies for no more than 50 cents.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Marriage, Birth, Death and Divorce Verification when required by State and Federal Agencies
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The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will issue certified copies of marriage, birth, death, and divorce records free when they are required for applying for Veterans benefits.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Carolina M.J. “Dolly” Cooper State Veterans Cemetery
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The M.J. “Dolly” Cooper VeteransCemetery, near Anderson South Carolina, offers a dignified final resting place for South Carolina Veterans, their spouses and children. The cemetery offers: Grave space; Opening and closing of the grave; Grave liner; Grave marker; Perpetual care; Columbarium for cremated remains; Scattering garden for cremated remains; In-ground burial for cremated remains; There is no cost for the plot, grave liner, permanent marker, or the opening and closing of the gravesite for the Veteran, there is a $300 fee for the burial of an eligible spouse or child.
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for the burial at the M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries except for a South Carolina residency requirement. Exact eligibility requirements can be viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. 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 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 y
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The South Carolina Veterans Treatment Court program is designed to help Veterans who have pending charges in Richland or Kershaw counties. The purpose of this program is to assist Veterans by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system and providing them with the tools they will need to lead productive lives. Program participants receive help from fellow Veteran mentors, the VA and Veterans service organizations. All participants spend at least 12 months under the supervision of the Veterans Treatment Court. Successful completion of the Veterans Treatment Court program will…
Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Charged with non-violent misdemeanor or felony offense in Richland or Kershaw counties; Eligible for Veterans services benefits; Diagnosed with a treatable behavioral, mental health or chemical dependency problem; For more information, please call 803-576-1893.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Palmetto Pathfinder Program is a peer-support program made up of Veteran volunteers who provide personal support for service members leaving the U.S. Armed Forces and Veterans. The Pathfinder Program helps by connecting participants to resources and services in their community to help them reach their personal and professional goals and thrive after military service. To enroll in the program please visit the . For more information, please call 803-734-0200.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
South Carolina Veteran and Armed Services Legal Outreach (SC-VALOR) Program
Any veteranOther
The SC-VALOR Program is a collaboration between the Attorney General’s Office, the South Carolina Bar, and the South Carolina Military Department that coordinates existing legal resources forservice members and Veterans. The program provides free legal clinics, and a referral line to connect service members and Veterans with lawyers who will provide free or heavily-discounted legal help. The legal clinics can handle simple legal issues like writing wills, powers of attorney documents, as well as common legal issues including: Service Member Civil Relief Act issues; Issues related to…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The South Carolina Veteran Coalition offers Veterans, service members, and their families a platform that connects them to vetted services across the state. Services range from housing, employment, education, mental health, benefits navigation and family support. The Coalition links Veterans and military families to appropriate local organizations, state agencies, and federal programs. New users can create a user profile by clicking the Create Client Profile tab at the “Learn more…” link below. For more information, please call 803-734-0200.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.