South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Paraplegic Veterans and Their Surviving Spouse
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South Dakota offers a full property tax exemption to eligible paraplegic Veterans and their surviving spouse. This exemption applies to the house, garage and the lot up to one acre.
Who qualifies
To be eligible: Property must be owned by a Veteran who lost or lost the use of both lower extremities and the unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran ; Property must be specifically designed for wheelchair use ; To Apply: The South Dakota Application for Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemptions is available beginning in January of each year. Applications must be submitted annually to the local County Director of Equalization on or before November 1 st .
How to apply
To be eligible: Property must be owned by a Veteran who lost or lost the use of both lower extremities and the unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran ; Property must be specifically designed for wheelchair use ; To Apply: The South Dakota Application for Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemptions is available beginning in January of each year.
South Dakota Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
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South Dakota offers a partial property tax exemption up to $200,000 for disabled Veterans and their surviving spouse. This exemption applies to the house, garage and the lot up to one acre.
Who qualifies
The property must be owned and occupied by a disabled Veteran who has a service-connected, total and permanent disability rating from the VA or their unremarried surviving spouse to be eligible. To Apply: The South Dakota Applications for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions are available beginning in January of each year. Applications must be submitted annually to the local County Director of Equalization on or before November 1 st . Back to top
How to apply
To Apply: The South Dakota Applications for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions are available beginning in January of each year.
‘Veteran’ Designation on South Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card
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Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces have the option of adding the word ‘Veteran’ to the front of their South Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card. In addition to the , Veterans need to provide one of the following: DD214 that indicates an honorable discharge from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces ; Certificate signed by a county or tribal Veteran's Service Officer verifying their status ; DD Form 2 (Retired) ; DD Form 2A (Reserve Retired) ; NGB22 ; Veterans can apply at any .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Armed Forces ; Certificate signed by a county or tribal Veteran's Service Officer verifying their status ; DD Form 2 (Retired) ; DD Form 2A (Reserve Retired) ; NGB22 ; Veterans can apply at any .
South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange Program
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Service members and Veterans who have recent experience driving military vehicles similar to commercial motor vehicles may be eligible for a CDL skills test waiver or an even exchange of their military license for a South Dakota CDL. These benefits are not available for hazardous materials or school bus endorsements. All applicants must be South Dakota residents and have a state driver’s license. Veterans must be within one year of their separation from the U.S. Armed Forces to be eligible. Skills Test Waiver : To be eligible for the skills test waiver, applicants must have licensed and…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Service members who served within the last year in the following MOSs are eligible: Army - 88M, 92F, or 14T ; Air Force- 2T1, 2F0, or 3E2 ; Marine Corps- 3531 ; Navy- EO ; To apply applicants must submit the following: Completed (including commanders’ endorsement) ; Proof of current or previous military service, DD214, NGB22, military discharge papers or current military ID card ; Two most recent years W-2 forms from the U.S. Armed Forces ; Vehicle Operators Qualification Record (for Even Exchan
The offers distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, Veterans, Native American Veterans, retired service members and eligible family members. These license plates are broken down into two categories: ; ; Applicants should submit completed applications, any fees and required documentation to their local county treasurers’ office. All applicants must be South Dakota residents and have a South Dakota driver’s license or ID card to be eligible to apply.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
These license plates are broken down into two categories: ; ; Applicants should submit completed applications, any fees and required documentation to their local county treasurers’ office. All applicants must be South Dakota residents and have a South Dakota driver’s license or ID card to be eligible to apply.
Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for the South Dakota Medal of Honor license plate for use on passenger vehicles. There is no fee for this license plate. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214, medal certificate or other official documentation to verify receipt of the Medal of Honor and a completed .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Purple Heart recipients are eligible for the South Dakota Purple Heart license plate for use on passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214, medal certificate or other official documentation to verify receipt of the Purple Heart and a completed .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Dakota offers the South Dakota Disabled Veteran license plate to eligible Veterans who have a service-connected disability they received while serving on active duty during a wartime period. In addition, Veterans must meet one of the following criteria: Receiving ( ) ; Received compensation from the VA to modify or purchase a specially adapted vehicle ; Receiving compensation from the VA for the loss or loss of use of one or more extremities ; Has a total and permanent disability rating from the VA ; Disabled Veteran plates are available for passenger vehicles and motorcycles.…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Honorably discharged resident Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and active duty service members are eligible for the South Dakota Veteran license plate for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Veterans can choose their branch of service and 16 different military operations or combat theaters to be displayed on their license plate. Applicants must submit a completed to apply.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
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South Dakota offers the Gold Star Family license plate for passenger vehicles and motorcycles to resident family members of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or as a result of injuries they received while serving. Eligible family members include: Surviving spouse ; Children ; Parents ; Siblings ; Applicants must submit a copy of the Department of Defense Report of Casualty (DD1300), or verification from the VA that the service member's death was service-connected and a completed . Back to top
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Eligible family members include: Surviving spouse ; Children ; Parents ; Siblings ; Applicants must submit a copy of the Department of Defense Report of Casualty (DD1300), or verification from the VA that the service member's death was service-connected and a completed .
Reduced Fee South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans and Former Prisoners of War (POWs)
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South Dakota offers resident disabled Veterans and former POWs a four year hunting and fishing license for $10.
Who qualifies
To be eligible applicants must meet one of the following requirements: Receiving ( ) ; Has a 40% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA ; 40% Social Security disability rating and served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces ; Declared a POW ; Veterans must submit official documentation as proof of eligibility, a $10 fee and a completed to: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks ATTN: Disability License 20641 SD Hwy 1806 Fort Pierre, SD 57532
How to apply
Armed Forces ; Declared a POW ; Veterans must submit official documentation as proof of eligibility, a $10 fee and a completed to: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks ATTN: Disability License 20641 SD Hwy 1806 Fort Pierre, SD 57532
South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Prices for Nonresident Service Members and Veterans
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South Dakota offers hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices to service members and their spouse who are stationed in South Dakota. South Dakota also offers resident prices to Veterans who are patients at a Veterans hospital located in South Dakota.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Dakota Free Lifetime State Park Entrance License for Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War (POWs) and Purple Heart Recipients
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South Dakota offers a free lifetime State Park Entrance License to eligible resident disabled Veterans, former POWs and Purple Heart recipients. This license authorizes free entrance for the Veteran and their vehicle to all state parks This license also provides a 50% discount on camping fees and electrical fee for their site or camping cabin. The discount does not apply to other facilities or fees.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, Veterans must meet one of the following requirements: Service-connected 100% total disability rating from the VA; Receiving ( ); Former POW; Purple Heart recipient; Veterans can apply for park entrance licenses online using the , new users will be required to create an account. For step by step instructions please visit the “Learn more…” link below. For more information, please call 605-773-3391. Back to top
How to apply
The discount does not apply to other facilities or fees. To be eligible, Veterans must meet one of the following requirements: Service-connected 100% total disability rating from the VA; Receiving ( ); Former POW; Purple Heart recipient; Veterans can apply for park entrance licenses online using the , new users will be required to create an account.
Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Veterans
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South Dakota offers free tuition for undergraduate degrees at state supported universities or technical colleges for Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period (see bottom of application located below for qualifying wartime dates). Veterans must use all VA educational benefits before they are eligible. Veterans will receive one month’s free tuition towards an undergraduate degree for each month served during a qualifying wartime period. Veterans will receive a minimum of one academic year with a maximum of four academic year’s free tuition.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged Veterans who are South Dakota residents and qualify for instate tuition must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Served on active duty between August 2, 1990, and date to be determined ; Received an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, or other campaign, expeditionary, or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations outside the boundaries of the U.S., or ; Has a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more from the VA ; To apply Veterans must submit their application, a copy of their DD214 and their by mail to: South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs 425 E. Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501 Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Children of Service Members Who Died During Military Service: The child of a service member who died, while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for free tuition at
How to apply
Armed Forces during a wartime period (see bottom of application located below for qualifying wartime dates). Honorably discharged Veterans who are South Dakota residents and qualify for instate tuition must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Served on active duty between August 2, 1990, and date to be determined ; Received an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, or other campaign, expeditionary, or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations outside the boundaries of t
Free Tuition at South Dakota State Supported Schools for Dependents of Service Members Declared a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA)
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The spouse or child of a Veteran who is declared a POW or MIA, may be eligible for free tuition and no mandatory fees at a state supported university or technical college for up to eight semesters. Eligible dependents must use all federal assistance before they can receive state financial assistance.
Who qualifies
The Veteran must have been a resident of South Dakota at the time of entry into active duty service in the U.S. Armed forces. The child or spouse must be a resident of South Dakota and are not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits. To apply students must submit their application, official documentation that lists the service member as a POW or MIA and documentation verifying dependency by mail to: South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs 425 E. Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501
How to apply
To apply students must submit their application, official documentation that lists the service member as a POW or MIA and documentation verifying dependency by mail to: South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs 425 E.
Honorary South Dakota High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
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South Dakota offers honorary high school diplomas to wartime Veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Who qualifies
Veterans must have received an honorable discharge and served during one of the following wartime periods to be eligible: December 7, 1941, through September 2, 1945 ; June 25, 1950, through July 31, 1953 ; February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975 ; Veterans should contact the school district that they wish to award the diploma to apply.
How to apply
Veterans must have received an honorable discharge and served during one of the following wartime periods to be eligible: December 7, 1941, through September 2, 1945 ; June 25, 1950, through July 31, 1953 ; February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975 ; Veterans should contact the school district that they wish to award the diploma to apply.
VUB helps Veterans to improve their education skills and prepare for college, university, or technical school. VUB provides the following programs and assistance: Academic refresher classes ; Tutoring (individual and group) ; Study skills ; College curriculum information ; Preparation for college, university or technical school entrance ; GED preparation assistance ; In addition, VUB offers career services such as: Career interest inventories ; Follow-up information on specific job outlooks ; Help finding training opportunities ; Career exploration ; Help defining choices and planning ;…
Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Low income and/or first-generation U.S. Armed Forces Veterans ; Served 181 or more days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an other than dishonorable discharge, or ; Was discharged due to a service-connected disability, or ; Was a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces called to active duty for more than 30 days, or ; Was a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation on or after September 11, 2001 ; For more information, please contact: Veterans Upward Bound Program Advisor 501 E. St. Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-390-0746
How to apply
VUB provides the following programs and assistance: Academic refresher classes ; Tutoring (individual and group) ; Study skills ; College curriculum information ; Preparation for college, university or technical school entrance ; GED preparation assistance ; In addition, VUB offers career services such as: Career interest inventories ; Follow-up information on specific job outlooks ; Help finding training opportunities ; Career exploration ; Help defining choices and planning ; Education funding
Credited Military Service for South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)
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Members of SDRS who are reserve component service members and are called to federal active duty service do not lose credit for retirement. Employees will continue to earn credited service if they meet the following requirements: Employed before going on military leave ; Return to public service within one year of discharge ; Must remain employed for at least one year after their return ;
Who qualifies
State employees who are National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members who take an authorized leave of absence when called to federal active duty are eligible for credited service.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Dakota offers Veterans’ preference when hiring for state or local government jobs. Those eligible receive preference for appointment, employment, and promotion at all levels of government, including state, county, and city as well as public education. In all cases applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job they are applying for. At the state level, eligible applicants are automatically added to the interview list after the top qualified persons have been determined. Preference is given in the following order: Disabled Veteran ; Spouse of a disabled…
Who qualifies
To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements: U.S. citizen ; Resident of South Dakota ; Veteran who served their full contract obligation in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Force and received an honorable discharge, or received an early discharge for a medical condition, hardship, reduction in force, or at the convenience of the military ; Spouse of a disabled Veteran who cannot work due to their disability ; Unremarried surviving spouse of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces ; Unremarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died due to a service-connected illness or injury
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) Veterans' Employment Assistance
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South Dakota DLR Job Service Offices have trained staff who offer specialized services to job-seeking Veterans and eligible spouses. Some of the services provided are: Intensive services for disabled Veterans ; In-person orientation sessions introducing South Dakota DLR services and procedures ; Job search information ; Resume and cover letter assistance ; Interview preparation ; Eligibility determinations for special programs and services that employ and train Veterans ; Information on how to apply for federal, state, county and city employment ; Employment information for newly separated…
Who qualifies
To receive specialized services Veterans must have served on federal active duty, received a discharge other than dishonorable, have a and meet one of the following service requirements: Served more than 180 days ; Served at least one day and was discharged or released because of a service-connected disability ; Reserve component service member who served at least one day after being called to federal active duty during a time of war ; Served at least one day and received a campaign medal ; Discharged due to sole survivorship ; Disabled Veterans qualify in the following circumstances: Entitled to compensation for a disability from the VA (or would be entitled if not receiving military retired pay), or ; Entitled to compensation for a VA disability rating of 30% or more (or would be entitled if not receiving military retired pay) ; Spouses and surviving spouses of the following service me
How to apply
Some of the services provided are: Intensive services for disabled Veterans ; In-person orientation sessions introducing South Dakota DLR services and procedures ; Job search information ; Resume and cover letter assistance ; Interview preparation ; Eligibility determinations for special programs and services that employ and train Veterans ; Information on how to apply for federal, state, county and city employment ; Employment information for newly separated or transitioning service members ; M
South Dakota Wartime Veteran and Active Duty Service Member Bonus
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South Dakota will pay a bonus to resident service members and Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a qualifying wartime period. Active duty for training does not count towards eligibility.
Who qualifies
Service members and honorably discharged Veterans must have been South Dakota residents for at least six months prior to their period of active duty service during one of the following qualifying time periods: August 2, 1990, through March 3, 1991 - All active service counts for payment ; March 4, 1991, through December 31, 1992 - Only service in a hostile area qualifying for the Southwest Asia Service Medal counts for payment ; January 1, 1993, through September 10, 2001 - Only service in a hostile area qualifying for a campaign or service medal for combat operations against hostile forces counts for payment ; September 11, 2001, to a date yet to be determined - All active service counts for payment ; Applicants who serve in a non-hostile area are eligible for a bonus of $100 for the first month, then $20 for each month after, up to $240. Applicants who serve in a hostile area are eligi
How to apply
Service members and Veterans can apply through their local County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer or by mail: South Dakota Veterans Bonus 425 E.
Free Certified Copies of South Dakota Resident Veterans Records
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South Dakota counties must provide free certified copies of official documents when used for benefits claims for state and federal benefits. Counties must provide the following documents: Birth ; Death ; Marriage ; Adoption ; Divorce ; Guardianship ; Conservatorship ;
Who qualifies
Documents are provided for: Service members ; Veterans ; Spouses, surviving spouses or dependents of a service member or Veteran ; Organizations assisting with benefits claims (must be designated by power of attorney)
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Michael J. Fitzmaurice, South Dakota Veterans Home, located in Hot Springs, is a 100-bed facility that serves South Dakota Veterans and their spouses through quality health care in an environment and community of trust, dignity and sharing. There are eight wings with eight neighborhoods that have a living room, dining room, and kitchen area to provide a home-like environment. South Dakota Veterans Home Amenities: Complete medical services ; Pharmacy services ; Physical and occupational therapies ; 24-hour nursing care ; Recreation programs ; Meals ; Social services ; Religious and…
Who qualifies
Admission to the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home is open to South Dakota resident Veterans, their spouse or surviving spouse. Veteran: Veterans who served their full service obligation in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, or received an early discharge for a medical condition, hardship, reduction in force, or at the convenience of the military and received an honorable discharge. Veterans must also be eligible for the VA State Home Per Diem Program . Spouse: The spouse of a Veteran eligible for admission may be admitted with the Veteran if they have been married and living together for at least one year prior to application. Spouses may also be admitted if the Veteran is eligible for admission at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home but is living in a different healthcare facility. Surviving Spouse: The unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran w
How to apply
Spouse: The spouse of a Veteran eligible for admission may be admitted with the Veteran if they have been married and living together for at least one year prior to application. For more information or to request an application, please call 605-519-5445.
The South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery, located in Sioux Falls, provides a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members. The cemetery has a committal shelter for funeral services and can accommodate casketed remains, cremation graves, a scattering garden and a columbaria niche for cremated remains. The cemetery will provide a grave site or columbaria niche, grave liner, a headstone, niche cover or memorial marker, and perpetual care. There is no fee for the burial of a Veteran. The fee for burial of a spouse or eligible dependent is $1,002. Fees for…
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for the burial at the South Dakota State 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 Reserve 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 educational institution, or a child wh
How to apply
For more information, Veterans or their family members should contact their Tribal Veteran Service Officer or the Tribal Veterans Cemetery directly.
South Dakota Burial Allowance for Veterans, Spouses, or Surviving Spouses
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South Dakota will pay $100 to the beneficiaries of an honorably discharged resident Veteran, their spouse, or surviving spouse who did not leave adequate finances to prepare for their burial.
Who qualifies
The honorably discharged Veteran must have been a South Dakota resident for one year prior to their entrance into the U.S. Armed Forces, or one year prior to their death. Beneficiaries must provide an affidavit to the County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer, that sufficient funds are not available for funeral expenses. An affidavit and a copy of the funeral bill must be submitted within one year from the date of the burial.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
South Dakota will pay up to $200 towards the cost of setting a government headstone or marker at the grave of a Veteran. The state will also pay $100 for the professional etching of the Veterans military information on the back of a privately purchased headstones. The etching must include the name, rank, branch of service, and dates of birth and death of the Veteran. Who is eligible for the South Dakota Veterans Headstone Fee Reimbursement: The Veteran must have been a South Dakota resident for one year prior to their entrance into the U.S. Armed Forces or one year prior to their death and…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Survivors can apply for the Veterans Headstone Fee through South Dakota County or Tribal Veterans Service Officers.