OKLAHOMA STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
OKLAHOMA EDUCATION BENEFITS
The Sooner State does not have special financial programs aimed at providing educational benefits to Veterans beyond what is available on the federal level or private scholarship level. Student Veterans can check out the Folds of Honor military scholarship that exists to help military spouses and dependents with post-secondary education. The scholarship ‘stands in the gap’ for dependents affected by war.
Oklahoma resident veterans and their dependents can also check out the Fisher House Military Scholarship Tool. While Fisher House is primarily known to provide lodging for families near military and VA treatment centers, they do run scholarship programs too.
OKLAHOMA EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Veterans (and surviving spouses who remain unmarried) seeking state employment can have 5 points added to their civil service exam scores, giving them a hiring preference. Wartime Veterans with a disability receive ten points. Wartime Veterans with at least a 30% service-connected disability are considered ‘Absolute Preference Veterans.’ They go straight to the top of the state’s hiring list for interviews, ranked by exam scores. These Absolute Preference Veterans cannot be ‘denied employment or passed over for others without showing cause.’
OKLAHOMA VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Property Tax Exemption
If you are a 100% permanently and totally disabled Veteran, you pay no property taxes in Oklahoma.
Sales Tax Exemption
If you are a 100% permanently and totally disabled Veteran, as rated by the VA, you pay no state sales taxes in Oklahoma either.
Income Tax
Veterans receive either 75 percent or $10,000 (whichever is greater) of their military retirement pay without paying taxes on it. Oklahoma also excludes the first $1,500 of active duty pay from state taxes.
OKLAHOMA STATE RECREATION BENEFITS
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Veterans with a VA disability of 60 percent or higher can purchase a lifetime hunting and fishing license at a steep discount provided they are residents of Oklahoma. If so, these disabled veterans can obtain a lifetime license for only $25. If resident disabled veterans have a disability rating lower than 60%, they are still eligible to purchase a lifetime license for $200.
Oklahoma allows active duty military personnel and their dependents to pay resident rates for their hunting & fishing licenses.
State Parks & Museums
Oklahoma resident veterans with honorable discharges can be admitted for free to all museums and parks in the state system.
OKLAHOMA VETERANS HOMES
The Sooner State has seven state veterans’ homes in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulpher, and Talina, providing long-term nursing care to about 1400 Veterans and/or spouses. Many of these homes specialize in treating dementia patients.
All honorably discharged Oklahoma veterans who need this level of nursing care may apply. Veterans pay a monthly fee for care and housing. You can obtain specific information regarding eligibility or a facility’s capabilities by contacting the homes.
OKLAHOMA VETERANS CEMETERIES
The VA lists three state veterans’ cemeteries in Oklahoma. However, the latter two are actually funded by the National Cemetery Administration.
- Oklahoma Veterans Cemetery – Oklahoma City
- Seminole Nation and Veterans Memorial Cemetery – Seminole
- White Eagle Cemetery – Ponca City
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs website.
