COMMONWEALTH OF NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands has a Public School System Leadership Corps program that helps veterans pursue education as a career. It is a federal program that requires a diploma from high school diploma and two years of military experience. Program participants can then take training-and-education leave from work as a teacher aide to take classes at Northern Marianas College and become reclassified as an instructor or eventually a classroom teacher. Click here for more information.
VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
A veteran or spouse receives priority for federal training programs if the veteran spent one day or more in active service and was discharged under any condition other than dishonorable. Priority of service extends to Reserve and National Guard units activated for federal service as well. Click here for more info.
Veterans or family members with disabilities may seek help with job accommodations and customized disability services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). OVR works with employers to identify funding for off-setting the costs of providing training. Click here for more info.
VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
License Plates
U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Reserve veterans can get special vehicle license plates through the BMV to signify veteran status and the branch of the military. Veterans must be the registered owner of their vehicle and there is an extra fee of $18.75 for the special license plate. However, upon renewal, Veterans with these special plates enjoy a discounted fee of $37.50. Disability parking placards are free from the BMV but the application must be signed by a healthcare provider.
Transportation
Veterans, current military and their families in need of transportation assistance on Saipan may contact COTA’s Call-A-Ride Program 6 days a week. The Call-A-Ride program operates during the daytime, starting at 6:30 a.m., providing shared rides on mobility equipped vans. Senior citizens (age 55 and older) and disabled individuals pay a discounted rate of $3 per ride. General fare is $5. The COTA office has applications to complete to secure the discount rate.
Home Loans
NMHC works with eligible veterans and their families to provide mortgages under the Veterans Affairs’ Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program. The NADL program offers mortgages much like the VA: fixed-rate 30-year mortgages, with low closing costs, no private mortgage insurance costs, and no down payment required. Click here for more info.
VETERAN RECREATIONAL BENEFITS
Other than living in an island paradise, Veterans receive no special recreational benefits or discounts.
VETERANS HOME BENEFITS
Veteran facilities in The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands may be able to help provide options since the island territory does not have a veterans’ home. Click here for more information.
VETERANS CEMETERY BENEFITS
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Office of Military/Veterans Affairs coordinates with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the mainland to help veterans and their dependents with burials in the CNMI Veterans Cemetery on Saipan Island. They coordinate interments for eligible veterans and their immediate relatives.
U.S. Representative for CNMI, Gregoria Camacho Sablan has a pdf that can be downloaded here This document can provide additional information and contacts for these and other benefits.
