ALASKA STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
ALASKA VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
Tuition Waiver for Surviving Spouse or Dependent
The University of Alaska offers the resident, surviving spouse or dependent of a military member who is officially listed as a POW by the Department of Defense, or who has died in the line of duty, a waiver of undergraduate fees and tuition.
ALASKA VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Waiver of Commercial Driving Skills Test
If you have recent military commercial motor vehicle experience, the Alaskan DMV may waive the commercial motor vehicle driving test. Check with the DMV for more information.
State Employment Preference
Alaska may grant a Veteran or national guard member a 5 percent point advantage when he or she applies for a state government job, provided all other qualifications are met. A disabled veteran or former POW receives 10 percent point preference.
Military Credit for State Retirement
As Veteran and an Alaska state employee, you may be able to increase your state retirement fund by buying in five years of military time.
ALASKA STATE TAX BENEFITS
Exemptions on Property Tax
Veteran homeowners who have a 50 percent or more disability from the VA receive a tax exemption on the first $150,000.00 of their home’s assessed value. If the Veteran passes away leaving a spouse who is at least 60 years old, the property tax exemption transfers to the spouse.
ALASKA VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
Ride the Rails with an Alaska Railroad Discount
Active duty military, retirees and dependents with proper ID receive 20% off ticket prices. ID must be shown to board.
Alaska Marine Highway System
Veterans having a service-connected disability are eligible to receive reduced travel fare on Alaska Marine Highway System vessels. The veteran (along with an attendant if required by physician) may travel at half price; but the discount does not extend to the Veteran’s vehicle or stateroom accommodations. The pass is available on a year-round basis and is good for all Alaskan ports.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
- Military members stationed in Alaska (and their dependents) pay resident rates for hunting and fishing licenses
- Alaska military Reserves and the National Guard are eligible for hunting and fishing licenses at no charge
- With at least 12 consecutive months of Alaskan residency at time of application, disabled Alaskan Veterans having been discharged with honors and who are rated with 50 percent disability or more may receive hunting and sport fishing licenses at no charge
Disabled Veterans – State Camping Passes
Disabled veterans are eligible to receive one Alaska State Park Camping Pass at no charge. The camping pass grants access to developed campgrounds within the Alaska State Park system for two years.
ALASKA VETERAN HOUSING BENEFITS
Veterans Land Discount/Purchase Preference
Under the Veterans Land Sale Preference rules, a Veteran has the first right to purchase unoccupied residential land by auction or restricted sale at fair appraised market value, before the land is made available to the general public.
When residential or recreational land that is owned by the State is offered for sale, the Veterans Land Discount program gives qualified veterans a 25% discount off the price. This discount program comes with a ‘one-time use during the veteran’s lifetime’ clause.
Veterans Housing and Residential Loans
Veterans and active duty personal can access the Veterans Mortgage Program for home financing at low interest rates. These VA loans require little to no down payment, but the Veteran must otherwise qualify as if for a regular bank loan. The program, administered by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), has income limits and allows qualified Veterans to receive a one percent interest rate reduction on the first $50,000 of the loan amount.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website
