DELAWARE STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
DELAWARE EDUCATION BENEFITS
The State of Delaware provides education benefits to children of military members who died on active duty or who expired from the effects of injuries, disease or disabilities stemming from their duties. They extend benefits to the children of military service men and women who are declared POW or MIA as well. These Delaware dependents are eligible for up to four years of college tuition-free, even if they attend college outside Delaware.
Some other criteria must be met. The child:
- Needs to be aged 16 to 24
- Must live in Delaware as a resident for three years or more before applying
DELAWARE VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
State Employment Preference
Disabled Veterans receive an extra 10 points when they apply for state employment. All other eligible Veterans receive 5 extra points. These preference points may be claimed by the spouse of a Veteran who has been rated as totally disabled. In addition, should a qualifying Veteran pass or was officially declared to be a POW or MIA, his or her spouse can receive the preference points for which the military spouse would otherwise have qualified.
License and Permits
Military spouses relocating to Delaware receive temporary occupational licenses for six months that allow them to obtain employment in their respective fields. These temporary permits require application for endorsement and a reciprocity agreement.
DELAWARE VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Paraplegic Veterans’ Pension Benefits
Veterans who are paraplegic and fully disabled as a direct result of their wartime military service receive a Delaware pension of $3,000 a year. Proof required.
Income Tax
Delaware allows a Veteran under the age of 60 to exclude up to $2,000 of military retirement from their taxable income. Veterans aged 60 or older may exclude up to $12,500 of their military retirement pay from taxes.
DELAWARE VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
State Park Admission
Active duty military personnel and Veterans with honorable discharges who live in Delaware, as well as members of the Delaware National Guard who own a motor vehicle registered in Delaware, gets a 50% off vehicle entrance fees to state parks and recreational areas.
Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Licenses
- Active duty members stationed in Delaware, regardless of whether they are legal residents of the state, may obtain sport licenses at the resident rate
- Veterans with a VA disability rating of 60% can obtain sport licenses at no charge
DELAWARE STATE VETERANS HOME
The State-run Veterans Home located in Milford has certain eligibility requirements. Veterans must:
- Be Delaware residents for at least three years before applying
- Served 180 days or more on active duty, OR were Guard or Reserve and eligible for retirement pay at 60, AND
- Require the level of care available through a nursing home
DELAWARE STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
Eligibility for internment at either Veteran Cemeteries (located in Bear and Millsboro) resembles the requirements for burial in a National Veterans Cemetery. In addition, Delaware has residency requirements.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs website.
