OHIO STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
OHIO VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program
Ohio National Guard members may be eligible for up to 96 credits toward a degree at a participating Ohio school while they serve. That’s equivalent to most Bachelors’ degrees. However, if you already have completed a BA or BS degree, you won’t be eligible. You can possess an Associate degree or just have previous college credits and maintain your eligibility.
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship
The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship sets aside money to pay a portion of some students’ tuition and fees, even at eligible private colleges. As the name implies, it is awarded to children of deceased or severely disabled wartime veterans and it requires Ohio residency. Students must be younger than 25, in school full-time working towards a degree, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Available funds fluctuate every year.
OHIO VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
State Employment
Veterans seeking state employment and current reserve or guard members seeking employment with the State can receive added credit on their civil service exams. Veterans receive 20% added to their exam scores and the Reserve/Guard members receive 15% extra credit when they pass initial entry-level training.
Educator License Fee
The Ohio Department of Education no longer charges fees when Veterans or current Guard/Reserve personnel apply for their initial educator license or renewal licenses. This ‘no-fee’ benefit covers any Ohio educator license, permit or certificate. Spouses of active duty personnel may qualify for a free educator permit as well.
OHIO VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Ohio Veterans Bonus Program
If you were an Ohio resident when you entered active duty service and you’re an Ohio resident now, you just need to have served on or before October 7, 2001 to potentially receive a monthly bonus. If you meet these criteria and served honorably for more than 90 days, you could receive $100 per month if you were stationed in Afghanistan, or $50 per month if stationed elsewhere. The program pays bonuses up $1,500.
Income Tax
The Buckeye State does not tax military retirement pay, or active duty pay if stationed outside the State.
Homestead Exemption
Veterans with a VA 100% service-connected disability rating and their surviving spouses if they occupy the same home without remarrying, are eligible to claim a Homestead Exemption to reduce their taxes. The rate of the homestead exemption varies depending on the location of the home.
Financial Assistance
Ohio has 88 counties, all of which have their own Veterans Services Commissions. These commissions have the ability and funds to offer direct assistance to Veterans in financial need. Applications are required and more information is available from your county offices.
OHIO VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
Disabled Veteran Recreational Benefits
Medal of Honor recipients, former POWs and Veterans whom the VA has determined to be 100% disabled from a service-connection condition can receive their hunting and fishing licenses, boating licenses and registration, and camping perks at Ohio State Parks all at no charge.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
As stated, Veterans who are 100% disabled may hunt and fish for free. Active duty military residents also receive perks. They do not need to purchase permits for hunting, fishing, fur-taking or a Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp while on leave. Active duty personnel stationed in the State without being residents may buy all these licenses and permits at the resident rate.
Ohio State Parks
Active military and veterans who present their military ID or veteran identification can get a 10% discount on one campsite, lodge room or cottage. While it’s good for only one rental unit, you can use it on each visit.
OHIO VETERANS HOMES
Ohio has a Veterans home in Georgetown providing skilled nursing care and a nursing home/independent living center in Sandusky. To quality for admittance, you must be an Ohio resident, a wartime veteran who’s been honorably discharged, and disabled or unable to work to earn a living. The state underwrites the cost of care. The Veteran pays based on income and assets. The overall cost to the Veteran is said to be only a third the cost of private care.
VETERANS CEMETERY
In Sandusky you’ll find the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Cemetery AKA Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery. Dating back to 1888 it still receives about 24 internments each year from the Ohio Veterans Home. Other veteran options in the state include the Dayton National Cemetery and the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website.