VERMONT STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
VERMONT VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS
The Green Mountain State does not provide educational benefits for Veterans beyond the federal government’s GI Bill(s) or national scholarship programs like the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. The Fry Scholarship, for example, provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the dependent children and surviving spouses when servicemembers are killed after September 10, 2001 in the line of active duty service.
VERMONT VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
State Employment
Veterans with at least 90 days of actual military service beyond training and who were honorably separated (with possible other acceptable conditions) can apply for open state jobs that normally only current state employees can apply for.
In addition, these eligible veterans get five points added to their successful employment test score under the Veteran Hiring Preference system. Ten points can be awarded to disabled veterans under the same circumstances. If a Veteran is totally disabled and unable to work, the preference points he or she would have received fall to the spouse. Should the Veteran die, the spouse can receive the points provided he or she remains un-remarried.
CDL Military Skills Test Waiver
Former military members with a military CDL and experience operating a commercial vehicle in the last 12 months can request the State waive the skills testing portion of a civilian CDL exam.
VERMONT VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Income Tax
Vermont does not exempt military retirement pay from taxation. However, they do not tax active duty pay for resident military when they are stationed outside the state. They also exempt up to $2,000 of guard or reserve pay from taxes.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Vermont’s Veterans Affairs Office can offer emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families who are struggling to pay for food, utilities, shelter and other basic necessities. Assistance comes via a one-time payment; it is not on-going. They can also point you to local food banks, other state assistance programs and private organizations that may be able to help. Applications for the State’s Emergency Financial Assistance can be taken or in person. Detailed information on income and expenses is required. Supporting documentation may be required.
Property Tax Reduction
Some disabled Vermont Veterans and their families may be eligible for Property Tax Reduction relief. The exemption goes to:
- Veterans getting a VA pension
- Veterans receiving military medical retirement pay
- Veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or more
- Surviving spouses of veterans who received the property tax reduction
The amount of the tax reduction varies by municipality. There is a minimum $10,000 reduction off the home’s appraised taxable value.
VERMONT VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
- Resident veterans who are service-connected with a VA disability rating of 60% or higher can apply for a lifetime hunting and fishing license at no charge
- Non-resident disabled veterans who live in a state having reciprocal privilege for Vermont residents may qualify to get an annual fishing, hunting or combo permit at no charge. They would need to qualify at the 60% disability rating
- Active duty members who can certify active duty status are eligible for hunting and fishing licenses free of charge
- Active duty non-resident military stationed in the State can purchase hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate
Green Mountain Passport
Resident veterans can buy a Green Mountain Passport for $2, normally reserved for citizens over 62. Disabled Vermont resident Veterans can get the pass for FREE if they are rated by the VA to have a 60 percent disability or greater. The Green Mountain Passport allows free admission to state historical sites and parks, as well as to events that are sponsored in full by Vermont, but it does not grant free camping. Other park fees may apply as well.
VERMONT VETERANS HOME
The State’s 177-bed veterans’ home is in Bennington, where they’ll care for all eligible Veterans. Residency isn’t a requirement, but they do give preference to Vermont Veterans. They accept honorably-discharged Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (regardless of wartime service), their spouses and Gold Star parents.
Costs are borne by the Veteran and/or family. The staff will assist with any available insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
Vermont Veterans may have other options as well if the Veteran is service-connected with at least a 70% disability. The VA will pay to care for these veterans in a home operated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs or in a community nursing home. The staff at the Vermont Veterans’ Home may have more information.
VERMONT STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
The Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery is Randolph Center claims to perform more internments per year than any other cemetery in the Green Mountain State. Those eligible include most Veterans, their spouses, and unmarried minor children as well as National Guard and Reserve members who meet service guidelines. There is no cost to inter the eligible veteran. Burying his or her dependents would require a small fee.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs website.