North Dakota Veterans Benefits
North Dakota Veterans Benefits Programs
The following are the North Dakota veterans’ benefits programs for education, healthcare, housing and employment.
Education Benefits for North Dakota Veterans
In addition to federal programs such as the GI Bill, there are veterans benefits programs provided by the state of North Dakota.
National Guard State Tuition Assistance
State-level tuition assistance is available to qualifying North Dakota National Guard members. Students must apply for this benefit every semester, applications must be received no later than one day before classes begin, and you must apply for Federal Tuition Assistance benefits in order to receive this one.
RELATED: National Guard Tuition Assistance
Veterans Educational Training (VET)
Honorably discharged North Dakota veterans can apply for VET, a free program of study funded by the state of North Dakota meant as a certification prep program. VET may also help those seeking two-year or four-year degrees.
Dependent Tuition Waiver
This benefit is offered to dependents of North Dakota veterans killed in action, were disabled, or died from service-connected causes. Dependents approved for this waiver may attend any North Dakota state school without being charged tuition or fees for up to 45 months.
> Find VA-approved colleges and universities in North Dakota with our School Finder.
Housing Benefits for North Dakota Veterans
Disabled veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of 50% or greater, and other veterans with “individual unemployability,” which may increase the rating to 100%, and unmarried surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans may be eligible for a tax credit for primary residences. Contact your nearest assessor’s office or a state tax professional to learn how to claim this credit.
Health Care Benefits for North Dakota Veterans
Hardship Assistance Grant
This is a need-based grant for veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans. These applicants must have “unmet need” for medical, dental, or optical care as well as a variety of other concerns (housing, emergencies, etc.)
Applicants must provide documentation of income level, state residency, and demonstrate a need.
Grant For North Dakota Veterans With PTSD
There is a service dog grant for North Dakota veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) To qualify, applicants must be state residents, have a PTSD diagnosis, and be actively involved in counseling or therapy. A doctor’s recommendation is also required. Apply with Service Dogs for America
North Dakota State Veterans’ Home
North Dakota operates one veterans’ home in Lisbon. This is a skilled care facility open to qualifying veterans and surviving spouses. To qualify applicants must be state residents for 30 days, or applicants must have entered military service from the state or have performed duty in a North Dakota regiment.
In cases where the home is operating at full capacity, there is a preference of admissions that may apply. For the Basic Care Unit:
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- American ex-prisoners of war
- North Dakota National Guard Members disabled in the line of duty
- Veterans
- Spouses and surviving spouses of veterans
There is a similar hierarchy for admissions to the Skilled Care Unit when the Veteran’s Home is operating at full capacity.
Burial Benefits for North Dakota Veterans
North Dakota operates one State Veteran Cemetery in Mandan. Eligibility for burial here includes those who died on active duty, surviving spouses, and:
- Military retirees
- Eligible U.S. veterans of any war
- Veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable
- Present & past National Guard members
Pre-need registration is possible. To pre-register, you must complete an application including a copy of your discharge (DD Form 214 or the equivalent). According to the official site, your documents must “verify that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to any interments taking place.” Services include opening and closing of the gravesite and perpetual care.
Employment Benefits for North Dakota Veterans
Veterans may qualify for hiring preference at the State level for both competitive and non-competitive hiring. Disabled veterans get additional consideration. For competitive jobs, veterans may qualify for between five and 10 points. Surviving un-remarried spouses are also eligible for veterans preference.
For more information regarding North Dakota’s veterans’ benefits, please see the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
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About the author
Lori Waddell serves as Co-director of an emergency response COAD in Montana, a freelance writer, and an Air Force Key Spouse. She is passionate about empowering communities and individuals through knowledge and resources. She currently lives in Montana with her husband and two children.