Vermont State Veteran Benefits
In addition to federal programs such as the GI Bill, there are veterans benefits programs provided by the state of Vermont for veterans.
Vermont Veteran Education Benefits
Vermont Armed Services Scholarship
The State of Vermont offers an Armed Services Scholarship program for spouses and children of military members who have died on active duty since 2001 or the spouse and children of Vermont National Guard members who have died while serving at any time.
The scholarship can be used for undergraduate degrees at state OR private institutions. When used in Vermont state schools, the scholarship covers the full tuition.
When used in a private school, the scholarship may reduce the tuition but not fully offset it.
If the deceased was a member of the Vermont National Guard, applications must be submitted to the Guard Education Office. Other applicants must submit their paperwork to the Veteran Services Director at the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs.
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Vermont Veteran Tax Benefits
Vermont offers qualifying veterans and their families property tax reductions.
Veterans drawing VA disability compensation at a 50% VA rating or higher, veterans receiving non-service connected pensions, veterans collecting permanent military retirement pay for medical military retirement, and surviving spouses of veterans who had received the exemption may all qualify.
These tax exemptions vary from location to location, but state law requires a minimum of $10 thousand and a maximum of $40 thousand.
This tax exemption lowers the appraised value of a home. The property must be a primary residence owned by the veteran or surviving spouse.
Vermont Income Tax Exemptions for Military Pay
According to Army.mil, military pay is exempt from Vermont income taxes if it is earned from full-time active duty AND the pay is earned outside the state.
Furthermore, “Up to $2,000 of military pay is tax exempt for service in the Vermont National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves if the Service member’s federal adjusted gross income is less than $50,000.”
Vermont Tax Breaks on Military Disability Retirement Pay
The State of Vermont does not tax military Disability Retirement Pay, or any of the following:
- Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities
- Grants for “homes designed for wheelchair living”\
- Grants for adapting motor vehicles for qualifying disabilities
- Benefits paid under a dependent-care assistance program
Vermont State Veterans Home
The State of Vermont operates one veteran home in Bennington. Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents are eligible to apply.
Veterans from Vermont have priority for admission, but veterans from other states are also welcome to apply.
To qualify for admission, veterans must serve at least ninety days and have an Honorable discharge. Care includes a certified Alzheimer’s unit, skilled nursing care, respite care, and end-of-life care.
Vermont Burial Benefits For Veterans
The Vermont Office of Veteran Affairs operates the state’s only veteran cemetery in Randolph Center. Veterans, spouses, and “some dependents: may be eligible for burial.
The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs says, “Veterans who are interred at the cemetery receive perpetual care of their lot, a marker, and funeral honors free of charge. Spouses who are interred at the cemetery receive perpetual care of their lot and a marker for a nominal charge.”
The cemetery also features a memorial garden, “so veterans whose remains are buried at sea or scattered can still have a memorial stone.” Call 802-828-3379 for more detailed information on eligibility and pre-need arrangements.
Vermont Veteran Employment Benefits
Vermont Veterans State Employment Hiring Preference
Veterans may qualify for preference points when competing for state jobs in Vermont. Veterans with a service-connected disability, spouses of totally disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, and unmarried surviving spouses may be eligible for additional preference points.
Eligible veterans are defined as those who served in the US Armed Forces for at least 90 days, and separated with an Honorable discharge.
> Use the CollegeRecon Veteran Jobs matcher to find jobs with companies looking to hire veterans. We match you with what you’re looking for!
Vermont Commercial Driver Licence Military Skills Test Waiver
Service members currently licensed and employed in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle within the last year may qualify for a waiver on the Vermont CDL skills test.
Veterans must provide evidence they:
- Worked within the last year in a military job requiring the operation of a commercial motor vehicle
- are exempt from CDL requirements
- had been operating a vehicle “representative of the commercial motor vehicle the driver applicant operates or expects to operate” within the last two years.
Vermont Medals for Veterans
The State of Vermont offers service medals for state residents who have performed military duty while citizens of the state. These include the Vermont Veterans Medal, offered to those with an Honorable discharge.
The Vermont Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to veterans who served in combat, and the Patriots Medal is offered to the next-of-kin for any Vermont military members killed in action.
These medals are not given automatically, veterans must apply for them or have someone apply for them on their behalf.
Vermont Financial Help For Veterans
The Vermont Veteran Assistance Fund is meant to offer financial relief to veterans dealing with economic difficulties. This relief is offered as a one-time grant to help pay for housing, utilities or other “critical needs.”
The State of Vermont official site encourages applicants to call 802-828-3379 to apply and get referrals to other programs that can help.
For more information regarding Vermont veterans’ benefits, please visit the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
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