Arkansas Veteran Benefits

Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

← Back to State Benefits State VA Office

How Arkansas compares

Arkansas offers a solid middle-tier package with 8 tracked benefits and decent support in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

100% Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption

Rating: 100%

Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled or awarded SMC for loss/loss of use of limbs or blindness are exempt from state taxes on homestead and personal property. Includes property in LLC or Trust starting 2026.

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disabled or SMC recipient Source

💰 Income Tax

1 tracked item

Military Pay and Retirement Exemption

Rating: None

All military pay for active/reserve service members is exempt from Arkansas income tax. Military retired pay is also fully exempt from state income taxes.

Eligibility: Active duty, reserve, and retired military Source

🎓 Education

2 tracked items

Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS)

Rating: 100% (veteran) or KIA/MIA

Waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions for spouses and children of veterans KIA, MIA, or certified 100% P&T disabled by VA.

Eligibility: Spouse/children of KIA, MIA, or 100% P&T veterans Source

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Rating: None

Veterans honorably discharged after 90+ days active duty qualify for in-state tuition if enrolling within 3 years of discharge.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged, 90+ days active duty, within 3 years Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

State Employment Preference

Rating: None

Veterans receive preference in state government hiring processes.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans Source

🎣 Recreation

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran Hunting/Fishing Licenses

Rating: 100%

100% permanently and totally disabled veterans receive lifetime hunting license ($1.50), fishing license ($1.50), or combination ($3.00). Must have 1+ year Arkansas residency.

Eligibility: 100% P&T disabled, 1 year AR residency Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Free Disabled Veteran License Plate

Rating: 100%

Disabled Veteran license plate issued at no cost for 100% disabled veterans. Additional plate available for $4.00.

Eligibility: 100% VA disabled Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Arkansas State Veterans Homes

Rating: None

Two state veterans homes providing long-term skilled nursing care. Requires honorable discharge and documented medical need.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with nursing care need Source

⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.