Connecticut Veteran Benefits

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

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How Connecticut compares

Connecticut is better than most states for veterans, with strong value in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other

🏠 Property Tax

5 tracked items

100% Disabled Veteran Full Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% P&T

Complete property tax exemption on primary residence or one motor vehicle for veterans with total and permanent service-connected disability.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify. Source

100% Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Exemption

Rating: 100% P&T

Veterans with 100% P&T disability who do not own a home receive complete property tax exemption on one motor vehicle (effective Oct 2024).

Eligibility: 100% P&T disabled veterans who do not own a home. Source

Disabled Veteran Graduated Exemption (10-75%)

Rating: 10%+ (graduated)

Graduated exemptions from $2,000 (10%+ rating) to $3,500 (75%+ rating or age 65+) off assessed property value.

Eligibility: Veterans with 10%+ disability. Higher amounts at 75%+ or age 65+. Source

100% Disabled Veteran Enhanced Exemption (Income-Based)

Rating: 100%

Minimum $10,500 exemption for 100% disabled veterans with income $18,000 or less ($21,000 married). Above-threshold: minimum $5,250.

Eligibility: 100% disabled veterans meeting income limits. Source

Wartime Veteran Basic Exemption

Rating: None

$1,500 property tax exemption on real estate or vehicles for wartime veterans with 90+ days of service. Lessees may receive tax refunds.

Eligibility: Wartime veterans with 90+ days of service. Source

💰 Income Tax

2 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Full Exemption

Rating: None

Military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are completely exempt from Connecticut state income tax.

Eligibility: All military retirees and SBP recipients. Source

Active-Duty Pay Exemption (Out-of-State)

Rating: None

Active-duty pay is tax-free if stationed out-of-state, provided the service member doesn't own CT property or reside there more than 30 days annually.

Eligibility: Active-duty members stationed outside Connecticut. Source

🎓 Education

2 tracked items

Public College/University Tuition Waiver

Rating: None

Tuition waivers at public institutions covering the difference when federal VA benefits fall short. Excludes course fees, books, parking, room/board.

Eligibility: Veterans using federal VA education benefits at CT public institutions. Source

In-State Tuition for Active Duty & Dependents

Rating: None

In-state tuition rates at UConn and Connecticut State Colleges/Universities for active-duty members and dependents.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members and their dependents. Source

💼 Employment

3 tracked items

State Employment Preference (5/10 points)

Rating: None (any disability for 10 pts)

5 preference points for veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans in state employment examinations.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans (5 pts). Disabled veterans (10 pts). Source

CDL Skills Test Waiver

Rating: None

Military vehicle operators near separation may waive CDL skills testing.

Eligibility: Military personnel near separation with relevant driving experience. Source

Military Spouse Professional License Transfer

Rating: None

Departments issue professional licenses to active-duty spouses with 4+ years of reciprocal practice in their field.

Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty members with 4+ years practice experience. Source

🎣 Recreation

2 tracked items

Free Lifetime State Park/Forest Pass

Rating: Any service-connected disability

Free lifetime pass to Connecticut state parks and forests for disabled veterans.

Eligibility: Disabled veterans. Source

Resident-Rate Hunting/Fishing License (Active Duty)

Rating: None

Active-duty members may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members. Source

🏥 Healthcare

2 tracked items

Rocky Hill Veterans Home

Rating: None

Residential and skilled-care facility at Rocky Hill. Income-based fees.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans. Source

Veterans Affairs Residential Facility (Homeless)

Rating: None

Temporary housing with transition support services for homeless veterans.

Eligibility: Homeless veterans. Source

⭐ Other

4 tracked items

Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund (SSMF)

Rating: None

Financial assistance for food, clothing, shelter, fuel, utilities, and burial expenses. Administered by the American Legion since 1919.

Eligibility: CT resident wartime veterans (90+ days active duty) with honorable discharge, their spouses, and minor children (0-17). Must demonstrate need. Source

National Guard Wartime Service Bonus

Rating: None

$50/month for post-9/11 mobilized National Guard service. Maximum $500 (non-combat) or $1,200 (combat).

Eligibility: National Guard members mobilized for post-9/11 service. Source

Connecticut Military Relief Fund

Rating: None

Up to $5,000 in hardship grants for service-related financial hardship.

Eligibility: Service members and veterans experiencing service-related financial hardship. Source

State Veterans Cemetery (Middletown)

Rating: None

State veterans cemetery in Middletown accepting veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharges and their spouses.

Eligibility: Veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharge and spouses. 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.