Maryland Veteran Benefits

B+

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

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How Maryland compares

Maryland compares well with many states, especially if you qualify for its stronger programs in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

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

🏠 Property Tax

3 tracked items

100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% P&T or TDIU

Complete exemption from Maryland real property taxes on primary residence for permanently and totally disabled veterans. No income cap at state level.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% P&T or 100% unemployable VA rating. Source

Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption

Rating: None (surviving spouse)

Property tax exemption transfers to surviving spouses upon veteran's death. Also covers spouses of KIA and DIC recipients.

Eligibility: Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans, KIA service members, or DIC recipients. Source

County Supplemental Property Tax Credits

Rating: Varies (typically 50%+)

Many MD counties offer supplemental credits for veterans with lower disability ratings (typically 50%+). Example: Montgomery County provides 50% county tax credit for 75%+ disabled veterans.

Eligibility: Varies by county. Typically veterans with 50%+ disability. Source

💰 Income Tax

6 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Subtraction (Under 55)

Rating: None

Military retirees under age 55 can subtract up to $12,500 of retirement pay from gross income.

Eligibility: Military retirees under age 55. Source

Military Retirement Pay Subtraction (55-64)

Rating: None

Military retirees ages 55-64 can subtract up to $15,000 of retirement pay from gross income.

Eligibility: Military retirees ages 55-64. Source

Military Retirement Pay Subtraction (65+)

Rating: None (100% for under-65)

Military retirees age 65+ can exclude up to $39,500 of retirement pay. Totally disabled veterans of any age also qualify for $39,500.

Eligibility: Military retirees 65+ or totally disabled veterans. Source

Active-Duty Overseas Income Subtraction ($15,000)

Rating: None

$15,000 income tax subtraction for resident service members serving outside U.S. boundaries. Must earn less than $30,000 in military pay.

Eligibility: Active-duty members stationed outside U.S. earning under $30,000. Source

Disability Retirement Pay Full Exemption

Rating: Any service-connected disability

Military disability retirement pay from service-connected injury/sickness is fully exempt from Maryland income tax.

Eligibility: Veterans receiving military disability retirement pay. Source

SBP Payment Subtraction

Rating: None

Survivor Benefit Plan payments qualify for the same retirement pay subtraction amounts based on age.

Eligibility: SBP recipients. Source

🎓 Education

2 tracked items

Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship / Conroy-Cryor Scholarship

Rating: Varies (service-connected disability or KIA)

Up to $13,689/year (2025-2026) at University System of Maryland schools. Covers tuition and educational expenses. 5 years full-time or 8 years part-time undergraduate; graduate also eligible.

Eligibility: Veterans, children of KIA/disabled veterans, and qualifying family members at in-state institutions. Source

Veterans of Afghanistan/Iraq Conflicts (VAIC) Scholarship

Rating: None

Up to 50% of tuition, fees, room, and board for Afghanistan/Iraq veterans and their families at state institutions.

Eligibility: Veterans of Afghanistan/Iraq conflicts and their families enrolled at MD post-secondary institutions. Source

💼 Employment

2 tracked items

State Employment Preference (10/12 points)

Rating: None (any disability for +2)

10-point credit on skilled/professional appointment tests for veterans. Additional 2 points for service-connected disability (12 total).

Eligibility: Veterans (10 pts). Disabled veterans (12 pts). Source

Disabled Veteran Spouse Employment Preference

Rating: Any disability

10-point credit for spouses of disabled veterans. Expedited credentialing also available.

Eligibility: Spouses of disabled veterans. Source

🎣 Recreation

2 tracked items

Free Hunting/Fishing License (100% or POW)

Rating: 100% or POW

Complimentary hunting and fishing licenses for former POWs and veterans with 100% service-related disability.

Eligibility: Former POWs or 100% service-connected disabled veterans. Source

Free State Park Entry

Rating: None

Free entry to all Maryland state parks for resident and nonresident veterans.

Eligibility: All veterans (resident and nonresident). Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Vessel Excise Tax Exemption (Active Duty PCS)

Rating: None

Active-duty personnel exempt from 5% vessel excise tax for one year on out-of-state vessel purchases due to PCS.

Eligibility: Active-duty personnel with permanent change of station orders. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Rating: None (disability for under-62)

Veterans home serving honorably discharged residents 62+ and disabled veterans unable to work. Federal VA per diem reduces care costs.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged Maryland residents 62+ or disabled veterans unable to work. Source

⭐ Other

2 tracked items

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

Rating: None

Limited loans or grants available to veterans in need through the state veterans trust fund.

Eligibility: Veterans demonstrating financial need. Source

State Veterans Cemeteries (5 Locations)

Rating: None

Five cemeteries in Cheltenham, Crownsville, Flintstone, Hurlock, and Owings Mills. Free burial plots, opening/closing, headstone, and state liner for veterans.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents. 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.