New Mexico 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 New Mexico compares

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

Quick categories

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

🏠 Property Tax

2 tracked items

$10,000 Veteran Property Tax Exemption (All Veterans)

Rating: None

$10,000 annual property tax exemption for ALL veterans starting 2025, regardless of disability rating. Adjusted annually for inflation. Requires 90+ days active duty or discharge due to disability.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran, 90+ days active duty Source

Proportional Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (2026+)

Rating: Any rated disability

Starting 2026, veterans with disabilities below 100% receive proportional exemptions (e.g., 70% disabled = 70% property tax reduction). 100% disabled get full exemption with no income cap or dollar limit.

Eligibility: Service-connected disability (any percentage) Source

💰 Income Tax

1 tracked item

Military Retirement Pay Partial Exemption

Rating: None

Up to $30,000 annual exclusion from taxable income for military retirees and surviving spouses (2024-2026). Active duty military pay fully exempt.

Eligibility: Military retirees and surviving spouses Source

🎓 Education

2 tracked items

Vietnam Veterans Scholarship

Rating: None (Vietnam service required)

Covers tuition and required books/fees at state schools for Vietnam veterans.

Eligibility: Vietnam veterans Source

Wartime Veterans Scholarship

Rating: None (combat service required)

Covers tuition and required books/fees at state schools for veterans who served in combat after August 1990.

Eligibility: Veterans who served in combat after August 1990 Source

🎣 Recreation

1 tracked item

Free Lifetime Hunting/Fishing for 100% Disabled

Rating: 100% for free; None for discount

Free lifetime fishing, small game hunting, and deer hunting card for 100% disabled NM residents. Veterans under 100% get $10 license. All veterans and service members get 50% discount on all licenses and permits.

Eligibility: 100% disabled for free; any veteran for 50% discount Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Veteran License Plates

Rating: Varies

Veteran plates for $17 one-time fee. Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Ex-POW, and Disabled Veteran plates issued free with no registration fees.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged; free for MOH/PH/POW/DV Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

New Mexico State Veterans Home

Rating: None

Provides integrated nursing services. Requires 90+ days active duty with honorable discharge.

Eligibility: 90+ days active duty, honorable discharge 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.