North Carolina 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 North Carolina compares

North Carolina offers a solid middle-tier package with 9 tracked benefits and decent support in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

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

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion

Rating: 100%

100% P&T disabled veterans exclude first $45,000 of assessed home value from property taxes (no income limit). Proposed legislation (SB 660) would increase to $75,000 in 2025, $125,000 in 2026, up to $500,000 by 2027.

Eligibility: 100% permanent and total disability Source

💰 Income Tax

1 tracked item

Military Retirement Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Military retirement pay is fully exempt from NC state income tax (since 2021). State income tax rate declining to 3.99% for 2026.

Eligibility: Military retirees Source

🎓 Education

1 tracked item

NC Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans

Rating: Varies

Scholarship and education benefits for children of wartime veterans. In-state tuition for all qualifying service members at higher education institutions.

Eligibility: Children of wartime veterans Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

State Employment Preference

Rating: None

Veterans receive preference in state government hiring. DMVA has trained County Service Officers to assist with benefits.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans Source

🎣 Recreation

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran Hunting/Fishing Licenses

Rating: 50%

Veterans rated 50-100% disabled eligible for reduced rate licenses. Honorably discharged veterans exempt from licensing for Mountain Heritage Trout waters.

Eligibility: 50%+ disabled for reduced rates Source

🚗 Vehicle

2 tracked items

Disabled Veteran License Plates

Rating: Any rated disability

100% disabled veterans get free Disabled Veteran License Plate. Partially disabled veterans can apply for free Partially Disabled plate.

Eligibility: Disabled veterans (any percentage) Source

Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption (Proposed)

Rating: 100%

Proposed legislation (SB 660) would exempt motor vehicles of 100% disabled veterans from property tax if used as primary personal vehicle.

Eligibility: 100% VA disability Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

North Carolina Veterans Homes

Rating: None

Four full-service skilled nursing facilities in Fayetteville, Salisbury, Black Mountain, and Kinston.

Eligibility: Veterans needing skilled nursing care Source

🏘️ Housing

1 tracked item

Veterans Economic Development Incentive Grant

Rating: None

$10 million state program (2025-26) providing grants for affordable housing, infrastructure, and employment programs for veterans.

Eligibility: Eligible entities serving veterans 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.