North Carolina Veteran Benefits

C+

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 has some useful programs, but its overall package is less generous than higher-rated states, particularly 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%

Veterans with a 100% P&T rating (or paid at the 100% rate) exclude the first $45,000 of assessed home value from property taxes, with no income limit. Bills to raise this (SB 660, HB 1122, HB 118) have NOT been enacted as of mid-2026.

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

Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License (50%+)

Rating: 50%

North Carolina residents rated 50%+ by the VA can get a lifetime hunting and fishing license at little or no cost; it stays valid while they remain 50%+ disabled. Honorably discharged veterans are exempt from licensing for Mountain Heritage Trout waters.

Eligibility: 50%+ disabled for reduced rates Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

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

🏥 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.