Rhode Island Veteran Benefits

C+

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

← Back to State Benefits State VA Office

How Rhode Island compares

Rhode Island 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

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Rating: None (enhanced at 100%)

Veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharge may receive exemption on real estate or motor vehicle tax. Service-connected disabled veterans may receive up to $3,000 off assessed value. 100% disabled may qualify for full exemption. Amounts vary by locality.

Eligibility: Other-than-dishonorable discharge; enhanced for disabled Source

💰 Income Tax

1 tracked item

Military Retirement Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Military retired pay fully exempt from Rhode Island personal income tax (since January 1, 2023).

Eligibility: Military retirees Source

🎓 Education

2 tracked items

Free Tuition for Disabled Veterans

Rating: 10%

Rhode Island veterans with a VA rating of 10% to 100% can take courses at any RI public college or university without paying tuition (fees and other charges still apply). You must apply for financial aid, and any aid is applied to tuition first (R.I. Gen. Laws 30-30.1-1).

Eligibility: 10%+ service-connected disability Source

Dependent Tuition Waiver

Rating: 100% (veteran) or service-connected death

Free tuition at RI public colleges/universities for dependents of 100% disabled or service-deceased veterans.

Eligibility: Dependents of 100% disabled or deceased veterans Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

State Employment Preference

Rating: None

Rhode Island provides employment preference for veterans in state government hiring.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans Source

🎣 Recreation

1 tracked item

Free Hunting/Fishing License for 100% Disabled

Rating: 100%

Rhode Island veterans rated 100% disabled get a hunting and/or fishing license with no fee. It must be picked up at DEM's licensing office in Providence and renewed each license year (expires the last day of February). Non-resident military stationed in RI pay resident rates.

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disability Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Veteran License Plates

Rating: Varies

Eight distinctive military/veteran plates. Veterans who lost one or more limbs or use of limbs receive lifetime exemption from registration and license fees.

Eligibility: Veterans; enhanced for amputee/limb-loss veterans Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Rhode Island Veterans Home

Rating: None

State veterans home in Bristol for honorably discharged wartime Rhode Island resident veterans.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged wartime veteran, RI resident 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.