South Carolina 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 South Carolina compares

South Carolina 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 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other

🏠 Property Tax

2 tracked items

100% Disabled Veteran Full Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% P&T

Complete exemption from property taxes on primary residence and up to 5 acres of surrounding land. Can be claimed retroactive to two previous years if taxes were paid on time.

Eligibility: Permanently and totally disabled veterans (service-connected). Transferable to surviving spouses. Source

100% Disabled Veteran Vehicle Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% P&T

Exemption from property taxes on up to two private passenger vehicles for totally disabled veterans.

Eligibility: Permanently and totally disabled veterans. Source

💰 Income Tax

3 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Full Exemption

Rating: None

Full exemption of military retirement pay from SC income tax (effective since 2022 tax year). Applies regardless of age or income level.

Eligibility: All military retirees. Source

SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP Payment Exemption

Rating: None

Survivor Benefit Plan, Reserve Component SBP, and Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan payments fully exempt from SC income tax.

Eligibility: All SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP recipients. Source

National Guard/Reserve Drill Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Guard and Reserve drill pay is exempt from South Carolina state income tax.

Eligibility: National Guard and Reserve members. Source

🎓 Education

3 tracked items

Free Tuition for Children of Deceased/Disabled Veterans

Rating: Varies (service-connected)

Free tuition at SC state institutions for children of KIA, service-connected disabled, POW/MIA, Medal of Honor, or Purple Heart veterans.

Eligibility: Children of KIA, disabled, POW/MIA, MOH, or Purple Heart veterans. Source

Army National Guard College Assistance Program

Rating: None

Up to $5,500 annually for two- or four-year programs for Army Guard members.

Eligibility: Active SC Army National Guard members. Source

Air National Guard College Assistance Program

Rating: None

Up to $11,000 annually for Air Guard members.

Eligibility: Active SC Air National Guard members. Source

💼 Employment

3 tracked items

State and Public Position Hiring Preference

Rating: None

Honorably discharged veterans receive preference for state and public employment positions.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans. Source

Military Service Retirement Credit Purchase

Rating: None

State employees called to active duty may maintain retirement plan participation. Military service time can be purchased toward state retirement.

Eligibility: State employees who are veterans. Source

Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP)

Rating: None

Career resources and assistance for military spouses.

Eligibility: Military spouses. Source

🎣 Recreation

3 tracked items

Free Licenses at 100% P&T; $10 3-Year License at 50%+

Rating: 50%+ ($10); 100% P&T (free)

In South Carolina, a 100% P&T identification card from the VA, SC Dept. of Veterans' Affairs or a County VA Officer counts as a hunting and fishing license, in place of all other state licenses. Veterans rated 50%+ can get a 3-year disability combination or fishing license for a one-time $10 fee.

Eligibility: Totally disabled veterans. Source

Free Hunting/Fishing on Military Leave

Rating: None

State residents on military leave may hunt and fish for free. Nonresident active-duty stationed in SC get resident rates.

Eligibility: SC residents on military leave or active-duty stationed in SC. Source

Reduced State Park Entry (100%)

Rating: 100% P&T

Reduced rates for entry to South Carolina state parks for permanently and totally disabled veterans.

Eligibility: Permanently and totally disabled veterans. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

South Carolina Veterans Nursing Homes (6 Locations)

Rating: None

Six veterans homes in Anderson, Columbia, Walterboro, Florence, Gaffney, and Sumter providing skilled and intermediate nursing care.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans needing skilled or intermediate nursing care. Source

⭐ Other

1 tracked item

M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery

Rating: None

State veterans cemetery in Anderson. Free burial for veterans. Minimal fees for spouses. Dependent children may qualify.

Eligibility: 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.