Tennessee 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 Tennessee compares

Tennessee is more limited overall, so veterans may need to rely more on federal benefits than unusually strong state-level programs.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief

Rating: Any rated disability (wartime or 100%)

Rebate/exemption on taxes for portion of home value up to $175,000 for disabled veterans. No income limit. 2025 relief was up to $862 ($726 state + $136 county). 2026 amounts TBD. Surviving spouses of combat KIA eligible on up to $100,000.

Eligibility: Disabled veteran, primary residence, owner-occupied Source

💰 Income Tax

1 tracked item

No State Income Tax

Rating: None

Tennessee has no general state income tax. No individual state income tax return required. All military and retirement income is tax-free at state level.

Eligibility: All residents Source

🎓 Education

1 tracked item

Veteran Early Registration

Rating: None

Tennessee resident veterans receive early registration privileges at public institutions of higher education.

Eligibility: Tennessee resident veteran Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

State Employment Preference

Rating: None

Tennessee provides employment preference for veterans in state government hiring.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans Source

🎣 Recreation

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License

Rating: 30%

$10 one-time fee for lifetime license. Eligible: 100% P&T disabled or 30%+ wartime disabled. Active duty on leave exempt from license requirement.

Eligibility: 100% P&T or 30%+ wartime disability Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Military and Veteran License Plates

Rating: 100% for free plate

64 distinctive license plates. 100% disabled veterans receive first plate free.

Eligibility: Varies; 100% disabled for free plate Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Tennessee State Veterans Homes

Rating: None

Five homes in Clarksville, Cleveland, Humboldt, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro. TN residents or natives eligible. Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents may be eligible.

Eligibility: TN resident/native veteran and eligible family Source

⭐ Other

1 tracked item

Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries

Rating: None

Five state veterans cemeteries providing burial benefits.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and 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.