Maine veterans benefits

Larger exemption for a paraplegic veteran (within the meaning of 38 U.S.C. 2101) who received a VA grant for a specially adapted housing unit. Also extends to the unremarried surviving spouse. Governed by 36 M.R.S. 653, paragraph D-1.

The $6,000 (or $7,000 WWI) exemption extends to the unremarried surviving spouse, minor child, or, if age 62+, the parent of a deceased qualifying veteran who is receiving service-connected death compensation. The $50,000 specially-adapted-housing exemption extends to the unremarried widow/widower of a paraplegic veteran.

Exemption from the just (assessed) value of the residence for a veteran who served during a federally recognized war period and is age 62 or older, or who is receiving 100% disability compensation as a veteran (or became 100% disabled while serving). Applies to the place of residence; first application requires written notice plus DD214 proof to the local assessor.

Military retirement pay, including survivor benefit payments, is fully exempt from Maine income tax for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. No age requirement and no dollar cap.

100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees at the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, and Maine Maritime Academy for spouses and dependent children of a veteran who has a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability (or died of a service-connected cause, or is KIA/MIA/POW). Veteran must have entered service from Maine or been a 5-year resident. Spouses eligible 10 consecutive years from enrollment; children must enroll before their 22nd birthday. Students must apply for a Federal Pell Grant.

Under Maine law (Public Law 2015, ch. 438; 5 M.R.S. 7054-B), a qualified veteran (active duty incl. Reserves/National Guard, discharge other than dishonorable) who meets the minimum qualifications for a classified State service vacancy is guaranteed an interview. Gold Star spouses are also covered. This is an interview guarantee, not an exam-points system. DD214 documentation required.

A 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled veteran may receive, at no fee, a registration certificate and set of special 'Disabled Veteran' designating plates for up to 3 vehicles, and is exempt from the registration/title fee. Veterans who lost or lost the use of both legs are additionally exempt from related motor-vehicle fees on a qualifying vehicle. Administered by the Maine BMV; documentation of rating required.

Maine resident veterans (and nonresidents from reciprocal states) with an honorable discharge and a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more receive a free lifetime license to fish, hunt (including archery, muzzleloader, bear, migratory bird, turkey, etc.), trap, and, if qualified, guide, plus one expanded-archery either-sex and one antlerless deer permit. Lottery permits (moose, any-deer) must still be applied for. Administered by Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Requires VA documentation of 50%+ rating.

Maine resident veterans with a 100% VA disability rating (documented by a Maine BMV disabled-veteran-plate letter submitted to the Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry) are exempt from reservation and family camping fees at state park campgrounds for the veteran, spouse, and unmarried children (limit 6 people).

Maine resident veterans with an honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge receive a free lifetime day-use pass to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites (and museums). The pass does not expire and is valid for the veteran's lifetime; valid for the veteran only. No disability rating required.

Administered by the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services (in partnership with FedCap/Veterans Forward), VEFAP provides grants of up to $2,000 to Maine resident veterans (honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge) facing emergencies, e.g., preventing homelessness, vehicle repair to maintain employment, illness-related hardship, uninsured home damage from fire/flood, and up to $500 for a dental emergency.

Maine Veterans' Homes operates six facilities (Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, South Paris) providing long-term/skilled nursing, residential, and related care. Eligible: honorably discharged resident veterans with at least one day of active duty; spouses/widows/widowers of qualified veterans; and Gold Star parents. Admission and cost determined by private-pay or MaineCare financial eligibility and medical necessity. Governed by 37-B M.R.S. ch. 11.