Tennessee veterans benefits

State-funded reimbursement of property taxes paid on a disabled veteran's primary residence, administered through the County Trustee. Eligibility requires a service-connected permanent and total disability as determined by the VA, or a qualifying condition (paraplegia/permanent paralysis of both legs, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, legal blindness), or a 100% total and permanent rating as a former POW. Veteran must own and occupy the home.

Surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran may continue to receive the property tax relief benefit. Detailed eligibility/amount is administered through the County Trustee; the state page lists it as a distinct program but does not republish the dollar figures, so the specific cap is confirmed only by reference to the disabled-veteran program ($175,000 market-value basis).

Tennessee levies no state income tax on wages or retirement income. The Hall Income Tax (interest/dividends only) was fully repealed effective Jan 1, 2021. Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are not taxed by the state.

Lottery-funded higher-education grant for honorably discharged veterans (and current/former Reserve or TN National Guard members) who received the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Awarded first-come to roughly 375 veterans annually, up to 8 full semesters. Administered by the TN Student Assistance Corporation.

Mandatory hiring/interview preference for honorably discharged veterans (and eligible spouses/surviving spouses) in TN state service. When a veteran and a non-veteran candidate have equal qualifications, the veteran must be given preference; an appointing authority passing over an eligible veteran must file written reasons within 30 days. Per TCA 8-30-307.

Disabled veterans who meet the state's disabled-driver definition (TCA 55-21-102) may obtain a free disabled-driver decal to affix to their existing specialty plate. Eligibility follows the general disabled-driver statute rather than a specific VA percentage.

A veteran with a VA-determined 100% permanent total service-connected disability receives one license plate and registration free of charge. Also exempts 100% P&T veterans and former POWs from the county motor vehicle privilege tax. Per TCA 55-4-256; administered by TN Dept of Revenue (VR-13).

Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes, or 30% or more disabled by reason of service in any war, may obtain a combined lifetime sport fishing and hunting license. Issued via TWRA Miscellaneous Licenses Application.

Tennessee resident veterans get 50% off standard nightly camping base rates during off-season (Dec 1-Feb 28/29). Veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability get 50% off camping and overnight cabin lodging fees (premium sites excluded). Proof of service and TN residency required.

Tennessee offers a 'VETERAN' designation/ID printed on a state driver license or ID card for honorably discharged veterans, used to verify status for benefits and discounts.

Five state veterans homes provide long-term skilled nursing/residential care for eligible veterans, operated by the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board. Locations: Humboldt, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Knoxville, and Cleveland. Per-facility eligibility/services available on each home's site.