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Arizona Veteran benefits

27 benefits from Arizona for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Arizona

Arizona Department of Veterans' Services is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 602-255-3373 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Arizona's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

27 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    Full Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Arizona fully exempts the home of a resident veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled, or rated totally disabled due to individual unemployability (TDIU), from property tax. A surviving spouse can keep the full exemption. Apply through the county assessor.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Arizona resident veteran with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating, or a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The home must be the primary residence. A surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran also qualifies.
    How to apply
    File an affidavit of eligibility with the county assessor along with VA rating documentation; renewal/income review required annually.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Prorated Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disability Under 100%

    Veterans with a service- or nonservice-connected disability rating below 100% get a partial property tax exemption based on their disability percentage, subject to an assessed-value cap and income limits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Arizona resident veteran with any VA disability rating under 100%. Total property value and income must stay under limits that the Arizona Department of Revenue raises each year for inflation.
    How to apply
    File an affidavit with the county assessor and provide VA rating and income documentation; amounts are set for each tax year by the Department of Revenue.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+For family or survivors

    Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption

    If a veteran rated 100 percent service-connected had the full property tax exemption on their home, the surviving spouse can keep it. The spouse must not remarry. The exemption stays with the home, so it ends if the spouse sells. It can first be claimed in January 2027.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Surviving spouse of a veteran rated 100 percent service-connected who was already getting the full exemption on the home under A.R.S. 42-11111(C). The spouse must not remarry and must keep living in the home.
    How to apply
    File exemption continuation with the county assessor where the property is located.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Full State Income Tax Exemption for Military Retired/Retainer Pay

    Arizona lets retired service members subtract their entire military retirement or retainer pay from state taxable income, so it is not taxed at all. Earlier tax years had smaller capped subtractions.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any recipient of retired or retainer pay of the uniformed services of the United States filing an Arizona return for tax years after December 31, 2020.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on Arizona Form 140 when filing a state income tax return; no separate application is required.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Income Tax Exemption for Active Duty Military Pay

    Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members do not pay Arizona income tax on their military pay, including pay earned in a combat zone. This has applied since 2006.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard receiving active-duty compensation and filing an Arizona resident or part-year resident return.
    How to apply
    Subtract qualifying active-duty pay on Arizona Form 140 (full-year residents) or Form 140PY (part-year residents) when filing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    Arizona Veteran License Plate

    Veterans can purchase a special Veteran license plate for any vehicle, including motorcycles, with part of the fee funding veteran programs in the state.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran who can show a DD214/215/2/1173 or a statement of honorable service; immediate family members of a plate holder may also get the plate.
    How to apply
    Apply at an MVD office or online with special plate application #96-0143 and proof of service; pay the plate fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    CDL Skills Test Waiver for Recently Discharged Veterans

    Veterans who operated similar commercial vehicles in the military can skip the commercial driver license skills test if they apply soon after discharge, speeding up the path to a civilian CDL.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Discharged under honorable conditions within the last year and operated a commercial motor vehicle for the military in a qualifying capacity.
    How to apply
    Apply at an MVD office for the CDL skills test waiver and provide military driving record documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Vehicle License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans

    A veteran certified 100% disabled by the VA and drawing compensation on that basis pays no vehicle license tax or registration fee on one personally owned vehicle. The exemption carries over to a surviving spouse until remarriage or death.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran (or joint owner) certified by the VA as having a one hundred percent disability and receiving compensation on that basis; applies to one vehicle at a time, including a replacement vehicle.
    How to apply
    Submit a VA eligibility letter or Uniformed Services ID showing the 100% disabled veteran affiliation to MVD at registration.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Vehicle License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for Purple Heart Recipients

    An honorably discharged Purple Heart Medal recipient does not pay vehicle license tax or registration fees on one personally owned vehicle, regardless of disability rating.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran who is a bona fide Purple Heart Medal recipient and was honorably discharged from the United States military.
    Purple Heart Medal recipient, regardless of disability rating
    How to apply
    Submit satisfactory proof of the Purple Heart award and honorable discharge to MVD at initial vehicle registration.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Arizona Driver License or ID Card

    Veterans can have the word 'VETERAN' printed on their Arizona driver license, permit, or ID card to show proof of military service for benefits and discounts.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran able to present a DD214 discharge document or active U.S. military service identification card.
    How to apply
    Visit an MVD or Third Party Driver License office with proof of service and complete an application for an updated license or ID.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    Arizona provides special license plates for immediate family members of military service members who died while on active duty. Proceeds from the plate support veterans' programs and the Enduring Freedom Memorial.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister (by adoption or blood) of a person who lost his or her life while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
    How to apply
    Submit Special Plate Application (form 96-0143) to Arizona Department of Transportation. Standard size plate may be personalized with maximum 5 characters; small motorcycle/golf cart plate with maximum 4 characters.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    50% Day-Use Discount for Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and Retired/Disabled Veterans

    Arizona State Parks gives half-off day-use entrance to active duty, reserve, and National Guard members, and to military retirees and service-connected disabled veterans, covering up to three accompanying adults.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Active duty, reserve, or National Guard member, or a U.S. military retiree or service-connected disabled veteran, showing military ID at the gate.
    How to apply
    Show a military ID at the park entrance gate; no advance pass or application is required for the discount.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Complimentary Hunting and Fishing License for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Arizona gives a free combination hunting and fishing license to resident veterans rated permanently and totally disabled, valid for either three years or a lifetime depending on the VA rating.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Arizona resident for at least one year who receives U.S. government compensation for a permanent, total, service-connected disability rated 100% disabling.
    How to apply
    Submit an application with a copy of the VA benefits letter to any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or by mail.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Free Day-Use Pass for 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veterans

    Veterans certified by the VA as 100% service-connected disabled get a free day-use pass good at every Arizona State Park, valid for the pass holder and accompanying guests.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran with VA-certified proof of a 100 percent service-connected disability.
    How to apply
    Bring VA-certified proof of disability to a park visitor center to receive the pass; no application form is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Purple Heart Recipient Hunting and Fishing License Discount

    Since September 2022, Arizona resident Purple Heart recipients can buy a combination hunting and fishing license at half the normal price, valid for one year.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Arizona resident for at least one full year who is a bona fide Purple Heart Medal recipient.
    How to apply
    Apply at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office with proof of the Purple Heart award and residency; pay the discounted fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Veterans with Under 100% Disability

    Resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating below 100% can buy a discounted combination hunting and fishing license instead of paying full price.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Arizona resident veteran receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability rating that is less than 100%.
    How to apply
    Apply at an Arizona Game and Fish Department office with VA disability documentation and pay the reduced fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Immediate In-State Tuition Classification for Veterans and Dependents

    Veterans, spouses, and dependents can be granted immediate Arizona residency for tuition purposes instead of waiting out a normal residency period, letting them pay in-state rates right away at state schools.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran, spouse, or dependent of a veteran discharged after 90 days or more of active duty who is using VA Chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 education benefits.
    How to apply
    Provide discharge and VA benefit documentation to the university or community college registrar when applying for admission and residency classification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Spouses of Military Veterans Tuition Scholarship Fund

    A dedicated state fund pays tuition and mandatory fees for spouses of honorably discharged veterans attending an Arizona public university or community college, awarded first-come, first-served while funds last.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Spouse of an honorably discharged veteran who qualifies for in-state tuition, is an Arizona resident, and enrolls at a Board of Regents university or community college.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Arizona Board of Regents/community college with ADVS verification of the veteran spouse's honorable discharge.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Tuition Waiver Scholarship for Wounded Veterans and Survivors

    Arizona waives undergraduate tuition at state universities and community colleges for veterans wounded or injured in the line of duty and for spouses/children of service members killed in the line of duty. It covers up to a bachelor's degree worth of credits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Purple Heart veterans with a qualifying VA rating, current/former Arizona National Guard members with duty-related injuries, or the unremarried spouse or child (30 or younger) of a service member killed in the line of duty.
    How to apply
    Submit the ADVS Tuition Waiver and Verification Form with DD214 or other proof to the Department of Veterans' Services; the university does not process applications directly.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    State Employment Hiring Preference for Veterans

    Arizona adds points to the exam or interview score of veterans and disabled veterans who apply for merit-system jobs with the state or its political subdivisions, giving them an edge in hiring.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran honorably separated after more than six months of active duty gets a five-point preference; a veteran with a service-connected disability or receiving VA compensation gets a ten-point preference; certain spouses also qualify.
    How to apply
    Submit the state Employment Preference Form with a DD214 or VA certification when applying for a merit-system position.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Benefits Counselors

    ADVS employs trained Veteran Benefits Counselors across the state who give free help to veterans, dependents, and survivors applying for both state and federal benefits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Arizona veteran, service member, dependent, or survivor seeking help identifying or applying for benefits.
    How to apply
    Contact a local Veterans Benefits Office or call ADVS to be connected with a Veteran Benefits Counselor.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Arizona Military Funeral Honors

    Arizona provides military funeral honors to eligible veterans and military members. The honor guard performs a ceremony including folding and presenting the American flag, playing Taps, and presenting a ceremonial shell casing to the family.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Military members who died while on active duty; former military members who served on active duty, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions; those who completed at least one term of enlistment or obligated service.
    How to apply
    Fill out Request form (PDF), attach copy of Honorable Discharge or service record (DD214, NGB 22 or 23, or Memorandum of Retirement), and email request and discharge documentation to contact email. Contact at least 48-72 hours before service.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Arizona State Veteran Homes Skilled Nursing Care

    The state runs four skilled-nursing veteran homes, in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma, providing long-term and rehabilitative care for veterans and their spouses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably-separated veteran, the spouse of a veteran, a surviving spouse, or an immediate Gold Star family member who requires skilled nursing care as determined by a physician, with no active tuberculosis.
    How to apply
    Contact the Admissions Coordinator at the desired home and submit the Arizona State Veteran Home application packet with medical and financial forms.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Burial in Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries

    ADVS operates three state veterans' cemeteries where eligible veterans, their spouses, and certain dependents receive a gravesite, opening/closing, a marker, and perpetual care at no cost to the veteran.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, plus National Guard and Reserve members (since 2024), their spouses, un-remarried widows/widowers, and qualifying dependent children.
    How to apply
    Complete the Application of Interment, available at the cemetery, online, or through most Arizona funeral homes, with discharge documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Arizona Veterans' Donation Fund Grants

    Funded partly by veteran license plate sales and tax return donations, this state fund awards grants to nonprofit and government organizations that serve Arizona veterans and their families.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Organizational grant program for veteran service organizations rather than individual veterans; by law the money can only be used for Arizona veteran programs.
    How to apply
    Veteran service organizations apply through ADVS grant cycles announced on the department's website.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Family Relief Fund Emergency Financial Assistance

    This state fund gives grants to Arizona service members, veterans, and their families facing financial hardship tied to military service, covering things like rent, utilities, and car payments.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service member or veteran discharged under honorable conditions (or their family) who has lived in Arizona at least 12 months and shows financial hardship caused by military service; family lifetime cap applies.
    How to apply
    Complete the online MFRF application with DD214, bank statements, pay stubs, bills, and VA decision letter; reviewed by a Pre-9/11 or Post-9/11 advisory committee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    ADVS Fiduciary Conservator and Guardian Services

    The state provides a fiduciary program that can act as conservator or guardian for incapacitated veterans who need help managing their benefits and affairs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who are incapacitated and need a conservator or guardian to manage benefits and personal affairs.
    How to apply
    Contact ADVS to request a referral or evaluation for fiduciary conservator/guardian services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.