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Delaware Veteran benefits

25 benefits from Delaware 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 Delaware

Delaware Office of Veterans Services is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 302-739-2792 State agency website

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

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

25 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    County Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans

    State law authorizes counties to fully exempt a veteran with a 100% VA-rated permanent and total disability, or 100% individual unemployability, from county property taxes and local school taxes on a primary residence. Counties set additional residency rules.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Veteran must receive 100% VA disability compensation for a service-connected permanent and total disability, or 100% compensation based on individual unemployability, and solely or jointly (with spouse) own and occupy the property as a primary residence.
    How to apply
    Apply through the county assessment office where the property is located; the county may require proof of domicile for a period it establishes.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit

    Qualifying 100% disabled veterans may receive a credit against school district property taxes on their primary Delaware residence if their local school board authorizes it. It reduces or eliminates the school tax portion of a veteran's property tax bill.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T), or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Veteran must receive 100% VA disability compensation for a permanent and total service-connected disability or individual unemployability and have been a Delaware resident for the required period.
    How to apply
    File the Disabled Veteran School Property Tax Credit application (Form DVP-TAX) with your county Receiver of Taxes, including your Delaware driver's license/ID and VA disability determination letter, by the statewide deadline.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Pension Exclusion from Delaware Income Tax

    Delaware lets residents subtract military retirement pension income from their state taxable income up to a set dollar cap. Veterans under 60 may use the military-specific cap, while residents 60 and older use the general retirement-income exclusion.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to Delaware resident taxpayers receiving a United States military pension; the applicable cap depends on the taxpayer's age.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction directly on the Delaware Resident Personal Income Tax Return; no separate application is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    State Pension for Veterans with Paraplegia

    Delaware pays an annual pension to veterans who are paraplegic and fully disabled as a direct result of wartime military service, paid in equal monthly installments by the state Pension Office.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran must be paraplegic with no voluntary control over either leg, be listed by the VA as totally disabled for that condition, and the disability must be a direct result of service during a period when the U.S. was officially at war or engaged in hostilities as a UN member.
    Paraplegic with no voluntary control over either leg, VA-listed as totally disabled for that condition
    How to apply
    File evidence of paraplegia, VA disability listing, and qualifying wartime service with the Delaware Pension Board of Trustees/Office of Pensions.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Any rating

    Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Special License Plate

    Delaware issues a special plate for veterans with a service-connected disability that can also display the wheelchair symbol of access, combining the DAV plate and disability parking designation into one plate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Applicant must be a veteran with a disability from a qualifying conflict or whom the VA certifies as having a service-connected disability; surviving spouses may retain the plate after the veteran's death.
    How to apply
    Submit the DMV Special Disabled American Veteran License Plate application with VA certification at any DMV office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Honorably Discharged Military Veteran License Plate

    Delaware offers a special license plate for honorably discharged veterans, subject to a one-time administrative fee in addition to normal registration fees. Only one such plate may be issued per applicant.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. military, certified by the Department of Defense.
    How to apply
    Submit the DMV Honorably Discharged Military Veteran Plate application with a copy of DD-214/NGB-22 at any DMV office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Titling Document Fee Waiver for Service Members

    Service members and their dependents who relocate to Delaware on military orders can get a titling document fee waiver when registering an out-of-state vehicle, including vehicles coming from overseas.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service member or dependent must provide active duty orders showing a temporary or permanent change of duty station and apply within 90 days of relocating to Delaware or 90 days of the vehicle purchase.
    How to apply
    Present active duty orders and prior vehicle registration to a Delaware DMV office when titling the vehicle.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    A motor vehicle owned by a veteran with a disability who has ever qualified for adaptive-equipment benefits is registered but exempt from paying registration fees, limited to one vehicle at a time. The vehicle must still be inspected.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran must have ever qualified for VA's adaptive car equipment benefit (the VA auto grant).
    Veteran must have ever qualified for VA's adaptive car equipment benefit (the VA auto grant)
    How to apply
    Provide VA documentation of adaptive equipment eligibility to any DMV office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 38 U.S.C. §1901 et seq.; Public Law 93-538.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Indicator on Driver License or ID Card

    The DMV can add a red "VETERAN" designation to a Delaware driver license or identification card so veterans do not need to carry separate proof of service. It is available at no extra cost when renewing, changing address, or replacing a license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Delaware veteran who served in the U.S. military or National Guard and was honorably discharged, holding or applying for a valid Delaware driver license or ID card.
    How to apply
    Present a Military ID, NGB-22, DD-214, DD-256, Honorable Discharge Certificate, or valid out-of-state license with veteran designation at any DMV location.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • No rating needed

    50% Discount on State Park Annual Vehicle Pass for Veterans

    Veterans who honorably served or are currently serving, including Delaware National Guard members, receive a 50% discount on the annual fee for vehicle entrance to Delaware state parks and recreational areas.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must have honorably served or be currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or Delaware National Guard and own a motor vehicle registered in Delaware.
    How to apply
    Purchase the Delaware Military Pass at any Delaware State Park office with proof of service.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Fishing License Exemption for VA Facility Patients

    Veterans who are patients in a Veterans Administration facility in Delaware are not required to purchase a fishing license, as long as they carry identification verifying their patient status.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Person must be a current patient in a VA facility located in Delaware and carry verifying identification while fishing.
    How to apply
    Carry the identification form supplied by the Division of Fish and Wildlife verifying VA facility patient status while fishing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free State Park Admission for OIF/OEF Veterans

    Delaware residents who served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty in Southwest Asia actions tied to Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom get a free pass to any Delaware state park for their first year out of service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident who served honorably for 90 or more consecutive days on active duty, including Delaware National Guard service, in OIF/OEF-related military actions.
    How to apply
    Apply for the free pass at the Delaware State Parks Office of Business Services (89 King's Highway location) with proof of service.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 60%+

    No-Fee Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

    Honorably discharged veterans with a significant service-connected disability may obtain a free license to hunt, trap, and fish in Delaware, upon written certification from the VA.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 60% or higher. Person must be honorably discharged from the armed forces and certified by the VA as having at least a 60% service-connected disability.
    How to apply
    Mail, email, or fax the completed Veterans with Disabilities Exempt Application and a VA letter certifying honorable discharge and disability percentage to the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    One-Time Free Hunting/Fishing License for OIF/OEF Veterans

    Delaware residents who served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty in military actions associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom can get a one-time free license to hunt and/or fish during their first year out of service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident who served honorably 90 or more consecutive days on active duty, including as a Delaware National Guard member, in OIF/OEF-related actions.
    How to apply
    Submit the Resident Military One-Time Hunting/Fishing Application with a copy of DD-214 to the Division of Fish and Wildlife within the first 12 months after discharge or removal from active status.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Delaware National Guard Education Benefits

    Active Delaware National Guard members in good standing can receive state financial assistance paid directly to a Delaware postsecondary institution for tuition and fees toward one certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree, in exchange for a further service commitment.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Member must be an active member of a federally recognized Delaware National Guard unit, first apply for other available tuition assistance, apply to the Adjutant General before starting a course, and agree to serve at least 6 years in the Guard.
    How to apply
    Apply to the Adjutant General for education benefits before starting a class, according to the schedule the Adjutant General announces; funds are paid directly to the postsecondary institution.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans, POWs, and MIAs

    Delaware provides tuition and fee assistance for the children of veterans who were killed on active duty, are held as prisoners of war, or are declared missing in action, for up to four years at a postsecondary institution.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be the child of a qualifying service member, be between 16 and 24 years old, have been a Delaware resident for at least 3 years before applying, and attend a postsecondary program of no more than 4 years; a parent must be/have been a Delaware resident when killed, MIA, or a POW.
    How to apply
    Apply for the benefit through the state higher education scholarship office, submitting proof of the parent's status and the applicant's residency and enrollment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Heroes on the Highway CDL Skills Test Waiver

    The Heroes on the Highway program lets qualified current or recently discharged service members skip the commercial driver license pre-trip skills test based on their military truck/heavy-equipment driving experience.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be currently serving in the Armed Forces or have been recently discharged and apply for the waiver at DMV within 12 months of the discharge date.
    How to apply
    Apply for the CDL skills test waiver at a Delaware DMV location, providing documentation of military driving experience.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Veterans' Preference in State Civil Service Hiring

    Delaware adds preference points to state civil service examination or interview scores for eligible veterans and long-serving Delaware National Guard/reserve members at original hiring only. Certain spouses and unremarried widows/widowers of qualifying veterans may also claim points.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Honorably discharged veterans; National Guard/reserve members with at least 20 years of service in a Delaware unit; disabled veterans qualify for more points than other eligible veterans; employees who left state service for military duty keep seniority credit up to a limited period.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran status and submit supporting discharge documentation when applying for a State of Delaware job through the Delaware Employment Link.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Temporary Occupational License for Military Spouses

    The Division of Professional Regulation issues a temporary occupational license to military spouses relocating to Delaware, letting them work in their profession while their full endorsement or reciprocity application is processed.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be the spouse of a service member relocating to Delaware and hold an out-of-state occupational license in a regulated profession.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's online portal (DELPROS) for a provisional license.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Certification

    The Office of Supplier Diversity certifies Veteran Owned Business Enterprises (VOBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE) so certified firms gain visibility with state agencies and can compete for state procurement opportunities.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Business must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled, and actively managed by a veteran or service-disabled veteran who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, operating a for-profit business.
    How to apply
    Submit the combined diverse/small business certification application, along with a current license credential, to the Office of Supplier Diversity.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Opportunity Credit for Employers

    Delaware employers that hire and sustain the employment of a qualified veteran can claim a state tax credit based on the veteran's wages for the hiring year and the two years after. The credit is designed to help returning veterans find civilian employment.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Employer must be located in Delaware and hire a qualified veteran, meaning a Delaware resident veteran or a Delaware National Guard member who provides documentation of honorable discharge or current Guard/Reserve membership.
    How to apply
    Claim the credit on the applicable Delaware business tax return; the Division of Revenue may require supporting service documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Burial in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery

    Delaware operates two state veterans cemeteries, in Bear and Millsboro, offering no-cost burial plots and interment to eligible veterans, with a residency requirement that can be waived for long-serving Guard/Reserve members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility generally follows VA National Cemetery Administration standards; the Veterans Commission of Delaware may impose a residency requirement, except for anyone who served at least 20 years in the Delaware National Guard or a Delaware-based reserve unit.
    How to apply
    Submit the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery burial application with a copy of DD-214/Record of Service by mail or online to the cemetery of choice or the Commission of Veterans Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Delaware Veterans Home

    The Delaware Veterans Home is a state-operated long-term care facility in Milford providing skilled nursing care and a special needs unit for veterans, including those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility is based on veteran status and care needs; contact the Home directly for admission criteria and residency requirements.
    How to apply
    Contact the Delaware Veterans Home directly to begin the admissions process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Delaware Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Assistance

    Provides one-time, donation-funded emergency financial grants to Delaware veterans and their families facing a verified financial hardship, such as risk of eviction, utility shutoff, or needed vehicle repair. Funds are paid directly to the vendor or service provider, not to the applicant.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Delaware resident veterans and their families experiencing a documented emergency financial hardship; approval is not guaranteed and is limited by donated funds available at the time of the request.
    How to apply
    Submit a completed Trust Fund application with required documentation (Delaware ID, outstanding bills, recent pay stubs, and bank statements) in person or by email to the Office of Veterans Services/Commission of Veterans Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Free Notary Services for Veterans

    The Office of Veterans Services provides notary services at no charge to veterans, their dependents, and their families to help with benefit paperwork and other documents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to veterans, dependents, and their families seeking notarization of documents.
    How to apply
    Visit an Office of Veterans Services location to have documents notarized free of charge.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

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