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Indiana Veteran benefits

31 benefits from Indiana 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 Indiana

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 317-232-3910 State agency website

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

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

31 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    100% Property Tax Deduction for Totally Disabled Veterans

    Indiana veterans with a total disability can deduct 100% of the assessed value of their principal residence, eliminating the property tax on their home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Served at least 90 days in the Armed Forces, received an honorable discharge, has a total disability, and lived in Indiana for at least one year before the assessment date.
    How to apply
    File form SF 12662 with your County Auditor, County Veteran Service Officer, or the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 10%+

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit ($350)

    Indiana gives a $350 property tax credit on a principal residence to wartime veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more. Credits can be combined, and qualifying surviving spouses may also claim it. This credit replaced the former disabled veteran deduction.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. Served in the Armed Forces during a war period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or the Gulf War era), received an honorable discharge, and has a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%.
    How to apply
    File form SF 12662 with your County Auditor, County Veteran Service Officer, or the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, with your DD-214 and VA award letter.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 10%+

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit, Age 62+ ($250)

    Indiana gives a $250 property tax credit to veterans age 62 or older with at least a 10% disability rating. It can be combined with the $350 wartime credit. This credit replaced the former $24,960 deduction.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. Served at least 90 days in the Armed Forces, received an honorable discharge, is at least 62 years old, and has a disability rating of at least 10%. Surviving spouses of service members killed in action or who died on active or inactive duty training may also qualify.
    How to apply
    File form SF 12662 with your County Auditor, County Veteran Service Officer, or the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Property Tax Deduction for Donated Veteran Homestead

    Veterans whose home was given to them at no cost by a tax-exempt nonprofit organization can deduct 50% to 100% of the assessed value, scaled to their disability rating, instead of the standard veteran deductions.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. At least 90 days of service, honorable discharge, disability rating of at least 50%, and the home was conveyed without charge by a federally tax-exempt organization.
    How to apply
    Obtain a certificate of eligibility from IDVA and file with the county auditor; cannot be combined with the Section 13 or 14 deductions.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Surviving Spouse Property Tax Deduction

    A surviving spouse can keep Indiana's disabled veteran property tax relief if the veteran qualified at the time of death. Relief includes a 100 percent deduction of assessed value for a totally disabled veteran's home, a $350 credit for wartime veterans with a 10 percent or higher rating, and a $250 credit for veterans 62 or older with a 10 percent or higher rating. A spouse may also get the $250 credit if the service member was killed in action or died on active duty or in training.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse of a veteran who met the requirements for the deduction or credit at the time of death. Also the spouse of a service member killed in action, who died on active duty, or who died during inactive duty training. The property can be owned by either the veteran or the spouse before the death.
    What you get at each level
    • 100% property tax exemption for surviving spouse of totally disabled veteran
    • Up to $24,960 or $14,000 deduction for surviving spouse of partially disabled veteran
    How to apply
    Visit your County Veteran Service Officer or County Auditor, or send State Form 12662 with a DD-214 and VA award letter to Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, 777 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Service Deduction (Active/Reserve Pay)

    Active duty and reserve members can deduct up to $5,000 of military pay from Indiana adjusted gross income if it wasn't already excluded from income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Received military pay as an active or reserve member of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard that was included in adjusted gross income.
    How to apply
    Claim the deduction on Form IT-40 or IT-40PNR per Income Tax Information Bulletin #27.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Retirement Income and Survivor's Benefits Deduction

    Indiana lets veterans and surviving spouses deduct their military retirement pay and survivor's benefits from state adjusted gross income, removing this income from state taxation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Reported military retirement income and/or survivor's benefits on the federal return; available to the military member and surviving spouse.
    How to apply
    Claim the deduction on Form IT-40 Schedule 2 or IT-40PNR Schedule C.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Nonresident Military Spouse Earned Income Deduction

    A nonresident spouse of a military service member does not owe Indiana income tax on wages earned from Indiana sources while accompanying the service member.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Spouse of a nonresident military member stationed in Indiana who earns income from Indiana sources.
    How to apply
    File Schedule IN-2058SP with the Indiana income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 50%+

    Disabled Hoosier Veteran License Plate

    Veterans with qualifying service-connected mobility impairments, including at least 50% disability with 60% attributable to mobility, can get a disabled veteran plate with handicapped-parking privileges at no extra plate fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. As a result of service, lost sight in both eyes, lost use of one or both feet/hands, a condition precluding walking without pain, or a 50%+ VA rating with 60% attributable to mobility.
    How to apply
    Submit State Form 32584 Certification of Eligibility, signed by IDVA, at a BMV branch.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Driver's License Extension for Deployed Service Members

    An Indiana resident's driver's license stays valid for 90 days after discharge or return from deployment if the person (or spouse/dependent) was serving outside Indiana in the U.S. Armed Forces.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indiana resident serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and residing outside Indiana, or a spouse/dependent living outside Indiana with someone on active duty.
    How to apply
    No application needed; the license remains valid per law during the 90-day window, after which renewal is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Hoosier Veteran License Plate

    Indiana residents who were honorably separated from active military service can buy a Hoosier Veteran license plate. The plate costs $15 extra, or $45 more to personalize.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indiana resident honorably separated from the active U.S. Armed Forces.
    How to apply
    Bring a DD-214 or discharge certificate to any BMV branch and request the plate.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military CDL Skills Test Waiver

    Veterans and active-duty service members who drove commercial-equivalent military vehicles can have the BMV's CDL skills test waived if they apply within one year of discharge and meet driving-record requirements.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must pass required written tests, have been regularly employed operating a CMV-equivalent military vehicle within the last year, and meet a clean two-year driving record.
    How to apply
    Complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver and bring supporting documentation to a BMV branch.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Vehicle Excise Tax Credit for Veterans Without Property

    Veterans who qualify for a disabled veteran property tax deduction but own no property can instead get a credit against vehicle excise tax, equal to the tax owed or $70, whichever is less, for up to two vehicles.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Otherwise eligible for a deduction under IC 6-1.1-12-13, 14, or 16 but do not own qualifying property.
    How to apply
    Get an affidavit from the county auditor and submit BMV State Form 52870 at a license branch.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

    Indiana veterans and surviving spouses of veterans can have a veteran (or surviving spouse) indicator added to their driver's license, learner's permit, or ID card.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indicated on the license/ID application that the applicant is a veteran (or surviving spouse of a veteran) and provided proof of discharge or of the marriage to a veteran.
    How to apply
    Request the designation on your BMV application and provide DD-214 or other discharge documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plates

    Indiana offers a Gold Star Family license plate to family of a service member who died on active duty or from injuries received on active duty. There is no extra plate fee. Regular registration fees and taxes still apply.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Spouse, parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, child, stepchild, sibling, grandparent, or great-grandparent of a service member (active, Reserve, or National Guard) who died while on active duty or from injuries received on active duty.
    How to apply
    Apply at a BMV branch or online. On first issue, bring DD Form 1300 or the Affidavit for Gold Star Family License Plate (State Form 54181).
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    Disabled Hoosier Veteran State Park Pass

    Veterans eligible for the Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate can buy a $25 annual pass for unlimited admission to Indiana's state parks, recreation areas, reservoirs, and forests.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Eligible for a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate under IC 9-18.5-5.
    How to apply
    Purchase online or at any DNR property; show the DHV plate or State Form 32584 signed by IDVA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Disabled Hoosier Veteran State Parks Pass / Former POW Free Pass

    Veterans who qualify for the Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate can buy a yearly state parks pass for $25. Former prisoners of war get the pass free, mailed after their POW plates are issued. The pass covers Indiana state parks, recreation areas, reservoirs, and forests, but not historic sites or museums.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Eligible for a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate under IC 9-18.5-5, or documented status as a former prisoner of war or surviving spouse of one.
    Eligible for Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate (IC 9-18.5-5), or former POW/surviving spouse of former POW
    How to apply
    Disabled veterans can buy the pass online at the state pass store or at DNR locations. Former POWs get it mailed after POW plates are issued; if it does not come, call DNR at 1-800-622-4931.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

    Indiana veterans with a documented service-connected disability can buy a combined small-game hunting and fishing license for $2.75 a year, or $27.50 for ten years.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Indiana resident who served in the armed forces and has a service-connected disability determined by the VA or DoD disability retirement benefits.
    How to apply
    Submit State Form 50833 to the DNR Customer Service Center by mail or in person, with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Tuition and Fee Exemption for Indiana Purple Heart Recipients

    A veteran who entered active duty from an Indiana home address, received the Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged can attend a state-supported Indiana college or university at the resident tuition rate with fees exempted for 124 credit hours.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Entered active duty from a permanent Indiana home address, awarded the Purple Heart Medal, honorable discharge, meets academic requirements.
    How to apply
    Apply through Scholar Track with proof of the Purple Heart award and DD-214.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Wartime Veterans High School Diploma Program

    Veterans who left an Indiana high school in good standing to serve during WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam can receive a no-cost Indiana high school diploma, including posthumously.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Was a student in good standing at a public or nonpublic Indiana high school and left before graduating to enter the armed forces during a qualifying war era; honorable discharge.
    How to apply
    Submit an application to the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs; family members may apply on behalf of a deceased veteran.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Any ratingFor family or survivors

    Private College Tuition Award for Disabled Veteran Children

    Annual award toward tuition for children of disabled veterans attending Indiana private non-profit colleges and universities at undergraduate resident tuition rate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Children of disabled veterans who graduated high school January 2023 and forward. Child must be eligible for resident tuition rate.
    How to apply
    Apply through Scholar Track.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any ratingFor family or survivors

    Tuition and Fee Exemption for Children of Disabled Veterans/Purple Heart Recipients

    Children of veterans who died or were disabled from service can get up to 100% of tuition and fees at Indiana public colleges for up to 124 credit hours, or up to $5,000 per year at private nonprofit Indiana colleges for recent graduates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Biological or adopted (before age 18) child of a veteran who suffered a service-connected death or disability, veteran's discharge other than dishonorable, Indiana home-of-record or 5 years residency, application before age 33.
    How to apply
    Apply through Scholar Track; eligibility is determined by IDVA and the exemption is applied by the Commission for Higher Education.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    State Civil Service Veteran Preference

    Former members of the armed forces who served on active duty and were not discharged under other-than-honorable conditions receive a preference for appointment or reemployment in Indiana's state classified service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Served on active duty in any branch of the armed forces and was not discharged under other than honorable conditions (unless certain records show otherwise).
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran status when applying for state classified service positions.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    WorkOne Veteran Employment Services

    Indiana's WorkOne Career Centers give veterans front-of-the-line service and an onsite veteran's representative to help with job placement, training, and the transition to civilian employment.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Indiana veteran seeking employment assistance.
    How to apply
    Visit a local WorkOne Career Center and ask for the veteran's representative.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business (IVOSB) Certification

    IDOA certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by a veteran, giving them a 15% price preference on state solicitations under $75,000 and access to a 3% state contracting goal.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indiana business at least 51% owned and controlled by a veteran (or veterans) meeting IDOA's IVOSB definition; certification is free.
    How to apply
    Submit a complete application with bidder registration and UNSPSC codes through the state Supplier Portal, or use existing VA OSDBU certification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Honor Our Vets Homebuyer Program

    IHCDA's Honor Our Vets program pairs a VA-backed loan with up to a set amount in state-funded incentives for relocation expenses, closing costs, homeownership counseling, or down payment for veterans and military personnel moving to Indiana. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active duty, veteran, or retired military personnel who qualify for a VA-backed loan and work for a participating employer enrolled in the program.
    How to apply
    Apply through an IHCDA-participating lender in coordination with an enrolled employer.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Indiana Veterans' Home Long-Term Care

    The state-run Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, independent living, and memory care to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses, with free nursing care for veterans rated 70% or higher.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran (no wartime service required) or spouse/surviving spouse married at least 5 years; generally must have resided in Indiana at least 12 months before applying, though waivers may be considered.
    How to apply
    Contact the IVH Admissions Department to complete an application packet.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Indiana Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Burial

    The state operates a veterans cemetery in Madison offering no-cost burial plots, outer burial containers, monuments, and chapel use for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged other than dishonorably, National Guard/Reserve members who died while serving, active-duty deaths in the line of duty; surviving spouses and dependent children under 21 also eligible.
    How to apply
    Submit State Form 48554 Application for Burial with a copy of the discharge document to the cemetery.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors

    Free military funeral honors provided by the Indiana Army National Guard including flag folding and presentation, and ceremonial playing of Taps. Provided at no cost to the family.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans with non-dishonorable discharge; active duty service members. All eligible veterans are entitled to these honors upon family request as of January 1, 2000.
    How to apply
    Ask your funeral home to request honors, or a family member can use the online request form on the Indiana National Guard page. Have the DD-214 ready. Email ng.in.inarng.list.j1sfp-fh@army.mil or call 317-247-3588.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF)

    IDVA administers an emergency grant fund, capped at $2,500 over a veteran's lifetime, to help Indiana veterans and their dependents cover housing, utilities, food, medical, and basic transportation costs during financial hardship.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indiana resident veteran with an honorable, under-honorable-conditions, or certain other discharges; household income cannot exceed two times the federal poverty guidelines; must show genuine financial hardship.
    How to apply
    Submit the MFRF application with proof of income, DD-214, and a statement of hardship to IDVA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    County Veteran Service Officers

    IDVA works with a statewide network of certified County Veteran Service Officers who help veterans, dependents, and survivors prepare paperwork and access state and federal benefits at no cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Hoosier veteran, service member, dependent, or survivor seeking help with benefits.
    How to apply
    Contact your county's Veteran Service Officer directly or through IDVA's office directory.
    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.