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Kansas Veteran benefits

33 benefits from Kansas 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 Kansas

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

Call 785-296-3976 State agency website

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

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

33 benefits

Property tax

  • Any rating

    Homestead Refund Program (general, including disabled veterans)

    The Kansas Homestead Refund Program provides a refund of property tax to seniors, disabled veterans, and certain surviving spouses. The refund is capped at a set dollar amount per year.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Kansas resident homeowner; disabled veteran or surviving spouse of a disabled veteran or of a service member killed in the line of duty; must meet income and home-value limits.
    How to apply
    File the Kansas Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans Homestead Refund Claim (K-40SVR) with the Kansas Department of Revenue.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Homestead Refund/Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR)

    Kansas refunds part of the property tax paid on a disabled veteran's home. The refund equals the difference between the base-year and current-year property tax on the homestead.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Kansas resident all year, household income limit applies, home value capped, and claimant must be 65+ for the full base year or certified with a 50% or greater service-connected permanent disability for the entire previous year.
    How to apply
    File Form K-40SVR with the Kansas Department of Revenue between January 1 and April 15 each year; VA determination letter required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption for Military Personnel

    Kansas exempts up to two motor vehicles owned by qualifying active-duty, mobilized/deployed, or National Guard/Reserve members from the vehicle property tax. This applies whether the member is stationed in or out of Kansas.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Kansas resident who is in full-time military service and absent from Kansas solely due to orders, mobilized/deployed, stationed in Kansas full-time, or a current member in good standing of the Kansas Army/Air National Guard or a reserve unit.
    How to apply
    File a Military Personnel Affidavit for Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption with the county treasurer at registration.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Property Tax Deferral for Deploying Service Members

    A service member who is about to be or is mobilized/deployed outside the United States for at least six months may elect to defer paying all or part of the property tax on their principal residence for up to two years.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Person in full-time U.S. military service who is or is soon to be mobilized or deployed outside the U.S. for at least six months solely by reason of military orders; claim must be filed on or before December 1 of the claim year.
    How to apply
    Obtain a claim for deferral from the county clerk and file it with the county treasurer where the property is located.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • 100% P&T

    100% Disabled Veteran Sales Tax Exemption

    Starting July 1, 2026, Kansas exempts qualifying 100% permanently and totally disabled (or TDIU) veterans, and their surviving spouses, from state, local, and county sales tax on purchases up to a yearly dollar cap. It does not cover tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, or motor vehicles.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T), or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Honorably discharged (or general under honorable conditions) Kansas resident veteran certified 100% P&T or TDIU by the VA; surviving spouse eligible if veteran met qualifications and died on or after July 1, 2026, until remarriage.
    How to apply
    Apply for a Disabled Veteran Sales Tax Exemption Certificate Card through the Kansas Department of Revenue, coordinated with KOVS; submit DD214 and VA award letter.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Additional Personal Income Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Veterans certified as 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled can claim an extra personal exemption on their Kansas income tax return, reducing their taxable income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Honorably discharged veteran certified by the VA to be in receipt of disability compensation at the 100% permanent and total rate.
    How to apply
    Claim the exemption in the Exemption and Dependent section of Kansas Form K-40 when filing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    KPERS Military Service Credit Purchase

    Active KPERS members may purchase retirement service credit for periods of active military service, which can help them vest sooner or increase their retirement benefit. Purchased credit is limited to a maximum number of years.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active, contributing KPERS member with active military or U.S. Public Health Service commissioned corps service not already credited. Combined with other military credit, it cannot go over the limit in Kansas law.
    How to apply
    Submit Form KPERS-67, Application to Purchase Service Credit, to KPERS; cost is based on age and salary at time of application.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    State Income Tax Exemption for Military and Federal Retirement, VA Disability, and TSP

    Kansas does not tax military or federal civil service retirement pay, VA disability payments, Thrift Savings Plan dividends, or Kansas National Guard recruitment/retention bonuses. These amounts are subtracted from federal adjusted gross income on the Kansas return.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Any Kansas taxpayer receiving these types of federal military or VA payments; subtraction taken on Schedule S of Form K-40.
    How to apply
    Subtract the exempt amounts on Schedule S when filing Kansas Form K-40.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 50%+

    Disabled Veteran License Plate

    Kansas issues a free distinctive license plate to qualifying disabled veterans, with no registration fee for the initial plate or its renewal. Vehicle property tax must still be paid.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Kansas resident veteran entitled to VA compensation for a service-connected disability of at least 50%, or for loss/permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands, or permanent visual impairment of both eyes.
    How to apply
    Submit Form TR-103, Application for Disabled Veterans License Plate, to the local county treasurer's office; recertification required periodically.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    U.S. Veteran License Plate

    Kansas offers a distinctive license plate designating the owner as a U.S. military veteran, for eligible residents who owned or leased qualifying vehicles.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Kansas resident who has served and is designated as a veteran with an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions, or is currently serving.
    How to apply
    Apply on the form furnished by the Director of Vehicles, providing proof of veteran status such as a Kansas driver's license with the veteran designation or a DD-214.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

    Kansas allows honorably discharged veterans to have the word VETERAN printed on their driver's license or nondriver identification card.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any person who is a veteran, verified through discharge documents, may request the designation.
    How to apply
    Request the VETERAN designation when applying for or renewing a Kansas driver's license or ID card at a Division of Vehicles office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Families of the Fallen License Plate

    Kansas offers distinctive license plates to families of fallen military personnel recognized by the Department of War. The plate commemorates the sacrifice of service members who died in service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be the recognized next of kin (those who can get the Gold Star lapel button) of deceased military personnel.
    How to apply
    Apply through local county treasurer's office with documentation proving eligibility as DoD-recognized next of kin.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 10 U.S.C. 1126.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Mother License Plate

    Kansas provides distinctive Gold Star Mother license plates to mothers of service members who died on active duty in good standing with the U.S. military. The plates commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by these fallen service members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be the mother of a service member killed on active duty in good standing in the U.S. military; must be a Kansas resident; vehicle must be titled in Kansas in the applicant's name or leased by the applicant.
    How to apply
    Complete form TR-170 (Gold Star Mother Plate Application) and submit to local county treasurer's office with DD Form 1300 and proof of insurance. Application requires proof of mother-child relationship and service member's death while on active duty.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 30%+

    Disabled Veterans Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

    Kansas provides free, permanent hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans. Applicants must be honorably discharged Kansas residents with service-connected disabilities of at least 30 percent or more.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. Honorably discharged Kansas residents with service-connected disabilities equal to or greater than 30% (K.S.A. 32-934)
    How to apply
    Apply online at gooutdoorskansas.com or through the GoOutdoorsKS app, or mail completed application with proof of disabled veterans entitlement papers showing at least 30% disability to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Attention: Licensing, 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124-8174. Allow 2 weeks for processing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Kansas National Guard Free Hunting, Fishing, and Park Vehicle Permits

    Active members of the Kansas National Guard receive free hunting, fishing, and state park vehicle permits. Permits are issued based on annual funding availability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active members of the Kansas National Guard
    How to apply
    Complete the Active Kansas National Guard License Application with certification from your Unit Commander and mail to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Attention: Licensing, 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124-8174. Allow 2 weeks for processing. Only one park permit allowed per individual.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Kansas Military Service Scholarship

    This scholarship pays tuition and fees at a public Kansas institution for Kansas resident veterans or service members who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan (or in support of those operations) for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001. The 90-day rule may be waived if the person was injured during that service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Kansas resident who served at least 90 days after 9/11/2001 in Iraq/Afghanistan-related operations, or less if injured, with an honorable discharge or still serving, and appropriate DD-214/orders documentation.
    How to apply
    File a FAFSA and apply through the Kansas Board of Regents; financial need is a priority factor.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Program (STA)

    This program pays up to 100% of tuition and required fees for eligible members of the Kansas Army or Air National Guard pursuing a certificate, diploma, or degree at a Kansas educational institution. Full-time enrollment is not required.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Enlisted member of the Kansas Air or Army National Guard in good standing, not flagged for unfavorable action, with a high school diploma or GED and no prior bachelor's degree; must agree to a service-continuation commitment.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Kansas Board of Regents and send required documentation to the KSARNG Education Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Free Tuition for Dependents of Vietnam Service-Connected Death

    Kansas provides free tuition and fees to dependents of persons who died from service-connected disabilities suffered during the Vietnam conflict. Assistance is available for up to 12 semesters at Kansas postsecondary institutions.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Dependent children of persons who died as a result of service-connected disability suffered during and as a result of the Vietnam conflict. Dependents must enroll at Kansas postsecondary educational institution.
    How to apply
    Enroll at eligible Kansas postsecondary institution and contact the institution's financial aid office regarding eligibility and retroactive benefit documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    In-State Tuition for Veterans, Spouses, and Dependents

    Veterans, spouses, and dependents may be charged Kansas resident tuition rates regardless of how long they have lived in the state, if the service member was stationed in Kansas for a minimum period or established Kansas residency before service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service member stationed in Kansas for at least 11 months during active service, or who established Kansas residency before active service, and was discharged honorably or under general (honorable conditions) discharge.
    How to apply
    Provide proof of qualifying service and residency to the registrar's office at the Kansas public postsecondary institution.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Kansas Hero's Scholarship Act

    This waiver lets eligible dependents and spouses of certain deceased or disabled military servicemembers, public safety officers, or POWs attend a Kansas public postsecondary institution without paying tuition or required fees. It only covers undergraduate coursework and is first-come, first-served subject to funding.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Dependent or spouse of a deceased or disabled military servicemember (or public safety officer/POW) as defined by the Act; must attend an eligible Kansas public postsecondary institution as an undergraduate.
    How to apply
    Apply online at sfa.kansasregents.gov through the Kansas Board of Regents scholarship portal, uploading required documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Kansas National Guard Dependent Tuition Assistance (STAT)

    This program provides college tuition assistance for one eligible dependent of a Kansas National Guard member, subject to funds remaining after guard members' own educational benefits are fully funded.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Dependent (enrolled in DEERS) sponsored by a member of the Kansas National Guard; availability of funds is required after guard-member benefits are funded.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Kansas Board of Regents and coordinate with the KSARNG Education Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Tuition-Free Enrollment for Dependents of POWs and MIAs

    Kansas allows certain dependents of prisoners of war and persons missing in action to enroll at community colleges, Regents institutions, or other qualifying institutions without paying tuition or fees. Institutions may seek reimbursement from KOVS.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Dependents of qualifying POWs/MIAs as determined by the Director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services under program rules and regulations.
    How to apply
    Apply through the enrolling institution; the Director of KOVS determines dependent qualification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in State Government Employment and Promotion

    Kansas law requires that veterans be preferred for initial employment and first promotion in Kansas state government and in counties and cities, if competent to perform the job. Age or disability alone cannot disqualify a preferred veteran.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans honorably discharged from the armed forces; specific service-period and campaign-medal rules determine who qualifies as a 'veteran' under the law.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran status on state job applications; agencies must post notices of the preference and job openings.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • 30%+

    Disabled Veteran Business Procurement Preference

    Kansas gives a contracting preference to certified disabled veteran businesses on state job or service contracts, with a stated goal for the share of contracts awarded to such businesses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. Business at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30%, with management and daily operations controlled by disabled veterans, doing business as or maintaining offices in Kansas.
    How to apply
    Obtain certification as a disabled veteran business through the Kansas Department of Administration, verified by the Kansas Office of Veterans Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Veteran-Owned and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Support

    Kansas promotes veteran participation in state contracting through certification and procurement preferences for veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned businesses, plus technical assistance and small business development resources.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Kansas veteran-owned or disabled veteran-owned businesses seeking state contracting opportunities and certification.
    How to apply
    Contact the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and the Kansas Department of Administration for certification and procurement preference details.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Kansas State Veterans' Cemetery Program

    KOVS operates four state veterans' cemeteries (Fort Dodge, Fort Riley, WaKeeney, Winfield) offering free burial space, grave liner, opening/closing, perpetual care, headstone or marker, and columbarium placement for eligible veterans and dependents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions, or National Guard/Reservists with 20 years of qualifying service entitled (or who would be entitled) to retired pay; spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children of eligible veterans also qualify, including a surviving spouse remarried to a non-veteran if the veteran's death occurred on or after January 1, 2000.
    How to apply
    Pre-register at no cost through KOVS or apply at time of need at any of the four state veterans' cemeteries.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Kansas Veterans' Home (Winfield) and Kansas Soldiers' Home (Fort Dodge)

    KOVS operates two state veterans' homes providing long-term nursing and domiciliary care to eligible veterans, with charges based on ability to pay. Veterans with a high service-connected disability rating do not pay resident fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran with completed active federal service discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; priority given to veterans with no adequate means of support; family members may be admitted if space is available.
    How to apply
    Contact the Admission Coordinator at the Winfield or Fort Dodge home directly to apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Honors Funeral Fund

    Kansas maintains a fund used to help provide military honors funerals for veterans in the state.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans as determined under the program administered by the state.
    How to apply
    Contact KOVS or a local Veteran Service Representative for assistance arranging military honors.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Military Emergency Relief Fund (National Guard/Reserve)

    The Kansas Adjutant General may provide grants and interest-free loans to Kansas National Guard members, reserve forces members, and their families to help with financial emergencies.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Kansas National Guard service members, members of the reserve forces, and their families facing a financial emergency.
    How to apply
    Contact the Kansas Adjutant General's Department for application procedures for the Military Emergency Relief Fund.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Kansas State Death Gratuity (Federal Shutdown Backup)

    In the event of a federal government shutdown with no federal funding available, the Kansas Adjutant General will provide a $100,000 death gratuity to survivors of eligible Kansas military service members who are killed, ensuring families have immediate financial support.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Survivors of Kansas resident service members who die during a federal government shutdown, when the federal death gratuity cannot be paid. Eligibility follows the federal death gratuity rules.
    How to apply
    Apply to Kansas Adjutant General's Department following the death of an eligible service member during a federal government shutdown.
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026. Law: 10 U.S.C. 1475-1476.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Insurance Protections During Military Deployment

    Kansas law protects deployed residents and their families from losing lapsed federally sponsored health coverage upon return, and bars cancellation, non-renewal, premium increases, or adverse tier placement on personal insurance based solely on deployment outside the United States.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Kansas resident on active military service activation or deployment outside the United States, and their spouse or dependents.
    How to apply
    No separate application; protections apply automatically under the laws to affected policyholders.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Protected Consumer Status Under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act

    The Kansas Consumer Protection Act designates military members and their immediate families, along with veterans and their surviving spouses, as 'protected consumers,' giving them added consumer-protection safeguards.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members of the military and their immediate family members, as well as veterans and their surviving spouses.
    How to apply
    No application needed; protection applies automatically under the Act's definitions.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Deceased Veteran Survivor Benefits

    If a deceased veteran was entitled to Social Security benefits, VA benefits, or any public or private retirement or annuity plan, the surviving spouse and children may receive benefits of up to $10,000 to assist with financial hardship.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse and children of a deceased veteran who was entitled to Social Security, VA, or other public/private retirement or annuity benefits.
    How to apply
    Contact the relevant benefit-paying agency (VA, Social Security, retirement plan administrator) to apply for survivor benefits.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

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