Louisiana Veteran benefits

33 benefits from Louisiana 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 Louisiana

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

Call 225-219-5000 State agency website

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

Find a service officer near you Louisiana's list of local offices

Your VA disability rating

Who is it for?

33 benefits

Property tax

50%+
Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exemption
Louisiana veterans with a service-connected rating of 50% or higher get an added property tax exemption on top of the regular homestead exemption. The higher the rating, the bigger the exemption, up to a full exemption at 100%.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Louisiana resident veteran owning and occupying the home as primary residence, with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or more; surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also qualify.
What you get at each level
partial added property tax exemption, growing with your rating
full exemption
How to apply
Obtain Form A25 certification from a Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Parish Service Office, then file it with your parish tax assessor.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
50%+
Special Assessment Level (Assessment Freeze) for Disabled Veterans
Homeowners with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more can have the assessed value of their homestead frozen so it cannot increase, protecting them from rising property tax assessments.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Owner-occupants with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more; their surviving spouses who are 45 or older or have minor children may also keep the freeze.
How to apply
File a Special Assessment Level application with your parish tax assessor, certifying VA disability rating.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

No rating needed
Active Duty Pay Exclusion for Service Outside Louisiana
Louisiana residents on continuous active duty for 120 or more consecutive days who serve outside the state can exclude a large portion of that military pay from Louisiana income tax.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Individual on continuous, uninterrupted full-time active duty in the U.S. armed forces for 120 or more consecutive days, performing services outside Louisiana.
How to apply
Claim the exclusion on the Louisiana individual income tax return for the applicable tax year.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Military and Federal Retirement Income Tax Exclusion
Military retirement pay, like other federal government retirement benefits, is fully excluded from Louisiana state income tax with no dollar cap.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Any individual receiving retirement income from a United States Government retirement system, including military retired pay.
How to apply
Exclude the income on the Louisiana individual income tax return (Schedule E) when filing; no separate application needed.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Payment Exemption
Payments made under a military Survivor Benefit Plan to a surviving spouse or named beneficiary are exempt from Louisiana state income tax.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse or other named beneficiary receiving payments under a federally authorized military survivor benefit plan.
How to apply
Exclude SBP payments when filing the Louisiana individual income tax return.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

100%+
"100% Disabled Veteran" Designation on Driver's License
Louisiana allows the words "100% Disabled Veteran" to be printed on a driver's license or ID card for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, at no extra fee.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran with a 100% disabled veteran status as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who presents a DD Form 214 or equivalent.
How to apply
Request the designation at an Office of Motor Vehicles location, presenting DD214 and proof of 100% VA disability status.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
"VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License or ID Card
Louisiana veterans can have the word "VETERAN" printed on their state driver's license or ID card as easy proof of military service for businesses and organizations offering veteran discounts.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran who received an honorable discharge and can present proof of veteran status (such as a DD214).
How to apply
Request the designation at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location or through expresslane.org, presenting discharge documentation.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
100%+
100% Disabled Veteran (100% DAV) License Plate
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA can obtain a distinct "100% DAV" military honor license plate in place of a standard plate.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating. Louisiana resident veteran with a service-connected disability of one hundred percent as determined by the VA.
How to apply
Apply at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location with proof of 100% VA disability rating.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
50%+
Disabled Veteran (DV) Military Honor License Plate
Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more can get a free "DV" military honor license plate instead of a regular plate, along with a free accessibility hang tag.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Louisiana resident veteran with a service-connected disability of fifty percent or more.
How to apply
Apply at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location with proof of disabled veteran status.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
50%+
Free Airport Parking for Disabled Veterans
All Louisiana air carrier airports must provide free parking for a disabled veteran, his conveyance, and his passengers upon proof of a 50% or greater service-connected disability.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Disabled veteran with a service-connected disability of fifty percent or more, shown via military honor license plate, VA disabled veteran ID, or LDVA certification, plus proof of an airline ticket.
How to apply
Present a military honor license plate, VA disabled veteran ID card, or LDVA certificate along with an airline ticket at the airport parking facility.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
50%+
Free Cruise Terminal Parking for Disabled Veterans at Port of New Orleans
Louisiana disabled veterans with at least a 50% service-connected disability rating can park for free for up to seven days at the Port of New Orleans cruise terminal.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Louisiana disabled veteran with a service-connected rating of at least 50%, using a form certified by an LDVA veterans assistance counselor and a military honor license plate.
How to apply
Obtain certification from an LDVA Veterans Assistance Counselor and display a military honor license plate before parking at the designated Port of New Orleans lot.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Reduced Vehicle Use Tax for New Resident Veterans
Veterans and military retirees who move to Louisiana and bring a vehicle from another state pay a flat, reduced use tax instead of the standard state and local use tax rate.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. New Louisiana resident, including veterans and military retirees, registering a vehicle previously registered and taxed in another state.
How to apply
Pay the flat use tax fee when registering the vehicle at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Gold Star Family License Plate
Louisiana provides special prestige license plates for immediate family members of armed forces members who died in the line of duty. The plate includes the words 'Gold Star Family' and serves as recognition for families of fallen service members.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Immediate family members of armed forces members who died in the line of duty, including widows/widowers (remarried or not), mothers, fathers, stepmothers, stepfathers, adoptive parents, foster parents who stood in loco parentis, grandparents, children, stepchildren, adopted children, and siblings/half-siblings.
How to apply
Qualified immediate family members apply through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Applicants must present a copy of the death certificate of the armed forces member who lost their life.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

50%+
Free Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License
Resident and nonresident veterans with a permanent service-connected disability of 50% or more can get a free combination license covering basic and saltwater fishing plus basic, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting, with a free durable hard card option.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Resident or nonresident veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Louisiana Army or Air National Guard, with a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more.
How to apply
Complete an application online or in person at LDWF headquarters with a copy of your driver's license (and VA disability documentation).
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Honorably Discharged Veteran $20 Hunting/Fishing Combo License
Honorably discharged veteran residents can buy a recreational hunting and fishing combination license for $20, an 80% discount off the regular $100 Sportsman's Paradise license.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Bona fide Louisiana resident who is an honorably discharged member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard.
How to apply
Apply at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge or by mail with proof of honorable discharge.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Purple Heart Recipient Resident-Rate Hunting/Fishing License
Any Purple Heart recipient, resident or nonresident, can buy Louisiana hunting and fishing licenses at the cheaper resident rate instead of the nonresident rate.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Any person, resident or nonresident, who has been awarded a Purple Heart, shown by a Purple Heart specialty plate or DD214/military document.
How to apply
Apply at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge or by mail, submitting proof of the Purple Heart award.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
50%+
State Park Day-Use Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Certain disabled Louisiana veterans are exempt from paying the day-use entrance fee at any Louisiana state park, and one accompanying vehicle passenger is exempt as well.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Louisiana resident veteran who has suffered limb amputation, received a U.S. automobile purchase allowance, or has a disability classification of totally/permanently disabled or fifty percent or greater from the SSA or VA.
How to apply
Apply to the Office of State Parks for an entrance permit; eligibility is verified by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

Any rating
Disabled Veteran Tuition and Fee Gap Exemption
A Louisiana disabled veteran enrolled at a public postsecondary institution who does not qualify for 100% federal GI Bill tuition coverage can get a state exemption covering the remaining tuition and fees owed.
Who qualifies
Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Louisiana resident with a service-connected disability as determined by the VA, enrolled in a program approved for federal educational assistance, maintaining full-time enrollment and academic standards.
How to apply
Apply through the institution's financial aid or veterans affairs office after federal GI Bill benefits are applied.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship
In addition to the tuition exemption, eligible Louisiana National Guard members can receive a scholarship that covers mandatory fees at public postsecondary institutions for up to four academic years.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be in good standing with the Louisiana National Guard, enrolled at a Louisiana public postsecondary institution, and already eligible for the existing tuition exemption.
How to apply
Administered through the institution and the Board of Regents in consultation with the Louisiana National Guard; apply through your school's financial aid office.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Louisiana National Guard Tuition Exemption (STEP)
Drilling members of the Louisiana National Guard can attend Louisiana public colleges and vo-tech schools without paying tuition charges for a set number of years.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Louisiana domiciled student, age 17 or older, who is a member in good standing of the Louisiana National Guard throughout the semester of enrollment.
How to apply
Apply through the National Guard Education Services office and the institution's financial aid/registrar office.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
90%+For family or survivors
Title 29 Dependent Tuition Exemption
Spouses, surviving spouses, and children of severely disabled or deceased Louisiana veterans can attend Louisiana public colleges without paying tuition or most school-imposed fees.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 90% or higher. Children (generally to age 25, no age limit for surviving spouse) of a living veteran rated 90% or above disabled, or spouses/children/surviving spouses of veterans killed, missing, POW, or who died of a service-connected disability, meeting LDVA residency rules.
How to apply
Apply in person at a local Parish Veterans Service Office to receive a Fee Exemption Certificate from LDVA, then submit it to the school's financial aid office.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption for Survivors of Deceased Veterans
Louisiana offers in-state tuition exemption at public postsecondary institutions for surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans. Surviving spouses must use the benefit within ten years of eligibility, and children must be age 16-25.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouses and children of veterans who were killed in action, died in active service from other causes, are missing in action, are prisoners of war, or died from a service-connected disability incurred during a wartime period. Alternatively, surviving spouses and children of veterans rated 90-100% service-connected disabled (or unemployable due to service-connected disability). Deceased veterans must have been Louisiana residents for at least 12 months immediately preceding entry into service, or for 12 months prior to death, or been permanently assigned to a Louisiana military installation.
How to apply
Contact your parish veterans service office to schedule an appointment with a veterans assistance counselor. The counselor will determine eligibility and approve or deny the application. If approved, the counselor sends the certificate to LDVA headquarters for processing, and the certificate is mailed to the student to present to their school's administrative office.
Official page
Last checked October 3, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

Any rating
State Civil Service 10-Point Disabled Veterans' Preference
Disabled veterans, and in some cases their spouse, widow(er), or widowed parent, receive 10 preference points on state civil service exams, higher than the standard veterans' preference.
Who qualifies
Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability recognized by the VA; or the spouse, unremarried widow(er), or widowed/divorced parent of a veteran who died or became totally disabled in service, under specified conditions.
How to apply
Claim the preference on your state civil service application with DD214 and VA disability documentation; only one 10-point preference is allowed per person.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
State Civil Service 5-Point Veterans' Preference
Veterans who served honorably during specified war periods or campaigns get 5 preference points added to their state civil service examination score when applying for state jobs.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Person who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during a designated war period or armed conflict (e.g., Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era, Persian Gulf War) as defined by law.
How to apply
Claim the preference on your state employment application (SF-10) with a copy of your DD214.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

No rating needed
Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative
This LED/LDVA program certifies and promotes businesses owned by veterans, active-duty or reserve military members, or Gold Star spouses through a searchable public database, honoring their service.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran, active-duty or reserve military member, or Gold Star spouse who owns at least 51% of the business.
How to apply
Apply online or visit an LDVA Parish Service Office with required documentation to have the business certified.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
Any rating
Veteran Initiative Small Business Certification
LED certifies veteran-owned and service-connected disabled-veteran-owned small businesses to give them greater access to state purchasing and contracting opportunities, including quote waivers on small purchases.
Who qualifies
Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Small business at least 51% owned by a veteran (or by a service-connected disabled veteran for the disabled-veteran category).
How to apply
Complete the online certification application at ledsmallbiz.com; LED reviews applications within two business days.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

No rating needed
Louisiana State Veterans Cemeteries
LDVA operates five veterans cemeteries providing a dignified final resting place, military honors, and perpetual grounds care at no cost for burial of an eligible veteran; a small fee applies for spouses and dependent children.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans discharged under honorable conditions with at least one day of active duty (before Sept. 7, 1980 enlisted / Oct. 16, 1981 officer) or two years' service after those dates, reservists called to Title 10 active duty or retired, and VA service-connected veterans.
How to apply
Submit an Eligibility Request Form or printable pre-need/burial application to LDVA to confirm eligibility for interment.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Louisiana State Veterans Homes
LDVA operates five veterans homes offering long and short-term nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, Alzheimer's/dementia care, and other services for eligible veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Louisiana veterans honorably discharged (wartime or peacetime) with 90 days of active duty, plus spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents; no monthly fee for veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 70-100%.
How to apply
Submit an admissions application, available from LDVA Parish Service Offices or the veterans home directly, including a medical information sheet completed by a doctor or nurse.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
National Guard/Reserve Member Spousal Burial Benefit
A Louisiana National Guard or drilling reserve service member who was a Louisiana resident and received a discharge under honorable conditions can be interred together with a spouse in a state veterans cemetery.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Service member of the Louisiana National Guard or a drilling reserve component, Louisiana resident at time of death, discharged under honorable conditions.
How to apply
Submit a burial application to the LDVA state veterans cemetery of choice.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

100% P&TFor family or survivors
Louisiana National Guard State Death and Disability Benefit
Louisiana National Guard members who suffer a permanent, total service-connected disability on state or federal active duty on or after September 11, 2001 may receive a one-time state disability benefit, with a state-administered process for death benefit claims.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Louisiana National Guard member killed or permanently and totally disabled while on federal or state active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
How to apply
Submit a claim to the Louisiana National Guard (death benefits) or Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (disability benefits); email LANGclaims@la.gov with questions.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA)
LDVA's donation-funded Military Family Assistance Fund provides need-based financial help, such as for housing, utilities, and medical expenses, to Louisiana veterans and current Louisiana National Guard or Reserve members facing hardship.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran discharged honorably or under honorable conditions, or current LANG/Reserve member in good standing, who is a current Louisiana resident.
How to apply
Submit an online application or fillable PDF application to LDVA with required supporting documentation.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

50%+
Auto Insurance Discount for Disabled Veterans and Military Retirees
Retired military members and veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more may qualify for a discount on their Louisiana automobile liability insurance premium, at the insurer's discretion.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Retired military personnel or veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or more, on an automobile liability policy purchased in Louisiana covering a vehicle they own.
How to apply
Contact your auto insurance carrier directly to request the discount.
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal
LDVA issues a Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal to eligible veterans and to families of those killed in action, with ribbon colors denoting honorable discharge, Purple Heart, POW status, or death in action.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. All eligible Louisiana veterans, and families of Louisiana service members killed in action.
How to apply
Apply through a Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Parish Service Office.
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.

Louisiana Veteran benefits

Free help in Louisiana

33 benefits

Property tax

Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Special Assessment Level (Assessment Freeze) for Disabled Veterans

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

Active Duty Pay Exclusion for Service Outside Louisiana

Military and Federal Retirement Income Tax Exclusion

Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Payment Exemption

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

"100% Disabled Veteran" Designation on Driver's License

"VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

100% Disabled Veteran (100% DAV) License Plate

Disabled Veteran (DV) Military Honor License Plate

Free Airport Parking for Disabled Veterans

Free Cruise Terminal Parking for Disabled Veterans at Port of New Orleans

Reduced Vehicle Use Tax for New Resident Veterans

Gold Star Family License Plate

Hunting, fishing and parks

Free Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License

Honorably Discharged Veteran $20 Hunting/Fishing Combo License

Purple Heart Recipient Resident-Rate Hunting/Fishing License

State Park Day-Use Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans

School and tuition

Disabled Veteran Tuition and Fee Gap Exemption

Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship

Louisiana National Guard Tuition Exemption (STEP)

Title 29 Dependent Tuition Exemption

Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption for Survivors of Deceased Veterans

Jobs and hiring preference

State Civil Service 10-Point Disabled Veterans' Preference

State Civil Service 5-Point Veterans' Preference

Business certification and contracts

Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative

Veteran Initiative Small Business Certification

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

Louisiana State Veterans Cemeteries

Louisiana State Veterans Homes

National Guard/Reserve Member Spousal Burial Benefit

Money, grants and bonuses

Louisiana National Guard State Death and Disability Benefit

Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA)

Other help

Auto Insurance Discount for Disabled Veterans and Military Retirees

Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal

Also check