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Maine Veteran benefits

23 benefits from Maine 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 Maine

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

Call 207-287-7020 State agency website

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

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

23 benefits

Property tax

  • Certain disabilities

    Paraplegic Veteran Specially Adapted Housing Exemption

    Maine exempts up to $50,000 of a home's value from property tax for certain veterans who got a federal grant for specially adapted housing. The regular veteran exemption is only $6,000.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran who served during a federally recognized war period (or February 1955 to February 1961, or got an expeditionary medal) and got a VA Specially Adapted Housing grant. Unremarried surviving spouses also qualify.
    Paraplegic veteran who received a federal grant for specially adapted housing; also available to unremarried surviving spouse
    How to apply
    File a written application with the local municipal tax assessor, providing proof of the federal SAH grant.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026. Law: 38 U.S.C. 2101.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Estates of Veterans)

    Maine exempts a portion of a qualifying veteran's home value from municipal property tax. Veterans who served during a recognized war period and are 62 or older, or who are receiving compensation for total disability, qualify.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Maine resident veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a federally recognized war period and has reached age 62, or who is receiving any pension or compensation from the U.S. Government for total disability, service-connected or nonservice-connected.
    How to apply
    File a written application with the local municipal tax assessor by April 1, including discharge documentation (DD214).
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse/Minor Child/Parent of a Veteran

    Maine extends the veteran property tax exemption to the unremarried surviving spouse, minor child, or in some cases a surviving parent of a deceased qualifying veteran.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Unremarried surviving spouse or minor child of a veteran who would have been eligible for the exemption, or who receives federal pension/compensation as a survivor; certain parents of a deceased veteran age 62 or older who are unremarried survivors receiving federal compensation for the service-connected death of their child.
    How to apply
    File a written application with the local municipal tax assessor by April 1.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Income Tax Exemption for Active Duty Pay Earned Outside Maine

    A Maine resident service member on active duty who is stationed outside of Maine does not have to pay Maine state income tax on that military pay.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Maine resident service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces while stationed outside of Maine.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on the Maine individual income tax return (Form 1040ME) when filing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Subtraction

    Maine allows taxpayers to subtract military retirement pay included in federal adjusted gross income from Maine taxable income, and this subtraction is not reduced by Social Security benefits received, unlike the general pension deduction.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any individual who receives military retirement or pension benefits attributable to service in the U.S. Armed Forces that is included in federal AGI.
    How to apply
    Complete the Worksheet for Pension Income Deduction and submit it with Form 1040ME when filing a Maine income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veteran Special License Plates and Free Registration

    Maine issues free registration and special 'Disabled Veteran' license plates to 100% disabled veterans, covering vehicles up to a certain weight, including motorcycles. A disability placard can also be issued at no fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Any veteran certified by the VA or a branch of the Armed Forces as having a permanent disability and receiving 100% service-connected benefits; vehicle must have a registered gross weight of not more than 26,000 pounds.
    How to apply
    Apply with the Secretary of State, providing VA/military certification of 100% service-connected disability and proof of excise tax payment or exemption.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    Automobiles owned by veterans who receive free registration under Maine law, or who are disabled and receiving compensation for total service-connected disability, are exempt from the municipal excise tax normally charged when registering a vehicle.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veterans granted free registration under Title 29-A, section 523, subsection 1, or veterans disabled by injury or disease incurred in the line of duty who receive any pension or compensation from the U.S. Government for total, service-connected disability.
    How to apply
    Present proof of total service-connected disability (VA Benefit Summary letter) to the municipal excise tax collector when registering the vehicle.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

    Maine allows veterans and current service members to add a 'Veteran' flag indicator to their driver's license or ID card, providing a widely recognized way to show military service for accessing benefits and discounts.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Service members currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or veterans who received an honorable discharge, with certification from the VA or a military branch verifying service and discharge status.
    How to apply
    Request the designation at a BMV branch when applying for or renewing a license/ID, providing DD214 or equivalent certification; a $5 duplicate fee applies if requested outside of renewal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plates

    Maine offers a special Gold Star Family license plate for family members of a service member who died while honorably serving on active duty, including those who died in combat or otherwise while on active duty.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Family member who received a Gold Star Lapel Button from the casualty branch of service, or family members (including grandparents) of a person who died while honorably serving on active duty who do not meet the federal Gold Star Lapel Button criteria.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Bureau of Veterans' Services and BMV with proof of the Gold Star Lapel Button or DD Form 3.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    Complimentary Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

    Maine issues a free lifetime license covering hunting, trapping, and fishing (including many special permits) to veterans with a significant service-connected disability rating, available to residents and to nonresidents from certain reciprocal states.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. A resident disabled veteran, or a nonresident disabled veteran who is a resident of a state with a reciprocal agreement with Maine.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services with proof of residency and VA disability documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Day Use Park Pass for Active Military Personnel

    Maine issues a free annual day-use pass to state parks and historic sites for eligible active-duty military personnel who are Maine residents, also covering their spouse and children when accompanying them.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Person serving in an enlisted grade in the armed forces as defined in 10 U.S. Code Section 101(a)(4), and a resident of Maine.
    How to apply
    Apply by mail or in person with proof of active duty service (statement of service from commanding officer).
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free Lifetime Veteran State Park and Museum Pass

    Maine issues a free lifetime day-use pass for state parks, historic sites, and the state museum to eligible resident veterans, granting free admission for life.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident of Maine who received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions, as verified from the DD214.
    How to apply
    Complete and submit an application with a copy of your DD214 to the Bureau of Veterans' Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Maine National Guard Education Assistance Program

    Qualifying Maine National Guard members can receive 100% tuition at state postsecondary institutions, reduced by any other tuition assistance they receive. The benefit may be used toward one credential: a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or certificate/licensure.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a satisfactory participant and member in good standing of the Maine National Guard, have completed basic training or received a commission, and enter a written commitment to serve at least one additional year.
    How to apply
    Apply through your Army or Air Guard unit; fall applications due July 31, spring applications due November 30.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&TFor family or survivors

    Veterans' Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB) Tuition Waiver

    Maine waives 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for the spouse or child of a veteran who is 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, died from service-connected causes, or is missing/captured in the line of duty for over 90 days. It covers public colleges, community colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Spouse or child of a veteran who entered service from Maine or has resided in Maine for 5 years, where the veteran has a 100% permanent total service-connected disability, died of a service-connected disability, or was MIA/captured for more than 90 days.
    How to apply
    Contact the Bureau of Veterans' Services central office to establish eligibility, then present documentation to the school's certifying official.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Preference in State Hiring and Retention

    Maine law requires state agencies to offer an interview to any veteran or Gold Star spouse who meets the minimum qualifications for a classified state job opening. Veterans also get retention preference during personnel reductions.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. A person who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, including Reserves and National Guard, and received a discharge other than dishonorable; Gold Star spouses also qualify.
    How to apply
    Apply for a State of Maine classified position and submit DD Form 214 as documentation of veteran status.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Burial in the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System

    Maine provides free burial plots, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care for eligible veterans and their dependents at state veterans' cemeteries in Augusta, Caribou, and Springvale. Maine residency is not required.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans including active-duty, current/former National Guard, and Reserve component members who meet service and discharge criteria; spouses and minor or disabled adult children of eligible veterans also qualify.
    How to apply
    Contact the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System or have a funeral home contact the cemetery to schedule interment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Maine Military Funeral Honors

    All honorably discharged Maine veterans are eligible to receive Military Funeral Honors performed by the appropriate branch's Casualty Assistance Center, coordinated through the veteran's funeral director.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who received an honorable discharge from service.
    How to apply
    Family should notify their funeral director, who will contact the appropriate military branch Casualty Assistance Center.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Maine Veterans' Homes Long-Term Care

    Maine Veterans' Homes, created by the Maine Legislature, provides long-term nursing care, rehabilitation, and memory care to veterans and eligible family members at six locations across the state.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veterans and family members of veterans in every region of the State, as determined by state and federal requirements administered by the Maine Veterans' Homes.
    How to apply
    Contact the Maine Veterans' Homes Admissions Team at one of the six homes to begin an eligibility assessment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Salute Home Again (First-Time Homebuyer Requirement Waiver)

    MaineHousing waives its usual first-time homebuyer requirement for veterans who have previously owned a home, allowing them to access MaineHousing's low-interest mortgage programs again.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who have previously owned a home and otherwise meet MaineHousing's veteran mortgage eligibility criteria.
    How to apply
    Apply through an approved MaineHousing Lender for a Salute Home Again loan.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    SaluteME First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Discount

    MaineHousing offers eligible active duty, veteran, and retired military personnel a discount on the interest rate of its First Home Loan 30-year fixed mortgage. This helps make homeownership more affordable for those who served.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or received an honorable discharge from active duty service of 180 days or more, or served in a war zone; National Guard members who meet these requirements also qualify.
    How to apply
    Apply through an approved MaineHousing Lender for a SaluteME loan.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Homelessness Prevention Coordination Program

    This state-created program provides ongoing funding for reimbursements to a volunteer human-services organization that gives transitional housing to homeless veterans in Maine.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Homeless veterans in Maine; administered through a partnering human services-based volunteer organization.
    How to apply
    Contact the Bureau of Veterans' Services Homeless Veterans Coordination Team by phone or email.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program (VEFAP)

    VEFAP provides Maine veterans facing an emergency and lacking sufficient savings with financial assistance for costs like rent, utilities, or vehicle repairs. It is administered by the Bureau of Veterans' Services in partnership with FEDCAP.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Maine veteran experiencing a qualifying emergency, generally requiring a discharge status of Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions.
    How to apply
    Apply through Fedcap Veterans Forward or contact the Bureau of Veterans' Services for the VEFAP application.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Maine Gold Star Recognition Program

    Maine's Gold Star Recognition Program, launched in 2006, awards a Gold Star Honorable Service Medal to families of Maine resident service members who were killed in action or died while deployed.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Families of service members who were Maine residents upon entry into the military and who were killed in action or died while deployed.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Bureau of Veterans' Services for the Gold Star Honorable Service Medal.
    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.