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New Hampshire Veteran benefits

36 benefits from New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services (DMAVS) is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 603-225-1200 State agency website

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

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

36 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    All Veterans' Tax Credit

    A property tax credit for any honorably discharged veteran with at least 90 days of active service, even without wartime service, if the town has adopted it. Not combinable with the standard veterans' credit or disability credit.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident veteran (RSA 21:50) with 90+ days active service, honorably discharged or still serving, or spouse/surviving spouse; not eligible for RSA 72:28 or 72:35 credit.
    How to apply
    File Form PA-29 with local assessors by April 15, only in towns that have adopted the credit.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Certain Disabled Veterans Full Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled, double amputees/paraplegic, or blind from service connection, and whose home was specially adapted with VA (SAH/SHA) assistance, are fully exempt from all property tax on that homestead.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran discharged other than dishonorably who is 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled, or a double amputee or paraplegic, or blind (5/200 vision or less) from service, and owns a VA-adapted (SAH/SHA) home; or the surviving spouse.
    or 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled
    How to apply
    File Form PA-29 with local assessors with VA documentation of the SAH/SHA grant and disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 38 C.F.R. 3.340.

  • No rating needed

    Standard and Optional Veterans' Tax Credit

    Veterans who served in a qualifying wartime period, their spouses, or surviving spouses can get a credit subtracted from their property tax bill each year. Towns may raise the credit above the state default.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident veteran (RSA 21:50) with 90+ days active service in a qualifying war/conflict, honorably discharged or still serving, or spouse/surviving spouse; must be NH resident one year before April 1.
    How to apply
    File permanent application Form PA-29 with local assessors by April 15.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability

    Disabled veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability (or who are double amputees/paraplegic) get a property tax credit on their home, replacing other veterans' credits. Towns can raise the amount above the state default.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). NH resident veteran certified by VA as totally and permanently disabled from service connection, or double amputee/paraplegic from service connection; applies to principal residence.
    How to apply
    File Form PA-29 with local assessors along with VA certification letter and DD214, by April 15.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Organization Property Tax Exemption

    Real and personal property owned and operated by national veterans' organizations, such as posts or chapters, is exempt from state and local property taxation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Property must be owned and operated by a recognized veterans' organization, department, local chapter, or post.
    How to apply
    Apply through local assessors' exemption list process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit (Killed on Active Duty)

    Surviving spouses of persons killed or died while on active duty receive a property tax credit. The standard credit is $700, with municipalities able to adopt higher credits up to $2,000.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouses of service members killed or died while on active duty in U.S. Armed Forces. Applicant must be NH resident for at least one year preceding April 1 of the year credit is claimed.
    How to apply
    File Form PA-29 with municipal assessing office by April 15
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    No State Individual Income Tax on Military Retirement or VA Benefits

    New Hampshire has no general individual income tax, so military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and other veteran benefits are not taxed at the state level. The former tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to all New Hampshire residents and taxpayers, including veterans; no separate application needed.
    How to apply
    No filing is required for individual wage, retirement, or investment income taxation in NH.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Surviving Spouse of Wartime/Service-Connected Death Tax Credit

    The unremarried surviving spouse of a service member killed on active duty or who suffered a service-connected death may receive a property tax credit, which can be applied to any real property they own in that municipality.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Unremarried surviving spouse of a resident who suffered a service-connected death while serving, as defined under RSA 72:28 and 72:29-a.
    How to apply
    File Form PA-29 with local assessors with death certificate and proof of service-connected death by April 15.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Certain disabilities

    Disabled Veteran Driver's License Fee Exemption

    Veterans who are amputees or paraplegics that received a vehicle from the U.S. government are not charged a fee for their driver's license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Disabled veteran who, because of being an amputee or paraplegic, received a motor vehicle from the U.S. government.
    amputee or paraplegic who received a vehicle from the U.S. government
    How to apply
    Apply at a DMV office and present proof of the qualifying VA-provided vehicle.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Disabled Veteran License Plate

    Honorably discharged veterans who are amputees/paraplegics who received a vehicle from the government, or who are VA-rated permanently and totally disabled, get one set of free special plates with the accessibility symbol, which also allow free parking.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran who is an amputee/paraplegic who received or is replacing a government-provided vehicle, or is VA-rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability.
    or VA-rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability
    How to apply
    Apply at a DMV office or Town/City Clerk's Office with VA certification or discharge documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free Parking for Disabled Veteran Plates

    Any vehicle bearing a special disabled veteran license plate with the accessibility symbol may park for free in any NH city or town while under the direct control of the owner.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Vehicle must bear the disabled veteran plate issued under RSA 261:86 and be under the direct control of the veteran owner.
    How to apply
    No separate application; benefit applies automatically to vehicles with the qualifying plate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Registration Fee Exemption for Amputee, Paraplegic, or Blind Veterans

    No registration fee is charged for a vehicle provided by the VA to an amputee, paraplegic, or blind veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from service connection.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Veteran classified by the VA as an amputee, paraplegic, or totally blind due to a service-connected disability, using a VA-provided or VA-replaced vehicle.
    amputee, paraplegic, or totally blind veteran, and must be permanently and totally disabled due to service connection
    How to apply
    Apply at DMV or Town/City Clerk's Office with VA certification of the qualifying disability.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Special Veteran Number Plate

    Any veteran with an honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge may obtain a distinctive veteran license plate for a vehicle they own, for the regular registration fee plus a small per-plate fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran as defined in RSA 21:50 with honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge; surviving spouse may keep plates until remarriage.
    How to apply
    Apply at DMV or Town/City Clerk's Office with proof of veteran status and pay the regular registration fee plus plate fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Indicator on NH Driver License or ID Card

    Honorably discharged veterans can request a special veteran indicator on their NH driver license, commercial driver license, or non-driver ID card to help identify themselves for benefits and services.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran with an honorable discharge, requesting the indicator on an NH-issued license or ID card.
    How to apply
    Complete the appropriate DMV form and present proof of honorable discharge at any DMV location.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Purple Heart, POW, and Pearl Harbor Survivor Plates

    Veterans who received the Purple Heart, were prisoners of war, or survived Pearl Harbor can get special commemorative license plates; Purple Heart and POW plates are free, while Pearl Harbor survivor plates require the regular registration fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Documented Purple Heart recipients, former POWs (including those captured in Iraq/Afghanistan operations), or Pearl Harbor survivors with honorable discharge.
    How to apply
    Apply at DMV with official documentation of the qualifying award or status.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veterans Perpetual Hunting and Fishing License

    NH resident veterans who are totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected condition can receive a perpetual fishing, hunting, or combination license for a one-time administrative fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). NH resident veteran (RSA 21:50) with a discharge other than dishonorable who is totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected disability.
    How to apply
    Apply to the NH Fish and Game Department's Executive Director with proof of disability; a $10 one-time fee applies.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free State Park Day-Use Admission for Active and Retired Military

    Active members of the armed forces, and retired members (or their spouse/unmarried surviving spouse), are not charged for day-use admission to NH state parks upon presenting military ID, with residency proof required for retirees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active-duty service member of any branch; or retired member (or spouse/unmarried surviving spouse) providing proof of NH residency.
    How to apply
    Present military identification (and NH residency proof if retired) at the state park entrance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Free State Park Day-Use Admission for Disabled Veterans

    No NH disabled veteran with satisfactory proof of a service-connected disability, at any percentage, is charged for day-use admission to the state park system. Fees for camping, ski lifts, and other enterprise activities still apply.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. NH veteran with any VA service-connected disability rating; disabled veteran plates or a VA disability letter serve as proof.
    How to apply
    Present a disabled veteran license plate or VA disability letter with a driver's license at the park gate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free State Park Day-Use Admission for Military Members and Retirees

    New Hampshire does not charge day-use admission at state parks for active military members, military retirees, and spouses or unremarried surviving spouses of retirees. This includes active, retired, and reserve NH National Guard members. Fees for things like camping, food, and ski lifts still apply.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active member of the armed forces in good standing, including NH National Guard and reserve members. Also retired military members and their spouses or unremarried surviving spouses, who must show proof of New Hampshire residency.
    How to apply
    Show your military ID at the park entrance. Retirees and spouses must also show proof of NH residency.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • 80–99%

    Half-Price Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License for 80-99% Disabled Veterans

    NH resident veterans rated at least 80% but less than 100% service-connected disabled for up to two years may be issued a lifetime hunting or fishing license at half the regular lifetime cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating from 80% to 99%. New Hampshire resident veteran, discharged other than dishonorably, rated at least 80% but less than 100% service-connected disabled, for no more than 2 years.
    How to apply
    Apply to the NH Fish and Game Department's Executive Director with VA disability documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: 38 C.F.R. 3.327.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Waiver of Residency Requirement for In-State Tuition for Veterans

    A veteran who establishes residence in New Hampshire immediately qualifies for in-state tuition rates at University System of New Hampshire institutions, without having to wait out a normal residency period.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran of the armed forces who establishes residence in New Hampshire.
    How to apply
    Apply for admission and provide proof of veteran status and NH residency to the institution's registrar.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Free Tuition for Children of NH Service Members Missing or POW

    Children of a New Hampshire resident service member who was declared missing in action or a prisoner of war after February 28, 1961 are entitled to free tuition at a NH community college or university system institution while the parent remains so listed.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child of a service member domiciled in NH who is/was reported missing in action or captured after Feb. 28, 1961; eligibility continues while parent is so listed.
    How to apply
    Contact NH Division of Veterans Services or the institution's registrar; call 603-862-0355 for details.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&TFor family or survivors

    Free Tuition for Children of Permanently Disabled Service Members

    Children of service members with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability may receive free tuition at institutions in the University System of New Hampshire.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Children of service members with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability who is domiciled in NH. Parent must have been NH resident at time of entry to military service or at time of disability determination, or was NH resident at death.
    How to apply
    Apply to University System of New Hampshire institution
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&TFor family or survivors

    Tuition Waiver for Children of Disabled or Deceased NH Veterans

    Children of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled (or died as NH residents) from a service-connected condition can attend the university or community college system of New Hampshire tuition-free until age 27.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Child of a veteran with a VA determination of 100% total, permanent, service-connected disability (character of discharge other than dishonorable) who is/was an NH resident; child eligible through the semester in which they turn 27.
    How to apply
    Apply through the university/community college system with the VA disability determination letter and proof of relationship; must complete FAFSA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Reemployment to Previously Held Municipal Position

    Veterans who held a position with a town or other political subdivision before military service have a right to reemployment in that position if they apply within a set window after discharge from active service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran previously employed by a town or political subdivision who applies for reemployment within 90 days after discharge from active military service.
    How to apply
    Submit an application for reemployment to the former municipal employer within 90 days of discharge.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in Public Employment

    NH gives hiring preference to veterans who served at least 90 days in wartime and were honorably discharged for public jobs such as clerks, laborers, and other municipal/state positions, when candidates are otherwise equally qualified.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Citizen of NH who served 90+ days in the armed forces during wartime, honorably discharged or released from active duty, registered per RSA 283:7; extended to unremarried surviving spouses and spouses of totally disabled veterans.
    How to apply
    Register as required under RSA 283:7 and indicate veteran status when applying for covered public jobs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    NH Veteran-Friendly Business Recognition Program

    A state program, led by the Adjutant General, that recognizes and lists businesses meeting criteria for veteran-friendly hiring and practices, helping veterans identify supportive employers in New Hampshire.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Businesses that meet defined criteria for veteran-friendly practices, procedures, and protocols; veterans use the list to find prospective employers.
    How to apply
    Businesses apply for recognition through the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services; veterans can browse the published list.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Peddler's License Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    Service-connected disabled veterans and their unremarried spouses may be exempt from paying fees for a peddler's license in New Hampshire.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Service-connected disabled veteran or their unremarried spouse seeking a peddler's license.
    How to apply
    Apply for the peddler's license through the local licensing authority and present proof of service-connected disability.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Burial Flag for Veterans

    The federal government provides a burial flag for eligible honorably discharged veterans. The flag is provided through the funeral director.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans
    How to apply
    Funeral director submits application to Department of Veterans Affairs
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Burial for Indigent New Hampshire Veterans

    Indigent veterans who die in New Hampshire may be buried at the expense of the municipality in which the veteran died.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indigent veterans who die in New Hampshire
    How to apply
    Contact the municipality in which the veteran died
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Burial of Indigent Veterans at Municipal Expense

    A veteran who served 90 days in a qualifying war or conflict, was discharged other than dishonorably, and dies without a sufficient estate or as an assisted person is given a decent burial at municipal expense.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. NH resident veteran with 90+ days qualifying wartime service, discharged other than dishonorably, who dies without sufficient estate to cover funeral costs.
    How to apply
    The municipal overseers of public welfare in the town where the veteran died arrange the burial; funds from VA are retained by the municipality.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery Burial

    Honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents may be buried at the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at no cost to the veteran; NH residency is not required. A fee applies for spouse/dependent interment.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans (generally active duty before Sept. 7, 1980, or 24+ months active duty/deployment after that date) and eligible dependents; eligibility follows VA National Cemetery rules.
    How to apply
    Submit a Burial/Eligibility Pre-Certification Application to the State Veterans Cemetery in advance or at time of need.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    New Hampshire Veterans Home Long-Term Care

    The state-run New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton provides nursing care, assisted living, dementia care, and related long-term care services to eligible veterans. A one-year NH residency requirement is waived for veterans whose DD214 lists an NH home of record.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans generally eligible for admittance; one-year residency requirement waived for veterans with NH listed as home of record on DD214 or those discharged directly from a medical facility with NH home of record.
    How to apply
    Contact the NH Veterans Home admissions office to determine eligibility and begin the application process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    NH Wartime Service Bonuses (Vietnam, Persian Gulf, GWOT)

    New Hampshire pays a one-time $100 bonus to eligible NH residents who served in certain designated conflicts (Vietnam, Persian Gulf, or the Global War on Terrorism) and earned specific campaign medals, provided they were NH residents at time of entry.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. NH resident at time of entry into service who served in the qualifying conflict period, earned the associated campaign/expeditionary medal, and received an honorable discharge (or is missing/killed in action).
    How to apply
    Apply through the NH Division of Veterans Services with proof of residency, service dates, and medal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Veterans' and Dependent Families Relief

    War veterans and their dependent families who are unable to support themselves are provided support at public expense in the town or city where they live, addressing needs of veterans and their dependents or survivors.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. War veterans (and their dependent families) who are unable to support themselves, residing in an NH town or city.
    How to apply
    Contact the town or city welfare office, or the NH Division of Veterans Services, for assistance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Free Help From State Veterans Service Officers

    New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services has state veterans service officers. They help veterans and their families file for state and federal benefits, such as VA compensation and pension. The help is free.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any NH veteran or their dependent seeking help navigating state or federal veterans' benefits.
    How to apply
    Call 603-624-9230 (or 1-800-622-9230 in New Hampshire) to set up a meeting with a veterans service officer. The main office is at 275 Chestnut Street, Room 517, Manchester.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Also check

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