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North Dakota Veteran benefits

30 benefits from North Dakota 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 North Dakota

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

Call 701-239-7165 State agency website

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

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

30 benefits

Property tax

  • 50%+

    Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Credit

    Reduces property taxes on a disabled veteran's homestead by a percentage tied to the veteran's VA disability rating. Available to veterans discharged under honorable conditions or retired from the armed forces, and to unremarried surviving spouses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, or an extra-schedular rating (including individual unemployability) that results in being paid at the 100% rate as determined by the VA.
    How to apply
    File an affidavit and VA disability certificate with the county auditor; apply through the county assessor's office using the Tax Department application form.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Paraplegic Veteran / Specially Adapted Housing Property Tax Exemption

    Exempts the first portion of true and full value of a paraplegic veteran's homestead, or that of a veteran awarded VA specially adapted housing, from property tax. Also available to the unremarried surviving spouse.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Must be a paraplegic disabled veteran of the U.S. armed forces, or any veteran awarded specially adapted housing by the VA; the disability does not have to be service-connected.
    paraplegic veteran or veteran awarded VA specially adapted housing; disability need not be service-connected; also available to unremarried surviving spouse
    How to apply
    File an application for property tax exemption with the county, providing a DD214 and VA evidence of specially adapted housing award.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit for Surviving Spouse

    An unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran receiving VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation receives a 100 percent property tax credit on the first $9,000 of taxable homestead valuation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who is receiving United States Department of Veterans Affairs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
    How to apply
    Submit an Application for Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Credit to the local county assessor or county director of tax equalization by April 1st of the year in which the credit is requested.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Pay Income Tax Exemption

    Military pay received by members of the U.S. armed forces on active and reserve duty and National Guard members may be subtracted from North Dakota taxable income. This includes pay for training, education, mobilization, and bonuses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members of the U.S. armed forces on active or reserve duty and National Guard members with federally taxable military pay reported on their federal return.
    How to apply
    Claim the deduction on North Dakota Form ND-1 using the designated line for military pay subtraction.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption

    North Dakota allows retired members of the U.S. armed forces, Reserve, and National Guard, or their surviving spouses, to subtract military retirement benefit payments from state taxable income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a retired member of the U.S. armed forces, Reserve, or National Guard, or a surviving spouse of such a retiree, receiving retirement benefit payments reported on the federal return.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on North Dakota Form ND-1 for the applicable tax year; no separate application required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 100%+

    Disabled American Veteran (DAV) License Plates

    100% service-connected disabled veterans can obtain distinctive DAV license plates for up to two vehicles that are exempt from vehicle excise tax and registration fees, with no annual license fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Disabled veteran under Public Law 79-663 or with a 100% service-connected disability (including extra-schedular/individual unemployability) as determined by the VA; applies to no more than two vehicles owned by the veteran at one time.
    How to apply
    Complete SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title, with certification from a County Veteran Service Officer or NDDVA, and submit to the Motor Vehicle Division of NDDOT.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Driver License Veteran Indicator

    Veterans can request a 'V' indicator placed on their North Dakota driver license to show they served in the U.S. military.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must have served on continuous federalized active military duty for 180 days or the full period called to active duty (other than for training), and been discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions.
    How to apply
    Bring a copy of DD214 to a Veteran Service Officer, who verifies status and completes form SFN 59980, then present it at a driver license site (an $8 duplicate fee applies if not renewing).
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    North Dakota Veteran's Number Plate

    Veterans eligible for interment in the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery can obtain a Veteran's number plate; part of the fee helps fund cemetery operation and maintenance.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be eligible for interment in the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery and be an owner of the vehicle.
    How to apply
    Complete the Application for North Dakota Veteran's Number Plate (SFN 51628) and submit to the Motor Vehicle Division.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Prisoner of War (POW) License Plates

    Former prisoners of war who received an honorable discharge can display a distinctive POW license plate on a qualifying vehicle, exempt from excise tax, for an annual $5 license fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a North Dakota resident who, while serving in the U.S. armed forces, was a prisoner of war and received an honorable discharge; applies to no more than two vehicles at a time.
    How to apply
    Complete SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title with a certification letter from the NDDVA verifying POW status, and submit with the annual license fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Purple Heart License Plate

    Recipients of the Purple Heart can obtain a distinctive Purple Heart license plate, with eligibility verified by a County Veterans' Service Office or the State Department of Veterans' Affairs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a recipient of the Purple Heart as documented on a DD214 or medal certificate.
    How to apply
    Complete the Application for North Dakota Veteran's Number Plate (SFN 51628) with signature verification from a County Veterans' Service Office or NDDVA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Vehicle Relicensing Fee Waiver for Returning Service Members

    A North Dakota resident who served in the armed forces for more than one year may relicense a vehicle they own without paying fees or penalties for the years the vehicle went unlicensed while they served.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. North Dakota resident who served in the U.S. armed forces for more than one year. You must sign an affidavit that the vehicle was not used during the years it was not licensed.
    How to apply
    Apply at the ND Motor Vehicle Division. Bring proof of your service dates and a signed affidavit that the vehicle was not used while unlicensed.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    ND Gold Star License Plates

    Gold Star Family license plates are available for families of service members who died on active duty or from service-connected causes, as a tribute to their sacrifice.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving immediate family members of service members who died on active duty or from service-connected causes.
    How to apply
    Contact the ND Department of Veterans Affairs or visit the state licensing agency.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 50%+

    Disabled Veteran and POW State Park Lifetime Entrance Permit

    North Dakota residents who are veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability, or former POWs, are eligible for a free lifetime entrance permit valid at any North Dakota state park or recreation area.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. North Dakota resident veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating, or a former prisoner of war; surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans are also eligible.
    How to apply
    Submit a completed application with a current VA Summary of Benefits letter (or DD214 showing POW status) to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Resident Disabled Veteran Combined Hunting License

    North Dakota resident veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 50% can buy a combined general game, habitat, small game and furbearer hunting license for $3. The threshold was lowered from 100% in 2025.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Resident veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability, as determined by the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
    How to apply
    Apply through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's online license system or an approved retailer, providing proof of disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License

    Resident veterans with a service-connected disability can purchase a reduced-fee fishing license through the state Game and Fish Department.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Resident disabled veterans who have a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA, or an extra-schedular rating including individual unemployability that brings the total rating to 50%.
    How to apply
    Apply through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's online license system or an approved retailer, providing proof of disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    North Dakota National Guard Tuition Waiver

    Members in good standing of the North Dakota National Guard may receive a percentage of tuition costs waived at participating North Dakota colleges and universities.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a member in good standing of the North Dakota National Guard attending a participating North Dakota institution.
    How to apply
    Contact the campus certifying official or the ND National Guard education office to apply the waiver at enrollment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100%+For family or survivors

    ND Dependent Tuition Waiver

    Waives tuition and fee charges at North Dakota state institutions of higher education for the dependent, spouse, or unremarried widow/widower of certain resident veterans, up through a bachelor's degree or certificate of completion.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Dependent of a resident veteran who was killed in action, died of service-connected causes, has a 100% service-connected disability (including extra-schedular/individual unemployability), was a POW, or was declared MIA; the other parent or dependent generally must meet a five-year North Dakota residency requirement.
    How to apply
    Apply and be accepted for enrollment at a North Dakota University System institution, then submit documentation (DD214, proof of relationship, residency records) to the campus financial aid or veterans services office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in Public Employment

    Veterans and disabled veterans receive hiring preference over other applicants in recruitment and selection by North Dakota governmental agencies. Disabled veterans receive a preference superior to that given other veterans.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a veteran as defined by North Dakota law and a U.S. citizen at the time of application; disability does not disqualify a veteran unless it prevents proper performance of the job's duties.
    How to apply
    Submit required documentation (typically DD214) with a state job application to claim preference; contact the hiring agency's HR office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Veterans' Employment Preference in State Contracts

    In state contracts other than certain exempted ones, preference is given first to honorably discharged disabled veterans and then to other veterans of the armed forces.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Applies to veterans and disabled veterans as defined under North Dakota law bidding on or working under covered state contracts.
    How to apply
    Preference is applied by the contracting state agency under NDCC 43-07-20; no separate application beyond standard contract bidding documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Funeral Honor Detail Stipend for Veteran Service Organizations

    North Dakota pays a $50 stipend per funeral to one congressionally chartered veterans group that helps with military funeral honors. It started July 1, 2023. It is not paid if the honors already get a stipend from another source, like the federal program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Congressionally-chartered Veteran Service Organizations that provide additional elements of honor such as rifle volleys or color guards for veteran funerals.
    How to apply
    The veterans group fills out form SFN 62362 (Military Funeral Honors Stipend Request). Send it by mail, fax, or email to FuneralHonors@nd.gov. First-time groups also send SFN 53656 (W-9) and SFN 51620 (direct deposit).
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    ND National Guard Military Funeral Honors

    The ND National Guard provides Military Funeral Honors ceremonies to eligible veterans at no cost to the family. Honors include flag folding and presentation, and playing of Taps by a bugler or electronic recording.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Military members on active duty, former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable, former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable, and former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
    How to apply
    Family members should notify their funeral director of the desire to have Military Funeral Honors rendered. The funeral director will coordinate with the ND National Guard. Provide the deceased's name, date of birth, social security number, DD 214 discharge, or other proof of veteran status.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    ND Veterans Cemetery Granite Headstones

    Every grave in the ND Veterans Cemetery is marked with an upright granite headstone at no cost to the veteran, eligible spouse, and eligible dependents. National Guard and Reserve retirees also receive free headstones.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, non-military spouses, eligible dependents, and National Guard and Reserve retirees buried in the ND Veterans Cemetery. National Guard and Reserve members with less than 20 years of service who did not serve on active duty must purchase their own headstone.
    How to apply
    Burial application to the cemetery serves as application for the headstone.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    NDHFA HomeAccess Mortgage Program

    A state housing finance program offering low-interest purchase mortgages and down payment assistance to veteran households (along with single-parent, elderly, and disabled households) who don't qualify for the standard first-time buyer program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. The mortgagor or mortgagor's spouse must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; income and purchase price limits apply.
    How to apply
    Apply through an NDHFA-participating mortgage lender; program is for purchase transactions only, not refinancing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Burial

    The state-operated North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan provides burial for eligible veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses and dependents, with military status verified from discharge documents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Includes veterans of any war, other veterans who completed at least one enlistment term and separated under conditions other than dishonorable, active duty and retired military, and qualifying National Guard/Reserve members; discharge must show Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions, or General.
    How to apply
    Submit the Application and Eligibility for Burial form with a copy of the DD214 (or equivalent) to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery; pre-registration is optional but eligibility is verified before interment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    North Dakota Veterans Home

    A state-run long-term care facility in Lisbon offering basic care and skilled nursing services for North Dakota veterans and their spouses. VA per diem and Aid and Attendance payments can offset the resident's daily rate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans must meet admission criteria set by the Home's Board of Admissions; spouses of veterans may also reside there. Applicants convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude may be excluded absent evidence of reformation.
    How to apply
    Submit an Application for Admission and Medical Certificate, obtainable from a County Veteran Service Officer, VA Social Work Services, or directly from the Home, for review by the Board of Admissions.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Aid Fund Loan

    A state revolving fund that makes loans to North Dakota veterans or their unremarried surviving spouses for financial need, up to a set maximum per applicant.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be a veteran as defined in NDCC 37-14-01.1, or an unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran, and a resident of North Dakota; must meet loan criteria adopted by rule.
    How to apply
    Apply through a County Veterans Service Officer or the NDDVA; documentation of residency and financial need required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    IMPACT Hardship Assistance Grant

    Provides fast financial support to North Dakota veterans and their families for urgent, unmet needs such as dental care, vision, hearing, transportation for medical treatment, and emergency household bills.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Based on veteran status (including spouses/unremarried surviving spouses), North Dakota residency, and income and asset limits reviewed annually against pension rates and poverty guidelines.
    How to apply
    Contact a local County Veterans Service Officer to apply; payments are generally issued directly to vendors.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    NDDVA Grant Program (Support Our Veterans Fund)

    Provides financial assistance to North Dakota veterans and their eligible dependents facing urgent unmet needs, including dental care, dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, housing, and transportation to medical appointments.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Income- and asset-based program for North Dakota veterans and eligible dependents; operates under NDCC 37-14-14.
    How to apply
    Contact a local County Veterans Service Officer to apply for support from this program.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    North Dakota Veterans Treatment Court

    A specialized court program addressing the needs of veterans involved in the state judiciary system, aiming to reduce and eliminate repeat criminal offenses among veterans.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Current or former U.S. military service members involved in qualifying criminal cases within participating North Dakota court jurisdictions.
    How to apply
    Referral typically occurs through the state court system or defense counsel; contact the NDDVA or local court for program information.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    PTSD Service Dog Grant

    North Dakota veterans suffering from PTSD can apply for a state grant that may provide them with a specially trained service dog.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a North Dakota veteran diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
    How to apply
    Contact the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs or a County Veterans Service Officer to apply for the grant.
    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.