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Ohio Veteran benefits

22 benefits from Ohio 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 Ohio

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

Call 877-644-6838 State agency website

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

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

22 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    Ohio reduces real property (and manufactured home) taxes for honorably discharged veterans with a total disability rating by exempting a set amount of the home's market value, with no income limit. A surviving spouse can keep the reduction after the veteran's death. The exempt amount is adjusted for inflation each year, so the current figure is higher than the $50,000 written in the law.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Must be a veteran (including reserve/National Guard) who owns and occupies the home as a principal residence and has a total disability rating, or a total rating for individual unemployability, certified by the VA; also available to certain surviving spouses.
    How to apply
    File form DTE 105I with the county auditor where the home is located; documentation from the VA (or a county veterans service commission) showing discharge and disability rating must accompany the initial application.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Active Duty Military Pay Deduction (Stationed Outside Ohio)

    Ohio resident service members on active duty who are stationed outside Ohio can deduct that military pay from Ohio income tax, and the deduction also exempts that pay from school district income tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Ohio resident on active duty in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard (or reserve/National Guard components) whose pay is included in federal adjusted gross income and who is stationed outside Ohio.
    How to apply
    Employees may file Ohio form IT 4 MIL with their employer to stop withholding, and claim the deduction on the Ohio income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Retired Pay Income Tax Deduction

    Retired servicemembers may deduct their military retired pay from Ohio taxable income to the extent it is included in federal adjusted gross income. This applies to retirees of the active or reserve components and the National Guard.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Ohio resident taxpayers who receive retired personnel pay related to service in the U.S. uniformed services, reserve components, or National Guard.
    How to apply
    Claim the deduction on the Ohio individual income tax return using the applicable Ohio Schedule of Adjustments; no separate application form is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    Armed Forces Designation on Driver License/ID

    Any veteran, active-duty member, or reserve member of the U.S. armed forces can have an 'Armed Forces' emblem added to their Ohio driver license or ID card, at no extra charge for the emblem itself.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran, active-duty, or reserve member of the U.S. armed forces obtaining or renewing an Ohio driver license or ID.
    How to apply
    Request the designation when applying for, renewing, or duplicating a license/ID at the BMV, in person, online, or by mail; normal credential fees still apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    CDL Testing Waiver for Recently Separated Veterans

    Veterans who separated from the military within the past 12 months can waive certain commercial driver license skills testing requirements based on their military driving experience.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran separated from service within 12 months of application, with qualifying military driving experience.
    How to apply
    Apply through the BMV's military transactions process, providing proof of separation date and military driving record.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Disabled Veteran (Veteran with Disabilities) License Plates and Fee Waiver

    A veteran with a service-connected disability rated or compensated at 100% by the VA (or who received funds for a vehicle under the federal Disabled Veterans' Automobile Assistance Act) can register a vehicle with red-white-and-blue 'veteran' plates bearing the wheelchair symbol without paying registration, service, local vehicle tax, or transfer fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Ohio veteran with a service-connected disability rated or compensated at 100% by the VA, or who received VA automobile purchase funds; may register as many vehicles as are titled in the veteran's name, though extra fees apply to added vehicles beyond the first.
    How to apply
    Apply at a BMV deputy registrar with satisfactory evidence of disability from the VA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Free Military License Plates

    Veterans with a service-connected disability rated or compensated at 100%, or who receive a VA monetary allowance toward a vehicle purchase, can get up to two free military-themed license plates with no additional fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran with a 100% VA disability rating (rated or compensated) or a VA monetary allowance for vehicle purchase; the qualifying veteran must be a titled owner of the vehicle.
    How to apply
    Submit BMV form 4507 with VA documentation at a BMV deputy registrar license agency.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Gratis (Free) Driver License for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Veterans certified as 100% disabled can obtain a new, renewal, or duplicate Ohio driver license or ID at no cost.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Veteran with documentation (such as a DoD ID card) stating a 100% disabled American veteran status.
    How to apply
    Visit a BMV deputy registrar license agency with required documents; allow up to 28 days to receive the license by mail.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • Any rating

    Free 5-Year Hunting/Fishing License for Disabled Veterans and Former POWs

    Eligible disabled veterans and former prisoners of war can receive fishing, hunting, fur taker, deer, turkey licenses/permits, or wetlands stamps free of charge, approved for a 5-year period (renewed annually within that period).

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Ohio resident disabled veteran or former POW certified by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the VA; new licenses must still be obtained each license year within the 5-year approval window.
    How to apply
    Complete the Disabled Veterans & Former POWs 5-Year Free License Application and submit SSN/VA file number for ODVS certification, then obtain annual licenses through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free State Park Camping Pass for Disabled Veterans and Former POWs

    Ohio State Parks offers a free camping pass, valid for five years, to permanently and totally disabled veterans receiving VA compensation and to former prisoners of war, covering one campsite per stay.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Ohio resident honorably discharged veteran who is a former POW or is permanently and totally disabled and receiving VA compensation.
    How to apply
    Apply online at reserveohio.com by uploading a VA benefit letter, or submit a mail-in application; the discount then applies automatically to campsite reservations.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP)

    The Ohio National Guard pays 100% of tuition charges at participating Ohio public colleges (or an equivalent amount at approved private schools) for current Army and Air National Guard members pursuing a degree, certificate, or licensure program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Current member of the Ohio Army or Air National Guard (or qualifying former member with deployment time) who commits to a multi-year enlistment; units of eligibility scale with enlistment length.
    How to apply
    Create an account and apply through ongsp.ohio.gov after completing initial paperwork with your unit; must also apply for federal Tuition Assistance first.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship (WOS)

    This scholarship pays undergraduate tuition and general fees for children of Ohio veterans who died or became severely disabled from service during a declared war or conflict. Public-institution students get a set percentage of tuition/fees; private-institution students get a fixed annual dollar award.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child of a deceased or severely disabled Ohio veteran who served during a period of declared war or conflict; must be an Ohio resident enrolled full-time in an associate or bachelor's program; renewal requires a minimum cumulative GPA.
    How to apply
    Submit the WOS application and Student Acknowledgement Statement to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, State Grants and Scholarships Department, along with the veteran parent's discharge and disability documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Reinstatement Rights After Military Service (State Civil Service)

    State classified civil service employees who leave for military service have reinstatement rights to their former position under Ohio civil service law.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. State classified civil service employee who departs for qualifying military service.
    How to apply
    Contact the appointing state agency and the Department of Administrative Services upon return from military service to arrange reinstatement.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran's Preference in State Civil Service Hiring

    Ohio law gives qualifying veterans priority in rank on civil service eligible lists for state jobs, and veterans who tie in exam scores with other applicants receive priority placement on the eligible list.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicants who qualify for the veteran's preference under Ohio's civil service examination law and who are Ohio residents with their name on an eligible list for a state position.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran status when applying for and taking state civil service examinations administered by the Department of Administrative Services.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) Certification

    Ohio certifies veteran-connected businesses as Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprises, giving them preference or bonus points when bidding on state contracts for goods, services, and eligible construction.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Businesses meeting state criteria based on the percentage of veteran employees, owners, or board members, verified with military service records such as a DD-214.
    How to apply
    Submit a VFBE application and supporting veteran-status documentation to the Department of Development's Minority Business Development Division via the Ohio Business Gateway.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    County Indigent Veteran Burial Assistance

    County commissioners shall contract with a funeral director selected by family and cause burial or cremation of any veteran, parent, spouse, or surviving spouse of a veteran who dies without means to defray funeral or cremation expenses. Burial may be made in any cemetery or burial ground within the state except those used exclusively for paupers and criminals.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran or parent, spouse, or surviving spouse of veteran, without financial means for funeral/cremation expenses, residing in the county at time of death
    How to apply
    Apply through county commissioners or county veterans service commission
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    County Veteran Grave Maintenance

    County commissioners shall provide proper care of graves of all veterans buried in lots exclusively used for veteran benefit in cemeteries or burying grounds. Includes maintenance and preservation of veteran graves and monuments.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All veterans buried in designated veteran cemetery lots within the county
    How to apply
    Contact county commissioners office
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    OHFA Ohio Heroes Mortgage Program

    The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers veterans, active-duty military, reserve members, and surviving spouses a discounted first-mortgage interest rate, which can be paired with down payment assistance. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Ohio veterans, active-duty military, reserve component members, and surviving spouses who meet OHFA income and purchase-price limits and loan-specific credit-score and debt-to-income requirements.
    How to apply
    Apply through an OHFA-approved participating lender; complete required homebuyer education before closing.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Ohio Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)

    The state operates two long-term care campuses for veterans, in Sandusky (domiciliary and nursing care) and Georgetown (nursing and memory care), run directly by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility is based on veteran status, Ohio residency, and clinical need for independent, domiciliary, or skilled nursing/memory care as determined by OVH admissions staff.
    How to apply
    Submit the OVH Admission Application, including health/treatment record releases, to the Ohio Veterans Homes Admission Team in Sandusky or Georgetown.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    County Veterans Service Commission Emergency Financial Assistance

    Ohio law requires every county veterans service commission to run an immediate assistance program, financial or otherwise, for veterans and certain dependents facing hardship, funded by a local property tax levy.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, and in some cases spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents, who meet the county commission's residency and need-based guidelines under state law governing veterans service commissions.
    How to apply
    Apply in person at your County Veterans Service Office; each commission sets its own documentation and appeal procedures under state law.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Injury Relief Fund (MIRF)

    MIRF gives a one-time, tax-exempt grant to Ohio service members or veterans who were injured in active service, or diagnosed with PTSD, after October 7, 2001, with grants available for up to three fiscal years.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Ohio resident applicant injured while serving in the U.S. armed forces after October 7, 2001, or diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from service after that date; limited to one grant per state fiscal year.
    How to apply
    Complete the MIRF application with proof of service and injury (such as a Purple Heart record or combat-related injury documentation) and send it to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Attn: MIRF.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Ohio County Veteran Identification Card

    County recorders or county veterans service offices may issue a photo Veteran ID card after recording the veteran's discharge record, which can serve as proof of veteran status for various benefits.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Individual who presents an armed forces discharge record for recording and two forms of current, valid identification (one with a photo); counties may charge a small fee.
    How to apply
    Appear in person at a participating county recorder's office or county veterans service office with your DD-214 and identification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

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