Crisis?Call 988, press 1Text 838255Chat with the Veterans Crisis Line (opens in a new window)

Skip to content
Helping The Brave, because no brave fights alone

All states

South Dakota Veteran benefits

26 benefits from South 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 South Dakota

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

Call 605-773-3269 State agency website

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

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

26 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled

    Qualifying elderly or disabled South Dakota homeowners, which can include disabled veterans, may freeze the assessed value of their single-family dwelling to limit property tax increases.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must meet income limits, have owned and lived in the home for required periods, and qualify as disabled or elderly under the law's definitions.
    How to apply
    Apply annually with the county assessor's or county treasurer's office by the state deadline.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Full Property Tax Exemption for Paraplegic Veterans

    Dwellings specially designed as wheelchair homes and owned and occupied by veterans with the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities (or their unremarried surviving spouse) are fully exempt from property taxation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Veteran must have loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities and must own and occupy the specially designed dwelling for one full calendar year before the exemption applies; unremarried surviving spouse also qualifies.
    Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities (paraplegic wheelchair home)
    How to apply
    Apply through the local County Director of Equalization; contact a county or tribal Veterans Service Officer for assistance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Partial Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

    South Dakota exempts up to $200,000 of the assessed value of a home owned and occupied by a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or their unremarried surviving spouse.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Must be a South Dakota resident veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability who owns and occupies the dwelling, or the veteran's unremarried surviving spouse.
    How to apply
    Apply annually on a form prescribed by the Secretary of Revenue through the local County Director of Equalization; applications must generally be filed by November 1.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption

    South Dakota provides a partial property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who were permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who received dependency and indemnity compensation from the VA due to service-connected death. Based on SDCL 10-4-41.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouses of veterans rated as permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability, or surviving spouses receiving dependency and indemnity compensation from the VA as a result of the veteran's service-connected death.
    How to apply
    Surviving spouse applies on a form prescribed by the Secretary of Revenue. Application and supporting documents are confidential.
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    No State Income Tax on Military Retirement or VA Benefits

    South Dakota does not impose a personal income tax, so military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and other retirement income are not taxed at the state level.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to all South Dakota residents, including veterans and military retirees; no state return is required.
    How to apply
    No application needed; no South Dakota individual income tax return exists.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Certain disabilities

    Disabled Veteran License Plate

    South Dakota issues Disabled Veteran plates for cars and motorcycles to resident veterans who get a VA K award, a VA auto grant, or special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a hand, foot, arm or leg from a service-connected wartime or combat injury.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Must be a resident veteran owner of the vehicle and meet one of the listed VA disability criteria tied to active duty during wartime or armed conflict.
    VA K award, VA auto grant, or special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a hand, foot, arm or leg from a service-connected wartime or combat injury
    How to apply
    Apply through the Motor Vehicle Division; the $10 fee is refunded if the applicant does not qualify.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Public Law 187 (VA auto grant).

  • No rating needed

    Veteran and Military License Plates

    South Dakota offers special distinctive license plates for veteran and active-duty military residents, including Purple Heart, Disabled American Veteran, Prisoner of War, and Pearl Harbor Survivor designs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a South Dakota resident veteran or active duty member with a valid SD driver license or ID card; specific medal/status plates require documentary proof such as a DD-214.
    How to apply
    Complete the Application for South Dakota Military License Plates and submit to the county treasurer along with required fees and documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Designation on Driver License or ID Card

    Honorably discharged veterans may add the word "Veteran" to the front of their South Dakota driver license or identification card.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be honorably discharged from the military; proof required via DD-214, DD Form 2/2A, NGB Form 22, retired Uniformed Services ID Card, or a CVSO/TVSO certificate.
    How to apply
    Visit any South Dakota driver license office with required documents and pay the applicable duplicate or renewal fee.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Family License Plate

    South Dakota offers special Gold Star Family license plates for passenger vehicles and motorcycles to resident family members of service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or as a result of service-connected injuries. Based on SDCL 32-5-109.5.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Resident owners of motor vehicles who are parents, spouses, siblings, or children of service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or as a result of service. Must be certified by the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
    How to apply
    Submit completed South Dakota Military License Plate Application and certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the county treasurer. An additional fee of $10 applies for initial issuance of special license plates.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100%+

    Disabled Veteran and POW Lifetime State Park Entrance License

    South Dakota offers a free lifetime park entrance license to qualifying disabled veterans, former POWs, and Purple Heart recipients, plus a 50% discount on camping fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Must be a South Dakota resident with a VA K award or letter showing 100% total service-connected disability, documented POW status, or documented Purple Heart recipient status, per SDCL 41-17-13.4.
    How to apply
    Apply online through the Go Outdoors South Dakota portal under Disabled Veteran Lifetime PEL Application, uploading required verification documents.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 40%+

    Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans and POWs

    Qualifying South Dakota resident disabled veterans, former POWs, and certain Social Security disability recipients with military service can obtain a combined small game hunting and fishing license for a low flat fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 40% or higher. Must be a South Dakota resident with a VA K award or a veteran's allotment for a 40% or greater service-connected disability, 40% Social Security disability plus military service verification, or documented POW status.
    How to apply
    Submit the Disabled Veterans Application with required VA or Social Security documentation to SD Game, Fish and Parks.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Free Tuition for Wartime Veterans

    South Dakota provides free tuition at state-supported universities and technical colleges for veterans who served during recognized wartime periods, up to a set amount of time based on months served.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran, South Dakota resident, qualifying wartime active duty service; must exhaust federal VA education benefits before receiving this state benefit.
    How to apply
    Apply through the SD Department of Veterans Affairs and your school's Registrar's Office using the required application.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Honorary High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans

    Veterans who served on active duty during certain wartime periods but did not complete high school can receive an honorary diploma from a South Dakota school district of their choosing.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must have served on active duty at any time during December 7, 1941 to September 2, 1945; June 25, 1950 to July 31, 1953; or February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975.
    How to apply
    Contact the school district selected by the veteran to request award of the diploma.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Reduced Tuition for South Dakota National Guard Members

    South Dakota National Guard members who meet admission requirements receive a 100% reduction in tuition at state-supported universities or eligible in-state nonprofit institutions for undergraduate and graduate coursework, or full tuition reduction for one program at a state vocational college.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a current, qualifying member of the South Dakota National Guard meeting school admission requirements; receipt of federal education benefits does not affect eligibility.
    How to apply
    Apply through the South Dakota National Guard and the institution's Registrar's Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Free Tuition for Children of Veterans Who Died During Service

    Children of South Dakota resident service members who were killed in action or died of other causes while on active duty are entitled to free tuition at a state-supported university or technical college.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child must be under age 25, a South Dakota resident, and the deceased parent must have been a South Dakota resident for at least six months immediately before entering active service.
    How to apply
    Submit Form E-12 to the SD Department of Veterans Affairs, then to the school's Registrar's Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&TFor family or survivors

    Free Tuition for Dependents of Disabled or Deceased National Guard Members

    Resident children under 25, or the spouse, of a South Dakota National Guard member who died or became permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty are entitled to free tuition at a state-supported university.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Child must be a South Dakota resident under age 25, or spouse of the National Guard member; the death or permanent total disability must have resulted from duty as a Guard member on state or federal active duty or authorized training.
    How to apply
    Submit Form E-12 to the SD Department of Veterans Affairs for validation, then to the school's Registrar's Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Free Tuition for Dependents of POWs and MIAs

    Children and spouses of prisoners of war or persons listed as missing in action may attend a South Dakota state-supported school without paying tuition or mandatory fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be a child or spouse of a POW/MIA who was a South Dakota resident at entry into the armed forces, and not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits.
    How to apply
    Submit Form E-12 to the SD Department of Veterans Affairs for validation, then to the school's Registrar's Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Preference in State and Local Government Employment

    Honorably discharged veterans who are U.S. citizens receive preference for appointment, employment, and promotion in South Dakota state, county, municipal, and school district jobs, including a guaranteed interview if minimally qualified.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must be honorably discharged, a U.S. citizen, and have served under qualifying conditions per SDCL 33A-2; unmarried spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected cause receive the same preference.
    How to apply
    Apply for the position and indicate veteran status; contact the Department of Labor and Regulation for more information.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Headstone Setting Reimbursement

    South Dakota reimburses costs for setting a government headstone or marker at a veteran's grave, or for professional etching of a veteran's military information on a privately purchased headstone. Based on SDCL 33A-5-4.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who were South Dakota residents for one year preceding entrance into military service or one year preceding death.
    How to apply
    County or tribal veterans service officer must submit application to the Pierre office within one year from the date of setting the headstone or marker.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota Veterans Home

    The state operates a long-term nursing and assisted living facility in Hot Springs for veterans and their spouses, providing residential and medical care.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans or spouses/widows of veterans honorably discharged from any era; admission also depends on clinical need and facility availability.
    How to apply
    Contact the Veterans Home Admissions Coordinator at 605-745-5127 ext. 1500115.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors Stipend Reimbursement

    South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs provides reimbursement to congressionally chartered veterans service organizations for conducting military funeral honors at veteran funerals. Reimbursement is paid quarterly.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Congressionally chartered veterans service organizations that conduct military funeral honors.
    How to apply
    Veterans service organizations submit reimbursement forms after services have been performed to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, 425 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    SD Housing First-Time Homebuyer Veterans Waiver

    The South Dakota Housing Development Authority waives its first-time homebuyer requirement for qualifying veterans, letting them access the low-interest First-Time Homebuyer Program even if they've owned a home before. 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. Must be a veteran and otherwise meet SD Housing's First-Time Homebuyer Program requirements, including income limits and purchase price limits.
    How to apply
    Ask a participating SD Housing lender about the Veterans Waiver when applying for the First-Time Homebuyer Program.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery

    The state operates the first federally funded, state-owned veterans cemetery in South Dakota, near Sioux Falls, offering burial at no cost to eligible veterans and for a fee to spouses and dependents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran eligibility is established through a copy of the veteran's military discharge document or DD-214; spouses and dependents are buried based on the veteran's eligibility.
    How to apply
    The funeral director or next of kin contacts the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery to make burial arrangements at time of need.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    State Burial Allowance

    South Dakota may pay a burial allowance toward funeral expenses of a veteran, or the veteran's spouse, when the estate is not sufficient to cover the costs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran must have been honorably discharged, a U.S. citizen, and a South Dakota resident for one year immediately preceding entry into military service or preceding death; estate must be insufficient to cover funeral costs.
    How to apply
    Funeral home or payee submits the SDDVA Burial Allowance Application to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Burial Allowance for Veterans, Wives or Widows

    South Dakota provides a payment to help defray burial and funeral expenses for honorably discharged veterans or spouses/widows of veterans when the estate or immediate family lacks sufficient funds. Based on SDCL 33A-5-2 and 33A-5-3.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans or the wife, widow, or widower of a veteran when the estate or immediate family of the deceased lacks funds. Veteran must have been a U.S. citizen and South Dakota resident for one year before entering military service or before death.
    How to apply
    Surviving spouse or relatives must furnish an affidavit to the County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer stating that sufficient funds are not available. The county or tribal veterans service officer submits the application to the Pierre office within one year from the date of burial.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    South Dakota Veterans Bonus

    South Dakota pays a one-time bonus to resident veterans (or dependents of deceased veterans) who served on qualifying active duty during specified wartime/conflict periods, such as the Gulf War era.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must have been a South Dakota resident for at least six months immediately before entering the qualifying period of active duty; active duty for training does not count; a veteran with a 10% or more service-connected disability receives the maximum bonus.
    How to apply
    Request an application from the SD Department of Veterans Affairs, 425 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or by calling 605-773-3269.
    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.