An estimated 164,175 veterans live in Arkansas, making up 7.0% of the state's population or the 26th-highest of the 56 U.S. states, territories and District of Columbia.
Arkansas Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax free.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Active-duty pay is tax free.
Arkansas Veteran Property Taxes
Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled or awarded Special Monthly Compensation for loss, or loss of use, of one or more limbs or total blindness in one or both eyes are exempt from state taxes on their homestead and personal property. Unremarried widows or widowers and dependent children during their minority are also eligible if the veteran was KIA, MIA or died from service-connected causes.
Arkansas Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
The National Guard Tuition Incentive Program provides $2,500 semiannually up to $5,000 annually. World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans called to active duty before finishing high school may receive a high school diploma.
Military Dependent Education
The Military Dependents Scholarship program provides undergraduate financial aid at a state institution to the spouse or dependent child of state veterans killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war or who are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service.
Arkansas Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge or reserve/Guard members with at least six years of service receive a 5-point preference on state hiring exams. Disabled veterans and their spouses receive a 10-point preference.
Military Spouse Employment
Spouses relocating may receive temporary licensure while awaiting full licensure (also applies to veterans).
Arkansas Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Arkansas' two state veterans homes in Fayetteville and North Little Rock provide 24-hour nursing and staff physicians. Criteria include medical need for nursing home placement, no criminal record and an honorable discharge. Arkansas residents receive priority. Veterans' spouses and Gold Star parents may apply.
Homeless Veterans
No benefits.
Adaptive Housing
No benefits.
Arkansas Veteran Financial Assistance
No personal grant or loan programs.
Arkansas Veteran Legal Assistance
No state-funded legal services.
Arkansas Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Military retirees receive Arkansas' Resident Sportsman's License and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License with 60 days' Arkansas residency. Active-duty personnel assigned to the state and those who were state residents when entering service may purchase resident privileges.
Parks/Camping
Camping is half-price in most state parks for 100% permanently disabled resident veterans.
Arkansas Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-funded transportation benefits. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Arkansas Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Arkansas' two state veterans cemeteries are the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at North Little Rock and Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye. Spouses and dependent children are eligible. The dependent fee is $807.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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