An estimated 216,667 veterans live in Kentucky, making up 6.2% of the state's population or the 35th-highest of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Kentucky Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Up to $31,110 is tax free. You may be able to exclude more in some situations. Same for the Survivor Benefit Plan.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Active-duty pay is tax free.
Kentucky Veteran Property Taxes
Totally disabled veterans are eligible for up to a $49,100 deduction on the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes in 2025.
Kentucky Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
A service member who is a state resident at the time of acceptance into a public postsecondary institution won't lose residency status if transferred on military orders prior to the student's enrollment or while enrolled.
Military Dependent Education
A military spouse or other dependent who is a state resident at the time of acceptance into a public postsecondary institution won't lose residency status if the service member transfers on military orders.
The spouse (any age) and any child, stepchild or orphan (ages 17- 26) of a veteran killed or missing in action, POW or with a permanent disability receive free tuition and fees upon admission to a state institution for no more than 45 months.
Kentucky Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
A minimum of five qualified veterans who apply for a state government position will be offered an interview.
Kentucky allows reciprocal occupational licensure for military members.
Military Spouse Employment
Kentucky allows reciprocal occupational licensure for military spouses.
Kentucky Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Kentucky has four long-term care facilities:
- Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard
- Carl M. Brashear Veterans Center in Radcliff
- Thompson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore
- Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson
Veterans must be Kentucky residents with an other-than-dishonorable discharge. Costs are based on a veteran's ability to pay.
Homeless Veterans
See grants under "Financial Assistance."
Adaptive Housing
No specific benefits.
Kentucky Veteran Financial Assistance
The Homeless Veterans Trust Fund (HVTF) grants temporary assistance for emergencies or hardships to other-than-dishonorably discharged resident veterans and their families residing in the state by providing small cash grants for utilities, rent and security.
Kentucky Veteran Legal Assistance
The state Office of Veteran Legal Services partners with agencies, committees and associations to provide legal services to state veterans.
Kentucky Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
A resident veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability may receive a senior/disabled combination hunting and fishing license valid for all activities covered under a sport fishing license, sport hunting license or state permit for deer, turkey, trout, waterfowl, or migratory shore or upland game birds.
State residents home on leave can fish for free without a license.
Parks/Camping
State resident veterans who are permanently and totally disabled pay no overnight accommodation fees at any state park.
Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Kentucky's five veterans cemeteries are in Hopkinsville, Hyden, Fort Knox, Williamstown and Greenup County. Kentucky resident veterans and veterans who were stationed in Kentucky are eligible. There is no fee.
More Information
Visit the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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