An estimated 91,492 veterans live in Maine, making up 8.0% of the state's population or the sixth-highest of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Maine Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
Military retirement and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax free.
Active-Duty Income Tax
Military income earned out of state is tax free.
Maine Veteran Property Taxes
An other-than-dishonorably discharged resident veteran who served during wartime and is 62 years or older; or is receiving 100% Department of Veterans Affairs disability; or became 100% disabled while serving is eligible for a $6,000 property tax exemption. Unremarried surviving spouses are also eligible.
Paraplegic veterans and their qualifying spouses are eligible for up to a $50,000 property tax exemption.
Maine Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
State National Guard members receive a 100% tuition waiver to attend a state institution.
Military Dependent Education
Maine offers a 100% waiver of tuition and all fees at state schools for dependents of Maine veterans who are permanently and totally disabled; are missing in action from active duty; died of a service-connected disability; or were killed in action.
This benefit applies to dependents of Maine veterans who entered the service from Maine or who have been a resident for five years immediately preceding application for aid; and, if living, continues to reside in Maine throughout the duration of the benefits being administered.
Spouses have 10 consecutive years to complete the program. Children have six consecutive years.
Maine Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for a job with the state will automatically receive an interview.
Military Spouse Employment
Gold Star spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for a job with the state will automatically receive an interview.
Maine Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Maine's six veterans homes are in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris. Honorably discharged resident veterans who served at least one day of active duty; spouses, widows, and widowers of qualified veterans; and Gold Star parents are eligible.
Homeless Veterans
No specific benefits.
Adaptive Housing
No specific benefits.
Maine Veteran Financial Assistance
The Maine Veterans' Dental Network partners with organizations to provide dental grants for veterans without dental insurance who demonstrate a need.
The state Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program helps veterans who experience an emergency and do not have sufficient savings or access to other financial assistance to resolve the emergency.
The Maine State Housing Authority offers active-duty troops, veterans and military retirees a 0.5% discount on mortgages through the Salute Home Again program. Limits on income and the home's purchase price apply, but most Maine households and homes are eligible. Limits may vary, depending on the number of people in your household and the location of the home you plan to buy.
Maine Veteran Legal Assistance
No state-funded legal services.
Maine Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
A resident veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 50% may receive a free license to fish, trap or hunt, including archery, muzzle-loading and pheasant stamps.
The license remains valid for the life of the holders, as long as they continue to meet residency requirements.
Military members stationed in Maine, as well as their dependents, can pay the resident fee for a hunting, fishing or trapping license.
Parks/Camping
Resident veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge, 100% disabled resident veterans and their dependents, and Maine residents who are enlisted active-duty members and their dependents receive free admission to Maine state parks, museums and sites.
Maine 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.
Maine Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Maine's four veterans cemeteries are in Caribou, Augusta (two cemeteries) and Springvale. Burial is free of charge to veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge, as well as their dependents.
More Information
Visit the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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