Veteran Benefits
Benefits available to Veterans in Arkansas
Arkansas deeply values the contribution of veterans and seeks to honor veterans by providing benefits that make the state a great place to call home.
Education
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education can provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school, or vocational school. For more information about Arkansas education opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and their families, visit our education resources.
In-State Tuition
Arkansas institutions of higher education, trade schools, and vocational schools classify certain service members as in-state to reduce tuition and program fees if the student qualifies as any of the following:
- Veteran who was discharged or released from a period of not less than ninety (90) days of active duty in the military, naval, or air service within three (3) years before the date of enrollment in a program of study;
- Dependent of a veteran under subdivision (1) of this 2 section;
- A member of the armed forces.
- A spouse of a member of the armed forces (AR Code § 6-60-205)
Diplomas for Veterans
World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans can obtain a high school diploma if they were called upon for active duty service and could not finish high school. If qualified, contact the Arkansas Department of Education.
Licensure Portability
Arkansas supports military families in their relocation to the state by extending licensure portability for active duty service members, returning military veterans, and their spouses.
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Medical Care
The Arkansas state government and the United States federal government provides medical benefits for veterans and service members. These resources are available:
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
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Social Security Disability Benefits for Wounded Vets
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TRICARE
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Veterans Health Administration Locations
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Federal VA Healthcare Facilities in Arkansas
Employment
The State of Arkansas is committed to connecting employers with skilled veterans and transitioning service members.
Jobs Database
We have partnered with Workforce Connections to provide a jobs database that translates your military experience into civilian job opportunities.
Employment Counseling
The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services is dedicated to providing employment counseling and referral services specific to the needs of veterans. In addition, the department offers a job development program to create jobs for veterans.
Activity Discounts
Known as the Natural State, Arkansas is rich with opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. Arkansas offers discounts that allow retired military and veterans to take advantage of outdoor activities, including state parks, hunting, and fishing.
Arkansas State Parks
The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism provides Arkansas resident veterans the ability to camp for half price in Arkansas State Parks. Proof of permanent service connected 100% disability rate status is required. For veterans, this should be a copy of the Awards letter (dated within the last two years) from the Veterans Administration Regional Office or an Arkansas license plate with the letters DV.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provide discounts to make hunting and fishing affordable for veterans and retired military. The following licenses are available to military veterans and retirees at the Little Rock office and by mail:
- Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Hunting License
- Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License
- Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License
- Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Hunting License
- Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Combination License
Arkansas offers benefits for active duty service members that make the state a great place to call home. Additionally, Arkansas provides benefits for veterans and retirees when to ease the transition out of uniform.
Tax Exemption
AState Income Tax Exemption: Veterans are exempt from paying state income tax per Act 141 of Arkansas’ 91st General Assembly, effective January 1st, 2018.
Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans who have been awarded special monthly compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs are exempt from paying all state taxes on any homestead or personal property owned by the disabled veteran. More information about the qualifications for this exemption can be accessed here.