Arkansas veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 34 Arkansas programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Arkansas; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Arkansas State Veterans Cemeteries
State veterans cemeteries (North Little Rock and Birdeye) provide burial for eligible veterans and their spouses and dependents.
Who it may help: Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable meeting service rules on the page, those who die on active duty, certain Guard/Reserve members, and other listed groups. Spouses, qualifying children and lifelong dependents may be eligible. Submit the inquiry form on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Arkansas HEROES Scholarship
Helps pay in-state tuition, housing and mandatory fees at eligible Arkansas schools for dependents of certain service members, with federal education benefits applied first.
Who it may help: Spouse or child of a qualifying service member (killed or missing, POW, Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient, or 100% permanently and totally disabled through service), Arkansas resident for one year, enrolled at an approved Arkansas school. The page lists a July 1 deadline and GPA and credit-hour requirements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Dependents Scholarship
Pays tuition, mandatory fees and a room and meal plan charges above the VA Dependents' Educational Assistance amount for certain dependents, and may cover them in full if the student is not DEA-eligible.
Who it may help: The student is the spouse or child of a veteran who is a POW, missing or killed in action, killed on ordnance delivery, or a disabled veteran (service after January 1, 1960). The veteran must have been an Arkansas resident entering service or have an official Arkansas residence. The student must be an Arkansas resident, apply for DEA, be a full-time undergraduate at an eligible Arkansas institution, and apply before the deadline. Renewal has GPA and credit-hour requirements. This source is the program rules PDF; no better HTML page was found. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Disabled Veterans, POW and MIA (UAMS)
Under state law, University of Arkansas System campuses waive charges above what a dependent receives from the VA survivors and dependents education program, toward a bachelor's degree. This page is the UAMS description.
Who it may help: The dependent is a spouse or child of a POW, MIA, KIA, killed-on-ordnance-delivery or disabled veteran, and must be a current Arkansas resident. The veteran must have been an Arkansas resident entering service or have an official Arkansas residence. Stepchildren generally qualify only with adoption or legal guardianship. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the campus you plan to attend. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
UAMS Veteran Non-Resident Tuition Waiver
Removes the out-of-state portion of tuition for eligible veterans living in other states who attend UAMS. Other fees still apply and the student stays classified as non-resident.
Who it may help: Requires documentation of U.S. armed forces service, legal residency in another state, acceptance or enrollment in a UAMS college or the Graduate School for the period covered, an honorable discharge or release after at least 90 days of active service, and discharge less than three years before the program enrollment date. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Dependent Education Assistance High School Benefit
Explains how a child of a veteran can use VA Chapter 35 benefits starting at age 18 while still in high school, and how the school gets approved through the state approving authority.
Who it may help: The student is the dependent child of a veteran rated 100 percent totally and permanently disabled and turns 18 while enrolled in high school. The student applies to the VA, and the high school must be approved by the Arkansas State Approving Authority and have a School Certifying Official. Contact the Division of Higher Education SAA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
In-State Tuition for Eligible Nonresident Veterans and Dependents
Arkansas public colleges grant in-state tuition to eligible nonresident veterans, service members and their dependents.
Who it may help: The page gives no criteria; request it through the admissions or registrar office of the Arkansas public college you plan to attend and confirm requirements there. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Home Base Arkansas
A state program that connects veterans and transitioning service members with Arkansas job openings, incentives and resources.
Who it may help: Aimed at qualified veterans seeking career or education opportunities and transitioning service members. Interested people submit their interest through the page to begin. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Services at Arkansas Workforce Centers
Workforce Centers offer career planning, job search help and, for some veterans, one-on-one services from Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program specialists.
Who it may help: The page lists no formal criteria; identify yourself as a veteran to receive priority of service. Intensive DVOP services are aimed at disabled veterans and other eligible veterans facing barriers to employment. Contact your nearest Arkansas Workforce Center. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Educator License for Veterans and Military Spouses
Active-duty members, returning veterans and their spouses may receive an equivalent Arkansas educator license if their out-of-state license is in good standing, under Act 820 of 2019. Automatic licensure is not guaranteed for every license type.
Who it may help: Hold a license in good standing from another state, territory or U.S. district. To speed review, the page says to email the educator licensure office, identify as a veteran or active-duty spouse, and attach a valid standard educator license. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Arkansas educator licensure office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Health Department Licensure for Military Members, Veterans and Spouses
Arkansas recognizes certain out-of-state licenses for service members, veterans and spouses through automatic or expedited licensure, and the Department of Health may issue temporary licenses in some cases.
Who it may help: Covers active-duty members and spouses relocating on orders, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who live in or move to Arkansas, and certain spouses including some surviving spouses. Applicants submit documents such as orders and proof of good standing. Not every license has automatic licensure; contact the licensing entity. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Employment Veterans Preference
State agencies give veterans preference in hiring, promotion and retention, including added points to passing scores for qualifying veterans and listed family members.
Who it may help: Includes veterans honorably discharged from active duty or with at least six honorable years in the Guard or reserves, disabled veterans, spouses of disabled veterans and unmarried surviving spouses. Applicants must be citizens and residents, have substantially equal qualifications, and submit proof of status. Some positions are excluded. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Federal Surplus Property for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
Eligible veteran-owned small businesses can request property from the Arkansas Federal Surplus Property Program. All property carries a service charge and use restrictions apply.
Who it may help: The business must be SBA-verified and listed in VetCert, have a physical location and operations in Arkansas, and submit the eligibility application. Property is for business use only and a compliance period applies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Employee Military Leave
State employees may get 15 days of paid military leave per year for training, and up to 30 working days of leave when called to emergency active duty by the Governor or President.
Who it may help: Applies to state employees; arrange through your agency's human resources office. The page does not state whether the emergency leave is paid. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Gold Star Family License Plate
A specialty plate for family members of a service member who died in the honorable performance of duty. Spouses, parents, siblings and children are listed as eligible.
Who it may help: The service member must be recognized by the Department of Defense as killed or died in the honorable performance of duty. Applicants show a casualty report (DD 1300), may need proof of relationship, and must be an owner or co-owner on the vehicle title. The page does not list a fee; confirm with the Department of Finance and Administration. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Purple Star Schools for Military Families
A recognition for schools and districts that show a commitment to military-connected students and families, run by the Arkansas Council for Military Children with the state education department. Schools earn it by completing a set of required activities, including naming a military liaison and posting family resources.
Who it may help: Not an application for families: schools earn the award by meeting listed requirements. Families can check the Department's list of Purple Star schools. Questions go to the Military Family Engagement Advisor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Family Education Support (MIC3 and Liaisons)
The state education division supports military-connected students through the interstate compact, advance enrollment and district military family liaisons, and offers a request-for-assistance form.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility requirements for the listed programs. Contact the Compact Commissioner or use the request form for criteria. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Arkansas Veterans Child Welfare Service
Helps with basic living expenses for children of certain deceased or medically incapacitated Arkansas veterans, with one application per fiscal year reviewed on need.
Who it may help: For children of honorably discharged Arkansas veterans who are deceased or medically incapacitated (rated 30 percent or more). Apply through a County VSO or the ADVA Child Services Division. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
An exemption from state taxes owed on the homestead and personal property for qualifying disabled veterans, and for certain surviving spouses and minor children.
Who it may help: Disabled veterans in the categories described on the page; unmarried surviving spouses and minor children of a qualifying veteran who was receiving the exemption; and surviving spouses and minor children of a service member killed in the line of duty or missing in action. Apply at your county collector's office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Pay and Retirement Income Tax Exemptions
Arkansas exempts active-duty service pay (including National Guard and Reserve) and uniformed-service retirement benefits from state income tax. A return must be filed to claim it.
Who it may help: Active-duty pay exemption applies to tax years beginning 2014 or later; the retirement exemption starts with tax year 2018. The instructions explain how it interacts with the separate $6,000 retirement exemption. This links to a tax-year instruction booklet. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Sales Tax Exemption on Adapted Vehicles
No state gross receipts tax is listed on specially adapted vehicles or equipment bought with VA help for a service-connected disability.
Who it may help: Claim at a local revenue office with a VA Benefit Summary Letter. Confirm details with the Department of Finance and Administration. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Arkansas State Veterans Homes
Two state nursing homes in Fayetteville and North Little Rock providing skilled nursing and related services for eligible veterans and some family members.
Who it may help: Honorable discharge is required. Applicants may be a veteran, a veteran's spouse, or a Gold Star parent, and need a medical need for nursing home placement. Submit the admissions inquiry form or contact a home directly. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Legal
Arkansas Veteran Service Officers
State veteran service officers help veterans and families apply for federal and state benefits, including claims and appeals.
Who it may help: The page describes the role and VSO hiring requirements but does not list eligibility to use the service. Contact the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Sebastian County Veterans Treatment Court
A voluntary veterans treatment court program in Sebastian County for veterans charged with a felony, with a treatment plan set by a team and supervision by an Arkansas Community Correction probation officer.
Who it may help: Must be charged with a felony in Sebastian County and qualify for VA benefits. The participant's attorney, the Prosecuting Attorney and the presiding Judge must all approve participation. This is a county program, not statewide. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Arkansas Veterans Legal Services Clinic
A UA Little Rock law school clinic that helps with VA disability appeals, discharge upgrades tied to service-related trauma, and referrals through its pro bono center.
Who it may help: The page says the clinic may pause new applications during high demand and applicants must meet all court and VA deadlines. Contact the clinic. This entry is based on the ADVA description. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
ADVA Women Veterans Program
ADVA's women veterans page links to women's health, legal aid and peer resources. It also describes a registry under development, a statewide summit in planning for 2027, and retreats whose details are coming soon.
Who it may help: The page lists limited requirements: the retreat is for women who served and are Arkansas residents. It does not list eligibility for the healthcare, legal aid or organization resources. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Arkansas State Parks Disabled Veteran Campground Discount
Veterans with 100% disability can get discounted campground rates at Arkansas State Parks.
Who it may help: Show proof such as a VA awards letter dated within the last two years, an Arkansas DV or DAV plate, or an America the Beautiful Access Pass. The page lists no general military discount. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Arkansas Game and Fish offers low-cost lifetime hunting, fishing and combination licenses for eligible disabled veterans, including a license-and-permit bundle.
Who it may help: Arkansas residents certified by the VA at the stated levels, with proof of one year of Arkansas residency. Apply through the AGFC Little Rock office or by mail (the bundle only at Little Rock). Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retiree Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Lifetime fishing, hunting and combination licenses for Arkansas residents who are military retirees age 60 or older.
Who it may help: Military retirees aged 60 or older, with proof of retirement such as a Military ID card and proof of one year of Arkansas residency. Apply at AGFC regional offices or by mail. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Partially Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License
A lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for resident veterans who meet a partial disability rating requirement, handled through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Who it may help: Resident veterans meeting the rating requirement. Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for application steps. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Disabled Veteran License Plate (Free)
A free specialty plate for eligible disabled veterans; one extra plate and surviving-spouse reissue are available for a small fee.
Who it may help: Disabled veterans eligible under Arkansas Act 7 of 1949 or Act 30 of 1979 as certified by the VA. Provide a VA letter verifying eligibility. Plates are issued by the Specialty License Plate Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Specialty License Plates
Arkansas offers many military plates, including Purple Heart, Ex-POW, Gold Star Family, Armed Forces Retired and several war-era veteran plates.
Who it may help: Eligibility differs by plate (for example Arkansas residency, a medal, a service era, retirement status, or being a Gold Star family member). Some plates require proof such as a DD-214 or VFW card. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID
Arkansas lets veterans ask for a veteran designation on a driver license or ID card through the Office of Driver Services.
Who it may help: Applicants need a discharge document showing honorable or general under honorable conditions status (examples listed include DD 214, NGB 22 and a VA Veteran Identification Card) and must pay the license or ID fee. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Driver License Extension for Service Members
Active duty members can request an extension so an Arkansas license does not expire while they live outside the state. An approved extension stays valid until 60 days after separation or honorable discharge.
Who it may help: Open to active duty members of the Air or Army National Guard (including state active duty), a reserve component, or any U.S. branch. The license must not be suspended, canceled or revoked. Contact Driver Services Issuance for steps. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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