Connecticut veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 31 Connecticut 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 Connecticut; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Middletown State Veterans Cemetery
Connecticut's state veterans cemetery in Middletown, open to eligible veterans, spouses and eligible minor children. The page says eligible veterans are not charged and government markers are provided free.
Who it may help: Limited to eligible veterans, spouses and minor children; the page links to separate eligibility details. Families can apply at time of need, and veterans can pre-certify and reserve a space in advance. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Reimbursement for Installing Veterans' Headstones in Private Cemeteries
Connecticut Veterans Affairs offers partial reimbursement toward the cost of installing a VA-provided marker for an eligible veteran in a private cemetery. The vendor, usually the cemetery or funeral director, files the request.
Who it may help: The deceased must be an eligible veteran; the page does not define that term further. The vendor files DVA Form CMS-3 within two years of the veteran's death, then requests payment within one year of the state's certification, with proof the marker was received and installed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Burial Eligibility Pre-Certification (Connecticut Veterans Affairs)
Connecticut Veterans Affairs encourages veterans and other eligible persons to apply for burial pre-certification. It does not reserve a specific plot.
Who it may help: Veterans and other eligible persons are encouraged to apply with DVA Form CMS-6 and a legible copy of the DD-214 showing qualifying service. A final eligibility review still happens at the time of need, and plots are assigned then. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Veterans Tuition Waiver at Public Colleges
Qualified veterans may have tuition waived at UConn, the Connecticut State Universities and the community-technical colleges. The page says it covers tuition only, not books, fees, parking or room and board.
Who it may help: The page does not define who counts as a qualified veteran. At UConn and the state universities, veterans generally must be admitted to a degree program. Bring separation papers when applying and registering. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
National Guard Tuition Waiver at Connecticut Public Colleges
The Connecticut Military Department recruiting page says it waives tuition at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and lists UConn, the state universities, Charter Oak State College and the community colleges, for people serving in the National Guard while pursuing college.
Who it may help: The page ties the benefit to serving in the National Guard while pursuing a college education but states no eligibility criteria or conditions. Additional requirements apply; confirm with a recruiter, the state Education Services Officer or the Connecticut Military Department. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Tuition Waiver for Dependents and Survivors of Killed or Missing Service Members
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities veterans page lists a state tuition waiver for certain Connecticut resident dependents and survivors of service members killed in action, or declared missing in action or prisoners of war. The page says only tuition is waived, not books, fees, parking or room and board.
Who it may help: The page lists Connecticut resident dependent children or surviving spouses of Connecticut resident service members killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, and Connecticut resident dependent children of service members declared missing in action or prisoners of war while serving after January 1, 1960. The page does not say which documents dependents must bring or which institutional rules apply to them. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the college admissions or veterans office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Tuition and Fee Rates at Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College lists a special undergraduate per-credit rate and exemption from some student fees for current service members. Tuition Assistance is applied first and a waiver covers the rest.
Who it may help: The page applies the undergraduate rate to active duty service members, guardsmen and military reservists who are currently drilling; graduate students are not eligible for that rate. Service members apply for Tuition Assistance through their branch portal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children
Connecticut is a member of an interstate compact that addresses academic challenges for military children in transition, in four areas: enrollment, eligibility, placement and graduation.
Who it may help: The page centers on military children who relocate or change schools during deployments and transitions. It does not state detailed eligibility criteria; confirm with the State Department of Education or the child's school district. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Connecticut Department of Labor Veterans Services
Priority reemployment help at American Job Centers, transition support, and job and training resources for veterans.
Who it may help: Veterans seeking work or training; identify yourself as a veteran at an American Job Center to receive priority assistance. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Price Preference for Veteran-Owned Microbusinesses on State Contracts
The state procurement manual lists a price preference in state contracting for veteran-owned microbusinesses, citing Public Act 16-184 amending section 4a-59.
Who it may help: The business must qualify as a microbusiness, defined on the page by a gross revenue cap. The page does not define veteran-owned and does not explain how the preference is applied in bidding or how status is verified. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Department of Administrative Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Occupational Licensing Credit for Military Training
Connecticut public acts require licensing authorities to certify, waive, grant or award certain licenses, registrations, examinations, training or credit for service members with similar military experience or qualifications. The page mainly summarizes the acts and links agency reports.
Who it may help: The page says the military experience or qualifications must be similar to licensing requirements. It does not name the licenses covered or describe the process. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the specific licensing agency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Occupational Licenses for Military Spouses
Spouses of active-duty service members stationed in Connecticut can seek a license or credential in regulated professions through the Department of Public Health or the Department of Consumer Protection.
Who it may help: The page covers spouses of active-duty service members stationed in Connecticut, including short stays. It lists at least four years of safe practice under another state's license, meeting Connecticut's examination requirements, and passing background checks. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training for Veterans (CT Department of Labor)
The CT Department of Labor explains how veterans can combine paid apprenticeship or on-the-job training with GI Bill payments, and notes that Connecticut may grant apprenticeship credit under state law.
Who it may help: The page lists veterans, eligible dependents, and certain National Guard and Reserve members as groups who may be eligible, without detailing the rules for each benefit. Apprenticeship credit is cited to Connecticut state law, and GI Bill payments depend on the veteran's circumstances. Employers must meet training and wage requirements. The page gives no step-by-step veteran application; contact the CT Department of Labor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Posthumous Connecticut Wartime Service Medal
A state medal that a family member can apply for on behalf of a deceased Connecticut veteran. One medal is issued per qualifying veteran. The state page and form date from 2023-2024, so confirm they are current.
Who it may help: The applicant is an immediate family member or next of kin of the deceased veteran. The veteran needs qualifying wartime service (90 days, or the full length of a shorter war or operation), an honorable discharge or a discharge due to line-of-duty injuries, a death on or after November 12, 1918, and Connecticut residency at death or at the time of the qualifying service. Applications use a state form with service proof, a death certificate and proof of residency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Connecticut National Guard Service Member and Family Support Center
The Connecticut National Guard's family support center lists family readiness programs, including information and referral, benefits and entitlements help, Family Readiness Groups, child and youth programs and deployment support.
Who it may help: The page says the programs serve military family members and does not list detailed eligibility rules. Contact the center by phone or email shown on the page. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Connecticut National Guard. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Veterans Property Tax Exemption and Additional Veterans Tax Relief
Connecticut offers a basic local property tax exemption for qualifying wartime veterans, and income-qualified veterans may apply for an additional state-reimbursed exemption on top of it.
Who it may help: Basic exemption: honorably discharged veterans with at least 90 days of wartime service, or survivors. Record the DD-214 in your town land records before October 1. Income-qualified applicants file Form M-59a with the town assessor between February 1 and October 1 every two years. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Permanent and Total Disability (Public Act 24-46)
A 2024 law exempts the primary residence of a qualifying disabled veteran from property tax, or one owned motor vehicle if the veteran owns no home.
Who it may help: Connecticut resident former member of the armed forces with a permanent and total service-connected rating from the VA who files with the town assessor. This page is a May 2024 press release that says the law takes effect October 1, 2024; confirm current details with your assessor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Income Tax Subtraction for Military Retirement Pay
Connecticut's income tax instructions allow retired armed forces and National Guard members to subtract military retirement pay included in federal income, and the instructions describe it as fully exempt.
Who it may help: Retired members of the armed forces or National Guard, and survivor beneficiaries under an election made by a deceased retiree. Payments to a former spouse under a divorce or property settlement do not qualify. Claimed on the Connecticut return (Schedule 1). Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Connecticut Military Relief Fund
The Connecticut Military Department runs a fund that gives monetary grants to service members and their families facing financial hardship tied to military service or to a serious injury, illness or death. A cap on the award applies.
Who it may help: The page describes applicants as currently serving members of any U.S. armed forces branch or component, or their immediate family, who are Connecticut residents. Military service must have caused or significantly contributed to the hardship, and the page also lists a serious injury, illness or death of an eligible member or immediate family member as a criterion. Documentation and an interview are part of the process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Military Support Program (Behavioral Health)
A Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services behavioral health program for Connecticut veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and their families. The page lists outreach, referrals to local counseling clinicians, community case management, and information and advocacy for securing benefits, and gives a toll-free number.
Who it may help: The page does not list formal eligibility rules. It describes the people served as Connecticut veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Participation is described as confidential. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Residential Facility and Healthcare Center (Rocky Hill)
The state offers a residential facility with temporary supportive housing aimed at helping veterans return to independent living, and a healthcare center providing long-term care for veterans needing 24-hour assistance.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility or application steps. Contact CT Veterans Affairs at 860-616-3600. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Patriots Landing Temporary Housing
Temporary supportive housing run by Connecticut Veterans Affairs for veterans, spouses and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The page describes furnished single-family homes on the Rocky Hill campus with supportive services.
Who it may help: The applicant must be a Connecticut veteran: honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service, and living in Connecticut now or living there when they entered service. Residents must be homeless or at risk of homelessness. The page does not give separate rules for spouses and children. Applications go through the department. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Office of Advocacy and Assistance (Claims and Benefits Help)
CT Department of Veterans Affairs staff help veterans and families file claims and access federal, state and local benefits, and represent veterans on VA claims.
Who it may help: Open to veterans and their families. Contact the main office or one of the district offices listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Status Certification for Court Programs
Connecticut Veterans Affairs can confirm that a person meets the state definition of a veteran when the court system asks, so the person can be considered for certain veteran-related court programs.
Who it may help: The person must meet the state statutory definition of veteran. An officer of the court starts the process by submitting the department's judicial certification form. The department only confirms veteran status and does not decide whether someone is admitted to a court program. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Veteran-Owned Micro-Business Certification
State certification that gives veteran-owned micro businesses a price preference when the Department of Administrative Services evaluates bids.
Who it may help: At least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans as the state defines them, and gross revenue of no more than $3 million in the most recent fiscal year. Use CTDVA Form CTVOMB-1; contact CT Veterans Affairs for submission details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Connecticut Wartime Service Medal
A state medal recognizing Connecticut veterans with qualifying wartime service; a posthumous version is also available.
Who it may help: At least 90 days of active wartime service (unless the war or operation was shorter), an honorable discharge or under honorable conditions (or discharge for line-of-duty injury), and Connecticut residency now or at the time of service. Apply with CTDVA Form VM1. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Municipal Veterans Representative (VetRep) Program
Each Connecticut municipality appoints a Municipal Veterans Representative as a first local contact for veterans looking for help. Some towns use a committee or work regionally.
Who it may help: Intended for veterans seeking assistance; the page lists no further requirements. Representatives are appointed by each municipality's chief executive officer under state statute. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Disabled Veteran Pass for State Parks
A free lifetime pass for Connecticut residents with a service-connected disability, accepted for the holder at certain state park attractions.
Who it may help: Connecticut residency and proof of a service-connected disability (such as a VA card or benefits letter). Apply in person at listed DEEP locations or by mail. The pass is non-transferable and not valid for camping. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
Veteran License Plates
Connecticut offers a standard Veteran plate and campaign-specific plates for listed conflicts through the DMV Customized Plates Unit.
Who it may help: Must meet the state's statutory definition of a veteran (certain honorable and conditional discharges). Campaign plates require service in the designated theater shown by the matching campaign medal. Submit DMV Form M-46 and pay the program fee. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Indicator on Driver's License or ID Card
Eligible veterans can have a veteran flag added to a Connecticut driver's license or ID card.
Who it may help: Qualifying active or reserve service shown by a DD Form 214 or other accepted proof, with a discharge that is honorable or under honorable conditions. The page names CTDVA Form VL1 as the application form and notes other records may be needed; it does not describe how to submit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver (DMV)
The Connecticut DMV waives several registration-related fees, including new and renewal registration fees, for eligible service members and people recently separated from service. Title, lien, transfer, duplicate and special plate fees and sales tax are not waived.
Who it may help: The DMV page covers people currently on active duty, Guard and Reserve members called to active duty with orders, and people within two years of an honorable discharge or separation from service with a qualifying condition (the page does not define that term), who show a DD-214. The page says applicants must have been Connecticut residents when inducted. Form B-276 is used to claim the waiver. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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