Delaware veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 26 Delaware 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 Delaware; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
State veterans cemeteries for veterans, spouses and certain dependent children.
Who it may help: Meeting any one listed path, such as an honorably discharged Delaware-resident veteran, or qualifying Delaware National Guard or Reserve service. Delaware residency tests apply, and spouses can be interred once the veteran is pre-qualified. Dependent children must be under 21 and unmarried, or lifelong dependents. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Death Certificate Copy for Veteran's Next of Kin
Next of kin of a deceased veteran can get a free certified copy of the death certificate from the State Registrar to help settle the veteran's affairs.
Who it may help: The page says the copy is for next of kin of a veteran. It does not list other requirements, so confirm with the Office of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disability
Pension for Paraplegic Veterans
State law provides an annual pension, paid in monthly installments, to qualifying paraplegic veterans who are Delaware residents.
Who it may help: Paraplegic with no voluntary control over either leg, totally disabled as a direct result of service while the U.S. was officially at war or during hostilities as a United Nations member, and a bona fide Delaware resident. Evidence is filed with the Pension Board of Trustees. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Delaware National Guard Education Benefit
Covers tuition and fees at Delaware state-supported schools and certain Delaware private schools for active Delaware National Guard members, subject to funding.
Who it may help: Active member of a federally recognized Delaware Guard unit in satisfactory standing. Applicants must use other aid first, apply before starting class, keep a 2.0 GPA and agree to a six-year service commitment, with repayment possible if not met. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Employment
State Merit Employment Veterans Preference
Qualifying veterans and certain family members receive preference points that are added to their ranking for original entry into Delaware state merit jobs. It does not apply to promotions.
Who it may help: Veterans with active service and an honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge, Delaware Guard or Reserve members with 20 years of membership, and certain spouses. Documentation such as a DD-214 is required; the page does not list the number of points. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Opportunity Credit (for Employers)
Tax credit that gives Delaware employers an incentive to hire veterans of overseas conflicts since 2001. The page does not explain how it is calculated or claimed.
Who it may help: This is an employer credit, not a payment to veterans. Qualifying hires are veterans hired on or after January 1, 2012 who meet the service wording on the page. See the linked information sheet or contact the Division of Revenue for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Member and Spouse Professional Licensing Options
The Division of Professional Regulation offers temporary military registration, a provisional license for up to six months while a license application is pending, and review of military training toward licensure.
Who it may help: Qualified military members and spouses for registration and provisional licenses; active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired military and veterans for military training credit. The board must find the training substantially equivalent, and other requirements such as exams still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Heroes on the Highway CDL Skills Test Waiver
Delaware DMV waives the commercial driver license skills test for active military and recently discharged veterans who meet the program requirements. The commercial knowledge tests for the license class are still required.
Who it may help: The page says applicants must apply within 12 months of discharge, have two years of experience operating a military commercial motor vehicle, certify regular employment in such a position in the past 12 months, and have a commanding officer sign the form certifying vehicle types. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans' Priority of Service (Delaware Department of Labor)
Qualified veterans and eligible spouses receive priority when accessing job referrals, USDOL-funded training and related workforce services. Delaware JobLink identifies veterans' resumes with a flag so employers can recognize them.
Who it may help: Priority applies only when the person meets the mandatory eligibility requirements of the particular program, which vary by program. The page does not list detailed criteria; the Delaware JobLink veterans' priority page or a local American Job Center can explain them. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans and Others
State law provides college or training benefits for children of service members who were killed or died from service-related causes, held as prisoners of war, or declared missing in action. Benefits are capped at tuition and fees for an academic year and last up to four years.
Who it may help: Applicant must be 16 to 24, a Delaware resident for at least three years, and attending or admitted to post-high-school study of up to four years. A parent residency condition applies. The statute page does not name the administering agency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Financial
Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit
Qualified disabled veterans may receive a credit against school district property taxes on their primary residence. Applications are due April 30 for the upcoming tax year.
Who it may help: Receipt of the 100% permanent and total compensation, three years of legal Delaware domicile, and the property tax bill paid in full each year. Cannot be combined with the Senior School Property Tax Credit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Delaware Veterans Trust Fund
Donation-funded emergency financial help for Delaware veterans and families facing a verified hardship, with payments sent to the vendor or provider rather than the applicant. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on available funds.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Delaware residents who are veterans with an Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge, document an emergency need, and show the help will lead toward self-sufficiency. The application asks for items such as a DD-214, Delaware license or ID, bills, income proof and bank statements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran-Owned Business Certification (VOBE and SDVOBE)
The Office of Supplier Diversity certifies Veteran Owned and Service Disabled Veteran Owned business enterprises as part of its diverse business certifications.
Who it may help: The page says veterans must hold 51% or more ownership and control of daily operations, and the company must be for-profit and owned and managed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A current license credential is required, and certification lasts three years unless eligibility changes. The page does not describe contracting preferences. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Delaware Veterans Home (Milford)
State long-term care facility in Milford with skilled nursing units for Delaware veterans.
Who it may help: The home's main page does not list admission requirements. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Delaware Veterans Home about eligibility and the application for admission. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Legal
Veterans Treatment Court
A statewide Superior Court program that lets eligible veterans with mental health needs who face certain charges complete a court-supervised treatment plan, with veteran mentors, instead of moving through the regular criminal process.
Who it may help: Applicants must be veterans, are referred by the Attorney General's Office or the Public Defender, and must choose to take part. The page says the program focuses on veterans with mental illness charged with nonviolent felonies or misdemeanors, or with probation violations. The page mentions strict requirements without listing them. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Veteran Service Officers
State-employed, VA-accredited service officers help with federal and state benefits in areas such as compensation and pension, health care, education and training, employment, burial and survivor benefits, housing, transportation and military records. Five veterans service organizations also have service officers.
Who it may help: The page says to schedule an appointment with your county service officer through the Office of Veterans Services contact page; it also lists a phone number and email for the office. The page says accredited representatives never charge for claims services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Notary Service for Veterans
The Office of Veterans Services offers free notary services to veterans, dependents and families at its headquarters.
Who it may help: The page names veterans, dependents and families as users and the OVS headquarters as the location. It does not list other requirements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Fraud Prevention Resources
A state page pointing veterans to scam-prevention and reporting resources, including the Delaware Attorney General Fraud Unit, the Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit, V-SAFE and VA fraud prevention information.
Who it may help: The page is an information list and states no eligibility requirements. Contact details for the Consumer Protection Unit are on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Delaware Joining Forces Service Network
A network of state agencies and outside providers, led by the Delaware National Guard, Health and Social Services, and the Commission of Veterans Affairs, with a searchable index of services for military members, veterans and families by service type and county.
Who it may help: The page presents a searchable directory covering financial and legal help, jobs and training, housing, behavioral health and education. It does not set eligibility rules; each listed provider has its own. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Help Requesting Military Records
The Office of Veterans Services may already hold your DD 214, and its offices can fax a records request to the National Archives if not. Online requests are also an option.
Who it may help: The page says OVS may have a copy on file if Delaware was your home of record at separation, you visited a service officer, or OVS represents you as claims agent, and only if you or a government office provided one. The page does not state fees or list formal eligibility rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Fish and Wildlife License Exemptions for Veterans
Delaware offers license exemptions or resident pricing for some military groups, including veterans with a service-connected disability. The page does not say which license types the disability exemption covers.
Who it may help: Disability exemption: veteran with a service-connected rating of at least 60%. Separate rules apply to active-duty personnel stationed in Delaware and to Delaware-resident Iraqi or Enduring Freedom veterans. Apply to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Park Admission Discount for Veterans
The Office of Veterans Services page lists half off the annual entry fee for state parks for qualifying veterans and service members with a Delaware-registered vehicle.
Who it may help: Veterans who served honorably or are serving, including Delaware National Guard members, with a motor vehicle registered in Delaware. The page does not give application steps; contact the Delaware Office of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
Disabled Veteran License Plate
Delaware DMV application for a Disabled Veteran (DAV) plate for a private passenger vehicle or a truck up to a listed weight rating. The form lists a one-time plate fee, and the plate does not allow special parking in handicapped zones.
Who it may help: Veteran with a service-connected disability or disabling injury from a qualifying conflict named on the form, with a copy of the VA certification letter or DoD certification. Inspection and registration fees still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Registration Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans with Adaptive Equipment
Disabled veterans who have adaptive equipment benefits are exempt from registration fees for one vehicle, according to the Office of Veterans Services benefits page. The page mentions modifications such as power steering, brakes and seats.
Who it may help: The page says the exemption is for disabled veterans with adaptive equipment benefits and covers one vehicle. It does not describe documentation or how to claim it; additional requirements apply, so confirm with the Office of Veterans Services or Delaware DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
DMV Document Fee Waiver for Relocating Active Duty
Active duty service members and their dependents moving to Delaware may qualify for a waiver of the DMV document fee when titling a vehicle.
Who it may help: The page requires active duty orders showing a change of duty station to Delaware, provided within 90 days of relocating to Delaware or within 90 days of purchasing the vehicle and titling it in the previous state. The vehicle must have been previously registered in the prior state of residence or duty assignment, including overseas, and the credit is applied at titling. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military and Veteran Specialty License Plates
Delaware DMV lists many military-related specialty plates, including honorably discharged veteran, Delaware Veterans, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War, Gold Star Family and National Guard plates, each with a one-time fee.
Who it may help: The listing page does not state the eligibility rules for each plate. Requirements differ by plate and are on each application form or from DMV Customer Service. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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