Indiana veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 33 Indiana 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 Indiana; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Madison)
A state veterans cemetery in Madison offering burial in several formats, with certain costs covered for eligible veterans and spouses. A pre-need eligibility application is available.
Who it may help: Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, certain Guard and Reserve members, service members who die on active duty, surviving spouses of eligible veterans, and children who are under 21 or permanent dependents may qualify. The page does not state current burial availability, so contact the cemetery to confirm. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Tuition and Fee Exemption for Children of Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart Recipients
Indiana offers a tuition and fee exemption for children of certain disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients and former POWs. Applications go through the online system linked from the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs page.
Who it may help: Applicants must document their relationship to the veteran (birth certificate or adoption decree; stepchildren are not eligible), the veteran's wartime service or an equivalent medal, and either a VA service-connected disability award letter or proof of Purple Heart or POW status. Indiana residency evidence is needed in some cases. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
National Guard Tuition Supplement Grant
Helps eligible Indiana Army and Air National Guard members pay tuition and regularly assessed fees, at public institutions or with a capped amount at private nonprofit schools. The page also mentions a limited extension program for some former Guard members.
Who it may help: Must be an Indiana National Guard member in active drilling status with required Guard paperwork approved before classes, file the FAFSA, and meet satisfactory academic progress rules. The page says it applies to a first associate, bachelor's, or master's degree at a public Indiana institution. Contact your unit commander for certification. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Tuition and Fee Exemption for Indiana Purple Heart Recipients
Covers tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public colleges for a veteran who is a Purple Heart recipient or was wounded by enemy action, for up to a set number of credit hours within a time window.
Who it may help: Applicant must have entered active duty from a permanent Indiana address, received the Purple Heart or been wounded by enemy action, have a discharge other than dishonorable, and qualify for resident tuition. Study must be Title IV-eligible, and a FAFSA is filed each year. Apply through ScholarTrack; the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs reviews applications. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home Tuition Grant
Supplements other state grants to cover tuition and regularly assessed fees for former students of the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home.
Who it may help: Applicant must be a former student or graduate of Morton Memorial High School who was admitted to the Home because a relative served in the U.S. armed forces, qualify for resident tuition, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and file the FAFSA yearly. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs reviews the application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Approving Agency for GI Bill Programs
IDVA's State Approving Agency approves schools and training programs that can be paid for with GI Bill benefits, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Veterans can use it as a check before enrolling.
Who it may help: The page is aimed at veterans using GI Bill benefits, along with county veteran service officers and WorkOne staff who help find approved programs. It advises confirming the agency has approved a program before enrolling. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the VA or the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
High School Diploma Program for WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veterans
IDVA can issue a high school diploma to eligible veterans of four wartime periods who left an Indiana high school to enter military service.
Who it may help: Veteran served in one of the listed war periods, attended an Indiana high school in good standing before service, left without a diploma because of service, and received an honorable discharge. Veterans, surviving spouses, or eligible family members apply to IDVA; the page lists no forms or deadlines, so contact IDVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business (IVOSB) Certification
A state certification for veteran-owned businesses that opens subcontracting opportunities on state contracts and lists the firm in a directory of certified businesses. The page also describes a price preference for certified prime contractors on smaller solicitations.
Who it may help: The business must be an Indiana business, at least half owned (51% or more) and controlled by a veteran, and meet one of several Indiana-connection tests such as payroll, employees, capital investment or headquarters. The page defines a veteran as someone honorably discharged or currently serving. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Hiring Preference and Workforce Development Veteran Services
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs page says the state merit system adds points for veterans applying for merit positions or promotions in state government. It also points to Workforce Development veterans' representatives, including specialists for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Who it may help: The page does not list detailed eligibility rules for the hiring points. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the State Personnel Department or the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Occupational Licensing Credit for Military Training and Experience
The Professional Licensing Agency describes pathways for military members and families to get credit for military training, experience, or an out-of-state license, plus a provisional license option for spouses and dependents of members assigned to Indiana.
Who it may help: Military service applicants need relevant military training and a military occupational specialty performed at a level substantially equivalent to board requirements, or a comparable out-of-state license held at least one year. No disqualifying acts or pending complaints, and fees apply. Boards use the ACE military evaluation guide. Applications go through the state myLicense portal. 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 plate for close family of a service member who died on duty. The page says it carries no extra charge beyond regular registration fees and taxes.
Who it may help: Open to a spouse, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, sibling, or child of someone who died while serving on duty in the active, Reserve, or National Guard. Available at any BMV branch; the page links a state application form. Additional requirements may apply; confirm with the BMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Children and Spouse of Indiana National Guard Tuition Program
Supplements other state grants to cover tuition and regularly assessed fees for the child or spouse of an Indiana National Guard member who died from a service-connected cause on state active duty.
Who it may help: The member must have died from a service-connected cause while on state active duty (including being killed in the line of duty while deployed with the Army or Air Force, or other state active duty as determined by the Military Department of Indiana). Children must be biological or legally adopted; spouses must have been married at the time of death. Applicants file the FAFSA and apply through ScholarTrack. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Service-Connected Disability Property Tax Credit
Indiana's 2026 DLGF guidance describes a property tax credit for veterans with a service-connected disability, which replaced the former deduction. An application is required and there is no automatic conversion in the statute.
Who it may help: The veteran must have a service-connected disability of at least 10%, have served during a U.S. war, and be honorably discharged, with evidence from the VA or Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. A surviving spouse may qualify in some cases, and the application has a January filing deadline. Additional requirements apply; confirm with your county auditor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Income State Tax Deduction
Indiana lets eligible taxpayers deduct military retirement pay and survivor benefits from Indiana adjusted gross income. The Department of Revenue bulletin explains how the deduction is figured.
Who it may help: Applies to military retirement pay or survivor's benefits from active or reserve service, received while an Indiana resident and included in Indiana adjusted gross income. The bulletin says the minimum age requirement was eliminated for later tax years. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Family Relief Fund
A program of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs that provides financial help to eligible households; the eligibility page lists the requirements for applying.
Who it may help: Applicants must live in Indiana, have an eligible discharge code, show genuine financial hardship and have household income at or below a limit tied to the federal poverty guidelines. The department may close an application if required documents are not received in time. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Property Tax Deduction for Totally Disabled Veterans
Eligible veterans with a total disability may have the assessed value of their principal residence removed for property tax purposes. A surviving spouse may keep it in some cases if the veteran qualified at death.
Who it may help: Veteran must own (or be buying under a recorded contract) the home used as a principal residence, have lived in Indiana for at least a year before the assessment date, have a total disability, and have at least 90 days of service with an honorable discharge. Wartime service is not required. The application must be completed and dated by January 15 of the year taxes are first due, and late applications cannot be approved retroactively. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Property Tax Credit for Veterans Age 62+ with a Disability
A property tax credit for older veterans who have a VA or IDVA-documented disability. Some surviving spouses may qualify under specific conditions.
Who it may help: Veteran must have served at least 90 days with an honorable discharge, be age 62 or older, and have a documented disability of at least 10%. The veteran must apply (with a transition rule for some prior deduction recipients) by January 15. Surviving spouses may qualify in limited cases, such as when the veteran was killed in action or died on active duty or inactive duty training. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Income Tax Deductions for Active, Guard, and Reserve Military Pay
The Department of Revenue bulletin describes state income tax deductions for military pay, including separate deductions for active components and for National Guard and reserve component wages.
Who it may help: The bulletin ties the deductions to the member's component (active versus National Guard or reserve) and says only military service wages qualify, not wages from other jobs. Combat zone pay is already exempt. Additional requirements and limits apply; confirm with the Indiana Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Indiana Income Tax Relief for Military Members and Spouses
The Department of Revenue explains military tax points including an automatic filing extension for combat zone service, a deduction for a nonresident military spouse's Indiana-source earned income, and possible penalty and interest relief under the SCRA.
Who it may help: Depends on the item: combat zone service, a nonresident military spouse meeting stated conditions (Schedule IN-2058SP), or active-duty status for SCRA relief. National Guard members called to active service may also qualify for relief as described on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Indiana Veterans' Home (West Lafayette)
A state veterans' home in Indiana for eligible veterans and their spouses; the admissions page lists medical services, memory care units and short-term rehabilitation.
Who it may help: Applicants generally need to be an honorably discharged veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of one, have lived in Indiana for at least a year right before applying (residency waivers may apply to some who enlisted from or were discharged to Indiana), and pass a criminal background check by the Home. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Legal
County Veterans Service Officers
County Veterans Service Offices are the local contact for veterans and help them and their families with benefits. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs page lists county offices with contact details.
Who it may help: Veterans and their family members may contact the office in their county. The page does not list formal eligibility requirements. Check the official page for current contacts and hours.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Treatment Courts (Problem-Solving Courts)
The Indiana court system's problem-solving court directory lists veterans courts in many counties, with contact details for each program. These are county-run courts, not a single statewide program.
Who it may help: The directory does not state entry rules; eligibility is set by each court and its judge. Contact the program in your county or ask your defense attorney. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Hoosier Women Veterans Program
An IDVA outreach program that helps women veterans learn about federal and Indiana benefits and offers health and wellness events and community networking.
Who it may help: Serves women veterans living in Indiana, women still serving (active duty, Guard, Reserve) who live in Indiana, and their families. The page lists no application. Contact IDVA at 317-232-3910 or Outreach@dva.in.gov. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Help Obtaining DD-214 and Military Discharge Records
IDVA and the State Archives hold DD-214 copies for many Indiana veterans, and IDVA or a County Veterans Service Officer can help with record requests.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility rules. For most discharges from 1989 on, IDVA says it has a copy; for earlier discharges the page points to the State Archives. Federal records can also be requested from the National Personnel Records Center. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Discounted Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Indiana residents who are veterans with a service-connected disability can apply for a discounted small-game hunting and fishing license, available as a standard license or a ten-year version. Deer and turkey hunting and stamps are not included.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Indiana residents who served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability. An application is submitted to the DNR first, and once approved the license can be bought through the DNR license system. Check the official page for current rules and fees.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Golden Hoosier Passport for Disabled Veterans
An annual pass for unlimited entry to Indiana state-owned parks, recreation areas, reservoirs and forests. It does not cover historic sites, museums or memorials.
Who it may help: Veterans who qualify for a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate can buy the pass. Former prisoners of war receive theirs by mail after their plates are issued. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Gold Star Families Pass for Indiana State Parks
Indiana-resident Gold Star family members may be able to get a free annual entrance pass to Indiana state parks.
Who it may help: Applicant must be an Indiana resident who is a Gold Star family member and complete the DNR form, submitted by email to the DNR permit address listed on the page. The page does not define Gold Star family beyond that. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Hoosier Veteran and Disabled Hoosier Veteran License Plates
Indiana issues Hoosier Veteran plates to honorably separated veterans and Disabled Hoosier Veteran plates to veterans with certain service-connected conditions. Other military-related plates, including Purple Heart, ex-POW and Gold Star family plates, are also described on the page.
Who it may help: The Hoosier Veteran plate is for Indiana residents honorably separated from the armed forces, shown with a DD-214 or discharge certificate. The disabled veteran plate needs a certificate from the VA or armed forces confirming a qualifying service-connected condition. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Vehicle Excise Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans
Qualifying disabled veterans who do not own property eligible for the veteran property tax deduction may get a credit against vehicle excise tax, capped per vehicle and limited to two vehicles.
Who it may help: Veteran must meet the statutory requirements and must not own property that qualifies for the specified veteran property tax deduction. An affidavit from the county auditor is required. Additional requirements apply; confirm with your county auditor or the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Designation on Indiana Driver License or ID
The BMV can add a veteran (or veteran spouse) indicator to a license or ID. Adding it at a new issuance or renewal is free, while adding it to an unexpired credential otherwise carries a fee.
Who it may help: Veterans present a long-form DD-214 showing a discharge other than dishonorable. A surviving spouse of a deceased veteran presents proof of the veteran's discharge, a marriage certificate, and the death certificate. Active-duty members use a current CAC. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
BMV Driver License and Registration Provisions for Service Members
The BMV lists several accommodations for military members and families, including extended license validity after discharge or post-deployment, a road-test exemption for recently expired licenses, and a military extension letter.
Who it may help: Applies mainly to Indiana residents serving outside the state and their spouses or dependents living outside Indiana. The test exemption requires applying within 90 days of discharge with proof and does not apply with six or more active points or a suspended license. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the BMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Purple Heart License Plate
A special plate for people awarded the Purple Heart, which may also be issued to a surviving spouse who has not remarried.
Who it may help: Applicant must have been awarded the Purple Heart (or be an unremarried surviving spouse) and include documentation of the award with the application. Applications are handled through the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Ex-Prisoner of War License Plate
A special plate for vehicles owned or leased by a former prisoner of war. The BMV may also issue it to a POW's surviving spouse.
Who it may help: Applicant must be a former POW (or a surviving spouse as allowed by the BMV), and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs must verify eligibility. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Spot something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.