Kansas veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 38 Kansas 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 Kansas; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Kansas Veterans' Cemetery Program
The state operates four veterans cemeteries. Free pre-registration is recommended to confirm eligibility ahead of time.
Who it may help: Veteran discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, who died on active duty, or Guard/Reserve with qualifying 20 years of service. Spouses, surviving spouses, and eligible dependent children may be interred. No Kansas residency requirement. The page does not list burial costs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Kansas Military Service Scholarship
A Kansas Board of Regents scholarship covering tuition and fees at public Kansas institutions for eligible post-9/11 service members. Financial need is considered and the FAFSA is required.
Who it may help: Kansas resident with service after September 11, 2001 earning hostile fire pay for at least 90 days (injury-shortened service may also qualify), and an honorable or general discharge or continuing service. Provide a DD-214 or active duty orders. The page notes up to 8 semesters of undergraduate study for GI Bill (Ch. 33 or 31) users; priority date May 1. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas Hero's Scholarship
A waiver of tuition and required fees at eligible public Kansas institutions for dependents and spouses of certain deceased or disabled servicemembers, public safety officers, and former prisoners of war. Funding is limited.
Who it may help: Spouse or dependent of a servicemember who died in active service, was disabled by a service-connected injury that ended service, or has a VA-rated service-connected disability of 80% or higher; also dependents and spouses of Kansas public safety officers and of former POWs (who were Kansas residents when entering service). Undergraduate only; first come, first served; renewal each year. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas In-State Tuition for Veterans and Military Families
Kansas law allows in-state tuition at state universities for veterans eligible for federal education benefits and current military personnel, plus their spouses and dependents, even without 12 months of Kansas residence.
Who it may help: Veterans eligible for federal education benefits, current military personnel, and their spouses and dependents. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the registrar at the institution. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas Operation Recognition Honorary High School Diploma
Eligible veterans who left high school to serve can receive an honorary Kansas high school diploma, including as a posthumous award.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged WWII veterans (service September 16, 1940 to December 31, 1946) or Korean War veterans (June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955) who did not graduate, or who earned a diploma but entered service before graduation ceremonies. Submit the Operation Recognition application with a copy of discharge papers. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance
Helps pay a percentage of tuition and fees for enlisted Kansas Army or Air National Guard members; the percentage depends on the number of eligible students and available appropriations. The application windows shown on the page have passed, so confirm the next one with the Kansas National Guard.
Who it may help: Enlisted member of a Kansas Air or Army National Guard unit pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree, with a GED or high school diploma and no bachelor's degree already held. Fall and spring semesters only; full-time enrollment is not required. The deadlines on the page are for the 2025-26 year and are shown as closed, so confirm current deadlines with the Guard education office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas National Guard State Tuition Assistance
Members of a Kansas Air or Army National Guard unit may have up to 100% of tuition and required fees covered for coursework toward a certificate, diploma or degree; full-time enrollment is not required.
Who it may help: Member of a Kansas Air or Army National Guard unit. The page says to apply through the Kansas Board of Regents website and then send documentation to the Army Guard Education Office. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Kansas National Guard Education Services Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas National Guard EMERGE Advanced Degree Program
Pays tuition and fees for Kansas National Guard members pursuing certain advanced degrees (such as law, doctoral, physician assistant or seminary programs) at approved Kansas institutions.
Who it may help: Member of the Kansas Army or Air National Guard. The page says up to 100 Army and 100 Air Guard members may apply each year, names the Adjutant General as approving authority, and states the benefit is not transferable to dependents or spouses. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Guard Education Services Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas State Tuition Assistance for Guard Dependents (STAT)
A Kansas National Guard member can transfer state tuition assistance to one eligible dependent, covering tuition and most required fees at accredited Kansas institutions.
Who it may help: Dependent enrolled in DEERS with a high school diploma or equivalent, pursuing a certificate, associate's or bachelor's degree, filing the FAFSA yearly and keeping a 2.0 GPA. The sponsoring Guard member must accept a service obligation and submit a commander's recommendation; there is a lifetime credit-hour limit. Deadlines are listed for fall and spring. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Kansas State Jobs Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans who meet a vacancy's requirements can get an interview for state classified positions marked as veterans preference eligible.
Who it may help: The opening must be a regular classified position marked veterans preference eligible with no higher-priority applicants, and the veteran must have separated from service and not have left state service in poor standing. Reserve or Guard training service does not count. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas Veteran-Owned Business Certification and Contracting Preference
The page says Kansas supports Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses through certification and procurement preferences in state contracting. It also mentions small business help through partners such as the Kansas Small Business Development Center and the SBA.
Who it may help: The page refers readers to K.S.A. 75-3740 for the state definition of a veteran-owned business but does not list certification criteria, steps or how the preferences work. Confirm details with the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and the Department of Administration. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Occupational License Credit for Military Training
Kansas licensing bodies must accept education, training or active-duty service toward license education requirements when shown to be substantially equivalent. It does not by itself satisfy exams unless the board waives them.
Who it may help: Applicants discharged honorably from active service must be considered; a board may choose to accept credit for a general discharge under honorable conditions. Does not apply to the practice of law and excludes certain boards listed in the statute. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Expedited Occupational Licensing for Service Members and Spouses
Service members and military spouses with a valid out-of-state license may receive faster Kansas licensing decisions, possible probationary or temporary licenses, and a fee exemption for spouses of active service members.
Who it may help: Current or honorably discharged former service members and their spouses who live or plan to live in Kansas. Time limits and conditions apply; it does not cover attorneys or law enforcement certification. Contact the specific licensing board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas License Protection During Military Service
A Kansas occupational license stays valid while the holder is in military service and for six months after release, without a required renewal application, renewal fee or continuing education during service.
Who it may help: Applies to licensees in military service. The page does not clarify whether fee and continuing-education relief continues in the six months after release; confirm with your licensing board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Paid Military Leave for Kansas State Employees
A 2017 state personnel bulletin says benefits-eligible Kansas state employees may receive paid military leave in each October-to-September period for required military duty, which can include National Guard duty and drills that fall within the regular work schedule.
Who it may help: Benefits-eligible state employee (classified or unclassified) on required military duty. The page is a 2017 personnel bulletin; confirm current rules with the state Office of Personnel Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas State Employee Military Activation Payment and Pay Differential
State employees called to full-time military duty may receive a one-time activation payment and a pay differential when military base pay is below state pay, up to a statutory cap per pay period.
Who it may help: Current benefits-eligible state employee in a reserve component or Guard, activated to full-time duty and deployed for more than 30 consecutive days, mobilized on or after July 1, 2008. Give the employing agency your orders. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Kansas Homestead Property Tax Refund for Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR)
A Kansas property tax refund (Form K-40SVR) for qualifying disabled veterans, based on the increase in homestead property tax over a base year. Some surviving spouses may continue to qualify under conditions described on the page.
Who it may help: Kansas resident, honorable or general-under-honorable discharge, service-connected disability rated at least 50% for the entire base year, owning and occupying a Kansas home within the value limit, and meeting the household income limit. Documentation of the VA rating is required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas Income Tax Treatment of Military Retirement and VA Disability Pay
A state benefits guide says Kansas does not tax military retirement pay or VA disability payments. Certain Kansas Guard bonuses are also listed as not taxed.
Who it may help: Applies to Kansas income tax filers with the listed income. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas Disabled Veteran Sales Tax Exemption Card
Starting July 1, 2026, qualifying disabled veterans can apply for a card that exempts many personal purchases from Kansas sales tax, up to a yearly purchase limit. Motor vehicles, fuel, alcohol and tobacco products are not covered.
Who it may help: Kansas resident; honorably discharged (the page includes general discharge under honorable conditions); VA-certified as described above. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans who died on or after July 1, 2026 may continue until they remarry. Apply through the Department of Revenue with a DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and a VA award or benefit summary letter. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Military Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption
Eligible service members may claim a property tax exemption on up to two motor vehicles by filing the Military Personnel Affidavit (Form TR-601).
Who it may help: Kansas residents who are full-time, deployed, stationed in Kansas, or in good standing in a reserve force or Kansas Guard, or qualifying non-residents on military orders, as listed on the form. Attach orders, ORB/ERB and LES for active duty, or a unit commander certification for Guard and reserve. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
KPERS Military Service Credit
Members of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System may receive granted credit for active military service, and may purchase additional military service credit.
Who it may help: KPERS member in a covered position before military duty who returns to covered employment within the stated window after discharge for granted credit; DD-214 required. Purchase terms differ for active duty and reserve service. Contact KPERS. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Kansas State Veterans Homes
The state operates Kansas veterans homes for veterans who need 24-hour skilled nursing care; spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents may be admitted on a space-available basis.
Who it may help: Full-time active federal service with a non-dishonorable discharge, meeting VA veteran status, a physician-documented need for 24-hour skilled nursing care, and no felony conviction or sex offender registration. Veterans without adequate means come first; Kansas residents are preferred but residency is not required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
LiveConnected KS Veteran Behavioral Health and Peer Support
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services points service members, veterans and families to LiveConnected KS and a veterans services directory to find behavioral health and peer support, regardless of county.
Who it may help: Service members, veterans and families dealing with issues such as PTSD, family stress, reintegration, substance use, depression or suicidal thoughts. The page gives no phone numbers or addresses; search KDADS for LiveConnected KS. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Kansas Veterans Claims Assistance
State veteran service representatives, and representatives of veterans service organizations funded by state grants, help with applying for VA and state benefits and with obtaining earned medals and awards.
Who it may help: The page lists help with education, pension, service-connected compensation, spouse and dependent, state, and VA health care benefits. Contact a local representative or the toll-free number on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas Veterans Treatment Courts
Veterans treatment courts steer veterans with substance use or mental health concerns toward treatment instead of repeated incarceration. The Kansas court system page links to a list of Kansas courts.
Who it may help: Veterans with a substance use disorder or mental health concern; the page lists no other criteria and does not describe enrollment. Availability depends on judicial district; contact the district court. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Free Vital Records for VA Purposes
The Kansas veterans office lists free birth, marriage and death certificates for veterans when requested through the office for VA purposes.
Who it may help: Veteran requesting birth, marriage or death certificates through the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office (KCVAO), as the page names it, for VA purposes only. The page gives no further requirements; confirm the process with the Kansas veterans office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Vietnam War Medallion Program
Eligible Vietnam-era veterans can receive a Kansas medallion, medal and certificate of recognition; one award is issued per veteran.
Who it may help: Active-duty service between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, inside or outside the U.S.; Kansas legal residency when entering service, at discharge or at death, or current residency; honorable discharge, current honorable active status, or honorable status at death. A spouse or eldest living survivor of an otherwise eligible veteran who died before applying may apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Kansas Free Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License
Eligible disabled veterans can receive a free, permanent Kansas hunting and fishing license, applied for online, in the app, or by mail.
Who it may help: Kansas resident, honorably discharged, with entitlement papers showing a service-connected rating of at least 30%, plus a current Kansas driver's license or ID. A Hunter's Education card is needed for hunting if born on or after July 1, 1957. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Hunting, Fishing and State Park Permits for Kansas National Guard
Active Kansas Army and Air National Guard members who live in Kansas can receive free hunting and fishing licenses and state park permits.
Who it may help: Active Kansas Army or Air National Guard member and Kansas resident. The application must be signed by the unit commander and mailed with copies of required documents to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Pratt Operations Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Kansas Disabled Veteran License Plate
A Kansas license plate for eligible disabled veterans with no registration fee for the initial plate or renewal; property tax on the vehicle is still due.
Who it may help: Kansas resident receiving qualifying disability compensation, with a vehicle registered at 20,000 lbs or less and titled or leased in the veteran's name (or a person responsible for transporting a qualifying veteran). Form TR-103 must be signed by the veteran and the VA regional director and submitted to the county treasurer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Kansas U.S. Veteran License Plate
Kansas veterans and current service members may request a distinctive U.S. Veteran license plate for each qualifying vehicle, with optional branch decals available for a small fee.
Who it may help: Kansas resident who owns or leases a passenger vehicle, truck up to 20,000 lbs, motorcycle or travel trailer; honorably discharged veteran of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or merchant marines, or a current member. Apply on the Division of Vehicles form at least 60 days before registration renewal; the plate is not transferable. Regular license fee applies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Combat Wounded / Purple Heart License Plate
Purple Heart recipients can apply at the county treasurer for a Combat Wounded / Purple Heart plate. Optional decals for other awards may be added.
Who it may help: Purple Heart recipient who is a Kansas resident (or a non-resident service member stationed at a Kansas base) with a vehicle of 20,000 lbs or less titled or leased in Kansas in their name. Bring a DD-214 showing the Purple Heart (or an award certificate if on active duty) and proof of insurance. Standard registration fees and property taxes still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Medal of Honor License Plate
Medal of Honor recipients can obtain a special Kansas Medal of Honor plate through the county treasurer's motor vehicle office.
Who it may help: Medal of Honor recipient who is a Kansas resident (or a non-resident service member stationed at a Kansas base); vehicle up to 20,000 lbs titled or leased in Kansas in the recipient's name. Provide a DD-214 or active-duty award document and proof of insurance. Standard registration fees and property taxes apply; the page lists no separate plate fee. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Silver Star License Plate
Silver Star Medal recipients can apply at the county treasurer for a Kansas Silver Star plate.
Who it may help: Silver Star recipient who is a Kansas resident (or a non-resident service member stationed at a Kansas base); vehicle up to 20,000 lbs titled in Kansas in the recipient's name or leased by them. Bring a DD-214 or award document and proof of insurance. The page's fee wording is unclear, so confirm fees with the county treasurer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Ex-Prisoner of War License Plate
Former prisoners of war, and in some cases their surviving spouses, can receive a distinctive Kansas plate issued without the regular license fee, with annual renewal at no charge.
Who it may help: Kansas resident who owns or leases a passenger vehicle or truck up to 20,000 lbs and was held as a prisoner of war (or is the surviving spouse of a plate holder; rights end on remarriage). Submit proof of status on the Division of Vehicles form at least 60 days before registration renewal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plate
Pearl Harbor survivors can obtain a special Kansas plate at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged U.S. service member who was on station at Pearl Harbor, on Oahu or within three miles offshore during the December 7, 1941 attack window described on the page; approved by the chairperson of the Kansas Pearl Harbor survivors association; Kansas resident (or non-resident stationed at a Kansas base). Bring proof of status and insurance. Standard registration fees apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Vietnam Veteran License Plate
Vietnam War veterans may request a distinctive Kansas Vietnam Veteran plate for each qualifying vehicle.
Who it may help: Kansas resident who owns or leases a passenger vehicle, truck up to 20,000 lbs or motorcycle and can give satisfactory proof of Vietnam War veteran status. The regular license plate fee applies. The page does not list accepted proof or application steps, so confirm with the Division of Vehicles or your county treasurer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kansas Driver's License or ID Veteran Designation
Veterans can ask to have the word VETERAN printed on the front of a Kansas driver's license or non-driver ID.
Who it may help: Veteran who provides a copy of the DD-214 showing service character as honorable or general under honorable conditions. The page says only that the request goes to the DMV and names no office, so confirm where and how to request it with the state agency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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