Louisiana veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 34 Louisiana 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 Louisiana; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Louisiana State Veterans Cemeteries
The state operates veterans cemeteries that offer burial with military honors for eligible veterans, spouses and dependent children. Veterans are not charged an interment fee.
Who it may help: Veterans who served on active duty (not training only), were discharged under honorable conditions and meet the service-period rules on the page; certain Title 10 reservists, military retirees and service-connected veterans are also listed. Spouses and dependent children may be interred with an eligible veteran and pay a fee tied to the VA plot allowance. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disability
Louisiana National Guard State Disability Benefit
A state disability benefit for Louisiana National Guard members with a permanent and total disability from federal or state active duty on or after September 11, 2001. The page also covers a federal death benefit for beneficiaries of members killed in action.
Who it may help: Service in the Louisiana National Guard after Sept. 11, 2001, activation under specified federal authorities during a declared emergency or contingency operation (or a governor-declared state emergency), and an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge. Injuries in most training status are excluded. Email langclaims@la.gov to apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption for Veteran Dependents
Waives in-state tuition for certain family members of veterans and can be combined with GI Bill benefits.
Who it may help: Covers children of living veterans, spouses of POW/MIA veterans, and surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans. Eligibility and residency rules differ for living and deceased veterans. Apply through a parish veterans service office; a veterans assistance counselor decides, and the student presents the certificate to the school. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
In-State Tuition Status for Veterans and Military Families
The page states that Louisiana grants in-state tuition status to veterans, their spouses and children, and active-duty military members who qualify for federal education benefits.
Who it may help: The page names veterans, their spouses and children, and active-duty members who qualify for federal education benefits, and does not explain how the qualifier applies to each group. It gives no application steps; ask the school or the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Student Veteran Centers at Louisiana Colleges
Many Louisiana colleges and universities run student veteran centers that serve veterans and veteran dependents, with staff dedicated to helping students finish their degrees.
Who it may help: The page describes the centers as serving veterans and veteran dependents at participating schools. Which schools have one is not listed on the page; contact your institution. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disabled Veterans Tuition and Fee Exemption (LOSFA)
An exemption equal to the remaining tuition and fees owed to the institution, for up to ten semesters (or an equivalent number of units) at a Louisiana public postsecondary institution.
Who it may help: Louisiana residents with a VA-determined service-connected disability who enroll in an eligible program at a public institution, maintain full-time enrollment, apply for federal education assistance, do not qualify for the 100% eligibility tier, and meet the school's academic and attendance standards. Contact the veterans affairs office at your institution. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Louisiana National Guard Tuition Exemption
A tuition-only waiver for Louisiana Army and Air National Guard soldiers attending a Louisiana institution.
Who it may help: The LOSFA page lists Louisiana Army and Air National Guard soldiers attending a Louisiana institution. It does not give other eligibility rules or application steps; see the Guard education office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship
Pays mandatory fees (not tuition) for undergraduate study at Louisiana public institutions for eligible Guard members, after STEP covers tuition. Coverage depends on legislative funding.
Who it may help: Louisiana Army or Air National Guard member in good standing, eligible for STEP, enrolled in an undergraduate program, within the semester limit, and with funds appropriated by the legislature. For the service member only, not transferable. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Louisiana Workforce Commission Veterans' Employment and Training Services
State workforce staff offer job assistance, job and training referrals, and job placement for veterans, and work with employers to promote hiring veterans. Staff operate under the Disabled Veterans and Local Veterans Employment Representative programs.
Who it may help: The page says it serves veterans and other eligible persons but does not define eligibility; it directs visitors to a staff locator. Confirm with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER)
LVER staff reach out to local employers on behalf of veterans, host employer seminars and job search workshops, and help job-ready veterans find work, especially after intensive services from a DVOP specialist.
Who it may help: The page describes the program as serving veterans seeking employment. It lists no further eligibility rules; confirm with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs (PAVE)
A business training program run by Louisiana Economic Development with the Small Business Development Center network and the state veterans department. It has six sessions, consultant coaching, and a closing business showcase. The page lists no cohort dates, so confirm current enrollment.
Who it may help: The page names Louisiana active-duty members, reservists, veterans, and military spouses ready to start or grow a business. Apply through the Louisiana Small Business Development Center website; the page notes a registration fee for military participants. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative
A Louisiana Economic Development initiative in which registered businesses are listed in a searchable database and receive a marketing insignia, a plaque or certificate, and a window decal.
Who it may help: The page describes registered businesses of Louisiana veterans, active-duty or reserve military members, or Gold Star spouses. Ownership and registration details are not listed on this page; confirm with Louisiana Economic Development. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Preference Points in Louisiana State Civil Service Hiring
Eligible veterans, and certain spouses, widows, widowers and parents, can have 5 or 10 points added to their scores on the state Eligible List for new hires.
Who it may help: Veterans submit a DD214; disability claims add a VA letter; family members use Form C.S. 295 with supporting documents. Points apply only to new hiring appointments and are verified for the final hire. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Occupational Licensure for Military Members and Spouses (R.S. 37:3651)
State law directs licensing boards to issue licenses or permits pending normal licensure to qualifying military members, Department of Defense civilians, and spouses, and allows military training to count toward requirements in whole or in part.
Who it may help: Covers military members, DoD civilians assigned to Louisiana, and spouses or dependents with orders to Louisiana or Louisiana residency. Requires, among other things, a similar valid out-of-state license held for a period or work-experience alternatives, good standing, and no dishonorable discharge. Judicial-branch licenses and some others are excluded. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Military Family Assistance Fund
A donor-supported, need-based fund for veterans and Louisiana National Guard or Reserve members in financial hardship. It is described as a fund of last resort and covers essentials such as housing and utilities.
Who it may help: Louisiana residents who are veterans with an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge, or current Guard or Reserve members in good standing, meeting minimum service rules; immediate family may also qualify. Applicants submit an application with documents such as DD214, ID, residency and income proof, and show other assistance sought. Review is by a board at a monthly meeting, so aid is not immediate. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Pay Exclusion from Louisiana Income Tax
Louisiana lets eligible service members exclude certain military pay earned on full-time active duty while stationed outside the state, up to a cap stated in the bulletin. This is a 2022 revenue bulletin and it does not address retirement pay.
Who it may help: Members of the U.S. armed forces on full-time active duty for the consecutive-day period stated in the bulletin, for active-duty pay earned while stationed outside Louisiana. Pay for other periods stays taxable. The bulletin does not cover retirement pay. Confirm the current rules with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Property Tax Exemption for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a qualifying service-connected rating may receive an additional exemption on their primary residence beyond the homestead exemption. Veterans rated 100% are exempt from ad valorem taxes except certain municipal assessments.
Who it may help: Veteran with a service-connected rating of at least 50% on a primary residence. The exemption amount depends on the rating tier. The page gives no application steps; contact the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs or a veterans service office for help. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Reduced Vehicle Use Tax for New-Resident Veterans and Military Retirees
Veterans and military retirees who move to Louisiana from another state may pay a reduced vehicle use tax on their primary personal vehicle instead of the standard state and local use taxes.
Who it may help: The vehicle must be the person's primary personal vehicle, previously registered or leased in another state, and registered in Louisiana within 90 days of moving. The page names veterans and military retirees; additional requirements may apply, so confirm with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Auto Insurance Premium Discount for Deployed Active-Duty Military
A June 2019 Louisiana Department of Insurance release reminds that auto insurers must offer a premium discount, during deployment, on motor vehicles owned by active-duty military personnel based in Louisiana. The announcement is dated June 2019.
Who it may help: The release describes active-duty military personnel based in Louisiana and a motor vehicle they own, with the discount applying during deployment. It cites La. R.S. 22:1482(A). Additional requirements may apply; confirm with the Louisiana Department of Insurance or your insurer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Servicemember and Military Spouse State Income Tax Rules
A Louisiana Department of Revenue bulletin explains that servicemembers and military spouses can choose a tax jurisdiction, that some spouse wages are exempt from Louisiana income tax, and that tax may be deferred during service.
Who it may help: Covers active-duty members, certain mobilized National Guard members, and military spouses, with conditions in the bulletin (dated March 2025). Forms such as L-4E and IT-540B are involved. Confirm with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Louisiana State Veterans Homes
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs runs veterans homes with 24-hour nursing, a memory care wing, and an on-site pharmacy, for eligible veterans, spouses and Gold Star parents.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged Louisiana veterans with the minimum active-duty service stated on the page, or eligible National Guard or Reserve members; spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents may also be admitted. Apply to the home of your choice. Fees vary by category; confirm with the home. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Louisiana Department of Health Veteran Assistance Resource List
A state health department page pointing veterans, service members, and families to behavioral health and crisis resources, including the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Military OneSource, VA mental health services, and the 988 line.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility criteria; each listed resource sets its own rules. Contact the listed organization. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
21st Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court
A specialized court program for justice-involved veterans whose criminal behavior may be linked to substance use disorders or difficulties from military service, offering supervision, treatment, and peer mentoring as an alternative to traditional criminal justice proceedings. Serves Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa Parishes.
Who it may help: A veteran with an open misdemeanor or felony case in the 21st Judicial District, willing to take part voluntarily, age 18 or older and competent, who meets the exclusions and federal qualified-offender criteria listed on the page. Start with the court's referral form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Veteran Initiative (State Contracting)
A state program that asks contractors on state contracts to make good-faith efforts to use certified veteran-owned small businesses as subcontractors.
Who it may help: Businesses certified by Louisiana Economic Development as veteran-owned or service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurships. After certification, register in the LaGov Supplier Portal. The page does not list the certification criteria; check with Louisiana Economic Development. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal
A state medal recognizing Louisiana veterans, with ribbon colors that reflect the type of service record (honorable discharge, Purple Heart, POW/MIA, killed in action). Each veteran receives one medal.
Who it may help: The page lists honorably discharged Louisiana veterans and families of service members killed in action. A veteran, or someone applying on a veteran's behalf, completes the application online or on the fillable form and uploads a DD-214. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Counselors and Claims Help
Accredited veterans assistance counselors help veterans and families with federal VA claims and state benefits. The page says the counselors provide all services, including filing VA claims, free of charge.
Who it may help: The page is aimed at Louisiana veterans and families and does not list formal eligibility rules. Use the department's Locations page to find a counselor, or contact the department at the phone number or email on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Free Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries offers a no-cost license package for qualifying disabled veterans, covering the basic hunting and fishing privileges listed on the page. The Federal Duck Stamp is not included.
Who it may help: Veteran with a permanent service-connected disability rating of at least 50%. The page lists free commemorative hard cards for resident and nonresident disabled veterans. Apply through the LDWF licensing process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Honorably Discharged Veteran Hunt/Fish Combo License
Louisiana residents who were honorably discharged can buy a combined hunting and fishing license through a special veteran category listed on the page.
Who it may help: Bona fide Louisiana resident honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard. A DD-214 or NGB-22 is accepted as proof. After approval, the license can be bought online in later years. The page also lists separate options for retired military, Purple Heart recipients and surviving spouses of service members killed in action. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Louisiana State Parks Free Admission for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans and those riding with them in one private vehicle may receive free admission to state park sites with a State Park Permit.
Who it may help: A State Park Permit is required; the page directs you to contact your local parish veterans service office. The page states no rating requirement, and additional requirements may apply; confirm with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Louisiana State Parks Military Discounts
Active-duty and retired military, Guard members, and reservists get a percentage off rentable park facilities with a booking code, and active-duty personnel plus one family member get reduced day-use entry.
Who it may help: Facility discount: active duty, retired military, National Guard, reservists, using the code at checkout on the state reservation site. Day-use discount: active-duty personnel and one immediate family member with a current military photo ID. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Free Disabled Veteran and Military Honors License Plates
Veterans with a qualifying rating may get a disabled veteran or military honors plate at no charge, and veterans rated 100% may get the 100% DAV plate.
Who it may help: Veteran with a service-connected rating of 50% or more (100% for the DAV plate). Other specialty plates have a one-time fee. The page also lists a VETERAN designation on a license or ID with proof of veteran status, and notes fee waivers may not apply at privatized OMV offices. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Parking at Louisiana Airports for Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a service-connected rating of at least 50% may be eligible for free parking at Louisiana airports; requirements may vary by airport.
Who it may help: Requires a service-connected rating of at least 50%, a form certified by a veterans assistance counselor, and a travel itinerary. Requirements may vary by airport. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Cruise Terminal Parking at the Port of New Orleans
Disabled veterans may qualify for free parking for seven days at the Port of New Orleans cruise terminal.
Who it may help: Requires a service-connected rating of at least 50%, a form certified by a veterans assistance counselor, and a military honor license plate. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
VETERAN Designation and License Fee Discounts on Driver's Licenses and IDs
Louisiana licenses and IDs can carry a VETERAN designation, and veterans may qualify for discounts or fee waivers on them.
Who it may help: Proof of veteran status is required. The page does not list which documents count, the discount amount, or other eligibility rules; ask the Office of Motor Vehicles or a Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs parish service office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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