Maine veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 36 Maine 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 Maine; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System Burial
Maine's state veterans cemeteries provide burial or inurnment for eligible veterans, and eligible spouses and some dependents may be buried with them. Costs depend on service and residency category.
Who it may help: Eligible veterans include those with an honorable or general discharge who meet the service-length rules, certain reserve and National Guard members, and some others listed on the page. Spouses and certain children may qualify. Some groups are buried at state cost and others pay a fee that the page does not state; call the cemetery office for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Funeral Honors
Families can request military funeral honors for a deceased veteran's burial by asking the funeral director to contact the Casualty Assistance Center for the veteran's branch.
Who it may help: The page does not state eligibility rules. It says the family tells the funeral director, who then contacts the branch's Casualty Assistance Center. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (tuition waiver)
Eligible spouses and dependents of certain Maine veterans may receive a full waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at the University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges and Maine Maritime Academy.
Who it may help: The veteran must meet one of the listed conditions (100% total permanent service-connected disability, killed in action, died of a service-connected disability, totally and permanently disabled at death, or listed as missing or detained for more than 90 days). The veteran must have entered service from Maine or lived in Maine for the five years before applying and must stay a Maine resident. Students must apply for a Federal Pell Grant and submit the state application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Maine National Guard Education Assistance Program
State law sets up a tuition benefit for Maine National Guard members. The statute page lists only the minimum prerequisites, not the benefit amount or payment details, so confirm those with the Guard.
Who it may help: Per the statute: completed basic training or commissioned, a satisfactory member in good standing who has not already earned a bachelor's degree, a signed commitment to serve at least one year beyond the funded term, and having applied for other available tuition aid first. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Maine National Guard. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Guaranteed Interview for Veterans, State of Maine Jobs
Qualified veterans applying for classified State of Maine positions are guaranteed an interview, and if not hired the Bureau of Human Resources will point them to other openings they may be qualified for.
Who it may help: Veterans must be qualified for the classified State service vacancy they apply for. The page does not define additional requirements; contact the Bureau of Human Resources at the number on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Professional Licensing Credit for Military Experience
Maine's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation lets veterans submit military experience and training for consideration toward licensure, gives veterans and Gold Star spouses priority processing, and offers temporary licenses for some military members and spouses.
Who it may help: Different options apply to active military, recently separated military, veterans, Gold Star spouses and military spouses, and the page does not define recently separated. Contact OPOR licensing staff to find the right pathway. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Maine CareerCenter Veteran Employment and Training Services
Maine CareerCenter Veterans' Representatives around the state give specialized employment and training services to eligible veterans and their spouses, including help finding a job, gaining new skills, upgrading a career and accessing other state and federal resources. The CareerCenters are now online as Work Source Maine.
Who it may help: The page says you may qualify if you served in the U.S. Armed Forces with more than 180 days of active duty, have an other than dishonorable discharge or higher, and meet eligibility requirements; eligible spouses are also served. To see if you qualify, visit your nearest CareerCenter, use the live chat, or create a Maine JobLink account. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Family
Gold Star Family License Plates
Special plates for families of service members who died in service. The page says plate holders are exempt from vehicle registration fees and may receive a complimentary hunting, trapping and fishing license.
Who it may help: The standard plate is for a family member who received, or is eligible for, the Gold Star Lapel Button. A gold-on-gold plate is for family members, including grandparents, of a service member who died honorably on active duty outside combat and did not meet the button criteria. Apply with the Bureau of Veterans' Services form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Maine Gold Star Honorable Service Medal
A state medal for the next of kin of Maine service members killed in action or who died of non-self-inflicted causes while deployed in support of combat operations, with a presentation ceremony arranged by the Bureau of Veterans' Services.
Who it may help: The service member must have been a Maine resident on entering active duty, with the death on or after December 7, 1941 as described on the page. Eligible applicants are parents, spouse, children or siblings, and one medal is issued per qualifying individual. Apply with the state form, a copy of DD Form 1300 showing honorable discharge and Maine residency at entry, and proof of relationship. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
Maine Revenue Services describes a partial property tax exemption for qualifying veterans and a larger exemption for certain veterans who received a federal specially adapted housing grant. Applications go to the local assessor.
Who it may help: The basic exemption lists veterans who served in a recognized war period and are 62 or older, who receive 100% disability compensation, or who became 100% disabled while serving. The larger exemption is for a veteran who received a federal grant for a specially adapted housing unit. Apply at the local assessor's office; the page gives an April 1 deadline and says claims may need extra supporting information. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Pay Exempt from Maine Income Tax
Maine Revenue Services says military retirement benefits, including survivor benefits, are fully exempt from Maine income tax. The page does not address VA disability pay.
Who it may help: Applies to benefits from a military retirement plan, including survivor benefits, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Confirm how to claim it on the Maine return with Maine Revenue Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program (VEFAP)
An emergency grant program created by the Bureau of Veterans' Services for Maine resident veterans in a crisis, such as preventing homelessness, vehicle repair needed to keep a job, illness-related hardship, or uninsured fire, flood or hurricane damage to a home.
Who it may help: Maine veterans facing an emergency without enough savings or other help. The page lists a discharge of Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions; veterans who do not meet it may be referred to other charitable funding. Grant caps apply to different situations. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption for Veterans
Certain veterans may be exempt from motor vehicle excise tax on automobiles they own. The page points to a current VA Benefit Summary letter as proof and links a sample excise tax letter.
Who it may help: The page covers automobiles owned by veterans who get free registration from the Secretary of State, or who are disabled by injury or disease from active military service in the line of duty and receive any form of pension or compensation from the U.S. Government for total service-connected disability. A disabled veteran plate is not required; a veteran who picks a different plate pays the regular registration fee for it. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Maine Veterans' Dental Network (MVDN)
A Bureau of Veterans' Services program, started with a grant, that arranges dental care through participating clinics, covering preventive, diagnostic, restorative, oral surgery and major restorative care. The page lists exclusions such as implants and orthodontics.
Who it may help: Maine resident who is unable to afford dental care and/or has no dental insurance, is not rated 100% service-connected, and submits a DD-214 showing Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge. National Guard members need active duty service beyond training. Services are first come, first served and last only while grant funds remain. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Maine Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)
State law sets out the policy, purpose and required locations of the Maine Veterans' Homes, which provide long-term care, support and related services to eligible veterans and their family members. The statute names locations in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris.
Who it may help: The statute describes the primary group as honorably discharged veterans with qualifying active-duty service, plus other classes of veterans meeting state and federal requirements, and eligible family members. It does not set out admission procedures; contact the home directly for admission rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Maine Veteran Suicide Prevention Initiatives (SSG Fox Grant)
A Bureau of Veterans' Services handout describes a VA-funded suicide prevention grant supporting community-based efforts, including primary care screening and referral and service member and family expos. It also describes the Maine Safer Homes Taskforce, which teaches safe storage of firearms and prescription medications.
Who it may help: The handout describes community-based efforts for veterans, service members and families rather than a formal enrollment process. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Bureau of Veterans' Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
SaluteME and Salute Home Again Mortgages
MaineHousing offers a discounted interest rate on its First Home Loan for eligible veterans, active-duty and retired military, and a version that waives the first-time homebuyer rule for those who have owned before.
Who it may help: Applicants must be on active duty or honorably discharged, or have served 180 days on active duty or in a war zone (National Guard members who meet this may qualify). Household income and purchase price limits apply, and loans are made through a MaineHousing lender. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans' Homelessness Prevention Coordination Program
A state program created by the Legislature that provides ongoing reimbursement funding to a volunteer organization providing transitional housing to homeless veterans. The page lists a Homeless Veterans Coordination Team contact.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility criteria; it describes help for homeless veterans and links to a funding application. Contact the Homeless Veterans Coordination Team at 207-287-7019. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Veteran Services Officers (Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services)
The Bureau of Veterans' Services says its Veteran Services Officers can help veterans and families with VA claims, state benefits, military records, and referrals to housing, burial and other programs.
Who it may help: The page does not set general eligibility criteria for VSO help; it describes services for veterans and their families. Contact the Bureau at the phone number or email on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Maine Veterans Treatment Courts
Specialty court dockets for veterans whose criminal case or probation matter is tied to substance use or mental health needs, combining court supervision, treatment and peer mentoring. Participation is voluntary and capacity is limited.
Who it may help: The page describes veterans of any era, age 18 or older, with treatment needs and an open criminal or probation matter, assessed as high-risk and high-need. A plea agreement and acceptance of responsibility are required, and admission is decided case by case. Courts are listed in Portland and Augusta. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal
A state recognition medal and certificate for Purple Heart recipients wounded in a combat theater, and for prisoners of war. The veteran or next of kin can apply.
Who it may help: Honorable discharge plus a Purple Heart (or prisoner of war status), with Maine residency rules that differ for service before or after September 11, 2001. Apply with the state form, a DD 214 and documentation of the Purple Heart or POW status; families must show next-of-kin status. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Honoring Women Veterans Recognition (Silver Coin and Certificate)
A state recognition program for women who served, including a silver commemorative coin and a state certificate of appreciation.
Who it may help: The page lists no formal criteria but directs the coin request to Maine female veterans not yet given the coin. Mail the request form with a copy of a DD214, equivalent or NGB22. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Recognition (Honorable Service) Certificates
The Bureau of Veterans' Services issues Honorable Service Certificates tied to a specific period of service, such as World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War.
Who it may help: The page lists no eligibility requirements; requests are made for a specific service period using the state application. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Bureau of Veterans' Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
ROK Korean War Service Medal and Ambassador for Peace Medal
The page explains how to apply for the ROK Korean War Service Medal and the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal. It describes the Ambassador for Peace Medal as an expression of appreciation from the Korean government and does not name the issuer of the service medal.
Who it may help: The page ties the service medal to service in Korea, its waters or airspace between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953. The Ambassador for Peace Medal is for Korean War service, and a spouse or descendant may apply for a deceased veteran. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military ID for Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Guidance from the Bureau of Veterans' Services on who may qualify for commissary and exchange access in the U.S. and where to get the ID card, with ID offices listed across Maine.
Who it may help: The page lists categories such as service-connected disability with honorable discharge, military retirement, former prisoner of war, Reserve membership, and Purple Heart or Medal of Honor recipients, plus some family members and caregivers. It does not list required documents. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Help Getting a Copy of Your Military Discharge Records (DD214)
The Bureau of Veterans' Services may already hold a DD214 for veterans whose home of record was Maine and can send a copy after an intake form is mailed in. Other options listed are your home state's veterans office or the National Archives.
Who it may help: Best fit for veterans who entered service from Maine; others are pointed to their home state or the National Archives. Submit the Veterans Intake Form by mail. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Welcome Home Project
A reintegration effort in which a Veteran Services Officer checks in with veterans returning to or moving to Maine at 30, 90 and 180 days to connect them with benefits and services.
Who it may help: The page describes veterans returning to Maine or moving there for the first time. It gives no further requirements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License
Eligible disabled veterans may receive a complimentary hunting, fishing and trapping license that bundles several permits and, if qualified, a guide license. Lottery permits such as moose and antlerless deer still require an application.
Who it may help: Applicants must have a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more and be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Texas or another state with a reciprocal agreement. A copy of a driver's license or proof of residency is required with the application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Free Lifetime Veteran State Park and Museum Pass
Eligible Maine resident veterans may receive a free lifetime day-use pass for Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. It is not valid at several listed locations such as Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park.
Who it may help: Maine residents with an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge, verified with a DD214. Veterans 65 or older do not receive the pass because they already get senior admission. Apply by mail to the Bureau of Veterans' Services with a DD214 copy. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Camping at State Parks for 100% Disabled Veterans
Maine residents who are 100% service-connected disabled veterans, along with their spouse and unmarried children, are exempt from reservation and camping fees for family camping at state parks.
Who it may help: Maine resident veteran with 100% service-connected disability, shown by a Bureau of Motor Vehicles letter for a disabled veterans plate. The veteran must be present for the whole trip, and family sites are limited to 6 people. For groups, only the disabled veterans are exempt. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Day Use Park Pass for Active Duty Military
A free day-use pass for Maine state parks and historic sites for eligible active duty personnel, covering the holder plus a spouse and children when accompanied by the holder.
Who it may help: Maine must be the home of residence, and the page lists service in an enlisted grade; it does not mention officers. Apply with proof of active duty and proof of Maine residency. Passes are issued for a calendar year and must be renewed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disabled Veterans' Controlled Moose Hunt
A lottery-based controlled moose hunt for disabled veterans, plus a way for permit holders to donate an unused moose permit to a qualifying disabled veteran. The page shows a 2026 application deadline that has already passed, so watch for the next cycle.
Who it may help: VA disability rating of 50% or higher, plus completed hunter safety training or a Maine hunting license. The hunt is one time only; veterans who already tagged a moose through it are ineligible. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
No-Fee Noncommercial Scallop License for Disabled Veterans
State law provides a noncommercial scallop license with no fee or surcharge to a qualified Maine resident disabled veteran. This entry is based on the statute text, not an agency program page.
Who it may help: Maine resident honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, with a service-connected disability evaluated at 50% or more, who gives satisfactory evidence of qualifying status. The statute does not say who issues the license; additional requirements apply, so confirm with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Veteran License Plates and Fee Exemptions
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers several veteran plate types (for example Purple Heart, Disabled Veteran, Special Veteran and Gold Star Family), and some categories are exempt from registration, excise or other vehicle fees.
Who it may help: Each plate has its own requirements, such as proof of a Purple Heart, honorable discharge, prisoner of war status, or the disability category listed on the page. Fee exemptions vary by plate and vehicle weight. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Commemorative Decals
Veterans who already hold Special Veteran or Disability Special Veteran plates may add a decal tied to a medal or service award to the plate. Up to three plate-and-decal sets are allowed.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged veterans with Special Veteran or Disability Special Veteran plates. A DD-214 (or orders or a citation for later-awarded medals) is needed, submitted in person at a BMV branch or by mail. The page lists a per-set decal fee. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID
Maine BMV can add a military service designation to a driver's license or state ID, which can help show veteran status when asking for discounts or benefits.
Who it may help: Applicants must be currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or hold an honorable discharge shown by a DD Form 214 or VA certification. Residency and legal presence documents are needed if not already on file, and a fee may apply when adding it outside of renewal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
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