Maryland veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 28 Maryland 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 Maryland; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Maryland State Veterans Cemeteries
Maryland operates five state veterans cemeteries: Cheltenham, Eastern Shore, Rocky Gap, Crownsville and Garrison Forest.
Who it may help: The page lists locations and contacts but not eligibility or costs. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families cemetery program. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship
A state financial aid award, administered through Maryland colleges and career schools, for certain veterans and for family members of certain service members and others. The award is subject to available funds and is applied for through the school.
Who it may help: Applicants generally must be Maryland residents, at least 16, enrolled at an eligible institution, and meet one of the listed connections (for example, a child of a service member who died or was 100% disabled from service, or a qualifying disabled veteran). Apply through your school's financial aid office by July 15 each year. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Douglas J.J. Peters Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship
A Maryland state scholarship from the Higher Education Commission for people who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflicts and for their children, stepchildren or spouses attending an eligible Maryland college. Awards are limited by available funds. The page shows the 2025-26 cycle, which closed in April 2026, so confirm the current cycle.
Who it may help: Service in Afghanistan or Iraq within the dates the page sets (reserve and Guard members must have been activated for these conflicts); Maryland residency; enrollment in an eligible undergraduate program at least part-time; application through the MHEC One-App. The page describes the 2025-2026 cycle and lists an April 1, 2026 closing date, so confirm the current cycle with MHEC. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program
A state program that sets contracting goals for certified veteran-owned small businesses. Certification is free through the state's eMaryland Marketplace Advantage system and must be renewed periodically.
Who it may help: The business must meet SBA small-business size standards and be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran status is verified by the state or through SBA certification. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans' Credit on Maryland State Employment Tests
Maryland gives eligible veterans, and certain spouses, bonus points on state job selection tests. The page also lists extra credit categories for former prisoners of war and individuals with a disability.
Who it may help: Eligible veterans, spouses of eligible veterans with a service-connected disability, and surviving spouses of deceased eligible veterans, as defined in state personnel law. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Department of Veterans and Military Families. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Maryland Workforce Veteran Employment Services
The Maryland Department of Labor directs veterans to start with a local American Job Center, which offers services to veterans and transitioning service members, and links to related job resources. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program staff provide specialized intensive employment assistance to eligible veterans.
Who it may help: Veterans and transitioning service members, and eligible spouses who meet priority-of-service requirements. The page does not define every group that may be served; confirm with a local American Job Center. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Expedited Occupational Licensing for Veterans and Military Spouses
Maryland's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing gives expedited processing of occupational and professional license applications from veterans, service members and their spouses who already hold a license in another state.
Who it may help: A valid license in good standing from another state, plus status as a veteran with a non-dishonorable discharge, a service member assigned to a Maryland duty station, or a spouse or surviving spouse of one. Supporting documents such as a DD-214 or orders, marriage or death certificates, and proof of residence are requested. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Certified Disabled Veteran Hiring for State Jobs
Maryland state managers may fill a position from a certified list of disabled veterans without a full competitive selection process. Veterans apply to be certified through the state online employment center.
Who it may help: Service in any U.S. armed forces branch; minimally qualified for the position; able to do the job with or without reasonable accommodation; federal documentation certifying the disability and its extent. Veterans who hold a permanent appointment or have mandatory reinstatement rights to one are not qualified for this option. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Hiring and Promotion Preference by Maryland Employers
Maryland law lets employers give a hiring or promotion preference to eligible veterans and to certain spouses. The preference is something employers may choose to apply.
Who it may help: Veterans with an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of military service, a definition the page says includes the National Guard and reserves; spouses of eligible veterans who have a service-connected disability; and surviving spouses of deceased eligible veterans. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Career Connect Military Spouse Mentorship Pilot
A year-long virtual mentoring pilot run by the state veterans department with American Corporate Partners, pairing participants with mentors for career guidance and networking.
Who it may help: The page says veterans and active-duty military spouses seeking career guidance are encouraged to apply, and that it serves active-duty, National Guard and Reserve spouses; another section refers to military and veteran spouses as mentors or proteges, so the wording is inconsistent. The page lists no deadline. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Gold Star Family License Plates
Maryland offers special Gold Star plates, in two designs, to family members of recipients of the Defense Department Gold Star or Next of Kin lapel button. The page says the plate is free of the usual fee to obtain it.
Who it may help: A family member of a Gold Star or Next of Kin lapel button recipient, with a DoD-approved DD-3 or DD-1300 or a military-issued overseas death certificate showing the service member's name and date of birth, and a Class A, D, E or M vehicle. Regular registration fees still apply. The page is a 2024 bulletin, so confirm with the MVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse State Property Tax Exemption
Maryland offers a state property tax exemption on the dwelling and surrounding yard for certain disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. Veterans may apply at any time rather than by the usual September 1 deadline.
Who it may help: Veterans with that VA rating, certain disabled active-duty service members, certain un-remarried surviving spouses, and surviving spouses of personnel killed in the line of duty may qualify. Apply with the matching form; the page does not list further requirements, so confirm with your local assessment office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Subtraction
Maryland lets eligible military retirees, or their spouses, subtract part of military retirement income from federal adjusted gross income before state tax is figured. The allowed amount depends on age at the end of the tax year.
Who it may help: The income must come from qualifying service, such as the reserve or active components of the Armed Forces or the Maryland National Guard, or certain Public Health Service, NOAA or Coast and Geodetic Survey separations. Claim it on Maryland Form 502 following the resident booklet instructions. The page does not address VA disability pay. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Maryland Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants
One-time grants for veterans and eligible families in financial hardship, paid directly to vendors for items such as past-due rent, mortgage, utilities, car or insurance payments, or emergency repairs. Funding is limited and approval is not guaranteed.
Who it may help: Maryland resident who is an honorably discharged veteran, a Maryland National Guard member, or a surviving spouse of one; bills generally must be past due; documentation of service, residency, income and need is required. Applications are taken during set days each month through the online form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program
Maryland Commerce offers no-interest loans to small businesses owned by veterans, or owned or staffed by reservists or Guard members called to active duty. The page says the program is not currently accepting applications; the latest round it lists ran in summer 2026.
Who it may help: Small business (under 50 employees per the page) that is veteran-owned or owned or staffed by a reservist or Guard member called to active duty; collateral is required. Contact the program manager for the next round. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
A veterans home in St. Mary's County offering assisted living and skilled nursing care, including memory care and a women's unit.
Who it may help: Maryland veterans who served full-time active duty and were discharged under honorable conditions may qualify, as may certain reserve members and certain spouses; applicants must be at least 62 or deemed disabled by SSA or VA. Start by contacting the home's Veterans Service Officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Behavioral Health Support
A Maryland Behavioral Health Administration program offering care coordination, peer support and referral services for service members, veterans and their families. The page says its phone line accepts calls at any hour.
Who it may help: Current and former uniformed service members (active duty, Guard, Reserve), veterans, and their families in Maryland. The page says services are offered regardless of discharge status. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Veterans Benefits Claims Assistance (DVMF Service Program)
The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families offers free help with benefit claims from VA-accredited specialists, including support for dependents and survivors.
Who it may help: Veterans, active-duty members, Guard and reserve members, and family members living in Maryland may use the service. The page suggests speaking with a Veterans Service Officer before submitting an online request. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court
A voluntary, court-supervised treatment-based program in the District Court of Maryland for justice-involved veterans charged with misdemeanors, serving Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.
Who it may help: Veterans with eligible misdemeanor charges in the covered jurisdictions; participation is voluntary. The page does not list full screening rules; confirm with the court. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
State Agency Veterans Services Specialists
Maryland state agencies have designated Veterans Services Specialist liaisons who can give general information about veteran resources and, when stuck, work with a partner at the state veterans department.
Who it may help: The page says the program serves service members, veterans, their families, and state employees who served or have family who served; liaisons also answer general public questions. The page does not list formal eligibility requirements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Landing Zone Maryland Relocation Guide
A state guide for veterans and military families moving to Maryland that points to resources on housing, driving, health, schools, employment, recreation and community.
Who it may help: The page says the guide is aimed at veterans, active-duty service members, Reservists, National Guard members and their dependents moving to or living in Maryland; each linked resource has its own eligibility rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
State Park Day-Use Fee Waiver for Veterans
Veterans, whether Maryland residents or not, have applicable state park day-use entrance charges waived. The waiver covers the veteran only and does not waive other facility-use charges.
Who it may help: The page says any U.S. Armed Forces veteran qualifies. Others in the vehicle are not covered unless a per-vehicle charge applies. A separate paid park and trail passport is also described for veterans and families. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Complimentary Lifetime Hunting License
Maryland offers a complimentary lifetime hunting license, including certain stamps and permits, to certain disabled veterans and former prisoners of war. Some federal and harvest-record requirements still apply each year.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Maryland residents certified as a former POW or 100% service-connected disabled veterans, with VA documentation, and obtain the license at a DNR licensing service center. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Complimentary Lifetime Fishing License
Maryland offers a lifetime fishing license covering the non-tidal license, trout stamp, Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license and recreational oyster license to certain disabled veterans and former prisoners of war.
Who it may help: Maryland resident who is a 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran, a former prisoner of war, or deemed unemployable by the VA, with VA documentation and an application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Purple Heart Hunting and Fishing License Discount
Maryland veterans who received a Purple Heart may get a reduced price on state hunting and fishing licenses, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Who it may help: Maryland veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart. The page does not list documentation or other requirements; confirm with the Department of Natural Resources. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach in State Parks
Maryland state parks list a Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach Program for service members and veterans, with partner components such as Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Operation Campout and Warrior Hike. The page also names nonprofit partners, including the Greenwell Foundation and Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, that offer veteran programs in state parks.
Who it may help: The page says the program serves servicemen and women and does not describe eligibility rules or activity details for each partner. Confirm requirements with each program or the Department of Natural Resources. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Veteran Designation on Driver's License and Military License Plates
Maryland residents who are veterans can have a veteran designation added to their driver's license, and veterans may apply for military-related license plates for eligible vehicles.
Who it may help: For the license designation, bring a DD214, honorable discharge certificate, or a records-center letter to an MVA branch; a DVMF service office can provide a verification letter if you lack these and your discharge was other than dishonorable. Military plates require form VR-120, an application fee, and proof of service. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Maryland offers separate disabled veteran license plates at no charge to certain veterans with a 100% disability rating.
Who it may help: Veterans rated 100% disabled, or compensated at the 100% rate through individual unemployability that is permanent and total, may qualify. The page says to provide VA proof of the rating and apply at an MVA branch, by mail to the MVA specialized tag unit, or through a licensed tag and title service; confirm details with the MVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
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