New Hampshire veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 35 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery (Boscawen)
The state operates a veterans cemetery in Boscawen that opened in 1997. The state benefits page says veterans are eligible for burial there.
Who it may help: The page says veterans are eligible for interment at the cemetery and lists no further criteria. It directs inquiries to the NH Adjutant General's Department at the phone number on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Municipal Burial Help for Veterans Without Means
If a veteran dies without enough money for burial, the city or town where the veteran died may cover the cost under state law.
Who it may help: The page ties this to an indigent veteran who died within the municipality's boundaries and cites RSA 165:16 and 165:17. It lists no further criteria, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Scholarship for Children of Fallen Veterans
A New Hampshire scholarship for children of New Hampshire service members who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability, for attending a New Hampshire public college or university. The page also mentions tuition-free attendance through the state university and community college systems.
Who it may help: The child's parent must have been a New Hampshire service member who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability. New and returning recipients use separate application forms. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Community College System Tuition Waivers for Veteran Families and Guard
The Community College System of New Hampshire lists tuition waivers for children of certain missing-in-action veterans, children of totally and permanently disabled NH veterans, and eligible NH National Guard members.
Who it may help: Each waiver has its own rules in state law: Southeast Asia missing or captured status for a parent, a VA total and permanent disability determination for a NH veteran parent, or Guard eligibility decided by the Adjutant General. The page does not list full details for every waiver. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
In-State Tuition for Veterans (Community College System)
State law waives the residency waiting period for in-state tuition for veterans at New Hampshire community colleges once they establish residence in the state.
Who it may help: A veteran of the armed forces who establishes a New Hampshire residence; the statute applies at institutions in the community college system. Confirm requirements with the college. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Tuition Waiver for Children of Disabled NH Veterans (University System)
Eligible children of certain NH veterans can get a University System of NH tuition waiver for undergraduate certificate, associate or first bachelor's study, for up to six annual waivers. It is applied after other gift aid, up to the NH resident tuition charge.
Who it may help: The veteran needs a discharge other than dishonorable, a VA determination of total and permanent service-connected disability (100 percent), NH domicile when entering service or when rated, and current NH residency or residency at time of death. The child must be under 27, meet NH residency rules, complete the FAFSA, and have exhausted Chapter 33 GI Bill and other federal military tuition aid. UNH Military and Veteran Services certifies eligibility. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Priority for State and Federally Funded Training
Qualified veterans receive priority for training that is paid for wholly or partly by the federal government or the State of New Hampshire.
Who it may help: The page says qualified veterans get priority under state law RSA 115-B but does not define who is qualified or list service or discharge requirements. Contact the Division of Veterans Services to confirm. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State and Local Public Employment Hiring Preference
State law gives preference in public employment to veterans, certain unremarried surviving spouses, and spouses of disabled veterans, in state and local public positions.
Who it may help: The page cites RSA 283:4 to 283:6. Extended preference covers unremarried surviving spouses whose spouse was a citizen of the state at death, and spouses of totally disabled veterans who are citizens of the state, with the veteran's service during a war in which the U.S. was engaged. Confirm how it applies with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Leave for State Employees in the Reserves
Regular state employees who serve in a reserve component may take paid leave for training each year, with partial pay for additional drill time.
Who it may help: The page says this applies to regular state employees in a reserve component, not to those inducted or enlisted into active service. Confirm current leave rules with the Division of Veterans Services or your employer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Occupational Licensing Credit for Military Training and Spouse Licensure
State licensing boards must count armed forces education, training or service toward licensing qualifications when there is satisfactory evidence. Reservists called to duty can ask for inactive license status, and licensing is to be made easier for military spouses licensed in another state.
Who it may help: Applicants need to give satisfactory evidence of military education, training or service, and boards are directed to adopt rules for acceptable military training. For spouses, the page covers people licensed in another state whose spouse is in the U.S. armed forces or was transferred to New Hampshire and who left employment to accompany the spouse. Confirm details with the licensing board for your profession or the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Temporary Professional License for Service Members and Spouses
Under the statute for the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, service members and their spouses who hold a valid, unencumbered license from another U.S. state or territory can receive a temporary New Hampshire license while they complete state requirements.
Who it may help: Applicants need a valid, unencumbered license from another U.S. state or territory and must submit a notarized affidavit. The statute describes a temporary license lasting at least 180 days with one possible extension request. The page does not say which professions are covered, so confirm with the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Property Tax Credit for Surviving Spouses of Service Members Killed on Active Duty
Surviving spouses of someone who was killed or died on active duty in a listed war, conflict or combat zone may receive a property tax credit, and towns may adopt a larger optional credit.
Who it may help: The statute covers the surviving spouse of a person killed or who died on active duty in a war, conflict or combat zone listed in RSA 72:28, and the spouse must live in the municipality where the credit is claimed. Confirm the local process with your town or city. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Standard and Optional Veterans' Property Tax Credit
A credit subtracted each year from the property tax on a qualifying veteran's residential property. Towns may adopt a larger optional credit that replaces the standard one.
Who it may help: New Hampshire resident veterans who served at least 90 days on active duty in a listed war or armed conflict and are still serving or were honorably discharged, plus their spouses or surviving spouses. Residents terminated from service for a service-connected disability, and surviving spouses of service-connected deaths, are also listed. The page lists qualifying service dates. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
All Veterans' Property Tax Credit
Where a town or city has adopted it, this credit matches the town's standard or optional veterans' credit amount for eligible veterans who do not qualify for a credit under RSA 72:28 or 72:35.
Who it may help: New Hampshire resident veterans with at least 90 days of active duty who are still serving or were honorably discharged, and their spouses or surviving spouses. The person must not be eligible for or receiving a credit under RSA 72:28 or 72:35, and the town must have adopted the credit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
No State Income Tax Return on Military Retirement and VA Disability Pay
The state benefits page says New Hampshire does not levy a general state income tax on individuals, so no individual state return is required for military retired pay, VA military disability retired pay, DIC, or survivor plans such as SBP.
Who it may help: The page presents this as a result of NH not having a general individual income tax, not as something you apply for. It does not describe other state taxes, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Property Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability
A property tax credit is available on the principal home of certain veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, double amputees and paraplegics, and their surviving spouses. Towns may adopt a larger optional amount.
Who it may help: The statute lists honorably discharged veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, double amputees or paraplegics from a service-connected injury, and their surviving spouses. The property must be the principal home, and VA certification of total and permanent disability is needed. Confirm the local process with your town or city. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Optional Property Tax Credit for Guard and Reserve Combat Service
Towns may adopt a property tax credit for NH residents who served in combat as National Guard or Reserve members called to active duty. It replaces, rather than adds to, certain other veterans credits.
Who it may help: This credit exists only in towns or cities that adopted it. The statute requires service in a designated combat or support area or contingency operation with hostile-fire or imminent-danger pay, and military orders must be provided to the assessor. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Peddler License Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Service-connected disabled veterans and their unremarried spouses are listed as exempt from the peddler's license fee.
Who it may help: The page cites RSA 320:11 and says service-connected disabled veterans and their unremarried spouses may be exempt from peddler's license fees. It describes no process, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Town Relief for War Veterans and Dependents
State law provides support at public expense in the town or city where a war veteran or dependent lives, if they cannot support themselves.
Who it may help: The page cites RSA 165:5 and names war veterans and their dependent families who cannot support themselves. It describes no process, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
New Hampshire Veterans Home (Tilton)
The state's veterans home in Tilton provides long-term custodial care with 24-hour nursing. It is not a Medicare skilled nursing facility.
Who it may help: Applicants need an honorable discharge from the armed forces, a reserve unit or the NH National Guard, plus one year of New Hampshire residence before applying or a NH home of record. A spouse can be admitted only if also a qualifying veteran. Residents contribute based on assets, and the process typically takes months. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Regional NH Veterans Coalitions
Local coalitions across the state work on veteran suicide prevention through training, social connection, healthcare coordination and safe firearm storage. The page lists regions including the Lakes Region, Nashua, Manchester, Seacoast and Carroll County.
Who it may help: The page describes community coalitions working with the Manchester VA Medical Center and the state. It does not list sign-up requirements, so contact the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Property Tax Exemption for Certain Disabled Veterans (Adapted Homes)
Qualifying service-connected disabled veterans who own a VA-adapted home may be exempt from taxation on that homestead under state law, and a surviving spouse may also qualify.
Who it may help: The veteran must meet the state's veteran definition, own a home specially adapted through a VA SAH or SHA grant (or one bought with proceeds from such a home), and have one of the listed service-connected conditions. Proof must be given to the assessors. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Ending Veteran Homelessness in NH Project
A state project aims to build a community system that quickly houses veterans who are homeless or at risk. Its stated goals are to engage a veteran within 24 hours of entry into Coordinated Entry and reach permanent housing within 90 days.
Who it may help: The page says providers who meet veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness should connect them to Coordinated Entry. It names no specific providers or contacts, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
State Veterans Services Officer Benefits Review
The Division of Veterans Services offers a benefits review with a Veterans Services Officer; the page points to a VSO webpage and says appointments are scheduled through the Division's office by phone. The Division assists NH resident veterans and their dependents in securing benefits.
Who it may help: The page describes the Division as helping veterans who live in New Hampshire, or their dependents, secure benefits. It lists no other limits, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services what help applies to you. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Public Records for VA Benefit Claims
Public records are provided at no cost when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs needs them to decide whether someone qualifies for benefits.
Who it may help: The page ties the no-cost records to VA benefit eligibility decisions. It does not describe which records or how to request them, so contact the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Treatment Courts (Veterans Tracks)
State law establishes veterans courts in circuit and superior courts that combine court supervision with treatment. Successful completion can lead to outcomes such as dismissal or reduced sentences.
Who it may help: The statute covers veterans and active duty members in misdemeanor and felony cases who have mental illness, substance abuse, housing or job instability, or a combination. The page says there is no right to participate and describes no application steps, so confirm with the court or the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Disabled Veterans License (Fish and Game)
Eligible disabled veterans may receive a permanent fishing, combined hunting and fishing, or archery license from NH Fish and Game for a one-time administrative fee. Other license types still must be bought each year.
Who it may help: Applicants need an honorable discharge and a permanent 100% VA disability rating shown on a VA award letter, plus proof of residency (a New Hampshire license or ID; Maine and Vermont residents may also apply but must still meet the New Hampshire rating requirement). Hunting and archery requests need proof of prior licensing or safety training. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Park Entry Discount for Disabled Veterans
Veterans with disabled-veteran plates or a VA letter certifying a service-connected disability get a discount that covers entry for one vehicle using one parking space at Hampton Beach-South and Wallis Sands, for the veteran only. Camping, the Cannon tramway, Flume Gorge, metered parking and other concession activities are excluded.
Who it may help: Proof is a NH disabled-veteran plate or a VA letter certifying a service-connected disability, used together with a NH driver license. The page names Hampton Beach-South and Wallis Sands and says the discount is only for the NH veteran. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free State Park Day Use for Retired, Active Military and NH Guard
NH residents who retired from the armed forces after 20 years, and their spouse or surviving spouse, may enter day-use areas free with a military ID. Active military members of any branch and NH National Guard members are also listed for free day use for themselves only.
Who it may help: Retired members need a military ID and proof of NH residency; the page says other park fees still apply. Family members with dependent IDs are not covered for active members. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Fishing for VA Patients and Veterans Home Residents
The benefits page lists free fishing permits for NH-resident patients at the Manchester VA Medical Center and for residents of the NH Veterans Home, under certain conditions.
Who it may help: The page says NH resident patients at the Manchester VA Medical Center and residents of the NH Veterans' Home may be issued free fishing permits under certain conditions, and does not list the conditions. Confirm details with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Disabled Veteran Permit to Hunt From a Vehicle or Boat
Disabled veterans with a permit may hunt from a vehicle or boat under state law RSA 207:7-a.
Who it may help: The page says disabled veterans may hunt from motor vehicles or motorless boats with a permit under certain conditions, and mentions a one-time fee. It does not describe how to apply, so confirm with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Special Number Plates for Certain Veterans
State law provides special plates for certain veterans, including some disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients and Pearl Harbor survivors. The statute says the first set is issued without charge for the listed groups.
Who it may help: The veteran must be first or second owner on the title or registration and fall into a listed group (disabled veteran, blind veteran, former prisoner of war, Purple Heart recipient, Pearl Harbor survivor), with honorable discharge for some groups. The statute text on Pearl Harbor plate fees is unclear, so confirm fees with the DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Multi-Use Veterans Decal Plates
New Hampshire offers a plate with space for decals showing branch of service or certain medals, and gold star decals for eligible family members.
Who it may help: Plates go to veterans as defined in state law who satisfy the director of veterans services that they served in the branch or earned the listed medal. Family members, as the statute defines them, of someone killed on duty in the armed forces may get gold star decals. The page lists a decal fee for veterans but its gold star fee wording is conflicting. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Indicator on NH Driver License or ID
Honorably discharged veterans can have a veteran indicator put on a NH driver license or ID. The benefits page says it is free at renewal and has a replacement fee at other times.
Who it may help: The page lists an honorable discharge as the requirement. Ask the NH Division of Motor Vehicles about proof of service and process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Vehicle Registration and License Fee Exemptions for Certain Veterans
State law lists fee exemptions for certain veterans, including amputee or paraplegic war veterans who received a VA-provided vehicle, veterans classified as totally blind from a service-connected disability, and honorably discharged former POWs captured in a qualifying war or conflict. A separate driver license fee exemption lists amputees or paraplegics with a VA-provided vehicle and veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition.
Who it may help: The page lists different groups for each exemption, such as amputee or paraplegic war veterans, veterans classified as totally blind from a service-connected disability, former POWs, and veterans rated permanently and totally disabled. Confirm which applies with the Division of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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