North Carolina veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 34 North Carolina 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 North Carolina; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
North Carolina State Veterans Cemeteries
The state operates veterans cemeteries in Black Mountain, Jacksonville, Spring Lake and Goldsboro. Gravesite and standard interment are free for qualified veterans, and eligible family members pay a fee.
Who it may help: Honorable end to active duty (or qualifying retired Guard and Reserve) plus North Carolina residency at death, for ten years, or at entry into service. Spouses and certain dependent children may be eligible. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans
A state scholarship for eight semesters at North Carolina schools for children of certain deceased, disabled, combat or POW/MIA wartime veterans. Application is through an online portal that opens on a yearly cycle.
Who it may help: The child must be under 25, a North Carolina resident, and meet the veteran-parent residency or birth-in-state rule. The veteran's qualifying service must have been in wartime. The page says the current application window is closed to new applicants, so check the official page for the next opening.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
In-State Tuition for Military-Affiliated Students at UNC System Schools
Certain non-resident military-affiliated students may pay in-state tuition at UNC System universities, and service members and veterans pay no application fees there.
Who it may help: Covered groups listed include active-duty members on a permanent NC duty station with their spouses and dependents, and honorably discharged veterans with at least 90 days of active duty who meet one of several conditions (NC high school graduation on or after 2004, 90 continuous days stationed in NC, or a Purple Heart). Veterans and family members under the Veterans Choice Act must live in NC when classes begin. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
NC National Guard Education Services and State Tuition Assistance (NCTAP)
The NC National Guard Education Services Office manages the North Carolina Tuition Assistance Program for Guard soldiers and airmen, plus federal tuition assistance and GI Bill counseling.
Who it may help: Aimed at members of the North Carolina National Guard. The page does not state specific eligibility rules and points to the ARNG Education Benefits Handbook; contact the Education Services Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Application
The NC Department of Public Instruction provides an application for the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility or required documents; it provides a downloadable application. Contact DPI at 984-236-2100 for details on who qualifies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veterans Preference in State Government Hiring
State law gives qualifying veterans a preference in North Carolina state government hiring, promotions, transfers and reductions in force.
Who it may help: The veteran must have served on active duty (not just training) during a war or a campaign or engagement with an authorized medal or badge. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Veteran Employment Services and Licensing Credit
North Carolina offers NCWorks career center help, early access to job postings for veterans, and credit toward certain occupational licenses for military training.
Who it may help: Aimed at veterans, transitioning service members, Guard members and eligible spouses. Individual programs have their own criteria. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Employee Military Spouse Transition Network
OSHR helps military spouses who work for NC state government find career resources and re-employment contacts when a PCS move takes them to or from another participating state.
Who it may help: Spouse must work for an NC state agency or university and have notice of a PCS move to or from another participating state, then submit the inquiry form to OSHR Talent Acquisition. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Pathways to Teaching in NC Public Schools
DPI describes pathways for military members and spouses with out-of-state teaching licenses to teach in NC public schools, including a temporary option while under military orders.
Who it may help: For the temporary option, out-of-state licenses must be current, in good standing and actively used in the two years before relocation, with military orders provided; that option does not issue an NC educator license. Spouses seeking an NC license and Junior ROTC instructors follow separate steps. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
NC Supports Military Children (Public School Support)
NC public schools offer support for military-connected students, including military liaison counselors, participation in the interstate compact, and remote enrollment before residency is established for families moving to a military installation.
Who it may help: Serves military-connected students and families. Remote enrollment is described for families moving to an NC installation or separating from active duty within 12 months. The page does not list a single application process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Exclusion
Excludes part of the assessed value of a qualifying disabled veteran's or surviving spouse's primary home from property tax. You apply through your county tax office with a form certified by a veterans service office.
Who it may help: The owner must be a veteran with an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge who meets the disability or adapted-housing condition as of January 1, or a never-remarried surviving spouse who meets the stated conditions. A June 1 filing deadline applies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Income Tax Deduction
North Carolina allows a deduction for certain military retirement pay, and for survivor plan payments to beneficiaries, from state taxable income for recent tax years.
Who it may help: The retiree must have served at least 20 years in the uniformed services or retired for medical reasons under Chapter 61. The amount must be in federal adjusted gross income. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Income Tax Exemption for Military Spouses
NC income tax law may exempt a military spouse's wages earned in NC when the family is in the state only because of military orders and keeps a home state elsewhere.
Who it may help: All three conditions must be met: servicemember in NC under orders, spouse in NC only to be with them, and same domicile. Only income for personal services is covered, and the spouse generally still files an NC return. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
NCDMVA Veteran Entrepreneurship Resource Guide
A state-published guide to business start-up help, training, funding and certification options for veterans, including free counseling and state programs such as HUB certification.
Who it may help: Most resources are described as free to veterans, active-duty, Guard and Reserve members and military spouses, but some programs have narrower criteria. This is a PDF guide; confirm each program with its provider. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
North Carolina State Veterans Homes
State-run veterans homes provide skilled nursing care. The department's page lists homes in Black Mountain, Kernersville, Kinston and Salisbury, and notes the Fayetteville home has closed.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission rules; contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for them. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
NCDMVA Mental Health Resources for Veterans and Families
NCDMVA lists support options including the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1), NC Vet Centers, Military OneSource, National Guard behavioral health support and Cohen Veterans Network clinics.
Who it may help: Each resource serves different groups (veterans, service members, military families, NC National Guard members and families). The page lists no further requirements; ask a local Veterans Service Office for more. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
NCDHHS Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans
The NC Department of Health and Human Services lists veteran-focused suicide prevention resources, including Ask Me NC, the Governor's Working Group for Veteran Suicide Prevention and the Governor's Challenge.
Who it may help: The page lists resources for veterans, service members and families without stating eligibility rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kinston State Veterans Home
Kinston State Veterans Home is one of the state-run veterans homes, located in Kinston. The page lists nursing, therapy, hospice, counseling and psychiatry services along with a virtual tour.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission requirements. Contact the home or the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (toll-free 844-624-8387) to learn who may be admitted. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Salisbury State Veterans Home
Salisbury State Veterans Home is one of the state-run veterans homes, located in Salisbury. The page lists nursing, therapy, hospice, counseling and psychiatry services along with a virtual tour.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission requirements. Contact the home or the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (toll-free 844-624-8387) to learn who may be admitted. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Black Mountain State Veterans Home
Black Mountain State Veterans Home is one of the state-run veterans homes, located in Black Mountain. The page lists nursing, therapy, hospice, counseling and psychiatry services along with a virtual tour.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission requirements. Contact the home or the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (toll-free 844-624-8387) to learn who may be admitted. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Kernersville State Veterans Home
Kernersville State Veterans Home is one of the state-run veterans homes, located in Kernersville. The page lists nursing, therapy, hospice, counseling and family support groups, and memory support.
Who it may help: The page does not list admission requirements. Contact the home or the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (toll-free 844-624-8387) to learn who may be admitted. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans
The NCDMVA housing page points to a national call center for homeless veterans and lists residential programs in several NC cities.
Who it may help: The page says the call center does not require VA health enrollment or registration. It does not state general eligibility for the residential programs; some serve specific groups such as people in recovery or women. Contact each program. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Supportive Housing Development Program for Veterans (NCHFA)
NC Housing Finance Agency funds nonprofits and local governments to build or rehabilitate emergency, transitional or permanent housing for homeless veterans or those at risk. This funds housing developers, not individual veterans.
Who it may help: Applicants are NC nonprofits and local governments. Residents served are homeless or at-risk veterans with household income below 50 percent of area median. The page does not say whether a funding round is open now. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
State Veterans Service Officers (Claims Help)
State veterans service officers give one-on-one help understanding, applying for and accessing benefits, including disability compensation, through the state veteran centers across North Carolina.
Who it may help: Open to veterans seeking benefits assistance; contact a state veteran center or use the online contact form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Treatment Courts
Specialized court programs in several NC counties that aim to connect eligible veterans who have repeat offenses tied to substance use or mental health with treatment and earned benefits.
Who it may help: The page describes the target group as veterans with repeat infractions related to substance use, mental health or both, but does not list eligibility criteria or enrollment steps. Contact the court in your county; the page lists the counties with operating courts. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID
NCDMV can print VETERAN on your driver license or ID card as proof of service. The designation is free apart from normal renewal or duplicate fees.
Who it may help: Bring proof of honorable discharge such as a DD-214 to a driver license office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
NCDMVA Transition Services Division
This division helps transitioning service members, veterans, spouses and caregivers connect with employment, education, housing, health and suicide-prevention resources.
Who it may help: The page lists no eligibility criteria or application steps. Call the toll-free line at 844-624-8387 for help. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
NC National Guard Transition Assistance Advisor
Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisors help Guard and Reserve members, families and veterans with VA and DoD health care, education benefits, state and local benefits, employment help and claims.
Who it may help: Serves Army and Air National Guard and Army and Air Force Reserve members, their families and veterans. The page lists no formal application steps. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Help Requesting Military Records (DD-214)
NCDMVA explains how to request a DD-214 and points to SF-180 and the National Archives, noting the DD-214 is needed to start a claim.
Who it may help: The page does not state who may request records, fees or processing details. Contact NCDMVA at 844-624-8387 or the National Archives. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Free State Parks Annual Pass for Veterans with Disabilities
Eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities can get a free annual pass for North Carolina state parks. You request it online and show VA documentation.
Who it may help: Served in a U.S. military branch with an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge, and receive benefits under 38 U.S.C. 2101 or have VA or federal certification of a service-connected disability. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Resident disabled veterans can get a lifetime hunting and fishing license from the Wildlife Resources Commission. It stays valid while the veteran keeps the qualifying rating.
Who it may help: Must be a North Carolina resident with VA certification submitted with the application, which is made by mail or in person. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
Disabled and Military Veteran License Plates
North Carolina offers veteran plates, with the Disabled Veteran plate issued free of the plate fee and partially disabled veterans receiving a plate at regular cost. A state or county service officer certifies the application.
Who it may help: Submit the MVR-33A with VA rating letter or DD-214 as required, certified by an accredited service officer. Service-branch plates have their own service and discharge conditions. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
NCDMV Driver License Renewal Options for Military Members and Families
NCDMV describes special renewal options for active-duty and reserve members before deployment and mail renewal for spouses and dependents temporarily out of state.
Who it may help: Requirements vary by option and include military orders or military ID, a Class C license that is not expired or only recently expired, a photo on file and a verifiable NC address. Mail renewal limits apply. The page lists the exact documents. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Commercial Driver License Military Test Waivers
NCDMV offers an Even Exchange that waives CDL skills and knowledge tests, and a Skills Test Waiver that waives only the skills test, for people with qualifying military driving experience.
Who it may help: Based on military driver license and occupational specialty or recent military employment operating an equivalent vehicle. Requires a military ID or DD-214, military driving record and other documents listed on the page, submitted by mail. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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