Tennessee veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 33 Tennessee 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 Tennessee; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries
Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries offer burial for eligible individuals, and the page says eligible individuals are interred at no cost. A 2026 expansion of eligibility for some National Guard and reserve members is described.
Who it may help: Eligibility depends on service history, such as an other-than-dishonorable discharge plus minimum active duty (or a qualifying exception), certain reserve and Guard service, or death on active duty. Newly described eligibility covers certain long-serving reserve or Guard members or those called to state orders. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Helping Heroes Grant
A grant for eligible veterans who complete at least twelve semester hours each term, awarded first-come, first-served with a yearly limit on the number of recipients.
Who it may help: The page says applicants must have been awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and must complete at least twelve semester hours each term. The page does not describe the application steps; it points to collegefortn.org. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Fallen or POW/MIA Service Members
Children under 23 and spouses may have tuition and certain fees waived at state-owned colleges and universities.
Who it may help: The parent or spouse must have died from injuries received in service during a qualifying armed conflict, or be officially reported as a prisoner of war or missing in action, and must have been a Tennessee resident at death. The dependent cannot be receiving benefits under the federal law named on the page, and must present a certificate from the U.S. Government. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
In-State Tuition for Veterans Using VA Education Benefits
Veterans and others using VA education benefits at a Tennessee public college or university are not charged out-of-state tuition or fees.
Who it may help: You must be enrolled at a Tennessee public institution of higher education, be using VA education benefits there, and live in Tennessee, regardless of formal state of residency. The page does not list other requirements such as service length or discharge type. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Tennessee STRONG Act Guard Tuition Reimbursement
A pilot program described as lasting four years that reimburses tuition toward a first bachelor's degree for current Tennessee National Guard members, paid to the school after other funds are applied.
Who it may help: Per the page you must be admitted and enrolled at an eligible Tennessee public or regionally accredited private school, keep at least a 2.0 GPA, apply for and use federal tuition assistance, and be a currently serving Guard member in good standing. Reimbursement must be requested within 90 days of course completion. The page was last updated in 2019, so confirm with the Department of Veterans Services that the pilot is still available. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military College Credit Tool
A state tool that generates a list of possible college credits at participating Tennessee schools based on your military occupation, pay grade and training date.
Who it may help: The page says the program supports veterans, active duty and Reserve/National Guard personnel pursuing higher education in Tennessee. Air and Space Force members must instead submit official transcripts from the Air Force institutions named on the page. The tool shows potential credits only; confirm with your school how credit is applied. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Honorary High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans
Veterans whose high school education was interrupted by wartime service may receive an honorary diploma through their school system and the State Department of Education.
Who it may help: The page names veterans of specified wars whose schooling was interrupted by service, and says the veteran need not live in Tennessee and a surviving family member may request it. Honorable discharge papers are required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veteran Preference for State Jobs (TEAM Act)
Veterans applying for Tennessee state jobs get interview preference, and hiring preference when equally qualified. Certain spouses and surviving spouses may get a guaranteed interview, and veterans keep service credit in layoffs.
Who it may help: Veterans apply for state positions. For the spouse provision, the spouse must be a Tennessee qualified voter or two-year resident, the veteran must meet the stated disability or death condition, and a surviving spouse must not have remarried. The page does not fully define who counts as a veteran for the preference. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Highways for Heroes CDL Road Test Waiver
Qualified military personnel and recent veterans may have the commercial driver license road skills test waived in Tennessee, though the knowledge test is still required.
Who it may help: Active-duty personnel who held a military operator permit for the past two years, current Guard and Reserve members, and veterans discharged within the last year may qualify. Confirm details with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification
Tennessee certifies service-disabled veteran-owned businesses as one category of its diversity business certification, which requires an online application through the state's portal.
Who it may help: The business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by an honorably serving veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 20 percent, in operation at least two years, for-profit, and with a Tennessee location or qualifying out-of-state certification. A DD Form 214 and tax returns are required, and you must register in the Edison Supplier Portal first. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Exemption from Tennessee Professional Licensing
Certain stationed service members and their spouses may practice a regulated profession in Tennessee without a Tennessee license while they are registered for the exemption.
Who it may help: You must be stationed in Tennessee (active duty, reserve or Tennessee Guard) or the spouse of someone who is, hold a good-standing license in the same field from a state with similar standards, accept Division jurisdiction and register with the Regulatory Boards. You must apply for a Tennessee license within the time limit stated on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Military Training Credit Toward Tennessee Occupational Licenses
Service members and honorably discharged veterans can receive credit toward certain Tennessee occupational licenses for relevant military training.
Who it may help: The training must be consistent with the licensing authority's requirements, and you must submit a certificate from the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs as evidence. The page says this applies to Title 62 occupational licenses. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans in Agriculture Resources
The Department of Agriculture gathers licensing, training, grant and marketing information for veterans who farm or want to, including a Homegrown by Heroes partnership.
Who it may help: The page is aimed at veterans who farm or want to start farming. Individual grants and programs listed on it have their own rules, so confirm with the Department of Agriculture. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Benefits for Veteran and Military State Employees
A state brochure describes extra leave for certain disabled veteran employees, military leave, TCRS retirement credit for active duty service, and hiring preference.
Who it may help: The brochure says disabled veteran appointment leave is for employees with a service-connected rating of 30 percent or more, that veterans with active duty service may request TCRS credit with the military service retirement credit application, and that veterans and spouses meeting minimum qualifications receive interview and hiring preference. Details are in the brochure. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Veteran Employment Resources
The Department of Veterans Services offers an employment checklist, resume and employer-connection guides, and small business startup and growth resources.
Who it may help: The page describes resources for veterans and does not list eligibility limits. Check with the department about specifics. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Property Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Disabled Veterans
Surviving spouses of veterans who qualified for the disabled veterans property tax relief may receive relief on local property taxes for the home. Applications go through the county trustee.
Who it may help: The veteran must have qualified for the relief when they died. The surviving spouse must not have remarried, must own the property (alone or jointly), and must use it as their primary residence. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal
Tennessee presents a medal on behalf of the state to the immediate survivor of an eligible service member killed in action.
Who it may help: The service member must be an active-duty Tennessee legal resident who died under qualifying circumstances such as action against an enemy or service in a presidentially designated combat zone. The law took effect in 2011 and is not retroactive. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Survivor Outreach Services for Military Families
The Tennessee Military Department lists Survivor Outreach Services that support people who have lost a loved one and connect them with others who can help.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility or enrollment steps. It lists only a general Tennessee Military and Family Readiness number and does not say whether that line handles Survivor Outreach Services, so confirm when you call. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans
Tennessee offers property tax relief to certain disabled veterans on their home, calculated on the home's value up to a cap set by the program. You apply through your county trustee.
Who it may help: Qualifying disabilities listed include certain service-connected conditions such as paraplegia, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, or legal blindness; a VA-determined permanent and total service-connected disability; or a total and permanent disability rating as a former prisoner of war. You must own the property and use it as your primary residence. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Exemption
Certain disabled veterans and former prisoners of war are exempt from the county motor vehicle privilege tax. You show proof to the county official who collects it.
Who it may help: You must be a veteran the VA has determined to have a 100 percent permanent and total service-connected disability, or a former prisoner of war as determined by the VA, and submit proof to the county officer who collects the tax. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Healthcare
Tennessee State Veterans Homes
The state lists five veterans homes, in Humboldt, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Knoxville and Cleveland, run by the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility or an application process. Contact the home you are interested in or the Department of Veterans Services for admission rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Homeownership for Heroes Home Loan
A THDA Great Choice home loan for military members, veterans and certain public safety workers with a reduced interest rate and optional down payment and closing cost help.
Who it may help: The page lists active duty, National Guard and veterans, plus law enforcement, EMTs and firefighters. A 30-year fixed-rate loan with a minimum credit score applies, and a homebuyer class is required for down payment assistance. Work through a THDA-approved lender. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Military Discount on Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit
Eligible veterans and service members pay only the criminal history check portion of the initial Enhanced handgun carry permit application fee.
Who it may help: The discount covers honorably discharged veterans, active duty, and current Guard or Reserve members and applies only to the Enhanced permit. Veterans show a DD214. The 8-hour safety course or an exemption is still required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Veterans Services Offices and Benefits Appeals Help
The Department of Veterans Services has field offices where staff help veterans and families file claims for federal benefits, plus an appeals division that helps with VA appeals.
Who it may help: The page says the department serves Tennessee veterans and their family members and lists no specific eligibility criteria. Appeals are heard by the VA Board of Appeals according to the page. Contact the department by the email or phone listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Treatment Courts
Hybrid drug and mental health courts that use a recovery-court model for veterans with addiction, serious mental illness or both, with VA partners and volunteer veteran mentors.
Who it may help: The page describes the model but does not list entry criteria or locations. For more information it names the Recovery Court Administrator with the contact details on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Veterans Day Free Camping Night and Golf at State Parks
On Veterans Day, Tennessee resident veterans may get one free night of camping at a state park and one round of golf at a state golf course. The page notes that some conditions apply.
Who it may help: You must be a Tennessee resident and a veteran, and show proof of both, such as a DD-214, VA benefit card, or Tennessee driver license. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Park Camping and Cabin Discounts for Veterans
Tennessee State Parks offer resident veterans discounted camping during the December through February off-season, and resident veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability get a discount on camping and cabin lodging.
Who it may help: Tennessee residency and proof of prior military service are required (for example a VA benefits card, retired military ID, or DD-214). The disabled-veteran discount requires a 100% total service-connected disability. Premium sites are not eligible for the off-season discount. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Reduced-Cost Combination Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Eligible disabled Tennessee veterans may get a combined sport fishing and hunting license for a one-time fee set by the state.
Who it may help: You must be a Tennessee resident and either be 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected cause or at least 30% disabled from service in a war. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Tennessee National Guard Sportsman License
A free one-year license under the Hunting for Heroes Act that lets eligible Guard members hunt, fish and trap in Tennessee without paying the annual fee.
Who it may help: You must be a Tennessee resident and a member of the Tennessee Army or Air National Guard in good standing, hold a valid military ID card, and submit the online request so it is on file with TWRA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID
Honorably discharged Tennessee veterans can have their military service shown on a driver license or photo ID. You bring a DD-214 to a Driver Service Center.
Who it may help: You must be an honorably discharged veteran and present a certified or original DD-214. Normal issuance or renewal fees apply. The page contains older content, so confirm current fees with the Department of Safety. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Disabled Parking Decal for Veterans
Qualifying veterans can get a disabled driver decal at no charge, which can be added to an existing specialty license plate. Details come from the Department of Revenue.
Who it may help: The page describes this for veterans who were previously classified as disabled drivers under Tennessee law, with the decal added to an existing specialty license plate. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Specialty License Plates
The state veterans department lists many military-related specialty plates, including Purple Heart, Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, former POW and war-era veteran plates.
Who it may help: The page names the plates but does not describe eligibility, fees or how to apply. It directs readers to the Department of Revenue for details on each plate. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Disabled Veteran License Plates
Disabled veterans can get free disabled veteran plates, with a larger free allotment for those grandfathered under older rules.
Who it may help: The page says non-grandfathered disabled veterans get one free plate and grandfathered ones get two, with extra plates at regular fee. It does not state who counts as a disabled veteran or how to apply; confirm with the Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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