Utah veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 33 Utah 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 Utah; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park
A state-operated veterans cemetery in Bluffdale that serves veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Families may use any funeral home, which passes the discharge papers to the cemetery.
Who it may help: The page says the cemetery serves veterans, spouses, and dependent children; provide the veteran's DD-214 or discharge papers through the mortuary. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the cemetery at the number on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Utah Purple Heart Tuition Waiver
Purple Heart recipients may get tuition waived at public colleges and universities in Utah for a degree up to and including a master's. Proof of the Purple Heart is submitted to the school.
Who it may help: Must be a Purple Heart recipient and provide proof of receiving it to the state institution attended. The page does not list other conditions; additional requirements may apply, so ask the school's admissions office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Scott Lundell Military Survivors Tuition Waiver
A tuition waiver at Utah state schools for surviving dependents of service members killed in action on or after September 11, 2001.
Who it may help: Must be a surviving dependent of a service member killed in action on or after September 11, 2001. The page directs applicants to the school's admissions office; additional requirements may apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah In-State Tuition Rate for Military and Recent Veterans
Active duty military and recently released veterans may be charged the in-state tuition rate at public degree- and certificate-granting schools in Utah.
Who it may help: The page lists active duty military and veterans released from active service within the 12 months of attending school (wording as shown on the page). Apply through the school's admissions office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Veterans Tuition Gap Program
A state program that may help veterans who have used up their federal education benefits finish a first bachelor's degree. Awards may cover tuition, fees, books, supplies and a housing allowance, depending on available funding.
Who it may help: The page describes Utah adult resident veterans (or those who qualify for resident tuition) in the final year of a first bachelor's degree at an eligible Utah institution, making satisfactory progress, who have exhausted federal veteran education benefits. A financial aid application is required. Contact the school's financial aid office or veteran resource center. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah National Guard State Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance for Utah National Guard members (Army and Air), paid directly to an accredited school in or outside Utah and approved course by course.
Who it may help: The page lists Army and Air members who are active drilling or in a Utah National Guard unit, not flagged, and satisfactory participants. They must first apply for Federal Tuition Assistance (Army) or the State Tuition Waiver if eligible. A two-year service obligation and minimum-grade rules apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah National Guard State Tuition Waiver
A waiver for full-time students at a Utah public college or university, available for the fall and/or spring semester, listed among Utah National Guard education benefits. It can be combined with State Tuition Assistance.
Who it may help: The page shows full-time enrollment (12 to 18 credit hours) at a Utah public school, with applications accepted January 1 through April 30. When read, applications for 2026-2027 were closed with a waitlist request available. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Utah National Guard State Education Office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Utah State Government Veterans Hiring Preference
Utah state government gives veterans' preference points to eligible applicants for state jobs open to the public. Veterans with a disability and Purple Heart recipients receive a larger preference.
Who it may help: Veterans, service members, veterans with a disability, Purple Heart recipients, retired armed forces members, and spouses or surviving spouses may qualify. Answer the veteran status question on the application and upload supporting documents. Preference does not replace job qualifications. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah Workforce Services Veteran Employment Services
Job search help for veterans, military members and spouses, including resume help for translating military experience, one-on-one support from veteran specialists, and priority assistance at employment centers.
Who it may help: The page says services are for current military members, veterans and their spouses. Creating a Utah ID is needed for the online job tools. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Professional Licensing Military Fee Waivers and Extensions
The Division of Professional Licensing describes fee waivers for initial and renewal licenses, inactive-license fee waivers, automatic license extension during deployment or active duty, and permission for spouses of service members stationed in Utah to work in licensed professions with an active license from another state.
Who it may help: The page refers to qualifying service members and names full-time active duty service members as submitting the fee waiver form. Spouses must be of service members stationed in Utah and hold an active out-of-state license. The page does not spell out every criterion; confirm with the Division. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Veterans Business Resource Center
A state resource at Salt Lake Community College run by veteran entrepreneurs that offers one-on-one consultations, business planning help and a 12-week entrepreneurship training program called STRIVE.
Who it may help: The page describes STRIVE as open to veterans, Reserve and National Guard members and their spouses, and as free. It does not state who may use the center's consultations or whether they cost anything. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Veteran-Owned Business Registry
A public online registry launched by the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs and the Veterans Business Resource Center where the public can search for veteran businesses by keyword or name.
Who it may help: The page says businesses with any level of veteran ownership can register. The page does not describe contract preferences tied to the registry. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Military CDL Driving Skills Test Waiver
Recently discharged veterans who operated commercial-type military vehicles may have the driving skills portion of the commercial driver license test waived, though the written knowledge test is still required.
Who it may help: The page lists honorable discharge papers dated within the previous 90 days, a record showing military commercial vehicle operation certification in the two years before discharge, passing the written test, and a completed Application for Even Exchange. Some endorsements cannot be transferred and restrictions may apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Utah Purple Star Schools for Military Families
A State Board of Education recognition for schools that go beyond basic requirements to support students from Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families, including transition help and family engagement.
Who it may help: Applies to students from military families at recognized schools. The page describes an optional military-connected indicator at enrollment used only to improve support, not to decide enrollment. Ask your school whether it is a Purple Star School. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Utah Military Retirement Income Tax Credit
A Utah income tax credit based on taxable military retirement pay included in the return, claimed on the TC-40A with code AJ. Survivors who receive military retirement pay can qualify.
Who it may help: You or a joint-filing spouse must have taxable military retirement pay in adjusted gross income. It cannot be claimed together with the Utah Retirement Credit, and the credit cannot be carried to another year. Social Security, IRA/401(k) distributions, and non-military federal retirement do not count. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah Veterans Property Tax Exemption
A county-administered property tax credit for disabled veterans on a primary residence and nonbusiness personal property, with the amount based on the percentage of disability. Unmarried surviving spouses and minor orphans may also qualify.
Who it may help: Veteran with a disability (the table lists a disability greater than 10%); unmarried surviving spouses and minor orphans may qualify. File with the county by September 1 with proof of service and proof of disability. A separate active-duty exemption is also described. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Utah Active Duty (Armed Forces) Property Tax Exemption
An exemption from property tax on the primary residence of qualifying active-duty members who spent a long period outside the state. The table lists it separately from the disabled veteran exemption.
Who it may help: The 2025 tax relief table lists active-duty members with at least 200 days in a continuous 365-day period outside the state beginning in the prior year, with the county determining eligibility. Filing is due by September 1 of the year after the qualifying service was completed, with evidence such as a deployment order or a letter from a commanding officer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Utah State Veterans Homes
The state oversees four veterans nursing homes (Salt Lake City, Ogden, Payson, and Ivins) run day to day by a contracted healthcare provider. Spouses and Gold Star parents may also be admitted.
Who it may help: Veterans who served on active duty, or were deployed while in the reserves, are generally eligible; spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents may also be admitted. The page does not describe an application process, so contact the home you are interested in. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide (Service Members, Veterans, Families)
A statewide, interagency suicide prevention effort led by the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. The page provides a directory of mental health and suicide prevention resources and points to the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1).
Who it may help: Serves service members, veterans and their families. The page does not describe an enrollment process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Military and Veteran Gun Safe Program
The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, offers gun safes for secure handgun storage to service members, veterans and families, to help create time and distance during moments of crisis.
Who it may help: The page says safes are for service members, veterans and families who need secure handgun storage. It does not describe how to request one or whether supplies remain; contact the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
SafeUT National Guard Mental Health Support
The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs healthcare page lists SafeUT National Guard as a way to reach licensed mental health professionals who understand National Guard life.
Who it may help: The page lists Utah Air and Army National Guard members, civilian personnel and their families. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
Utah Veteran First-Time Homebuyer Grant
A grant from the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs toward a first home purchase in Utah by eligible veterans and service members. It is available through any Utah-licensed lender and is subject to legislative funding.
Who it may help: Current service member, or veteran who separated within the last 5 years; eligible for a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility; first-time buyer in Utah; the home must be the primary residence, occupied within 30 days of closing. One grant per dual-military couple. Applications are due ahead of closing and funding availability applies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Legal
Utah Veterans Benefits and Claims Assistance
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs helps veterans, current service members, and their dependents prepare and pursue benefit claims, and connects people to federal, state, and local resources.
Who it may help: Aimed at veterans, current service members, and their dependents. Appointments are requested through the department's booking page; additional requirements for specific benefits apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah@EASE Pro Bono Legal Referral
A program led by the Utah Attorney General's Office with the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs and the Utah State Bar that attempts to find volunteer attorneys, free of charge, for eligible people with certain legal matters listed on the page.
Who it may help: The page lists active-duty servicemembers, veterans and retirees with Honorable or General discharges, and Guard and Reserve members. Covered topics listed include SCRA, USERRA, tenant issues, debt, consumer fraud, predatory lending, immigration and wills. Cases against a federal, state, county or city entity are excluded. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Free Monthly Veteran Legal Clinics (Salt Lake City and St. George)
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs lists free monthly legal clinics for veterans, one at the Salt Lake City VA medical center with volunteer attorneys and one for Southern Utah in St. George.
Who it may help: The page lists the clinics for veterans. Dates, times and locations can change, and the page gives no location for the St. George clinic; confirm with the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Utah Veteran Indicator on Driver License or ID Card
Honorably discharged veterans can ask to have a VETERAN indicator added to a Utah driver license or identification card.
Who it may help: Driver license applicants must be 21 or older; ID card applicants of any age may add it. Proof of honorable discharge is a DD214 (WWII veterans use a Record or Notice of Separation). The page says it can only be added when applying in person. The page does not state a cost. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Utah State Parks Veterans With Disabilities Honor Pass
A pass that gives qualifying veterans day-use entry to Utah state parks for the veteran and guests in the same private vehicle. It does not cover camping, golf, or other special charges.
Who it may help: Utah resident, honorably discharged, with a service-related disability rating issued by the Veterans Benefits Administration, plus current documentation. The pass is picked up in person (no online or mobile pass), expires at the end of the calendar year it is issued, and is not valid at some locations. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Veterans With Disabilities
Utah offers discounted hunting, fishing, and combination licenses to eligible veterans with disabilities. After the first discounted purchase, the veteran can renew at the discounted rate without reapplying.
Who it may help: Utah resident with a service-connected disability rating of 20% or more, verified by an official letter, statement, or card from the VA or a branch of the armed forces. Contact the Division of Wildlife Resources for submission details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah Deployed Military Hunting Bonus or Preference Point
Utah residents deployed outside the state may buy a bonus or preference point even if they missed an application period while deployed, and the Division of Wildlife Resources waives the required combination or hunting license fee when the point is purchased.
Who it may help: The page lists Utah residents deployed outside Utah for at least 90 days on federal orders, who have not already received a point for the same species and hunt type that year. An application fee applies and the request is due by December 31 of the qualifying year. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Utah Disabled Veteran License Plate
A special license plate recognizing Utah disabled veterans. It does not provide disabled parking privileges, which require a separate placard.
Who it may help: Utah resident disabled veteran with a letter from the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs or another U.S. military entity certifying disabled status. The plate can pass to an unmarried surviving spouse. Standard plate and registration fees are listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Utah Purple Heart / Combat Wounded License Plate
A Utah Honor Special Group plate recognizing Purple Heart recipients. It can be personalized and ordered online, at a DMV office or by mail.
Who it may help: Recipients of the Purple Heart. Proof is either a Military Order of the Purple Heart Association membership card or a DD-214 from the National Personnel Records Center. Standard plate and registration fees apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Former Prisoner of War License Plate
A Utah Honor Special Group plate for resident military veterans who were held as prisoners of war. A surviving spouse may receive the plate while remaining unmarried.
Who it may help: Utah resident veterans held as prisoners of war, shown with a DD-214 or a Statement of Service from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Standard plate and registration fees apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Utah Driver License Extension for Service Members Stationed Outside Utah
A Utah driver license can stay valid for 90 days after discharge or termination of active duty for service members ordered to active duty and stationed outside Utah, and for qualifying family members living outside the state.
Who it may help: The page lists armed forces members ordered to active duty and stationed outside Utah, and immediate family members or dependents living outside the state. The extension does not apply to suspended, disqualified, denied or canceled licenses, or if license information or photo is updated. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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