Vermont veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 26 Vermont 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 Vermont; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery
The state veterans cemetery in Randolph Center provides burial for veterans, spouses and some dependents. The page lists lot upkeep, a marker and funeral honors for veterans at no charge and a small fee for spouses.
Who it may help: Veterans, their spouses and some dependents; applications go through the Office of Veterans Affairs and pre-registration is encouraged. The page also covers state burial help for veterans who die destitute. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Vermont Armed Services Scholarship
Covers undergraduate study at a Vermont school for spouses and children of certain deceased service members, with full tuition at Vermont state schools and reduced tuition at private schools.
Who it may help: Spouses and children of military members who died on active duty since 2001, or of Vermont National Guard members who died while serving at any time. Guard families apply through the Guard education office; others apply through the Office of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program
A state-sponsored, interest-free loan that pays tuition for active Vermont National Guard members and is forgiven if the member completes the required Guard service. Funding depends on yearly legislative appropriation and is first-come, first-served.
Who it may help: Must be an active Vermont National Guard member in good standing who has completed basic training, attends an eligible school (generally a Vermont college or university, with stated exceptions), makes satisfactory academic progress, has exhausted post-9/11 and other federally funded military tuition benefits (certain benefits do not count toward this), and is not in default on a federal education loan. The page says Vermont and non-Vermont residents can both apply. Covers tuition only. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
High School Diploma for War-Era Veterans
Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War era who do not have a high school diploma may be able to receive one from the public school of their choice.
Who it may help: Veteran of World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War era who received an honorable discharge and does not have a high school diploma. The page links an application form and points to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs for questions; it gives no further steps. Additional requirements may apply; confirm with the Office of Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Vermont State University Policies for Veterans and Service Members
Vermont State University may award credit for ACE-recommended military courses and service schools, and it has policies protecting standing and adjusting charges for students called to deployment.
Who it may help: Veterans may receive credit for ACE-recommended training; active-duty members are advised to send a Joint Service transcript to the School Certifying Official. Deployment-related adjustments require giving the dean a copy of orders. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veteran Employment Help (Career Resource Centers)
Vermont Department of Labor Career Resource Centers help veterans find work and identify job training needs, and a state grant funds staff who work with disabled veterans and those with employment barriers.
Who it may help: Veterans looking for work can contact a Career Resource Center; the grant-funded services target disabled veterans and veterans facing barriers, which the page does not define. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Preference in State of Vermont Hiring
Eligible veterans receive preference points on state job applications and may apply for some positions normally limited to current state employees.
Who it may help: Eligible veteran means service in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days with a separation under honorable or other acceptable conditions. Extra points apply to veterans with a service-connected disability, spouses of totally disabled veterans with a service-connected disability, and unmarried widows or widowers of veterans. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Military Training Credit for Professional Licenses (OPR)
The Office of Professional Regulation can review military education and training toward licensure and offers expedited or temporary licensing in some cases, with specific routes for certain Air Force and Army medical training.
Who it may help: Veterans, service members, and armed services liaisons can ask OPR to evaluate military training for a named profession. Active-duty members, veterans within two years of discharge, and active-duty spouses who hold a license in good standing in another state complete an affidavit with their Vermont license application. Decisions are case by case. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Work for Warriors Vermont
A free career assistance program with one-on-one help from employment specialists, resume and interview support, career assessments, and job referrals. The page also describes PRIME, a Vermont National Guard program that connects employers with candidates.
Who it may help: Open to Vermont National Guard members, Reservists, veterans, and their families, including people leaving service, seeking advancement, or facing unemployment or underemployment. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Gold Star Family and Next of Kin Plates (DMV)
Vermont DMV lists Gold Star Family and Next of Kin Family plates among its veteran and military specialty plates.
Who it may help: The page names forms VD-157 (Gold Star Family) and VD-149 (Next of Kin Family) but does not spell out who qualifies; confirm requirements with the Vermont DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Qualifying disabled veterans and some surviving spouses may have part of a home's value exempted from property tax. State law sets a minimum exemption and towns may vote to raise it.
Who it may help: The veteran or survivor must own the home and use it as a primary residence. Qualifying paths listed are VA disability compensation rated 50% or higher, the VA non-service-connected pension, or permanent medical military retirement pay; surviving spouses of veterans who previously qualified may also qualify. Proof is due each year before May 1, and the page says the 2026 application period has closed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exclusion
Vermont's tax department says military retirement and survivor benefit income can be excluded from Vermont taxable income, with the exclusion shrinking as federal adjusted gross income rises.
Who it may help: Applies to military retired pay and survivor benefit income for tax year 2025 per the page, and phases out as federal adjusted gross income rises. The page links to the military guide, which is marked update pending. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Vermont Veteran Tax Credit
A refundable state income tax credit for lower-income Vermont resident veterans, introduced for tax year 2025, that phases out as income rises.
Who it may help: Vermont residents and part-year residents with a discharge or separation record verifying uniformed service, with adjusted gross income under the limits shown on the page. The page says married joint filers should ask Taxpayer Services for instructions and notes a contact email inconsistency. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Vermont Veteran Assistance Fund
A one-time payment from the Office of Veterans Affairs for critical needs such as housing and utilities, for low-income Vermont veterans or families in a financial crisis.
Who it may help: Low-income Vermont veterans or their families facing a financial crisis; Vermont residency is required and applications are completed by phone. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Healthcare
Vermont Veterans' Home (Bennington)
The Vermont Veterans' Home admits eligible veterans, with Vermont veterans given priority, and also lists Gold Star parents and spouses of qualified veterans as eligible.
Who it may help: Veterans must have served at least 90 days in the U.S. Armed Forces and been discharged under honorable conditions. Contact the Admissions Office for the application process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Vermont Veterans Dental Program
A veterans dental program page hosted on the Vermont National Guard Family Programs website. The page does not describe the dental services or benefits; it invites visitors to submit an inquiry form to see whether they qualify.
Who it may help: The page lists no eligibility criteria. After the inquiry form is submitted, a representative contacts you to complete a candidacy application. Additional requirements apply; confirm with Vermont National Guard Family Programs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Veterans Service Officers (Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs)
Certified service officers help veterans complete applications to the VA for disability compensation or the Improved Pension and make sure the VA has needed information.
Who it may help: The page describes the service for veterans applying for VA Disability Compensation or Improved Pension. Call the appointment line on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Discharge Records on File (DD214 Copies)
The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs holds a large collection of discharge records, including DD214 copies, and can explain how to get a copy if it does not have yours.
Who it may help: Request by phone or by submitting the Records Request Form by email, mail, or fax. The page does not state eligibility rules. If the office does not have your record, the page points to the National Archives; National Guard records are held at Camp Johnson, not this office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Other
Vermont Veterans Medals
The state offers the Vermont Veterans Medal, the Vermont Distinguished Service Medal, and the Patriots Medal (for next-of-kin of Vermont soldiers killed in action). Medals can be mailed or presented at a ceremony at the State House.
Who it may help: The Veterans Medal goes to most veterans with an honorable discharge; the Distinguished Service Medal requires an honorable discharge and service in a combat theater. Neither is automatic: the veteran, or someone on their behalf, must apply. The page lists no application form, so contact the Office of Veterans Affairs. The Patriots Medal is for next-of-kin of Vermont soldiers killed in action; the page describes no application process for it. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Recreation
Free Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Vermont resident veterans who are at least 60% disabled from a service-connected condition may get a free permanent license; some nonresidents may get a free one-year license.
Who it may help: Applicants need a specific VA letter confirming the disability rating. Nonresident eligibility applies to states with a reciprocal privilege for Vermont residents (the page names New Hampshire and Maine). Apply with the printable application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Lifetime State Parks Day Pass (Green Mountain Passport)
Vermont residents honorably discharged from active U.S. military duty may get a free lifetime day entry pass to Vermont State Parks through the Green Mountain Passport.
Who it may help: Vermont residents honorably discharged from active duty. The page lists a small fee for the passport from the local town clerk. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Hunting and Fishing License for Active-Duty Residents
Vermont residents on active duty, or under orders for certain homeland defense or state-side contingency operations, can get a hunting, fishing, or combination license at no cost. Nonresident active-duty members stationed in Vermont pay the resident rate.
Who it may help: Vermont resident on active duty in the U.S. armed forces, or serving or under orders for a homeland defense or state-side contingency operation of 120 or more consecutive days. Hunting and combination licenses also need proof of hunter education, a prior hunting license, or a signed affidavit of a prior license. Nonresident active-duty members stationed at a base in Vermont pay the resident fee. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Transportation
Vehicle Fee Waiver for Veterans with VA-Funded Vehicle Modifications
Disabled veterans whose vehicles carry VA-paid modifications may be exempt from vehicle sales tax, registration and license fees. The page says other veterans, including 100% disabled veterans, are not exempt.
Who it may help: The veteran's vehicle must be modified for the disability with the modification paid for by the VA. Contact the Vermont DMV for the process. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Veteran Status on License or Plates (DMV)
Vermont veterans may get plates recognizing military service or a veteran status label on a driver's license or non-driver ID at no additional charge.
Who it may help: Veteran status follows the federal definition and is verified from a DD214 by the Office of Veterans Affairs. Submit the Certificate of Veteran Status form (DMV VG-168) and DD214 to the Office, which forwards it to the DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military CDL Test Waiver
Licensed service members with military experience operating a vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle may be able to have certain Vermont CDL tests waived, at the Commissioner's discretion.
Who it may help: Must hold a current license and be, or have been within the past year, in a military position operating a vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. Applicants use form VL-054 and certify a recent driving record meeting stated conditions and their military commercial-vehicle work history. The Commissioner decides and may set conditions or limits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
License Extension for Active-Duty Members (DMV)
Vermont residents on active duty can have their driver license validated past its normal expiration date, and active-duty members stationed out of state and their immediate family can get an extension as well.
Who it may help: Requires a license renewal application, identity, Social Security and residency documents, proof of continuous active service since the license's expiration date, and either a signed statement on Armed Forces letterhead from a commissioned officer other than yourself or discharge papers. Renewal is due within 30 days of discharge. Form VL-023 explains the extension for active-duty members and immediate family stationed out of state. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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