Best Louisiana Veteran Benefits

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Federal benefits are available to all eligible U.S. military veterans regardless of location. 

However, each U.S. state also offers additional benefits and exemptions for veterans and their families that are unique to that state, and Louisiana veteran benefits are a good example!

More than 243,000 veterans live in the Bayou State (6.9% of the population).

We’ve compiled this Louisiana Veteran Benefits Guide to highlight and break down the BEST Louisiana benefits available for those who have served!

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Best Louisiana Veteran Benefits

Louisiana veteran benefits specifically include:

• Homestead and military pay tax exemptions
• Education and training programs
• Help with tuition and professional certifications
• Recreational discounts and reduced-rate hunting and fishing licenses
• Veteran-friendly employment initiatives and training
• Financial hardship assistance

A veteran’s (or service member’s) military branch, career status, disability status, and residence status can affect benefit eligibility.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs administers many of the veterans programs and benefits in Louisiana. This is a great place to learn about your state and national benefits and to get help with claims and applications. 

Read on for the ultimate guide to the best Louisiana veteran benefits.

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Homestead and Other Tax Exemptions For Louisiana Veterans

Homestead Tax Exemption

Qualifying veterans can receive tax benefits through their homestead exemption, which applies to the first $7,500 assessed value.

An additional exemption of $7,500 is also available to disabled veterans or active-duty service members killed in action; additional eligibility requirements apply.

The un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100%, unemployability, or designated totally disabled by the VA is also eligible for this exemption if the surviving spouse remains the owner and lives on the property.

If the surviving spouse moves to a new property, he or she can still receive the exemption but only up to the amount of the exemption on the first property. The owner will owe property taxes for any assessed amount over $15,000.

Louisiana veterans should visit their local parish assessor’s office to learn more.

Combat Pay Tax Exception

Military pay that is exempt from federal taxation, such as combat pay or hazardous duty pay, is also exempt from Louisiana state taxation.

Military Retiree Pay Tax Exemption

Military retirement benefits are exempt from Louisiana state taxation.

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Education-Related Benefits for Louisiana Veterans

Are there Louisiana veteran benefits for education? Yes, several!

Louisiana Title 29 Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Louisiana offers education assistance to surviving spouses of deceased veterans, children of veterans rated with 90% or more service-connected disability, and children of veterans rated with 100% service-connected disability due to unemployability.

Eligible students may attend any state college, university, trade, or vocational/technical school and are exempt from paying tuition and school-imposed fees (student-imposed fees are not exempt). Students are eligible for four years of schooling, which must be completed within five years.

To be eligible:

• The veteran must have lived in Louisiana for at least 12 months immediately before entering the U.S. Armed Forces.
• The living veteran must have been a resident for at least 24 months immediately before their child’s admission into the educational program.
• The surviving spouse must use this benefit within 10 years of the date of eligibility. A child must be between the ages of 16 and 25.

To apply, contact the local parish Veterans Service Officer.

Louisiana Veterans Can Apply Military Training to State Education/Certification Credits

Louisiana recognizes that the skills gained from military training often apply to the civilian workforce.

Louisiana veterans with military training and experience will be granted civilian professional licensure and/or certification when the service member has been awarded a military occupational specialty and performance in that specialty equal to or exceeding the requirements for said license and/or certification. Provisions apply.

Louisiana Veterans Granted In-State Tuition

In-state tuition rates are granted to veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents attending any Louisiana public college or university. Eligibility requirements apply.

Any individual who was permanently stationed in Louisiana as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including their dependents, is classified as a resident for tuition purposes.

A child or spouse of a service member who has been reassigned immediately following assignment in Louisiana will still be considered a resident as long as the child or spouse remains in Louisiana after the assignment.

Louisiana veterans or service members who continuously live in Louisiana during their enrollment and meet at least one of the following conditions also qualify for residency for tuition purposes:

• The veteran served on active duty for a continuous period of at least two years, received an honorable discharge, and enrolled within one year in a Louisiana public college or university (must be verified by DD214).
• Service members currently serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and verified by a memorandum from the student’s commanding officer
• The veteran has a service-connected disability from the VA

Applicants should contact their educational institution for more information.

Survivors and Dependents Education (Chapter 35)

Louisiana provides education and training opportunities to survivors and dependents of veterans who:

• Are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or
• Died while on active duty, as a result of a service-related condition, or
• Were declared missing or a prisoner of war

Children of living veterans who are rated by the VA as 90% or more service-connected, disabled, or unemployable are also eligible. 

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Louisiana Veteran Employment Benefits

There are several Louisiana veteran benefits to support veterans and their families seeking employment or business support.

Veterans First Business Initiative

Governor John Bel Edwards championed the Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative in 2019 to honor the sacrifices of Louisiana veterans by recognizing businesses owned by veterans, active-duty or reserve military personnel, or Gold Star spouses.

The program allows Louisiana veterans, active-duty, reserve military, or Gold Star spouses who have a 51% ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses. In addition, a searchable database is provided for anyone seeking to patronize such a business.

Learn more about the Veterans First Business Initiative

Louisiana Veterans Initiative (LAVETBIZ)

This certification program helps eligible Louisiana veterans and disabled veterans who own a small business to gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state government level.

LAVETBIZ provides business and contact information to state purchasing officials and prime contractors who are looking for subcontractors. It encourages state agencies to get quotes from and use qualified, certified companies whenever possible.

For small purchases (less than $15,000), state agencies can waive the required additional quotes if a certified company submits a reasonable quote. Also, 12% of the total evaluation points can be added to a bid on a Request for Proposal (RFP).

Prime contractors who use a veteran-owned business as a subcontractor on a bid for an RFP are also eligible to receive additional percentage points on their bids.

The program is open to all Louisiana businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements for a Small Entrepreneurship (SE) under the Louisiana Veterans Initiative:

• A veteran must own at least 51% of the business
• The company must have its principal place of business in Louisiana
• The company must have fewer than 50 full-time employees
• Average annual gross receipts must not exceed $6 million for nonconstruction or $10 million for construction companies
• The business must be independently owned and operated
• The business must not be dominant in its professional field
• The business must be owned by residents of Louisiana
• The owners must have officers who are U.S. citizens or legal residents

“Service-connected disabled veteran” is an additional distinction available within the Louisiana Veterans Initiative. To qualify, the business must meet all the requirements above, and a service-disabled veteran must own at least 51% of the business.

To apply, visit the Louisiana SMALLBIZ System, online application.

Hiring Preference for Louisiana Veterans in State Civil Service

Louisiana state and city civil service departments award a 5- to 10-point preference in original appointment to veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces under certain circumstances. 

The Louisiana State Constitution gives preference for state employment to veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and surviving parents. For those eligible, 5 or 10 points may be added to the final passing scores on civil service examinations.

These additional points are added only in new hiring situations and do not apply to “probationary” or “job” appointments. Veterans with permanent status cannot receive this preference for promotions.

Five preference points are awarded to honorably discharged veterans who served during the following periods:

• June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955 (Korean Conflict)
• July 1, 1958, through August 4, 1964 (Vietnam Theater)
• August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975 (Vietnam Era)
• August 2, 1990, through an indeterminate date (for those who actually received the Southwest Asia Service Medal)
• Any campaign for which a campaign medal was awarded (must be plainly stated on DD214)
• At least 90 days of active service for purposes other than training after September 11, 2001

Ten preference points are awarded to:

• An honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has a service-connected disability awarded by the VA
• The spouse of a veteran whose physical disability prevents him or her from working
• The un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who served during any of the time periods listed above
• The un-remarried surviving (widowed) parent of any service member who died on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or a veteran who has a service-connected total and permanent disability received on active duty
• The divorced or separated parents of any service member who died on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or a veteran who has a service-connected total and permanent disability they received on active duty

It requires DD214 for documentation; if claiming 10 points, a letter from the VA documenting a service-connected disability, dated within the last six months.

Documentation for applicants other than an eligible veteran includes:

• Louisiana Claim Form for Veterans Preference for Spouse/Parent Form
• Death certificate, if applicable
• Marriage certificate, if applicable

Learn more about Louisiana Civil Service Hiring Preferences for Veterans

Civil Service Examination Waiver

A state employment hiring authority may hire a veteran for a probationary appointment or job appointment without requiring a civil service examination, provided the veteran meets the job’s minimum qualifications.

The veteran must have been honorably discharged in the last 12 months and have served at least 90 days of active duty (other than for training). The state employer may make an offer to a service member, but the effective date of the hiring cannot be prior to their discharge date.

Louisiana Business and Career Solution Centers

The Louisiana Workforce Commission operates local centers across the state to assist Louisiana veterans and eligible spouses in finding employment.

The commission provides job assistance, job and training referrals, and job placement, including apprenticeship programs. Participants receive priority of service for all Louisiana Workforce Commission job training programs.

To be eligible, the service member must:

• Have served on active duty for more than 180 days and be discharged with an other-than-dishonorable discharge or
• Be discharged from active duty because of a service-connected disability or
• Have served in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty during a wartime period, or when a campaign medal is authorized, and be discharged with an other-than dishonorable discharge.

Also eligible is the spouse of any service member or veteran who:

• Dies from a service-connected disability
• Is declared missing in action or a prisoner of war
• Has a total and permanent service-connected disability.

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Driver and Vehicle License Benefits

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle Services offers specialty driver’s licenses and vehicle plates to veterans, disabled veterans, and qualifying family members.

Louisiana Veteran and Disabled Veteran Driver’s License or ID Card

Louisiana offers a driver’s license or ID card with a “veteran” indicator showing that the cardholder is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans who received an honorable discharge are eligible. No fee is charged if the veteran surrenders their valid driver’s license or ID card when requesting the veteran card. Fees apply if the veteran requests to add the Veteran indicator during the renewal period or when requesting a duplicate.

Veterans must provide documented proof of the character of their discharge; refer to Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Policy 2.02 Veteran Indicator for a list of acceptable documentation.

Louisiana disabled veterans who are rated as 100% disabled can receive a 100% DAV (Disabled American Veteran) indicator on their driver’s license. Proof of disability rating is required.

Louisiana Veterans and Service-Branch License Plates

Louisiana veteran benefits include 47 distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, veterans, retired service members, and eligible family members. These plates will be issued for the eligible applicant’s privately owned passenger car, pickup truck, motorcycle, or van. All plates have specific documentation requirements to prove eligibility.

The cost of these plates is the same as the regular issue. They can be requested through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles License Plate Online ordering page; payment must be mailed in before the license plate will be ordered. Eligible applicants can also go to one of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle locations.

Available license plates include:

Louisiana Disabled Veteran License Plates

Louisiana disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more from the VA are eligible for a free Louisiana Disabled Veteran license plate. 

Gold Star Family License Plate

Available to the immediate family of a U.S. Armed Forces Service member killed in action:

• during World War I, World War II, or any following period of armed conflict before July 1, 1958
• during any armed conflict after June 30, 1958
• any time after March 28, 1973, as a result of any armed conflict or international terrorist attack as part of a peacekeeping force.

Immediate family members include:

• Surviving spouse, remarried or not
• Mother, stepmother, mother through adoption
• Father, stepfather, father through adoption,
• Foster parents who stood in loco parentis (taking the place of a parent)
• Grandparents
• Child, stepchild, or adopted child
• Sibling or half-sibling

When applying, the applicant must present a copy of the service member’s death certificate. Normal charges apply to the license plate.

Purple Heart License Plate

Purple Heart recipients are eligible for the Louisiana Purple Heart license plate. Those eligible can order this license plate for each vehicle registered in their name.

This license plate has no fees and is not subject to renewal requirements. An unmarried surviving spouse may keep it if it’s transferred to his or her name.

Medal of Honor License Plate

Only Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for this plate.

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Louisiana Veteran Benefits For State Parks, Hunting, and Fishing Licenses

Louisiana veterans looking to take advantage of the Bayou State’s lush and diverse outdoor recreational resources may be eligible for reduced license costs and recreational fees.  

Discounts for Licenses and State Parks

Louisiana veterans can enjoy discounts and fee waivers for hunting and fishing licenses as well as entrance to Louisiana state parks. Certain qualifications apply.

Check with your local LDVA parish office on how to apply

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Louisiana Disabled Veterans

Louisiana veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability rating of 50% or more from the VA are eligible for Louisiana disabled veteran benefits, including free recreational fishing and hunting licenses.

This license includes:

• Basic fishing and saltwater fishing
• Basic hunting
• Big game
• Bow
• Primitive firearm
• Louisiana duck stamp (does not include federal duck stamp)
• Turkey stamp
• Wildlife Management Area hunting permits

Application for Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing License

Louisiana Hunting and Fishing Licenses at Resident Prices for All Purple Heart Recipients

Whether a Louisiana resident or nonresident, any veteran who has been awarded a Purple Heart is eligible for hunting and fishing licenses at resident prices.

Applicants must submit one of the following:

• Louisiana vehicle registration indicating a Purple Heart specialty plate
• Copy of a DD214 or any other military document that indicates the applicant received a Purple Heart

Submit required documentation, fee, and completed application by mail or in-person to:

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Attn: Sport License
P.O. Box 98000
200 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, La. 70898-9000

Louisiana Resident/Nonresident Purple Heart Recipient License Application

Hunting and Fishing License Discounts for Retired Louisiana Veterans 

If you are a Louisiana veteran and retired, you may purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $5.

Louisiana residents must provide a copy of a valid Louisiana driver’s license or ID card (issued a minimum of six months prior to applying) and a copy of a retired military ID card.

Nonresidents need a certified copy of their Louisiana birth certificate, a copy of their driver’s license, and a copy of their retired military ID card.

Submit required documentation, fee, and completed application by mail or in-person to:

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Attn: Sport License
P.O. Box 98000
200 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, La. 70898-9000

Louisiana Resident/Nonresident Native Retired Military Hunting/Fishing Application

Surviving Spouses of Louisiana Veterans Get a Hunting and Fishing License Discount

A Louisiana resident surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was killed in action while in a combat zone may purchase a recreational fishing and hunting license for $2.50. 

The fishing license includes basic and saltwater; the hunting license includes basic, big game, bow, and primitive firearm hunting licenses; Louisiana duck and turkey stamps; and the Wildlife Management Area hunting permit.

Surviving spouses must have lived in Louisiana continuously for at least the past 6 months. Applicants must provide copies of the DD1300, the death certificate, and a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana ID card.

Submit required documentation, fees, and completed application by mail or in person to:

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Attn: Sport License
P.O. Box 98000
200 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, La. 70898-9000

Louisiana Resident Surviving Spouse Killed in Action Hunting/Fishing License Application

Free Entrance to State Parks for Louisiana Disabled Veterans

Louisiana offers a free state park permit for all sites that grants free entrance to Louisiana disabled veterans and those accompanying them in a single private vehicle.

Louisiana State Parks Reduced Admission and Discounts

Active-duty service members and one immediate family member receive a 50% discount for day-use entry to a state park, historic site, or world heritage site by presenting a current military ID.

In addition, retired service members, active duty, and reservists receive 15% off all rentable facilities.

Learn more about Louisiana State Parks Reduced Admission and Discounts for Military and Veterans.

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Financial Assistance for Louisiana Veterans

The State of Louisiana looks after its veterans and disabled veterans. When veterans face financial difficulties, Louisiana is there to help.

Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA)

The MFA provides financial support to veterans, service members, and their families. Funds can be used for housing, utilities, medical services, and other essential expenses that could create undue financial hardship. The MFA can pay up to $10,000 for one claim in a 12-month period.

To be eligible, you must be:

• A resident of Louisiana
• A service member in the Louisiana National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves in good standing
• A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable discharge (DD214 and/or NGB22 is required)

Louisiana veterans must have:

• Completed 24 months of continuous active duty other than for training
• Completed at least 90 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173, or
• A compensable service-connected disability from the VA
• Received a discharge with less than 90 days of service for a service-connected disability

The MFA is a last resort. All applicants should search for assistance from all other available sources before applying. To receive funds through the MFA, a completed application must be submitted to the LDVA with all required supporting documentation.

For more information, call 877-432-8982 or visit this LDVA web page to apply online. The application form can also be found here. 

LA National Guard Death and Disability Benefit

Members of the Louisiana National Guard who suffered a permanent and total disability while on federal or state active duty on or after September 11, 2001, or the beneficiary of record of those killed in action may qualify for a $250,000 death or $100,000 disability benefit from the State of Louisiana. 

Certain restrictions apply.

To apply and for more information, contact the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs:

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Louisiana Veterans Homes 

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs operates five state-of-the-art veterans homes in Jackson, Bossier City, Monroe, Reserve, and Jennings.

Each facility offers a variety of services, including:

• Long- and short-term care
• Rehabilitative therapies
• Alzheimer’s and intermediate care
• Skilled Nursing
• Mental health services
• Centralized pharmacy services

Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission. A veteran must be a Louisiana resident unless referred from an in-state VA medical center or by an LDVA counselor.

The veteran must have served on active duty for 90 days or more. If active duty was less than 90 days, the veteran must have been discharged due to a disability received in the line of duty and must have received a discharge under honorable conditions for the most recent period of active service.

See the Louisiana Veterans Home Eligibility Fact Sheet.

Before applying, print the Louisiana Veterans Home Request for Medical Information Sheet for a doctor or nurse to fill in. This form must be completed and submitted with the application.

Learn more about the Louisiana State Veterans Homes

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Louisiana Veteran Benefits Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there special property tax exemptions available to Louisiana veterans and disabled veterans?

Qualifying veterans may take a homestead exemption that applies to the first $7,500 in assessed value. An additional exemption of $7,500 is also available to disabled veterans or active-duty service members killed in action.

The un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100%, unemployability, or designated totally disabled by the VA is also eligible for this exemption if the surviving spouse remains the owner and lives on the property.

If the surviving spouse moves to a new property, they can still receive the exemption, but only up to the amount of the exemption on the first property. The owner will owe property taxes for any assessed amount over $15,000.

Are there tuition benefits for Louisiana veterans’ families?

In-state tuition rates are granted to veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents attending any Louisiana public college or university. Eligibility requirements apply.

Louisiana Title 29 Dependents’ Educational Assistance helps surviving spouses of deceased veterans, children of veterans rated with 90% or more service-connected disability, and children of veterans rated with 100% service-connected disability.

Spouses and children related to these veterans may attend any state college, university, trade, or vocational/technical school exempt from tuition and school-imposed fees.

Does military training make it easier for Louisiana veterans to obtain professional certifications?

Louisiana veterans with military training and experience will be granted civilian professional licensure and/or certification when the service member has been awarded a military occupational specialty and performs in that specialty equal to or exceeding the requirements for said license and/or certification.  

Does Louisiana help veterans run businesses in the state?

Several business initiatives in Louisiana aid veteran entrepreneurs. The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative recognizes businesses owned by a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouse. The program allows those who have a 51% ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses.

In addition, a searchable database is provided for anyone seeking to patronize such a business. The Louisiana Veterans Initiative (LAVETBIZ) certification program helps eligible Louisiana veterans and disabled veterans who own a small business gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state government level.

Do Louisiana disabled veterans get a special deal on hunting and fishing licenses?

They sure do! Louisiana veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability rating of 50% or more from the VA are eligible for free recreational fishing and hunting licenses.

This license includes:

• Basic fishing and saltwater fishing
• Basic hunting
• Big game
• Bow
• Primitive firearm
• Louisiana duck stamp (does not include federal duck stamp)
• Turkey stamp
• Wildlife Management Area hunting permits

Also, any veteran who has been awarded a Purple Heart, whether a Louisiana resident or not, is eligible for hunting and fishing licenses at resident prices.

For more answers to your questions, visit the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

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MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important that you pursue the monthly compensation payments due to you for disabilities connected to your military service.

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation they deserve. At VA Claims Insider, we help veterans understand and take control of the claims process so they can get the rating and compensation they’re owed by law.

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating in less time!  

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating – or you’re not sure how to get started – reach out to us for a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve. We’ve supported more than 25,000 veterans to win their claims and increase their ratings. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.

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