Delaware Veterans Benefits Ultimate Guide

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In addition to the federal benefits available to all eligible U.S. military veterans regardless of location, Delaware offers additional benefits and exemptions for veterans and their families that are unique to “The First State.”

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than 75,000 veterans (about 8% of the population) live in Delaware. Numerous Delaware veterans benefits (including Delaware disabled veteran benefits) are available to honor and support those who served.

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Top Delaware Veterans Benefits

Delaware veterans benefits include:

• State tax exemptions
• Education and training programs
• Tuition assistance
• Hiring preferences
• Employment counseling
• Professional licensing allowances
• Public recreation and sportsman’s license discounts
• Auto registration discounts
• Special vehicle license plates
• Housing programs
• Emergency financial assistance.

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

The Delaware Office of Veterans Service administers many veterans’ programs and benefits in Delaware. This is a great place to learn about your state and federal benefits or get help with claims and applications.

Read on for the ultimate guide to Delaware veterans benefits.

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Tax Exemptions

The State of Delaware offers tax breaks to Delaware employers as an incentive to hire Delaware veterans. State tax exemptions on military retirement pay are also a Delaware veterans benefit. 

Veterans Opportunity Credit

During the year a qualified veteran is hired, and for two more taxable years, Delaware employers are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of a qualified veteran’s wages (up to a maximum of $1,500).

A qualified veteran is anyone who has served in a hostile environment (such as Iraq or Afghanistan).

Delaware Tax Exemption for Military Retirement Pay

Delaware veterans age 60 and older are entitled to a pension exclusion of up to $12,500 or the amount of the pension and eligible retirement income (whichever is less).

Eligible retirement income includes:

• Dividends
• Interest
• Capital gains
• Net rental income from real property
• Qualified retirement plans (such as IRA, 401(k), Keough plans, and government-deferred compensation plans). 

For veterans under age 60 who receive a pension, the exclusion amount is limited to $2,000.

In addition, $2,000 may be excluded by any veteran with a permanent and total disability or who is older than 60 and whose earned income in the taxable year is less than $2,500 (and whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $10,000).

Delaware State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay

Military disability retirement pay (received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service) should not be included in taxable income.

Some of the payments that are considered disability benefits include:

• Disability compensation and pension payments paid to Delaware disabled veterans or their families
• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
• Grants for motor vehicles for veterans who have lost their sight or the use of limbs or benefits under a dependent-care assistance program

Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit

Delaware school districts are now allowed to grant disabled veterans School Property Tax Credit. 

Beginning in 2022, qualified persons may be eligible for a tax credit against 100% of non-vocational school district property tax. This credit may only be used against property taxes assessed on a primary residence.  Applications for the upcoming tax year are due April 30th.

Qualified Persons must:

• Receive 100% disability compensation due to service-connected, permanent, and total disability based on individual unemployability or a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USVDA) and
• Have held a legal domicile in Delaware for the past 3 years.

Individuals may not claim the Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit and the Senior School Property Tax Credit.

To apply, you must provide:

• A valid driver’s license or official state ID
• Documentation of USDVA disability
• A Copy of their Social Security card

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Education Benefits

Delaware offers programs for veterans and service members (and their families) who seek tuition and education support. 

Delaware Veterans Child Education Benefits

The State of Delaware provides education benefits to the children of deceased U.S. military veterans, military service personnel held as prisoners of war, and military service personnel officially declared to be missing in action.

A qualified recipient is a child of:

• A member of the armed forces killed while on active duty (or who died from injury or disease in the line of duty)
• A member of the armed forces who is being held (or was held) prisoner of war  
• A member of the armed forces officially declared missing in action

The eligible child must be: 

• At least 16 years old (but not more than 24 years of age)
• A resident of Delaware for at least three years (prior to the date of application)
• Attending or admitted for attendance at an educational institution beyond the high school level (in a program not to exceed four years in duration)

Benefits are administered by the Delaware Postsecondary Education Commission.

Tuition Assistance for Active Members of the Delaware National Guard

Any active member of the Delaware National Guard who meets the requirements for satisfactory membership is eligible for tuition funding by the Delaware National Guard. This applies to certain postsecondary education tuition and fees (up to 100%) at state colleges and universities.

Delaware High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans

Delaware’s Chapter 90 provides a high school diploma to Delaware veterans who did not graduate from high school due to their military service during times of war or conflict.

Eligible wartime veterans who served:

• During World War II (Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 11, 1946, and also during the occupation of defeated territories up to Sept. 8, 1951)
• In the Korean War (Jun. 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955)
• During the Vietnam War (May 1, 1961, through Apr. 30, 1975)

The Delaware Office of Veterans Services can be reached at (800) 344-9900 or (302) 739-2792.

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Employment Benefits

There are several Delaware veterans benefits that support service members, veterans, and members of their families seeking employment.

Continuation of License/Permit for Active Military Personnel

Qualified service members may apply for a Delaware professional license to remain active while on military deployment.

While this provision protects a license from expiration, the license must still meet all licensure requirements, applicable laws, and regulations.

Visit the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation for more information.

Professional Licenses and Permits for Military Spouses

The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation will issue a six-month temporary occupational license to a military spouse relocating to Delaware. The temporary license allows the spouse to obtain employment in their discipline.

Delaware Recognizes Military Education, Training, and Experience

Delaware law allows professional licensing boards to consider military education, training, or experience (METE) when qualifying for a professional license.

To give credit for METE, the Board must determine (based on proof submitted) that the education, training, or experience is substantially equivalent to the licensure requirements in the law and regulations for the profession.

In addition, the applicant must meet all other licensure requirements (such as passing an examination).

Submit a METE request if you meet all of these conditions:

• You’re an active-duty military member, National Guard, military reserve, retired military, or a military veteran.
• You’re filing a license application at the same time as this request, or you have already filed the application, which is still pending.
• You believe you can meet licensure’s education or experience requirements only if given credit for METE.

For complete information, see Request for Consideration of Military Education, Training or Experience.

State Hiring Preferences

Delaware veterans who meet the qualifications for a state-employment position have preference points added to their total ranking score.

Preference is given to applicants who:

• Are honorably separated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Are members of the Delaware National Guard or a reserve unit in Delaware with at least 20 years of membership
• Are the spouse of a deceased veteran, so long as the widow or widower has not remarried
• Are listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, are a prisoner of war, or have a service-connected disability. 

To claim this preference:

• Veterans, Delaware Reservists (who served active duty), widows or widowers who have not remarried, and spouses of veterans with disabilities must submit a copy of Form DD214. *If applicable, evidence of disability (e.g., a VA letter indicating disability) must also be submitted.
• Form 1300 must be submitted for spouses of any member of the Armed Forces serving active duty who, at the time of application, have been listed as missing in action (for more than 90 days) or a prisoner of war.
• Form NGB-22 must be submitted for Delaware National Guard members, widows or widowers who have not remarried, and spouses of Delaware National Guard members with a disability.
• Form DD256 must be submitted by Delaware Reservists who did not serve active duty.

All forms must be dropped off at one of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) offices or faxed to (302) 739-2327 by 4:30 p.m. on the business day following the closing date on the posting.

For additional information, contact the Commission of Veterans Affairs or call (800) 344-9900.

Delaware Bets on Vets

The Delaware Office of Veterans Services offers the Delaware Bets on Vets program, which supports veterans in applying their military skills and experience to state jobs.

Delaware has more than 1,500 job titles that may need to be filled at any time based on an agency’s needs. These state jobs are found on the Delaware Employment Link. There are Merit and Non-Merit opportunities; be sure to look at both.

Career Counselors are available to discuss education and employment history to find the right fit for Delaware veterans seeking employment.

How to apply

Once you have identified positions that fit your background, you can go to the Delaware Employment Link (DEL) home page and “View Open Jobs.” Apply only for jobs in which you meet all requirements.

Delaware Bets on Vets

Delaware State Retirement Credited for Military Service

Delaware veterans hired by the State of Delaware before July 1, 1976, may receive state retirement service credit of up to five years for their full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

However, you must have become an employee within five years of completing a tour of duty or a course of professional or vocational training.

The course of professional or vocational training is defined as one leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree and offered by an institution approved by the Department of Education. The participant must have enrolled on a continuous, full-time basis and completed the course of instruction.

Those who are called into or volunteer for active service in the U.S. Armed Forces or Delaware National Guard while an active member within the retirement plan and who return to covered employment in Delaware within 90 days of the discharge will receive full credit for full-time continuous active military service.

Service members may purchase up to five years of credit for full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces by paying into the plan an amount equal to the actuarial value of the credits purchased (value determined by the Board of Pension Trustees).

This credit cannot be used to determine eligibility for a pension; however, it will be used to calculate the benefit.

Learn more about Delaware State Retirement Credited for Military Service

Compensation for Delaware National Guard Duty

Enlisted members and officers of the Delaware National Guard receive compensation for every day of service while on state duty for an emergency or impending emergency.

The sum of compensation is equal to twice the per diem, pay, and allowances that military personnel of like grade and length of service in the U.S. Armed Forces would be entitled to receive for a similar period of service. 

The same is true for state duty outside of emergency or impending emergency responses, including training or other non-emergency responses authorized by the Adjutant General. 

The exception is radiological emergency preparedness (REP) events. For REP events, members of the Delaware National Guard receive a sum equal to allowances and twice the base pay.

Delaware Joining Forces Network

The Delaware Joining Forces (DJF) network provides solutions to improve the statewide military community’s quality of life and welfare.

This community-level effort directly supports military service members, veterans, and their families by addressing critical issues and needs, including:

• Financial and legal assistance
• Job training and employment
• Homelessness and housing
• Behavioral health and wellness
• Education

The DJF collaborates with several state agencies, including the Delaware National Guard, Delaware Health and Social Services, and the Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs (DCVA).

Contact Delaware Joining Forces

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Health Care Benefits

Delaware veterans benefits include healthcare benefits. The State of Delaware provides a high standard of health care and services to service members, veterans, disabled veterans, and their families.

Delaware National Guard Compensation for Illness, Injury, or Death While on State Active Duty

Any service member of the Delaware National Guard who is wounded or disabled in service to the state receives compensation from the State at the rate provided in Delaware Workers’ Compensation laws.

Pension Benefit for Paraplegic Delaware Veterans

Delaware disabled veterans benefits include pension benefits for paraplegic veterans. A paraplegic veteran with VA disability benefits receives a pension (from the State of Delaware) of $3,000 per year, payable in equal monthly installments.

The veteran must reside in Delaware and file evidence with the Pension Office that they are paraplegic and fully disabled and that the disability is a direct result of service in the U.S. Armed Forces during a period of war.

Learn more about the Delaware Pension Benefits for Paraplegic Veterans

Delaware Veterans Home

Established in 2007, the Delaware Veterans Home is a long-term care facility in Milford, Delaware. It offers skilled nursing care in four units with 150 beds.

The mission is to provide outstanding long-term care to Delaware veterans, upholding dignity and respect while sustaining and improving their quality of life.

The staff of the Delaware Veterans Home is committed to providing residents with the highest quality of care in a warm, friendly environment. The team of professionals, support staff, and volunteers is resident-focused and devoted to the veterans who live there.

The Delaware Veterans Home provides:

• 24-hour professional nursing care
• Daily medical services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
• Social services
• Library, computer with internet/Skype access
• Gift shop
• Barbershop
• Multi-denominational chapel services

Eligible Delaware veterans:

• Were honorably discharged from the Armed Forces or retired members of the Delaware National Guard or Reserves who are eligible for retirement pay at age 60 and have served active duty for 180 days or more (in total)
• Were residents of Delaware for three years prior to admission
• Require a nursing home level of care

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Motor Vehicle Licensing and Registration

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles offers specialty license plates to veterans, disabled veterans, and qualifying family members.

Veterans ID Cards

This card is free of charge to any Delaware veteran who was honorably discharged from the U.S. military.

Veterans must have a valid Delaware driver’s license or identification card and provide proof of military service by presenting any of the following original documents:

• Military ID
• DD-214
• Deployment orders
• Honorable discharge certificate

The ID card can be used to verify an individual as a veteran in the State of Delaware so that businesses can recognize the contributions of veterans who have faithfully served our country and represented the State of Delaware.

Another advantage is that Delaware veterans don’t need to carry a DD-214, which contains sensitive information, to prove their veteran status.

The hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 8:00 p.m.

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle Office Locations

Please note: This card is not a military ID card and does not entitle veterans to all military benefits. Veterans should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine the federal benefits they are entitled to.

Special License Plates for Delaware Veterans

Delaware offers 37 different license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, veterans, retired service members, and their family members.

Special license plate designations include:

• Former prisoners of war
• Formerly missing in action
• Purple Heart recipients
• Medal of Valor recipients
• Delaware Disabled Veterans License Plates
• Delaware National Guard and Reserve members
• Retired military
• Korean War veterans
• Vietnam War veterans
• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
• Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
• Gold Star Family

See all the available plates here

Disabled Veteran Combined Special License Plate

Delaware disabled veteran benefits include a special license plate available to veterans eligible for the Disabled American Veteran designation and the universally recognized symbol for those requiring special parking accommodations.

(This benefit allows the veteran to park in an accessible parking space without going through a separate application process.)

Registration and Inspection of Motor Vehicles of Disabled Veterans

A motor vehicle owned by a disabled veteran who is eligible for “adaptive equipment” benefits requires no registration fees.

This includes (but is not limited to) power steering, power brakes, power window lifts, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the person into and out of the vehicle. It requires no registration fees. (It is Limited to one vehicle per eligible veteran.)

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Recreation Benefits

Delaware welcomes veterans to the state’s beautiful outdoor recreational resources.  

Delaware State Park Admission Discount

Veterans who honorably served (or are honorably serving)—including members of the Delaware National Guard—may receive a 50% discount on the annual fee for vehicle entrance to state parks and recreational areas.

You must reside in the State of Delaware and own a motor vehicle registered in Delaware.

Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses

Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Delaware may obtain these licenses at Delaware resident rates. Veterans with a disability rating of 60% or more by VA may obtain these licenses at no charge.

Delaware Resident Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Privileges for Active-Duty Service Members Stationed in Delaware

Active-duty military personnel stationed in Delaware are eligible to purchase recreational licenses at the resident price.

Qualified applicants can only purchase the licenses from Dover Air Force Base Outdoor Recreation Center or must complete the Military Nonresident License Application and submit it directly to the Division of Fish and Wildlife (address above).

One-Time Free Delaware Hunting and Fishing License for Wartime Veterans

Delaware residents who served (90 or more days) in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom are eligible for a one-time license exemption.

This pass is available for the first 12 months following the date of the resident’s honorable discharge or removal from active status. 

The pass is issued only at the 89 King’s Highway location in Dover by the Office of Business Services. The veteran must provide a copy of their DD214.

Delaware Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing License for Hospitalized Service Members

A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is a patient in a military hospital may be issued a license to hunt, trap, and fish in Delaware free of charge.

The service member must provide a written statement signed by the applicant’s commanding officer certifying the nature of his/her disability and place of duty.

Learn more about Delaware Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing License for Hospitalized Service Members

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Housing, Veterans Outreach Program

Housing and Urban Development-Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

It provides case management, housing assistance, and supportive services for eligible homeless veterans.

Housing Choice Vouchers are administered through a local public housing authority, while the VA provides case management and other support. Vouchers can be used to subsidize rental units from any landlord willing to accept them.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

The SSVF program addresses both housing stability and ending homelessness among very low-income veteran families.

SSVF providers offer a wide range of services, including case management, assistance with obtaining benefits, securing safe and affordable housing, and other supportive services.

Learn more about the Delaware Supportive Services for Veteran Families

DelawareHousingSearch.org

DelawareHousingSearch.org is a free service that provides real-time information on apartments and affordable homes throughout the state.

Veterans can search specifically for landlords who want to rent to veterans and will accept HUD-VASH vouchers.

Visit DelawareHousingSearch.org or call the toll-free, 24-hour, multilingual hotline at (877) 428-8844.

Delaware People’s Place Veterans Outreach Program

The Veterans Outreach program, supported by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, offers a wide range of services for veterans who reside from lower New Castle County to the Delaware-Maryland line.

Services include:

• Career counseling
• Guidance for accessing state and federal VA benefits (such as medical care and treatment)
• Psychotherapy referrals
• Mental health counseling
• Door-to-door transportation to medical facilities in the region

Learn more about the Delaware People’s Place Veteran’s Outreach Program

Delaware Veterans Trust Fund

The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund can assist Delaware veterans in financial emergencies. Established in 2013, it has already provided relief to veterans who need help with reintegration, housing, utilities, and incidental health and welfare expenses.

It also allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to show their support for Delaware veterans by contributing to the Trust Fund. 

Delaware residents may also elect to contribute a portion of their tax refund to the Trust Fund with their state personal tax form. Donations are tax-deductible on both state and federal tax returns. 100% of the donation goes toward assisting a Delaware veteran. 

For more information on the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund or to obtain an application for assistance, call a Veterans Service Officer or the main office at (800) 344-9900 or (302) 739-2792.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Delaware veterans benefits include special state tax deductions?

Yes. Delaware veterans age 60 and older are entitled to a pension exclusion of up to $12,500 or the amount of the pension and eligible retirement income (whichever is less).

Eligible retirement income includes dividends, interest, capital gains, net rental income from real property, and qualified retirement plans, such as IRAs, 401(k), Keough plans, and government deferred compensation plans. The exclusion amount for veterans under age 60 who are receiving a pension is limited to $2,000.

In addition, $2,000 may be excluded by any veteran who has a permanent and total disability or who is older than 60 and whose earned income in the taxable year is less than $2,500 (and whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $10,000).

Does Delaware recognize military education, training, and experience for professional purposes?

Yes. Delaware law allows professional licensing boards to consider military education, training, or experience (METE) when qualifying for a professional license.

To give credit for METE, the Board must determine (based on the proof submitted) that the education, training, or experience is substantially equivalent to the licensure requirements for the profession. In addition, the applicant must meet all other licensure requirements, such as passing an examination.

Do Delaware veterans receive preferential treatment in hiring practices and employment?

Delaware offers state employment hiring preference to eligible Delaware veterans, Delaware disabled veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses. Delaware veterans who meet the qualifications for a state employment position have preference points added to their total ranking score.

Are there special license plates available to Delaware veterans and their families?

Yes! Delaware offers 37 specialized vehicle license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, veterans, retirees, and eligible family members.

Visit the Delaware DMV for details on these distinctive plates.

Do Delaware veterans benefits include recreational privileges?

Yes! Delaware veterans get discounts on state park admission (and Delaware disabled veteran benefits include free admission). Hunting, fishing, and trapping license discounts may also apply to all military service members.

Does Delaware have outreach programs to help veterans in need?

Yes. The State of Delaware works with the federal government to provide case management, housing assistance, and supportive services for eligible homeless veterans.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families addresses both housing stability and ending homelessness among very low-income veteran families.

Additionally, DelawareHousingSearch.org is a free service that provides real-time information on apartments and affordable homes throughout the state. Veterans can search specifically for landlords who want to rent to veterans.

And in desperate times, the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund can assist Delaware veterans in financial emergencies. Established in 2013, it has already brought relief to veterans who need help with reintegration, housing, utilities, and incidental expenses for health and welfare.

For more information, visit the Delaware Office of Veterans Services.

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MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

Regardless of what state you live in, it’s vital 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! You served … you deserve.

Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced veteran coach. Learn what you’ve been missing—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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