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Rhode Island veteran benefits include lots of excellent benefits and exemptions for current and former Armed Forces members.
These also include Rhode Island disabled veteran benefits for those veterans with a VA disability rating.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, but it offers over 63,000 veteran residents numerous benefits, many of which are administered through the Office of Veterans Services!
- Rhode Island Veteran Benefits
- Property Tax Exemptions
- Income Tax Exemptions
- Education Benefits
- Resident College Tuition Rates in Rhode Island
- College Credit in Rhode Island for Military Training
- Rhode Island Disabled American Veterans Tuition Waiver
- Tuition Assistance and Exemption for Rhode Island National Guard Members
- Free Tuition for Dependents of Rhode Island National Guard Members Killed in the Line of Duty
- Hiring and Employment Benefits for Rhode Island Veterans
- Financial Assistance Programs in Rhode Island
- Veteran Housing Benefits
- VA and Medical Facilities in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Veterans Vehicle and Driver’s License Benefits
- Veteran Recreation Benefits
- Miscellaneous Benefits for Rhode Island Veterans
- Rhode Island Veterans Benefits Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does Rhode Island offer any property tax exemptions for veterans?
- Does Rhode Island offer veterans any tuition assistance for college?
- Are there income tax benefits for Rhode Island veterans?
- Do Rhode Island veterans receive preferential treatment when seeking employment?
- Does Rhode Island offer employment counseling and assistance to veterans?
- Are there housing options for Rhode Island veterans?
- Are there Rhode Island veteran benefits offering reduced recreational fees?
- MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE
- About the Author
Rhode Island Veteran Benefits
Some of the best Rhode Island veteran benefits include:
- An excellent tuition waiver program for disabled veterans
- An emphasis on ensuring all veterans have a home
- Employment and career services
- Financial assistance for military families in need
- Recreational discounts
Compare the different types of exemptions you may qualify for as a veteran, especially property tax exemptions.
We’ve built this guide to the best Rhode Island veteran benefits to help you find all the benefits you earned!
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.
We CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
Property Tax Exemptions
Rhode Island offers veterans eight different types of property tax exemptions! Unlike many other states, veteran property tax exemptions within Rhode Island are different in each county.
Exemptions often apply in the following categories:
- Active duty military
- Regular veteran exemption
- Surviving spouse exemption
- Permanent and total (P&T) disabled exemption – typically $10,000
- Partially disabled exemption
- Gold Star parent or spouse exemption
- POW exemption
- Specially adapted housing exemption – typically $15,000
You can look up your specific county and the exemptions for which you may qualify with the Rhode Island Department of Revenue.
Veterans can also apply exemptions toward a vehicle tax bill. This is an excellent benefit if you rent your home and don’t pay property tax.
Apply with your local county assessor by March 18th of the year you are applying for the property tax exemption.
Income Tax Exemptions
Rhode Island taxes both active duty pay and military retirement pay. The state taxes active duty military income for active duty service members regardless of where they’re stationed.
Rhode Island taxes military retirement pay at the state income tax range of 3.75 percent to 5.99 percent, depending on total income. As a veteran, you may qualify for exemptions up to $15,000 if you’re age 65 or older and are under the following income limits:
- $84,700 for single tax filers
- $105,850 for married tax filers who file jointly
Although the state taxes military retirement, Rhode Island veteran benefits include no taxation on:
- Military disability pay
- VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) pay
As a veteran, you can simply deduct your disability or DIC pay from your adjusted gross income for the state.
Education Benefits
Resident College Tuition Rates in Rhode Island
In-state tuition rates are available at Rhode Island College, University of Rhode Island, or Community College of Rhode Island for all active-duty military personnel stationed in Rhode Island, their spouses, and dependents.
All veterans are also eligible for resident tuition as soon as they establish residency in Rhode Island.
College Credit in Rhode Island for Military Training
The valuable training you gained during your military service enables you to save time and money on your college degree in Rhode Island! Here are the steps to requesting credit:
- Request military transcripts
You must request your transcripts based on your branch of service. The Joint Service Transcript (JST) contains all military training and experience for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. JSTs are sent electronically to colleges after you make a request.
Air Force transcripts are held by the Community College of the Air Force and should be mailed to:
University of Rhode Island
Office of Admission
Newman Hall
14 Upper College Road
Kingston, RI 02881
- Notify the University of Rhode Island system of your college admission
Once you’re admitted to a college or university in Rhode Island, contact Jeff Johnson at [email protected] to start the credit transfer process.
Expect four to eight credits to transfer for Basic Training, and possibly more based on the American Council of Education (ACE) recommendations.
Rhode Island Disabled American Veterans Tuition Waiver
When it comes to education, Rhode Island disabled veteran benefits offer excellent opportunities! Many states require higher VA disability ratings when assisting with college tuition.
However, Rhode Island offers free tuition to any Rhode Island public college or university for veterans with a disability rating of 10 percent or higher!
You qualify for this benefit if you’re a permanent resident of Rhode Island and use up any other available financial aid first.
Learn how to apply for a Disabled American Veterans Tuition Waiver here
Tuition Assistance and Exemption for Rhode Island National Guard Members
The Rhode Island Guard has two separate programs for members of the National Guard:
- The State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP)
- The State Exemption Program (STEP)
These programs are offered at the Community College of Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island, or Rhode Island College.
The STAP program allows members of the Rhode Island National Guard to take up to five tuition-free classes per fall and/or spring semester, not to exceed 12 credits per semester.
Tuition is 100 percent waived for these classes, with members responsible for the cost of fees and books. STAP can be used in conjunction with the Montgomery GI Bill.
This program is available to all Army and Air National Guard service members (enlisted and officers) who are pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master’s Degree or certification.
The Rhode Island National Guard State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP) covers one tuition-free course per summer semester, not to exceed two courses a year.
STEP can only be used based on seat availability. You must get a STEP certificate from the Education Office before registering for your class. STEP can also be used with the Montgomery GI Bill.
A member can get four tuition-paid classes per enlistment; you can get four more every year you extend your enlistment.
Learn how to take advantage of these education benefits with the Rhode Island National Guard
Free Tuition for Dependents of Rhode Island National Guard Members Killed in the Line of Duty
Rhode Island honors the ultimate sacrifice of its National Guard members by paying full tuition at a state school for spouses and children of members killed in the line of duty.
The state will pay tuition for up to four years. Children must enter college between the ages of 16 to 21.
Apply with the financial aid office at your Rhode Island state school of choice.
Hiring and Employment Benefits for Rhode Island Veterans
Many Rhode Island veteran benefits offer employment support, and many resources are available to help veterans and their families find jobs and advance their careers.
Rhode Island Veteran Employment Preference
Rhode Island recognizes those who have served by offering employment preference to veterans and their family members.
This includes National Guard and Reserve retirees with at least 20 years of service.
RI General Law 36-4-19 establishes a hiring preference for veterans applying for competitive state positions.
Veterans with honorable discharges receive five points added to their passing score on the civil service exam, indicating that they are qualified for the position.
Rhode Island veterans with any VA disability rating and wartime service receive 10 total points.
Network Rhode Island Veteran Career Centers
Network Rhode Island (netWORKri) operates career centers committed to helping all eligible veterans and their spouses obtain meaningful employment.
Priority of service is available to all veterans and includes training and placement services.
The career centers also employ local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists to assist you in your job search.
Find a location near you to take advantage of these Rhode Island veteran benefits
Rhode Island Unemployment Compensation for Veterans
Transitioning service members may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation through the Ex-Service Members program (UCX).
Filing eligibility begins for veterans after the discharge date on your DD214, and the state recommends you file the week of your discharge date.
You can apply by calling the Unemployment Insurance Center at (401) 415-6772.
Financial Assistance Programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund
Rhode Island veteran benefits include recognition for the sacrifices of military families by offering financial assistance during times of emergency.
This fund is intended to provide a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to military families in need (including families of service members injured or killed in the line of duty).
All service members with Rhode Island as their home of record, including National Guard and Reserve members, can apply for this grant.
To apply, you must have at least one year of military service and be in good standing with your unit. Applications are typically approved within one week, and creditors receive payments two to three weeks after approval.
Financial assistance is intended to help pay for costs to include:
- Rent or mortgage
- Utilities
- Medical costs
- Insurance or vehicle payments
Veteran Housing Benefits
Rhode Island Veterans Home
The Rhode Island Veterans Home is located in Bristol, RI. The home is a long-term care facility and provides high-quality nursing and residential care to respect veterans and honor their service and sacrifice.
The Rhode Island Veterans Home offers many services, including:
- X-ray
- Dental
- Pharmacy services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Social work services
- Alzheimer’s Care Unit
- Transitional supportive program for homeless veterans
- Transportation
Veterans must meet the following eligibility requirements to be admitted to the Veterans Home:
- Received an honorable discharge with at least 90 days of wartime service
- Be a resident of Rhode Island for two years before applying OR enter military service from Rhode Island
To learn more about the Veterans Home, call (401) 253-8000.
You can apply with the Office of Veterans Affairs
City Housing Projects for Veterans
Housing authorities throughout the state offer local housing options as part of Rhode Island veteran benefits.
If you’re a veteran in need of housing, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference. Options vary from city to city. Some towns require a 100 percent disability rating, while others have age minimums.
The following towns give preference to veterans:
- Cranston
- East Greenwich
- East Providence
- Johnston
- Woonsocket
Check with your local housing authority to see what options may be available to you.
VA and Medical Facilities in Rhode Island
| Location | Medical Facilities for Rhode Island Veteran Benefits |
| Middletown | Middletown Outpatient Clinic |
| Providence | Providence VA Medical Center Eagle Square VA Clinic |
| Warwick | Providence Vet Center |
| Hyannis | Hyannis VA Clinic Cape Cod Vet Center |
| New Bedford | New Bedford VA Clinic |
| Fairhaven | New Bedford Vet Center |
Rhode Island Veterans Vehicle and Driver’s License Benefits
Rhode Island Veteran Designation on Driver License or Identification (ID) Cards
Any honorably discharged veteran can request a veteran designation for free on the front of his or her Rhode Island driver’s license or ID card.
The word “veteran” printed on the lower right-hand corner of a license allows Rhode Island veterans to validate their honorable service with a government-issued ID card.
To apply for Rhode Island veteran benefits through the Division of Motor Vehicles, you must submit a Veteran Designation Form along with a DD214 in person at a DMV location.
Free Veteran License Plates
There are many types of veteran license plates available in Rhode Island, but the following plates are available at no additional cost if you meet these requirements:
- Veteran
- Disabled veteran – only available for veterans with a 100 percent VA disability rating
- Prisoner of War
- Purple Heart
- Gold Star
Apply for a veteran license plate at your local DMV location with this application
Free Vehicle Registration for Disabled Veterans
Rhode Island disabled veteran benefits include free vehicle registration and driver’s license fees.
Veterans must have an honorable discharge and also have:
- Received an injury during wartime service
- Lost the use of an extremity (OR be an amputee OR have received a grant from the VA for a specially adapted vehicle
- A 100 percent VA disability rating (OR be considered individually unemployable due to a service-connected disability)
Apply with your local DMV and proof of your disability status.
Veteran Recreation Benefits
Although Rhode Island is a small state, there are many recreational opportunities for service members and veterans!
All service members can purchase Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses at Rhode Island resident prices.
In addition, if a resident with a hunting license enters active duty, his or her license remains valid until six months after discharge.
Fishing Licenses
If you’re a service member home on leave from active duty, a blind veteran, or a veteran with a permanent and total (P&T) disability, you don’t need a license to fish.
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100 Percent Disabled Veterans
Rhode Island disabled veteran benefits include free hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with a 100 percent VA disability rating. If you’re over 65, you’ll receive a permanent license. Otherwise, you must reapply annually.
Ensure you provide the original document of the VA’s final disability decision.
Special Deer Season for Disabled Veterans
Rhode Island veteran benefits include a Special Deer Season for disabled hunters at the end of October each year. The hunt is limited to paraplegic and double amputee hunters only.
Each veteran must be accompanied by an assistant. The assistants themselves cannot hunt.
You can obtain your permit through the RI DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing Division at:
23 Promenade St
Providence, RI 02908.
Recreational Discounts for 100 Percent Disabled Veteran
Veterans with a 100 percent VA disability rating receive free entry into State Parks. This discount doesn’t apply to camping or facility fees.
Apply for a pass at the DEM Parks Headquarters
If you’re a fan of golf, 100 percent disabled, and a Rhode Island resident, you can play golf for free at the Goddard Park Golf Course. You can reserve a tee time by calling (401) 884-9834.
Miscellaneous Benefits for Rhode Island Veterans
Rhode Island Blue Bus Pass Program for Disabled Veterans
If you’re a Rhode Island disabled veteran with a 70 percent or higher VA disability rating, you have access to the state’s bus pass program.
Rhode Island veteran benefits offer two options for qualifying veterans based on income: a free bus pass or 50 percent off bus fares.
If your income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty level, you’re eligible for a free pass after you purchase an ID card. (Check the income limit table below to see if you qualify for a free pass).
The ID card costs $25 and is valid for five years.
Income Limit for No-Cost Rhode Island Bus Pass
| Persons in family | 200% Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $25,760 |
| 2 | $34,840 |
| 3 | $43,920 |
| 4 | $53,000 |
| 5 | $62,080 |
| 6 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $80,240 |
| 8 | $89,320 |
Apply at the Kennedy Plaza Ticket Sales and Information Window in Providence or call (401) 784-9500 (ext. 604). Bring your VA disability rating and proof of income with you.
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is a non-profit organization that helps homeless and at-risk veterans by providing legal services, employment and training, and housing to homeless and disabled veterans.
Learn more about OSDRI services online
Rhode Island Veterans Benefits Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Rhode Island offer any property tax exemptions for veterans?
Yes, Rhode Island offers eight types of standard property tax exemptions. Eligible veterans can reduce taxable home values up to $1,000 for standard exemptions. These exemptions increase for veterans with service-connected disabilities and are limited by individual counties.
To receive a property tax exemption that year, make sure to apply for it with your local county assessor by March 18th.
Does Rhode Island offer veterans any tuition assistance for college?
Yes, Rhode Island veteran benefits include full tuition waivers to Rhode Island public universities for all veterans with a disability rating of 10 percent or higher.
Veterans must be Rhode Island residents and have an honorable discharge to apply for the tuition waiver.
Rhode Island also offers tuition waivers for National Guard and Reserve members, with up to 11 classes waived per year.
Are there income tax benefits for Rhode Island veterans?
Active duty service members who are residents of Rhode Island are required to pay Rhode Island state income tax regardless of their duty location.
Veterans are also required to pay state income tax on their military retirement, but Rhode Island veteran benefits include a $15,000 exemption for veterans age 65 and older if they fall under income limits.
Do Rhode Island veterans receive preferential treatment when seeking employment?
Rhode Island veterans with an honorable discharge receive a 5-point employment preference on exams for state jobs as long as they initially receive a passing score on the exam. Veterans with a disability rating receive a 10-point employment preference on their exam.
Does Rhode Island offer employment counseling and assistance to veterans?
Yes, Rhode Island operates Network Rhode Island (netWORKri) Career Centers, which are designed to help veterans with career counseling, resume development, job search planning, interview skills, and more. The center offers veterans’ preference to veterans and eligible spouses.
Are there housing options for Rhode Island veterans?
Yes. The Rhode Island local housing authorities offer veterans preference for low-income and homeless veterans. Preference is usually given to elderly veterans and disabled veterans.
Are there Rhode Island veteran benefits offering reduced recreational fees?
Yes. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management offers free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with a disability rating of 100 percent or residents over age 65.
Active duty service members can purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates, regardless of residency status.
Resident disabled veterans with a rating of 100 percent or more are also eligible for free entry into Rhode Island State Parks and free golfing at Goddard Park Golf Course.
MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE
Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important that veterans pursue the monthly compensation payments due to them for disabilities connected to their 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.
About the Author
About VA Claims Insider
VA Claims Insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.
