Arkansas Veteran Benefits Ultimate Guide

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Arkansas veteran benefits unique to this state offer many additional perks and exemptions to the federal benefits available to all eligible US military veterans and their families.

More than 222,000 veterans make their home in “The Natural State” (nearly 10% of the state’s population), and we want to make sure you know what Arkansas veteran benefits and Arkansas disabled veteran benefits you have at your disposal.

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The Best Arkansas Veteran Benefits

Arkansas veteran benefits specifically include:

• Property tax exemptions
• Education and training programs
• Recreational licenses and discounts
• Help with employment

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

The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) administers many of the state’s veterans programs and benefits. This is a great place to learn about your state and national benefits or get help with claims and applications. 

Read on for the ultimate guide to Arkansas veteran and Arkansas disabled veteran benefits!

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Are There Special Tax Exemptions For Arkansas Disabled Veterans?

Yes! Arkansas disabled veteran benefits include tax breaks for disabled veterans and their families.

Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption

Arkansas disabled veterans who have been awarded special monthly compensation (SMC) by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the loss of (or the loss of use of) one or more limbs, total blindness in one or both eyes, or a service-connected 100% total and permanent disability, are exempt from payment of all state taxes on the homestead and personal property owned by the disabled veteran. 

Surviving un-remarried spouses (if a subsequent marriage is terminated, the surviving spouse may be reinstated) and dependent children (as long as they’re minors) retain this entitlement.

Entitlement is also available if the veteran was killed or died within the scope of his military duties, is missing in action, or died from service-connected causes as certified by the VA. 

In all cases, annual recertification of continued entitlement by the VA is required (AR Code 26-3-306 et. seq.).

Tax Exemption for Auto Sale Proceeds

Gross receipts or proceeds derived from the sale of a new automobile to a veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury are tax-exempt. Registration will require an entitlement letter from the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two years. 

This exemption defines an automobile as a passenger vehicle or pickup truck but does not include trucks with a maximum gross load in excess of 3/4 ton and does not include any trailer.

Gross receipts or gross proceeds derived from the sale of motor vehicles and adaptive equipment to disabled veterans who have purchased these with the financial assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs are also exempt.

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Arkansas Military Retirement Pay Is Exempt From State Taxes

Act 141 of Arkansas’ 91st General Assembly exempted military retired pay from Arkansas state income taxes effective January 1, 2018. 

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Veterans Education Benefits

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

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Regardless of residence, all state-supported higher education institutions, trade schools, and vocational schools must classify a student as in-state, in-county, in-district, or resident for the purpose of tuition and fees if the student is:

• A veteran who was discharged or released from active duty in the military, naval, or air service within a period of not less than 90 days up to three years before the date of enrollment 
• A dependent of a veteran meeting the above qualification
• A member of the U.S. Armed Forces
• A spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces 

This is applicable to all programs of study, including distance learning programs.

Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS)

The MIA/KIA Dependents Scholarship Program, created by Act 188 of 1973, was amended by Act 2127 of 2005 and subsequent legislation to include the dependents of disabled veterans. 

The MDS program provides financial aid for undergraduate students who qualify as a spouse or dependent child of an Arkansas resident who:

• Has been declared to be missing in action, killed in action, a prisoner of war, or killed on ordnance delivery, or 
• Is a veteran certified to have been 100% permanently disabled during or as a result of active military service. 

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education uses the “dependent child” criteria defined by the U. S. Department of Education.

Students may be seeking a bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion at any public college, university, or technical school in Arkansas.

Students may seek a bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion at any public college, university, or technical school in Arkansas.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Be a bona fide Arkansas resident
• Be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien
• Be the biological, legally adopted child, or spouse of an eligible Arkansas veteran
• Be enrolled or be accepted for admission to an approved Arkansas public institution
• Provide required documentation as determined by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in order to determine eligibility

The MDS program will cover the unpaid portion of the cost (if any) of tuition, mandatory fees, and room and meal plan (when provided in on-campus facilities) after three months of Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) or Chapter 35 benefits have been deducted from the total costs. No benefits will be paid if there is no positive balance after the deduction of DEA benefits.

The MDS program cannot be used to cover the cost of books, auto permits, damages to dorm rooms, or utility bills. The institution will be reimbursed for covered charges after full-time (12 or more credit hours) enrollment verification each semester.

Eligibility is limited to eight semesters or the achievement of a degree, whichever occurs first. A spouse is no longer eligible if he or she remarries.

Continuing eligibility requirements:

• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours per academic year

The application deadline is July 1 to apply and submit the required documentation.

For complete information regarding the Military Dependents Scholarship Program (MDS), please see the MDS Rules and Regulations or call (501) 371-2000.

High School Diplomas for Arkansas Veterans

Arkansas VA benefits include high school diplomas can be obtained for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans who were called up for active-duty service before finishing high school.

Qualifying veterans should contact their school superintendent or the Arkansas Department of Education.

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Arkansas Veteran Employment Benefits

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services provides employment counseling and referral services tailored to veterans’ special needs. It also maintains an ongoing job development program designed to create jobs and preferences for all veterans through the Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP).

DVOP specialists provide intensive services to meet the employment needs of disabled veterans and other eligible veterans, with emphasis on serving those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, including homeless veterans and veterans with barriers to employment. 

LVER representatives reach out to employers and advocate to increase employment opportunities for veterans, encourage the hiring of disabled veterans, and generally assist veterans in gaining and retaining employment.

LVER staff conducts seminars for employers and job search workshops for veterans and facilitates priority of service regarding employment, training, and placement services for veterans.

If you have questions regarding employment services for Arkansas veterans, contact your nearest Arkansas Workforce Center and identify yourself as a veteran. For more information about employment assistance available to Arkansas veterans and disabled veterans, visit the Arkansas Workforce Services’ Websites for Veterans.   

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Veteran License Plates

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Office of Motor Vehicles provides (upon receipt of proper certification letters) a number of special privileges and benefits for Arkansas veterans, including special license plates.  

Most of these plates require a DD214, a letter from the VA regional office in Little Rock, or a statement of benefits letter. The VA usually mails statement of benefits letters from January through February.

If you cannot locate your DD214 or statement of benefits letter, your county veteran service officer or district veteran service officer can assist you in obtaining a regional office letter.

Specialty license plates available to Arkansas veterans, Arkansas disabled veterans, and qualifying family members include:

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Parks and Recreation, Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Arkansas veterans looking to take advantage of the state’s plentiful outdoor recreational resources may be eligible for reduced license costs and recreational fees.  

Arkansas State Parks

The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism allows Arkansas resident veterans with a 100% disability to camp for half price in Arkansas state parks. Proof of 100% status is required. 

Proof can include documents such as a copy of the awards letter (dated within the last two years) from the Arkansas VA regional Office or an Arkansas license plate with the letters DV.

The discount offered to seniors and disabled citizens does not apply to winter rates or Rent-a-Camp options.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

​Arkansas veteran benefits include discounted hunting and fishing licenses. In 2019, the Arkansas General Assembly honored Arkansas veterans, Arkansas disabled veterans, and Arkansas retired veterans with discounted lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.

Proof of 60 days of Arkansas residency is required. The licenses are available from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Little Rock office and by mail (address below).

For details, call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Resident Fisheries Conservation License

Totally and permanently disabled veterans are entitled to the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation license. A Resident Trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or fish in certain waters.

Holders of this license, along with another licensed individual to assist, may fish at family fishing locations. Veterans must be certified by the VA as having 100% permanent and total disability

Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Hunting License

Veterans with 100% permanent and total disability are entitled to the Resident Sportsman’s license. Annual Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds.

State and federal waterfowl stamps are also required to hunt waterfowl. Veterans must be certified by the VA as having 100% permanent and total disability.

Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License

Veterans with 100% permanent and total disability are entitled to the combined Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds.

State and federal waterfowl stamps are also required to hunt waterfowl. A trout permit must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Veterans must be certified by the VA as having 100% permanent and total disability.

Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License

Military retirees are entitled to the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation license. To retain trout or fish in certain waters, a resident trout permit must also be purchased. Military retirees must be 60 years of age or older and provide proof of military retirement (military ID card).

Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Hunting License

Military retirees are entitled to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s license. Annual Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds.

State and federal waterfowl stamps are also required to hunt waterfowl. Military retirees must be 60 years of age or older and provide proof of military retirement (military ID card).

Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Combination License

Military retirees are entitled to the privileges of the combined Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds.

State and federal waterfowl stamps are also required to hunt waterfowl. A trout permit must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Military retirees must be 60 years of age or older and provide proof of military retirement (military ID card).

This license is available from all AGFC Regional Offices and by mail. For details, call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6300 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, Ark. 72205

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Arkansas Veterans Homes

Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville

The Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville welcomed its first resident in June 2006. Operated under the direction of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), this licensed Medicaid/Medicare 90-bed skilled nursing care and rehabilitation facility provides a comfortable and supportive atmosphere for veterans and has been approved and recognized by the VA as a qualified State Veterans Home.

A benefit of being an Arkansas State Veterans Home resident is 24-7 registered nurse coverage.

All veterans admitted to the Veterans Home in Fayetteville will have their name, branch of service, and years served engraved on a plaque placed on the facility’s Veterans Wall on the facility grounds. 

Honorable discharge is a criterion for admission, as is the medical need for nursing home placement. Arkansas residents have first priority.

Veterans, veteran’s spouses, and Gold Star parents may apply for admission.

Services and features include:

• Hospice care
• Medical director onsite
• Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants offer skilled care around the clock
• Physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist
• Daily activities coordinated by a certified activities director
• A licensed clinical social worker
• Onsite beautician/barber shop
• Transportation available
• Personal laundry 
• Cable TV 
• Designated smoking area under staff guidance

Veterans service groups may request the use of the meeting room or outdoor patio for special events. The home’s administrator determines whether these areas are used.

You can fill out an application online or download and print a PDF file to fill out a hard copy. Fax, email, or mail your completed application and identification cards to:

Arkansas State Veterans Home at North Little Rock

The Arkansas State Veterans Home at North Little Rock (ASVH-NLR) is the first veterans home in Arkansas to be developed entirely for the sole purpose of providing long-term care for veterans.

The ASVH-NLR is a “small home” design with eight individual homes that serve 12 residents each. Each resident has a private room and private bathroom. Fewer than 1% of long-term care facilities nationwide are built and operated this way.

The “small home” concept seeks to deinstitutionalize care and provide a warm, home-like environment in a setting that encourages social activity.  

Honorable discharge is a criterion for admission, as is the medical need for nursing home placement.

Arkansas residents have first priority. Veterans, veteran’s spouses, and Gold Star parents may apply for admission.

To apply:

• Download, print, and fill out an inquiry to request an application packet. 
• Submit an application for admission, including basic medical and financial information and a release of medical information form.
• A registered nurse might conduct a one-on-one interview with the applicant.
• The admissions committee reviews the application, medical history, and nurse interview.

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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 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 you can increase your VA disability 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 and schedule your FREE VA Claims Insider Discovery Call!

This is a short but powerful call that will get you pointed in the direction of a winning VA claim.

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