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There are many veterans benefits in Connecticut, including exemptions provided by the state to current and former members of the U.S. military. Over 189,000 veterans live in Connecticut, with veterans making up 5% of the population.
Connecticut offers excellent income tax exemptions and decent property tax exemptions. Military retirement pay is not taxed in Connecticut, making it an attractive option for retired veterans. Employment assistance programs, educational support, financial assistance, and recreational benefits also honor those who have served our nation.
Your Ultimate Guide to Veterans Benefits in Connecticut
An exceptional resource for veterans is the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers many veterans benefits in Connecticut.
We’ve put together this guide to the best CT veterans benefits to help you find all the benefits you’ve earned!
Table of Contents
Property Tax Exemptions
Connecticut offers property tax exemptions among the state’s many veteran benefits. It’s important to note that each local municipality administers property taxes differently. We cover the baseline across the state here, but some municipalities offer more benefits, so be sure to check with your local assessor.
Basic Property Tax Exemption for Wartime Veterans
Veterans with 90 days of wartime service are eligible for a $1,500 exemption on either real estate or the purchase of a vehicle, reducing the assessed value for tax purposes. Surviving spouses of veterans may also apply for this benefit.
Connecticut Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption up to $10,000
Disabled veterans benefits in Connecticut include the following property tax exemptions to those with a service-connected disability:
| Disability Rating | Property Tax Exemption |
| 10%-25% | $2,000 |
| 25%-50% | $2,500 |
| 51%-75% | $3,000 |
| 76% and above or age 65 and older | $3,500 |
| Severely disabled veterans | Up to $10,000 |
Paraplegic veterans, amputees, or blind veterans qualify as severely disabled veterans.
Unremarried surviving spouses receiving compensation from the government may receive an exemption up to $1,000, while those whose spouses died as a result of service or during service may receive an exemption up to $3,000.
Some municipalities double the standard exemptions we’ve listed above. Check your local area and apply for all property tax exemptions with your local county assessor.
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Vehicle Tax Exemptions for Nonresident Service Members in Connecticut
One of the excellent veterans benefits in Connecticut is the discounted vehicle sales tax rate for service members stationed in Connecticut. If you buy a car in Connecticut, you’ll only be required to pay a reduced 4.5% vehicle sales tax instead of the standard 6.35%. Complete form CERT-135 to request the exemption when you purchase the vehicle.
Income Tax Exemptions
Connecticut’s state income tax ranges from 3 percent to 6.99 percent, and the good news is that Connecticut exempts both military pay and retirement pay from taxation.
Military pay is exempt for service members stationed outside of Connecticut with no permanent residence in the state—as long as they spend less than 30 days in-state during the taxable year.
To claim a tax exemption for military service or military retirement pay, service members and veterans in Connecticut must still file an annual state income tax return.
Education Benefits
Educational benefits are excellent for Connecticut veterans and their families, augmenting the federal education support available to all US veterans.
There are many military-friendly colleges in Connecticut. According to the VA, 107 Connecticut schools received Post 9/11 GI Bill funds in 2017 for over 4,250 students totaling over $34 million!
College Tuition Waivers for Veterans and Qualifying Family Members
Many colleges in Connecticut offer full or partial tuition waivers for veterans and their qualifying dependents. The tuition waiver only applies to tuition, and not books, fees, or room and board.
Connecticut State universities and the 12 community colleges in Connecticut offer 100 percent tuition waivers during the regular school year. The state universities also offer 50 percent waivers during summer courses. Charter Oak State College also offers a 50 percent tuition waiver.
To qualify, you must live in Connecticut, be accepted to an eligible school, and must meet one of the following requirements:
- A veteran with at least 90 days of active duty service and an honorable discharge
- An active member of the Connecticut National Guard
- The child or spouse of a military member killed in the line of duty after September 11, 2001
- The child of a service member declared MIA/POW after January 1, 1960
Apply for the tuition waiver with each school’s veteran services department.
Resident College Tuition Rates in Connecticut
In-state tuition rates are among the excellent Connecticut veteran benefits for education. Resident tuition rates are available at any Connecticut public college or university undergraduate program for active-duty military personnel stationed in Connecticut, as well as their spouses and dependents. Additionally, veterans or their dependents using GI Bill benefits to attend a public college in Connecticut are also eligible for in-state tuition rates.
College Credit in Connecticut for Military Training
All universities and local community colleges in Connecticut use the recommendations made by the American Council on Education to award academic credit toward a degree for education and training received in the military. Typically at least nine credits are available, depending on your experience and training.
To claim college credit for military training, request a transcript from your military service branch. Army, Navy, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard members should request a Joint Services Transcript. Air Force members should request a Community College of the Air Force transcript. Both methods let service members order online copies of their transcripts. Each service branch will provide official copies to schools at no charge.
Hiring and Employment Benefits
Several veterans benefits in Connecticut offer support with employment, and many resources are available to help veterans and their families find jobs and advance their careers.
Connecticut Veterans Preference
Connecticut recognizes those who have served by offering employment preference to veterans applying for federal, state, county, and local government jobs in Connecticut.
All wartime veterans with an honorable discharge receive five points added to a civil service exam, as long as they’re qualified for the position. Connecticut disabled veteran benefits are even better: Disabled veterans with a VA disability rating receive 10 points added to their exam scores. Spouses of eligible veterans are also eligible for additional points.
Connecticut Department of Labor Veteran Services
Connecticut’s five American Job Centers (AJCs) locations are staffed by Local Veteran Employment Representatives trained to help veterans like you obtain meaningful employment. Services include help with your job search, job fairs, and matching you with job training programs and other education and training opportunities.
Find a location near you with a veterans specialist here.
Financial Assistance Programs
Connecticut National Guard Bonus
The Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus Program is one of the main programs that demonstrates Connecticut’s commitment to National Guard members! The program is designed to reward members of the Connecticut National Guard who served in the Global War on Terrorism.
The Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus pays up to $1,200 to National Guard members. The bonus is calculated by adding up time served on active duty. National Guard members earn $50 for each month served on active duty (up to $500 for non-combat service, and $1,200 for service in a combat zone). You have three years from your participation in the military operation to claim the bonus.
To be eligible for the Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus, National Guard members must:
- be a current or former member of the Connecticut National Guard
- have at least 90 days of consecutive service or more
- have been mobilized to support a military operation
To apply, fill out the bonus application and mail to:
Connecticut Military Department
Wartime Service Bonus
360 Broad Street Room #113
Hartford, Connecticut, 06105-3706
Connecticut Military Family Relief Fund
Connecticut’s Military Family Relief Fund provides temporary assistance of up to $5,000 to help Active Duty members, National Guard members, or Reserve members and their families cover rent or mortgage payments and other essential goods and services.
To be eligible, members must be experiencing financial hardship while actively serving in the Armed Forces or in the National Guard or Reserves. Members must also be Connecticut residents. Financial hardships must have been caused by the service member’s military obligation, and must include:
- Loss of income due to deployment or injury to the applicant
- Late or insufficient pay for the eligible service member to cover necessary household expenses
- Injuries to a family member resulting in loss of income or increased expenses
- Household fire or other damage to property resulting in immediate need for assistance
To apply, fill out the relief fund application and mail to:
Connecticut Military Department
Military Relief Fund
360 Broad Street Room #113
Hartford, Connecticut, 06105-3706
Housing Benefits
Veterans Homes in Connecticut
Connecticut veteran benefits include two options for veteran care within the state. The Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center is designed for veterans with chronic, disabling conditions requiring full-time care. The Connecticut Veteran Residential Facility, located in Rocky Hill, is an option for veterans in need of temporary supportive housing to help veterans return to independent living. Care includes a special care unit for patients with dementia, physical therapy, rehabilitative services, respite care, and hospice care.
The homes provide quality care to veterans in both skilled nursing and rehabilitative environments. Veterans must have an honorable discharge to be eligible. They also must have Connecticut residency or have entered service from Connecticut.
To learn more about each home and how to apply, visit the respective homes’ website:
Health Care
List of VA Locations in Connecticut
| Location | Medical Facilities for Connecticut Veteran Benefits |
| Danbury: | Danbury Outpatient Clinic |
| Danbury: | Danbury Vet Center |
| New London: | John J. McGuirk (New London) VA Outpatient Clinic |
| Newington: | VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Newington Campus |
| Norwich: | Norwich Vet Center |
| Orange: | New Haven Vet Center |
| Rocky Hill: | Hartford Vet Center |
| Stamford: | Stamford Outpatient Clinic |
| Waterbury: | Waterbury Outpatient Clinic |
| West Haven: | VA Connecticut Healthcare System |
| West Haven: | VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven Campus |
| Willimantic: | Willimantic Outpatient Clinic |
| Winsted: | Winsted Outpatient Clinic |
Vehicle and Driver’s License Benefits
Connecticut Veteran Designation on Driver License or Identification (ID) Cards
Any honorably discharged veteran can request a “veteran” designation on the front of a Connecticut driver’s license or ID card. The veteran flag identifier printed on the license allows Connecticut veterans to validate their honorable service with a government-issued ID card.
Veterans who apply within two years of discharge are also exempt from paying the licensing and exam fees for one licensing period by applying with Form B-88 at a local DMV.
License Plates
Connecticut offers 19 unique military-themed license plates to honor your service. These plates all require plate and admin fees unless you’re applying for an Ex-POW or Medal of Honor plate, which are both no-fee. Contact the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs at 866-928-8367 to apply for a no-fee license plate.
Registration Waiver for Military Members and Veterans
Connecticut waives license and registration fees for new and renewal fees, temporary plate fees, safety plate fees, and clean air act fees. Eligibility is based on residency. As an active duty member or veteran, you’re eligible if you entered service from Connecticut or became a Connecticut resident within two years of your date of separation. National Guard and Reserve members are eligible while on active duty orders.
Apply for a fee waiver using Form B-276.
Recreation
Connecticut offers discounted hunting and fishing for certain disabled veterans and in-state rates for non-resident service members.
Hunting and Fishing License Discounts
Licenses for Connecticut Disabled Veterans
Connecticut disabled veterans who have lost a limb or use of a limb are eligible for a free hunting and fishing license. This also applies to amputee veterans who are residents of Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, which offer a reciprocal fishing license.
You can obtain the free license through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Licenses for Service Members
Active-duty military members who are nonresidents of Connecticut stationed in Connecticut can purchase all licenses at resident prices.
Free Connecticut State Park Passes for Military and Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans with any disability status who are residents of Connecticut receive a free state park pass.
To apply, visit a Parks Division location or mail a copy of your CT drivers license and your VA proof of service-connected disability to:
DEEP Disabled Veteran Pass
State Parks Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there special property tax exemptions for Connecticut veterans?
Yes! Connecticut veterans with 90 days of wartime service receive a property tax exemption of $1,500. Connecticut disabled veterans receive a property exemption of up to $10,000 and can be doubled based on each local municipality’s governance. Unremarried surviving spouses of service members may also apply for this benefit and receive an exemption up to $3,000.
Are there income tax veterans benefits in Connecticut?
Yes. Both active duty service members stationed outside of Connecticut and military retirees are exempt from paying Connecticut state income tax on their active duty or military retirement pay.
Does Connecticut award college credit for military training?
Yes! Connecticut uses the American Council on Education’s recommendations to translate military training and experience into college credit.
Do veterans benefits in Connecticut include any tuition assistance?
Yes, Connecticut offers significant tuition assistance programs to veterans. Connecticut offers full tuition for veterans with at least 90 days of active service and an honorable discharge to public colleges and universities during the school year.
Members of the Connecticut National Guard are also eligible, as well as children of veterans who died in service of our country and children of MIA/POW veterans. The tuition waiver does not cover the cost of fees, books, and room and board. Connecticut public universities also offer 50 percent tuition waivers during summer classes.
Do veterans benefits in Connecticut include preferential treatment when seeking employment?
Yes! Connecticut wartime veterans with an honorable discharge receive 5 points added to their passing Connecticut civil service exam score for Connecticut jobs. Disabled veterans receive a 10-point addition. Surviving spouses also receive employment preference.
Does Connecticut offer employment counseling and assistance to veterans seeking employment?
Yes! Connecticut operates American Job Centers centers throughout the state staffed with Local Veterans Employment Representatives to help veterans prepare for civilian employment.
Does Connecticut offer any special financial assistance to veterans and their families?
The Connecticut Military Family Relief fund program helps veterans cover basic living expenses of up to $5,000. The program is designed to help families with financial hardships caused by military service obligations. The Connecticut National Guard Bonus also rewards National Guard members with up to $1,200 for mobilization during the Global War of Terrorism.
Are there Connecticut disabled veterans benefits for recreation?
Yes, Connecticut disabled veteran benefits include reduced fees for hunting and fishing licenses and at state parks for some disabled veterans. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers free hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans who have lost a limb or the use of a limb. All disabled service members are also eligible for free annual Connecticut state park passes.
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 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 unsure how to get started – reach out to us! You served … you deserve.
Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. 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.
