The state of Arkansas provides several veteran benefits. This page explains some of them.
Arkansas Veterans Homes
The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs operates two state Veterans Homes located in Fayetteville and North Little Rock. With 24-hour nursing service and a staff physician, medical needs are fully met.
Criteria for admission:
- No criminal record.
- Honorable discharge.
- Arkansas residents have first priority.
- Veterans' spouses and Gold Star parents may apply for admission.
- Have a medical need for nursing home placement.
Arkansas Veteran Financial Benefits
Personal Property Tax Exemption
Veterans who have been awarded special monthly compensation by the VA for the loss of, or the loss of use of, one or more limbs; total blindness in one or both eyes; or 100% service-connected total and permanent disability may be exempt from payment of all state taxes on their homestead and personal property. Un-remarried surviving spouses and dependent minor children may also get this benefit.
Surviving spouses are also eligible if the veteran was killed or died in service, is missing in action, or died from service-connected causes.
Income Tax
Active-duty pay is tax-free.
Retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free.
Arkansas Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge or Reserve/Guard members with at least six years of service will get a 5-point preference on state hiring exams.
Disabled veterans and their spouses will get a 10-point preference.
Arkansas Education Benefits
Free Tuition for Dependents
The Military Dependents Scholarship provides a waiver of tuition, fees, room and board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war or who are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service.
Arkansas Veteran Recreation Benefits
Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Military retirees over age 60 and 100% disabled veterans who are Arkansas residents can get a discounted hunting, fishing or combination license. All special stamps and endorsements must still be purchased.
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Active-duty members stationed in Arkansas can get licenses at the resident rate. All special stamps and endorsements must still be purchased.
Arkansas State Parks
Camping is half price in most Arkansas State Parks for 100% permanently disabled Arkansas resident veterans.
Arkansas State Veteran Cemeteries
There are two Arkansas State Veterans Cemeteries, one in North Little Rock and one in Birdeye.
Veterans who have an other-than-dishonorable discharge are eligible for interment, along with certain others. Spouses and dependent children are also eligible. There is no cost for the veteran and an $807 cost for the spouse or dependent.
Visit the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
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