The state of Kansas provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Kansas State Veterans Homes
Kansas runs two veterans homes, in Fort Dodge and Winfield. Applicants must have received an "other than dishonorable" discharge and be either disabled, indigent, or willing to pay for care. Spouses may accompany veterans on a space-available basis. Out-of-state veterans may be admitted on a space-available basis.
Kansas Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Military retirement pay and SBP payments are tax-free.
Military pay follows federal tax rules, but recruitment and retention bonuses, money received from the services to repay student loans, and death benefits may be subtracted from the adjusted gross income.
Homestead Act
Disabled veterans can claim a homestead refund for a portion of their real estate taxes. Veterans must be Kansas residents, honorably discharged, and have at least a 50% service-connected permanent disability.
Surviving spouses are also eligible until they remarry.
Kansas State Veteran Employment Benefits
Any veteran with a campaign medal, a service-connected disability, retired as an O-3 or below, or the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran can get veterans preference for a state job.
Veterans preference guarantees an interview and to consideration for the position.
Kansas State Education Benefits
Tuition Payment for Survivors of Those Killed In The Line of Duty
The tuition at state universities, community colleges, or vocational technical colleges is free for dependents of Kansas residents who are killed in the line of duty while on active duty or in the Kansas National Guard. Tuition assistance is also provided for former Prisoners of War.
Kansas Military Service Scholarship
Covers tuition and fees at a public Kansas institution for students who are a resident of Kansas and has served at least 90 days in a hostile fire pay location after Sep. 11, 2001 or been awarded the Purple Heart and received an other than dishonorable discharge.
Because financial need is a priority in awarding this scholarship, students will need to file a FAFSA form. Once your school considers you as a graduate status student, you are not eligible for this scholarship.
Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Program
Pays tuition at state colleges, will pay up to 15 hours per term, student must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, cannot already have a bachelors degree and be a drilling Guard member.
Kansas Veteran Recreation Benefits
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
National Guard Members and 30% or greater disabled Kansas resident veterans can get free hunting and fishing licenses.
Hunting Licenses for Active Duty Members
Active duty military personnel stationed in Kansas can purchase all annual state licenses, permits and stamps at the resident rate. Military permits for elk draw are available for active duty military personnel stationed at Fort Riley.
Discounted State Park Admission
Kansas Army and Air National Guard and 30% or greater disabled veterans get discounted admission to state parks.
Kansas State Veterans Cemeteries
Kansas has 4 state veterans' cemeteries in Ft. Dodge, Ft. Riley, Wakeeney, and Winfield. Veterans who received an "other-than-dishonorable" discharge, guard and reservists with at least 20 years of qualifying service, or those who die on active duty are eligible for burial.
Dependents are also eligible for burial. There is no fee for veterans or their dependents, and there is no Kansas residency requirement.
Visit the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
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