The state of New Mexico provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
New Mexico Veterans Home
The New Mexico veterans home is located in Truth or Consequences. Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses are eligible for admission. You don't have to be a New Mexico resident, but residents get preference. There are fees.
New Mexico Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active-duty military pay is tax-free.
Up to $30,000 of military retirement pay is tax-free.
Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption
Any veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs can get a total waiver on their home's property tax. Certain discharges may disqualify the veteran for this program.
Standard Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Any veteran or their surviving spouse may be eligible for a deduction of up to $4,000 of the taxable value of property for property tax purposes.
Exemption from Excise Taxes on Vehicle Purchases
Any veteran who suffered the loss, or complete loss of use of, one or more limbs due to their service in the military is exempt from new vehicle excise taxes.
Reduced Vehicle Registration Fees
Every person who is entitled to a veteran exemption and who doesn't have sufficient real or personal property to claim the full property tax exemption may be eligible to pay motor vehicle registration fees at two-thirds the rates charged on vehicles the veteran owns.
New Mexico Veterans Preference for State Employment
All honorably discharged veterans or anyone currently serving in the National Guard gets five points added to their final passing score on hiring exams for state employment. Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability get 10 points.
New Mexico Veteran Education Benefits
Children of Deceased Veterans
Children ages of 16-26 whose veteran parent died in action or as a result of their wounds incurred in battle qualify for a full tuition waiver at any state-funded, post-secondary school. A $150 stipend, per semester, will be issued to help with books or fees.
Vietnam Veteran Scholarship
Veterans who have been residents of New Mexico for a minimum of 10 years, served in Vietnam, and were issued the Vietnam Campaign or Service Medal are eligible. The Vietnam Veteran Scholarship will pay full tuition and books at any state-funded, post-secondary school.
Wartime Veteran Scholarship Fund
For any veteran who served in combat since 1990 and who has exhausted all their GI Bill, the scholarship pays the full cost of tuition and books at any state school.
New Mexico Veteran Recreation Benefits
Veterans Day Recreation and Museum Privileges
Every Veterans Day, any honorably discharged New Mexico resident veteran or active-duty member -- along with their spouse and children -- gets into any state park for free. Admission fees are also waived for campsites, the Museum of New Mexico, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
State Park and Museum Admission for Disabled Veterans
Any veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled can get an annual free day-use pass and three free nights of camping for personal use only. They can also get a free state monument and museum pass for personal use only.
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Any veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled is eligible for a free lifetime New Mexico small-game hunting and fishing license.
Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Any New Mexico resident veteran with a service-connected disability can get a fishing and small game hunting license for $10.
Temporary Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active Duty
Active-duty, National Guard or reserve members who are New Mexico residents can get a temporary fishing or small game hunting license. Applicants must show proof of residency and not claim residency elsewhere. Applicants may also apply if they are on active duty outside the state but are currently on leave in New Mexico for not more than 30 days.
New Mexico State Veterans Cemetery
The state of New Mexico operates three state veterans cemeteries in Angel Fire, Fort Stanton and Gallup. They are open to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses.
Visit the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.
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