Kansas offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Kansas State Veterans Homes
Kansas operates two veterans homes, situated in Fort Dodge and Winfield. Eligible applicants must have received a discharge status other than dishonorable, and they must either be disabled, indigent, or willing to cover the cost of care. Accompanying spouses of veterans are welcome based on space availability. Additionally, out-of-state veterans may be considered for admission on a space-available basis.
Kansas Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Retirement pay from the military and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments are exempt from taxes.
Homestead Act
Disabled veterans who meet certain criteria can apply for a homestead refund, which covers a portion of their real estate taxes. To qualify, veterans must be residents of Kansas, have received an honorable discharge, and possess a service-connected permanent disability rating of at least 50%. Additionally, surviving spouses are eligible for this benefit until they choose to remarry.
Kansas State Veteran Employment Benefits
Any veteran who possesses a campaign medal, has a service-connected disability, retired with a rank of O-3 or below, or is the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran is eligible for veterans preference when applying for a state job.
Veterans preference ensures an interview and consideration for the position.
Kansas State Education Benefits
Tuition Payment for Survivors of Those Killed In The Line of Duty
Dependents of Kansas residents who are killed in the line of duty while on active duty or in the Kansas National Guard are eligible for free tuition at state universities, community colleges, or vocational technical colleges. Additionally, former Prisoners of War are provided with tuition assistance.
Kansas Military Service Scholarship
This scholarship covers tuition and fees at a public Kansas institution for residents of Kansas who have served for a minimum of 90 days in a hostile fire pay location after September 11, 2001, or have been awarded the Purple Heart and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
Since financial need is a priority in the awarding process, students must complete a FAFSA form. Additionally, once a student achieves graduate status at their school, they become ineligible for this scholarship.
Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Program
This program covers tuition costs at state colleges, providing funding for up to 15 credit hours per term. Students must uphold a minimum GPA of 2.0, not hold a bachelor’s degree, and must not be an active drilling member of the Guard.
Kansas Veteran Recreation Benefits
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Kansas resident veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher and members of the National Guard are eligible to receive complimentary hunting and fishing licenses.
Hunting Licenses for Active Duty Members
Active duty military personnel stationed in Kansas have the privilege of purchasing all annual state licenses, permits, and stamps at the resident rate. Additionally, military permits for elk draw are specifically provided for active duty military personnel stationed at Fort Riley.
Discounted State Park Admission
Members of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, as well as disabled veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher, are eligible for reduced admission to state parks.
Kansas State Veterans Cemeteries
Kansas hosts four state veterans’ cemeteries located in Ft. Dodge, Ft. Riley, Wakeeney, and Winfield. Eligibility for burial includes veterans with an “other-than-dishonorable” discharge, guard and reservists with a minimum of 20 years of qualifying service, and individuals who pass away while on active duty.
Dependents are also entitled to burial. There are no fees for veterans or their dependents, and residency in Kansas is not a requirement.
