Tennessee offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Tennessee State Veterans Homes
Tennessee extends the opportunity for residency in four state veteran homes located in Clarksville, Humboldt, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro. Eligibility is open to Tennessee residents or natives, including spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents. Admission may incur a cost.
County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax
Former prisoners of war (POWs) or veterans classified as 100% permanently and totally disabled are not subject to the county motor vehicle privilege tax.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief
Certain 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses may receive property tax relief covering up to $175,000 of the property’s assessed value for veterans and up to $100,000 for surviving spouses.
Tennessee Veteran Employment Benefits
State Employment
Tennessee offers the following employment benefits:
- Veterans preference in state employment
- Credit for military service in state employment
- Reemployment rights for public employees
Commercial Driver License
Tennessee grants an exemption from the mandatory skills test for the initial issuance of a commercial driver’s license to veterans possessing a valid military commercial driver’s license.
Tennessee Veteran Dependent Education Benefits
This program fully covers college expenses at Tennessee state colleges for children of veterans who were killed in action or died due to injuries sustained in war. Eligible children must be under 23 years old.
Tennessee Veteran Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License
Disabled veterans, either 100% permanently disabled or with a 30% disability due to war service, are eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses. There is a one-time fee of $10.
Camping in State Parks
Between November 1 and March 31, resident veterans are eligible to camp at the discounted rate offered to Tennessee senior campers.
Free Day
State campgrounds and golf courses offer free camping and waive golf greens fees for veterans on Veterans Day.
Tennessee Veterans Cemeteries
Tennessee hosts five state veterans cemeteries, with two situated in Knoxville, and one each located in Memphis, Nashville, and Parkers Crossroads. Veteran interment is free of charge, with a nominal fee applicable for the interment of spouses and dependent children.
Eligibility typically extends to veterans with discharges classified as “other than dishonorable.”
