Alaska offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Alaska Veteran Housing Benefits
Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home
The Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home, located in Palmer, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older Alaskans by providing assisted living within a nurturing home environment. Our goal is to promote independence, foster positive relationships, engage in meaningful activities, and support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Seventy-five percent of the 79 beds in our facility are specifically designated for veterans. Eligible veterans may receive a per diem from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist with the costs of their care.
Admission to the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home is open to honorably separated veterans aged 65 or older who require assisted living care. Veterans must have been residents of Alaska for at least one year prior to their application.
Veterans Land Discount/Purchase Preference
Under the Veterans Land Sale Preference program, qualified veterans are given priority to purchase unoccupied residential land at fair appraised market value before it is offered to the general public.
Additionally, the Veterans Land Discount program offers eligible veterans a 20% discount on the purchase price of state residential/recreational land. This discount can be utilized once during the veteran’s lifetime.
Veterans Housing and Residential Loans
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) administers the Veterans Mortgage Program, providing financing options with low interest rates for qualified veterans, including those on active duty. These loans typically require little to no down payment and offer reduced interest rates. Qualified veterans may also receive a 1% interest rate reduction on the first $50,000 of the loan amount. Income limits apply.
Alaska State Tax Benefits
Property Tax Exemptions
Veterans with a VA or military disability rating of 50% or higher are relieved from taxes on the initial $150,000 of assessed value of their residence. In the event of the veteran’s passing, if the surviving spouse is at least 60 years old, they inherit this exemption.
Alaska Veteran Employment Benefits
Military Credit for State Retirement
Alaska state employees have the option to purchase up to five years of military service time, potentially boosting their state retirement benefits.
State Employment Preference for Veterans & National Guard Members
A veteran or National Guard member meeting all other qualifications may receive a 5% point preference when applying for a state government position. However, a disabled veteran or former prisoner of war (POW) is entitled to a 10% point preference.
Job Finding Assistance
The Alaska Department of Labor extends priority service and benefits to veterans, as well as eligible spouses or caregivers, who are seeking employment, apprenticeship opportunities, and, in certain instances, paid on-the-job training programs.
Waiver of Commercial Driving Skills Test
The Division of Motor Vehicles may waive the commercial motor vehicle driving test for certain drivers with recent military commercial motor vehicle experience.
Alaska Veteran Education Benefits
Free Tuition for Surviving Spouse or Dependent
The University of Alaska grants a waiver of undergraduate tuition and fees to the surviving spouse or dependent of a military member who died in the line of duty or was recognized by the U.S. Defense Department as a prisoner of war. Residency is a prerequisite for eligibility.
Alaska Veteran Recreation Benefits
Alaska Railroad Discount
Active-duty troops, military retirees, and their dependents are eligible for a 20% discount when traveling with the Alaska Railroad. Proof of status, such as valid identification, must be presented during boarding.
Alaska Marine Highway System
Veterans with a service-connected disability can obtain a reduced-fare pass for travel on Alaska Marine Highway System vessels. This pass allows the veteran and one attendant to travel at half the regular price. However, the reduced fare does not apply to vehicle or stateroom fees. The pass remains valid for year-round travel between Alaskan ports.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active Duty
Active-duty members stationed in Alaska, along with their dependents, are eligible for hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
National Guard and reserve members are entitled to free hunting and fishing licenses.
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License
Alaska resident veterans with a minimum 50% disability and an honorable discharge are eligible for complimentary hunting and sport fishing licenses for disabled veterans. Applicants must have resided in Alaska continuously for 12 months prior to applying.
State Camping Pass for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans are entitled to receive one complimentary Alaska State Park Camping Pass, which is valid for two years. This pass grants access to all developed Alaska State Park campgrounds.
Death Gratuity
- Upon application, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will provide a death gratuity of $750 to the surviving spouse or personal representative of a qualified veteran who was a resident of the state at the time of death. The veteran must have received an honorable discharge and met one of the following criteria:
- Been an Alaska resident upon joining the service; or
- Resided in Alaska for at least one year immediately preceding their death; or
- Served in the Alaska Territorial Guard, the Alaska Army National Guard, the Alaska Air National Guard, or the Alaska Naval Militia, or served in a reserve unit of the United States armed forces in Alaska, provided that the reserve unit required a minimum of one weekend of duty each month and 15 consecutive days of active-duty training each year for a minimum of three years.
