Arkansas offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Arkansas Veterans Homes
The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs oversees two state Veterans Homes situated in Fayetteville and North Little Rock, both equipped with 24-hour nursing service and a staff physician to ensure comprehensive medical care.
Admission criteria include:
- No criminal record.
- Honorable discharge.
- Arkansas residency, given first priority.
- Eligibility extends to veterans’ spouses and Gold Star parents.
- Demonstrated medical need necessitating nursing home placement.
Arkansas Veteran Financial Benefits
Personal Property Tax Exemption
Veterans who have been granted special monthly compensation by the VA for the loss or loss of use of one or more limbs, total blindness in one or both eyes, or a 100% service-connected total and permanent disability may qualify for exemption from payment of all state taxes on their homestead and personal property. Additionally, unremarried surviving spouses and dependent minor children may be eligible for this benefit.
Surviving spouses are also eligible if the veteran was killed or died in service, is missing in action, or died from service-connected causes.
Income Tax
Active-duty compensation is exempt from taxes, as is retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments.
Arkansas Veteran Hiring Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge or Reserve/Guard members with a minimum of six years of service will receive a 5-point preference on state hiring exams.
Disabled veterans and their spouses will be granted a 10-point preference.
Arkansas Education Benefits
Free Tuition for Dependents
The Military Dependents Scholarship offers a comprehensive waiver of tuition, fees, room, and board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas. This benefit is available to dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed, missing in action, or prisoners of war, as well as those who are totally and permanently disabled due to their service.
Arkansas Veteran Recreation Benefits
Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Arkansas residents who are military retirees over the age of 60 or 100% disabled veterans are eligible to obtain discounted hunting, fishing, or combination licenses.
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Active-duty members stationed in Arkansas are entitled to purchase licenses at the resident rate. However, all special stamps and endorsements must still be acquired separately.
Arkansas State Parks
Most Arkansas State Parks offer a 50% discount on camping fees for Arkansas resident veterans who are 100% permanently disabled.
Arkansas State Veteran Cemeteries
Arkansas hosts two State Veterans Cemeteries, located in North Little Rock and Birdeye respectively. Eligibility for interment extends to veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge, as well as certain others. Spouses and dependent children are also eligible for interment. While there is no cost for the veteran, there is an $807 fee for the spouse or dependent.
