New Mexico offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
New Mexico Veterans Home
The New Mexico Veterans Home stands in Truth or Consequences. Admission is open to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses, regardless of residency, although preference is given to New Mexico residents. Fees apply for admission.
New Mexico Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active duty military personnel receive tax-free pay.
Starting in 2022, military retirees can enjoy tax-free retirement income of up to $10,000. This allowance rises to $20,000 in 2023 and further increases to $30,000 thereafter.
Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption
Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA are eligible for a complete waiver of property taxes on their homes. However, certain discharges may render veterans ineligible for this program.
Standard Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans or their surviving spouses may qualify for a deduction of up to $4,000 from the taxable value of their property for property tax purposes.
Exemption from Excise Taxes on Vehicle Purchases
Veterans who experienced the loss or complete loss of use of one or more limbs due to their military service are exempt from new vehicle excise taxes.
Reduced Vehicle Registration Fees
Individuals eligible for a veteran exemption, yet lacking adequate real or personal property to claim the complete property tax exemption, may qualify to pay motor vehicle registration fees at two-thirds of the rates applicable to vehicles owned by the veteran.
New Mexico Veterans Preference for State Employment
All honorably discharged veterans and current National Guard members receive a five-point boost to their final passing score on state employment hiring exams. For honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability, the score boost is increased to ten points.
New Mexico Veteran Education Benefits
Children of Deceased Veterans
Dependent children aged 16 to 26 of veterans who were killed in action or died due to battle-related wounds are eligible for a complete tuition waiver at any state-funded post-secondary institution. Additionally, a $150 stipend per semester is provided to assist with books or fees.
Vietnam Veteran Scholarship
Veterans who have lived in New Mexico for at least 10 years, served in Vietnam, and received the Vietnam Campaign or Service Medal are eligible for the Vietnam Veteran Scholarship. This scholarship covers full tuition and books at any state-funded post-secondary institution.
Wartime Veteran Scholarship Fund
The scholarship provides full tuition and book expenses at any state school for veterans who served in combat since 1990 and have utilized all their GI Bill benefits.
New Mexico Veteran Recreation Benefits
Veterans’ Day Recreation and Museum Privileges
On Veterans Day, every honorably discharged veteran or active duty member who is a resident of New Mexico, as well as their spouse and children, receives free entry to any state park. Additionally, admission fees are 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 & Museum Admission for Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher are eligible for an annual free day-use pass and three complimentary nights of camping for personal use only. Additionally, they can receive a free state monument and museum pass for personal use only.
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are entitled to a complimentary lifetime New Mexico small-game hunting and fishing license.
Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
New Mexico resident veterans with a service-connected disability can obtain a fishing and small game hunting license for a reduced fee of $10.
Temporary Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Active-Duty
New Mexico resident active duty, National Guard, or Reserve members are eligible to acquire a temporary fishing or small game hunting license. Proof of residency in New Mexico must be provided, and applicants should not hold residency elsewhere. Individuals on active duty outside the state may also apply if they are currently on leave in New Mexico for a period not exceeding 30 days.
New Mexico State Veterans Cemetery
The state of New Mexico oversees three state veterans cemeteries located in Angel Fire, Ft. Stanton, and Gallup. These cemeteries are accessible to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses.
