South Carolina offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
South Carolina Veterans Homes
South Carolina boasts five veterans homes located in Anderson, Columbia, Walterboro, Florence, and Gaffney. These homes cater to honorably discharged South Carolina resident veterans who require skilled or intermediate nursing home care, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.
South Carolina Veterans Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active-duty pay is subject to taxation, whereas Reserve and National Guard drill pay remains tax-free.
Starting from 2022, all military retirement income is exempt from taxes.
Property Taxes for Disabled Veterans
Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled qualify for a homestead tax deduction, entitling them to a complete exemption from property taxes on their homes. This exemption is transferable to a surviving spouse and can also be transferred to a new home.
South Carolina Veterans Employment Benefits
Veterans Preference
State and public jobs prioritize honorably discharged veterans in their hiring process.
Credit of State Retirement for Military Service
State employees who are called to or returning from active duty have the option to maintain participation in the state’s retirement program by continuing regular payments.
Additionally, state employees have the opportunity to purchase credit towards their state retirement based on their military service time.
South Carolina Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans
Children of South Carolina veterans who died in service, as a result of their service, are permanently and totally disabled, or were awarded the Purple Heart or the Medal of Honor are eligible for tuition-free education at state institutions.
South Carolina Veterans Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Totally disabled South Carolina resident veterans are eligible to receive a complimentary hunting and fishing license.
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
South Carolina residents on leave can enjoy hunting and fishing for free.
Active-duty non-residents stationed in South Carolina can obtain hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
State Park Admission for Disabled Veterans
Permanently and totally disabled veterans in South Carolina can access any state park at a discounted rate. Some services within the parks may entail an additional fee.
South Carolina Veterans Cemetery
The M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery, situated in Anderson, offers burial services to honorably discharged South Carolina resident veterans and their spouses. There is no cost for the veteran’s burial, with a nominal fee for the spouse’s interment. Dependent children may also qualify for burial services.
