If you’re a veteran, you are probably interested to learn about the kind of Delaware veterans benefits that are available to you and your family. The Delaware Office of Veterans Services (DCVA) was established to help Delaware’s veterans, their spouses and dependent children and they offer information on a variety of great discounts and services.
Read on for more information about what kind of Delaware veterans benefits might be available to you.
Delaware Veterans Benefits: Education
Delaware offers several types of education benefits for veterans. Each benefit type has different eligibility requirements, so read on for more information.
Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit
This new program offers a tax credit for 100% of non-vocational school district property tax on a primary residence. Recipients of this tax credit must have lived in the State of Delaware for at least three years. Further, according to the Delaware Department of Finance, applicants “must receive 100% disability compensation due to service-connected, permanent and total disability based on individual unemployability or a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USVDA)”. Finally, recipients may not also claim the Senior School Property Tax Credit.
More information and this program’s application are available from the Delaware Department of Finance.
Education Benefits for Active Members of the Delaware National Guard
Members of the Delaware National Guard are eligible for funding for some postsecondary education tuition and fees. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for more information.
Delaware Veterans Education Benefits
Delaware Veterans Education Benefits are administered by the Delaware Postsecondary Education Commission. These benefits are meant to help pay for educational programs beyond the high school level and are available to children of deceased members of the US military, military personnel who are missing in action, and military personnel who are prisoners of war. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for more information.
Delaware Veterans Benefits: Recreation
The State of Delaware offers some benefits for veterans and military personnel who hunt, trap, and fish, as well as those interested in utilizing public parks in the state.
Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Licenses
No-fee hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses are available to veterans with a disability rating of 60 percent or more. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for more information.
State Park Admission
Any veteran or member of the Delaware National Guard residing in the State of Delaware, who owns a vehicle registered in Delaware, is eligible for a 50% discount on the annual vehicle entrance fee to state parks and other recreational areas. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for more information.
Delaware Veterans Benefits: Motor Vehicles
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles offers discounts and services to veterans. More information about eligibility for these benefits is below.
Special License Plates
The following types of veterans are eligible to receive special license plates from the Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Former Prisoners Of War
- Formerly Missing-In-Action
- Purple Heart Recipients
- Medals of Valor Recipients
- Disabled Veterans
- Delaware National Guard & Reserve Members
- Retired Military
- Korean War Veterans
- Vietnam War Veterans
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
- Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
- Gold Star Lapel Button
Contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for more information.
Registration and Inspection of Motor Vehicles of Disabled Veterans
Any veteran who is eligible for adaptive equipment benefits is also exempt from payment of registration and inspection fees on their vehicle.
Contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for more information.
Delaware Veterans Benefits: Retirement
The State of Delaware also offers some retirement benefits and services for veterans.
Delaware Veterans Home
The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford Delaware is a long-term care facility for patients living with different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for more information about eligibility and applications.
Pension Benefits for Paraplegic Veterans
A pension of $3000 per year, paid in monthly installments, is available to veterans who are fully disabled and paraplegic as a result of injuries incurred while serving in the US armed services during a period of war. Contact the Office of Veterans Services for more information about eligibility and applications.
For more information about these and other Delaware veterans benefits, visit the Office of Veterans Services website.
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Catherine Hall
Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.