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Arkansas State Veterans Benefits
Updated: May 29, 2021
Arkansas Veterans Education Benefits
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education is permitted to offer free tuition and fees to state colleges, university, vocational or technical schools to:
Spouses and children of Arkansans declared POW or MIA since January 1, 1960.
Spouses and children of Arkansans killed in action since 1960
Qualifying for In-State Tuition
Regardless of the state of residency, Arkansas state-supported education institution must classify a student as in-state, in-county, in-district, or resident for tuition and fees for the following students:
1-Veteran discharged with not less than ninety (90) days of active duty in the military, naval, or air service within three (3) years of school enrollment date.
2-Dependent of a veteran described in number 1.
3- A member of the armed forces
4-A spouse of a member of the armed forces
Diplomas for Veterans:
WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans who were called up for active duty service before finishing high school could be eligible to receive a high school diploma. Contact your high school superintendent or the Arkansas Department of Education.
Arkansas Veteran’s Housing Benefits
Veterans Assisted Care Homes and Nursing Homes
Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville
90-bed skilled nursing care and rehabilitation facility,
Arkansas residents are given priority. Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents may apply
Medical Services-
● Medical Director on site,
● RN, Practical Nurses, and Nursing assistants available 24/7.Hospice care
● Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapist
● A Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Daily Life-
o On-site beautician/barbershop
o Transportation available for errands
o Personal laundry is done at no additional charge
o Cable TV provided at no charge
o A Designated smoking area under staff guidance
o Daily activities conducted by a Certified Activities Director
Arkansas State Veterans Home at North Little Rock
ASVH is comprised of eight individual homes, each housing 12 residents. All residents have private rooms with private bathrooms.
Admission requirements:
● Honorable discharge
● Must have a medical need for a nursing home
● Arkansas residents are given priority.
● Veteran's spouses and Gold Star parents may apply.
Arkansas Veteran’s Tax Benefits
Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption:
Arkansas' disabled veterans awarded special monthly compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs due to loss of limb, eyesight, or service-connected 100% disability are exempt from state taxes on the homestead and personal property owned by that veteran. Minor dependent children and surviving spouses (who do not remarry) continue this entitlement.
The tax exemption also applies to dependents and surviving spouses of those killed during active due or missing in action.
Vehicle Sales Tax Exemptions:
Gross proceeds from selling a new automobile to a blind veteran because of a service-connected injury are exempt from tax.
Gross proceeds from the sale of motor vehicles and adaptive equipment to disabled veterans are exempt from tax if the purchase is made with the Department of Veterans' financial assistance.
Income Tax Exemption:
Arkansas's military retirement pay is exempt from state taxes.
Arkansas Other Benefits
Arkansas State Parks:
Contact the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism about ½ price camping discounts that apply to veterans with a permanent service-connected 100% disability rate.,
Hunting and Fishing License:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offer discounted hunting and fishing licenses to Arkansas veterans who are 100% totally and permanently disabled or to any military retirees over the age of 60.
License Plates:
Special license plates are available with either a DD214, a letter from the regional office in Little Rock, or a statement of benefits letter. Statement of benefits letters are usually mailed from January through February from the VA. If you don’t have a DD 214 or benefits letter, you can contact your County Veteran Service Officer or District Veteran Service Officer.
Plates available include:
Armed Forces Reserves Retired License
Congressional Medal of Honor License
Disabled Veteran License (for veterans with at least 30 percent )
Disabled Veteran License (100 percent and a member of the DAV)
Arkansas Veteran’s Employment Benefits
Special employment counseling and job referrals are available to veterans through the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. The agency also sponsors job development that creates jobs and employment preferences for all veterans, through (LVER’s) Local Veterans Employment Representatives and (DVOP)Disabled Veterans Outreach program. In addition, the state of Arkansas offers a 5% preference for other veterans and national guard members.
Arkansas Burial Benefits
There are two State-run veterans cemeteries.
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at North Little Rock
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdseye