New Hampshire tax relief
New Hampshire municipalities may provide Veteran tax credits. A separate full property-tax exemption may apply to certain totally disabled Veterans with VA-adapted homes.
Official sources reviewed 2026-08-29
New Hampshire Veteran Benefits
Review 39 source-backed New Hampshire veteran benefit records, eligibility considerations, and program source links.
Crawlable public catalog
Reviewed New Hampshire benefit records
Open any record for source dates, caveats, application steps, and official links.
Disabled Veteran License Plate
New Hampshire issues disabled-Veteran plates for one qualifying vehicle owned by an eligible Veteran. RSA 261:86 covers service-connected permanent and total disability, service-connected total blindness, or an amputee/paraplegic Veteran who received a federally provided vehicle. The initial plate set is free; additional sets have fees. Some P&T applicants may instead choose a regular Veteran plate without disabled-parking privileges. Confirm the qualifying route and vehicle documentation with DMV.
Eligible Spouses — New Hampshire Workforce Priority of Service
For New Hampshire’s DOL-funded workforce priority policy, an eligible spouse may qualify through a Veteran who died from service-connected disability, an active-duty member listed as missing, captured or forcibly detained for more than 90 days, a Veteran with VA-evaluated total service-connected disability, or a Veteran who died while that total disability existed. The total-disability path does not add a separate permanence requirement. Qualification is for workforce priority, not automatic tuition or a cash benefit; the underlying program’s rules still apply.
Free Burial for Indigent New Hampshire Veterans
A New Hampshire resident Veteran whose service ended under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for municipal burial assistance if the estate cannot pay funeral costs or the person received public assistance. RSA 165:16 requires 90 days in a war or conflict defined by RSA 165:17, unless released earlier for a disability incurred in service. The municipality where the Veteran died administers burial arrangements and retains any VA burial payment toward the expense.
Free Copies of New Hampshire Public Records for Veterans
When VA requires a New Hampshire public record to decide eligibility for VA benefits, the record custodian must provide a certified copy without charging the applicant. The applicant, someone acting on the applicant’s behalf, or an authorized VA representative may request it. This is a fee waiver for VA-required records, not unrestricted free copies for every purpose.
Free Tuition for Children of New Hampshire Resident Service Members Declared Missing-in-Action or Prisoners of War
New Hampshire law waives tuition at UNH, Plymouth State, Keene State and state community colleges for children of a person domiciled in New Hampshire while serving who, after February 28, 1961, was reported missing/MIA, interned, beleaguered, besieged or captured during the Southeast Asian conflict. The waiver continues while that qualifying status persists. Apply through the university-system trustees or the community college with supporting documentation; this is not a general waiver for every modern MIA or POW case.
Gold Star Family Decal Eligibility
New Hampshire provides Gold Star family decals to qualifying relatives of a person killed while on duty in the U.S. armed forces. RSA 261-C:3-a lists eligible family relationships and imposes additional marriage-date and documentation conditions for stepfathers and stepchildren. The decals themselves are free, but regular vehicle registration and the decal-plate charge still apply. The division must verify eligibility; these decals are a separate program from Gold Star Mother, Father and Family number plates.
Gold Star License Plates
New Hampshire offers Gold Star Mother, Gold Star Father and Gold Star Family plates for one qualifying vehicle owned by a mother/stepmother, father/stepfather, or other immediate family member of a person killed while on duty in the U.S. armed forces. DMV requires qualifying casualty and relationship documentation. Regular registration fees remain payable, but there is no additional Gold Star plate fee. The expanded family categories took effect July 18, 2026.
National Guard Association of New Hampshire, State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)
The National Guard Association of New Hampshire participates in the SSLI group-life-insurance program administered by Militia Administrative Services. It offers optional insurance for eligible Guard members and family coverage subject to the selected policy’s terms, premiums and eligibility. This is insurance purchased through participating associations, not a free VA benefit or an automatic state payment. Contact the administrator for current plans and enrollment.
New Hampshire Disabled Veteran Driver License Fee Exemption
New Hampshire waives the driver-license fee for an amputee or paraplegic Veteran who received a motor vehicle from the U.S. government, or a Veteran whom VA determined to be permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability. Confirm evidence for the qualifying route with DMV. This provision concerns a driver-license fee, not a license-plate or vehicle-registration waiver.
New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services, Veterans Services Officers
New Hampshire’s Division of Veterans Services assists resident Veterans and their dependents with identifying and securing state and federal benefits. Its statewide service structure helps families identify eligibility, file claims, coordinate benefits and review unfavorable decisions for appeals or waivers. Contact the division for assistance; this resource does not itself grant eligibility or decide a VA claim.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Benefits for Active Duty Service Members
New Hampshire residents on regular active duty and permanently stationed outside the state may obtain a no-charge temporary hunting and fishing license for use while on leave or furlough. Submit the state application with orders establishing out-of-state duty and New Hampshire residence; hunter-education or prior-license evidence is required for firearm hunting. The license expires after one year or sooner if active duty, state residency or out-of-state stationing ends. This is not a spouse benefit, parking privilege or camping pass.
New Hampshire Free or Reduced Fee Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
New Hampshire resident Veterans discharged other than dishonorably who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability can obtain perpetual fishing, hunting or bow-and-arrow licenses with a one-time $10 administrative fee. A separate route offers a lifetime license at 50% of the calculated price for service-connected disability of at least 80% but less than 100%; the statute distinguishes disabilities lasting more than two years from shorter-duration cases needing review. Complimentary resident licenses require two years of New Hampshire residence. Ask Fish and Game about documentation and the separate reciprocity route for qualifying nonresidents.
New Hampshire Global War on Terrorism Operations Service Bonus
New Hampshire’s Global War on Terrorism bonus is a one-time $100 payment for qualifying active service beginning September 11, 2001 through the statutory end date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense, with the GWOT Expeditionary, Iraq Campaign or Afghanistan Campaign Medal. New Hampshire residence is required at entry and during the qualifying service; discharge/status requirements and a prohibition on another state’s corresponding bonus also apply. Multiple deployments do not create additional payments. The ordinary five-year filing period has passed; late claims require approval by the Division of Veterans Services director.
New Hampshire Hilton Honors Military Program
New Hampshire is a participating state in the NASWA–Hilton Honors Military Program. Eligible transitioning service members and Veterans may receive hotel points for approved job interviews, qualifying training or pre-employment testing. Awards are not guaranteed; vacations, relocation/house hunting and prior stays are not covered. State eligibility and residence or planned-relocation rules apply. Ask an American Job Center Veteran representative about the New Hampshire application requirements.
New Hampshire Military and Veteran License Plates
New Hampshire offers distinct plates for qualifying Veterans, disabled Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, Gold Star families, National Guard members and active-duty service members. Each plate has separate service, award, ownership, document and fee rules. A military design alone does not provide disabled parking or waive every registration charge; check the particular plate’s requirements with DMV.
New Hampshire military retirement and individual income taxes
New Hampshire does not impose state individual income tax on military retirement pay. Its separate Interest and Dividends Tax was repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024. This state treatment does not eliminate federal income-tax obligations or other state and local taxes. Confirm any prior-year filing obligations with New Hampshire Revenue Administration.
New Hampshire National Guard Tuition Assistance
Sworn-in active New Hampshire National Guard members may receive tuition waivers for degree-enhancing study in the state University or Community College System, whether they reside in or outside New Hampshire. Standard admission criteria apply, and specified federal military tuition benefits must be used first; non-tuition benefits are treated separately. After completing an initial service obligation of at least six years, a member may transfer the waiver to a spouse with an additional four-year reserve-duty obligation; the two cannot use it simultaneously. The spouse-transfer provision remains in effect during 2026 but is scheduled for repeal July 1, 2027. Service, attendance and academic requirements continue to apply.
New Hampshire Persian Gulf War Service Bonus
New Hampshire’s Persian Gulf War bonus is $100 for qualifying active service from August 2, 1990 through November 30, 1995 with the Southwest Asia Service Medal. The applicant must have been a New Hampshire resident at entry and during that service and meet the statute’s discharge, MIA or killed-in-action provisions. A corresponding bonus from another state prevents payment. The ordinary filing period has passed; late applications must be submitted to and approved by the Division of Veterans Services director.
New Hampshire Private Employer Veterans Hiring Preference
New Hampshire private employers may adopt a written preference for hiring or promoting qualifying Veterans, active-duty service members or military spouses. The policy must be applied uniformly to hiring and promotion decisions, and the employer may request qualifying Veteran documentation. This is voluntary employer authority, not a guaranteed job or a public-sector hiring preference.
New Hampshire Property-Tax Exemption for Qualifying VA-Adapted Homes
RSA 72:36-a exempts a qualifying homestead owned by an eligible Veteran or surviving spouse when the home was adapted through an approved VA Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation grant, or is an adapted replacement bought with proceeds from such a home. Additional qualifying disability is required: total and permanent service-connected disability under the cited VA unemployability regulation, service-connected double amputation/paraplegia, or qualifying service-connected bilateral blindness. Not every home receiving any VA assistance qualifies. Submit evidence to local assessors.
New Hampshire State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference
New Hampshire grants hiring preference in state employment to otherwise qualified Veterans, disabled Veterans and qualifying military spouses. Scored initial screenings and examinations generally add five Veteran points or ten disabled-Veteran points; non-scored examinations require special consideration. Applicants must satisfy qualifying standards and document entitlement. Preference is not a guaranteed appointment, and the law provides a written-explanation process when a preferred applicant is not selected.
New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery (NHSVC)
The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen offers burial for eligible Veterans and family members, including casket burial, in-ground cremated remains, and columbarium niches. New Hampshire residency is not required; confirm current eligibility, fees, and arrangements with the cemetery.
New Hampshire Tuition Waiver and Scholarships for Children of Qualifying Deceased Service Members
RSA 193:19–21 provides eligible natural or adopted children aged 16–25 with free tuition at New Hampshire public colleges and up to $2,500 per year for four years toward room, board, books and supplies. The child must be a New Hampshire resident when applying, and the parent must have been a resident at death. The parent must have died during qualifying wartime or expeditionary service, or later from a federally rated service-connected disability resulting from that service. The Department of Education determines eligibility; this is not a general survivor benefit for every service-related death.
New Hampshire Tuition Waiver for Children of Veterans with Service-Connected P&T Disability
Eligible children can receive tuition waivers in the University System and Community College System of New Hampshire when VA certifies the sponsoring parent as 100% permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability and the discharge was other than dishonorable. The parent must have been domiciled in New Hampshire at service entry or at the VA disability determination, and be a current resident or have been a resident at death. The child must meet institutional residency rules; biological, adopted and qualifying stepchildren are covered through the semester of their 27th birthday. Stepchild eligibility requires the parents’ marriage to continue. FAFSA and cooperation with grant applications are required, but loans cannot be required.
New Hampshire Veteran and Gold Star Family Decal License Plates
New Hampshire’s multi-use Veteran decal plates may display authorized branch-of-service or military-award decals, including Medal of Honor, service crosses, Silver Star and other decorations listed in RSA 261-C:4. Applicants must establish qualifying Veteran status and the service or award represented. Veteran decal sets cost $10; qualifying Gold Star family decals are provided free, with applicable plate and registration fees separate. Veteran decals must be renewed at least every 36 months. Confirm the specific decal and documentation with Veterans Services.
New Hampshire Veteran Decal Eligibility
A New Hampshire Veteran decal applicant must satisfy the Veteran definition in RSA 21:50 and document the branch of service or award shown on the decal. The definition covers qualifying discharged members without a blanket four-year service minimum; the more-than-four-year rule applies to members who continue serving. Acceptable discharge categories include honorable, general under honorable conditions, and specified uncharacterized discharges associated with service-connected injury, illness or disability. An eligible surviving spouse may keep the plates while unremarried.
New Hampshire Veteran Reemployment in Local Public Employment
A Veteran returning from military service to employment with a New Hampshire county, town, city, precinct, school board or other political subdivision must notify its treasurer or fiscal agent in writing within 90 days after inactive status or qualifying discharge to request reinstatement. This is a deadline to request return, not a promise to rehire within 90 days. Current RSA 97:1 uses the Veteran definition in RSA 21:50; confirm the applicable return-to-work procedure with the public employer.
New Hampshire Veteran's and Dependent Families Relief
New Hampshire law provides local public support for qualifying resident Veterans and dependent families who cannot provide their own maintenance after service in a war, insurrection, campaign or expedition involving the United States. The statute addresses the Veteran, spouse/widow and minor children, with additional legal-status and discharge requirements. Apply through the town or city welfare office, which determines assistance under local welfare procedures; this is not an automatic fixed cash award.
New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH)
New Hampshire Veterans’ Home provides care and treatment for qualifying former active-duty, Reserve or New Hampshire National Guard members with the discharge character specified in RSA 21:50. State law generally requires one year of New Hampshire residence before application, with home-of-record exceptions. The law authorizes nursing and other care services, including arrangements with outside providers. Admission, clinical needs and current services must be confirmed with the Home; this is not a general spouse or dependent-child admission benefit.
New Hampshire Veterans' Freedom to Smile Initiative
Freedom to Smile connects qualifying New Hampshire Veterans with free or reduced-cost dental-care options. The state lists NH identification, an honorable or general-under-honorable discharge, no dental insurance or Medicaid eligibility, and inability to afford care. Qualifying Guard service must include active duty other than training. Veterans with 100% service-connected VA dental coverage should use their VA dental route. Care is subject to screening and availability, generally first come except emergencies. Contact the listed Northeast Delta Dental referral program for screening.
New Hampshire Vietnam War Bonus
New Hampshire law provides a $100 Vietnam-era bonus for qualifying Veterans who were New Hampshire residents when entering active service. It covers at least 90 days of active service from August 5, 1964 through August 15, 1973, or qualifying service in the Vietnam area from July 1, 1958 through August 5, 1964 with the Vietnam Service or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Discharge or release under honorable conditions, qualifying service certification, or MIA status is required. Application and state certification are necessary; confirm the current submission process with Veterans Services.
Priority of Service for Veterans and Eligible Spouses for New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) Programs
New Hampshire’s workforce policy gives eligible Veterans and spouses priority in DOL-funded WIOA Title I, Wagner-Peyser and Senior Community Service Employment Program services. Priority can mean earlier access or access first when resources are limited, but applicants must still satisfy the program’s eligibility and statutory priority rules. It does not displace someone already enrolled in a class. Identify qualifying Veteran or spouse status when contacting an NH Works center.
Purple Heart License Plate
New Hampshire issues Purple Heart plates to qualifying recipients with official award documentation, including service members on active duty. Following discharge, the Veteran must provide qualifying discharge evidence under RSA 21:50. The first plate set is free; additional sets may have fees, and qualifying recipients may obtain an additional motorcycle plate. An eligible surviving spouse may retain the plate while unremarried. A Purple Heart plate alone does not grant free disabled-Veteran parking.
Standard and Optional War Time Veteran Tax Credit
Eligible New Hampshire wartime Veterans, spouses and surviving spouses may receive a $50 property-tax credit; municipalities may adopt an optional credit of $51–$750 for 2026. The optional credit replaces, rather than adds to, the standard credit. Service, discharge, principal-home ownership and residence requirements apply, generally including one year of New Hampshire residence before April 1. Apply to the local assessing office by April 15, subject to statutory exceptions. A higher $1,000 optional ceiling is enacted for April 1, 2027 and is not the 2026 ceiling.
Tax Credit for Total and Permanent Disabled Veterans
New Hampshire provides a $700 principal-home property-tax credit to qualifying Veterans with total and permanent service-connected disability, or qualifying service-connected double amputation or paraplegia, and eligible surviving spouses. Municipalities may adopt an optional credit of $701–$5,000. The statute includes discharge, residence, ownership and certification requirements; the optional credit replaces specified other Veteran credits rather than stacking with them. Apply through the local assessing office.
Veteran Designation on New Hampshire Driver Licenses
New Hampshire driver licenses provide an optional Veteran designation for identification when seeking state benefits and services. Applicants must establish qualifying Veteran status; the designation does not itself establish eligibility for every benefit. Ask DMV about the current documents, license or ID options and transaction fees. The previously stated $10 replacement charge has not been retained as a verified current fee.
Veterans License Plate
New Hampshire Veteran plates are available with qualifying service documentation under RSA 21:50 and RSA 261:87-b, including qualifying discharges under honorable conditions. Regular registration fees and a $4 fee for each special plate apply. After the Veteran’s death, an eligible surviving spouse may retain the plates while unremarried. Confirm the applicable service-document and ownership requirements with DMV.
Veterans Organization Tax Exemption
Organization benefit—not a personal entitlement.
RSA 72:23-a exempts real and personal property owned, occupied and used directly by the specifically named Veterans organizations and other Veterans organizations incorporated by Congress, including qualifying departments, local chapters and posts. This is an organizational property exemption, not an exemption for a Veteran’s personal home or property merely because of membership. Confirm ownership, direct use and organizational qualification with the local assessing office.
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