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State·2026 Benefits·Updated May 2026

Arkansas Veteran Benefits

Arkansas offers 11 state veteran benefits in 2026 spanning tax, education, housing, healthcare, employment, and recreation. Programs include military retirement pay state income tax exemption (Varies by retirement pay and current AR top tax rate), in-state tuition for nonresident veterans (In-state tuition rates), disabled veteran lifetime hunting/fishing license ($3 combo / $1.50 single lifetime license). Most require state residency and an honorable (or other-than-dishonorable) discharge; specific eligibility — including VA disability rating thresholds — varies by program.

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11
State benefits
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🏛️Tax Benefits(2)🎓Education & Training(2)🏥Healthcare(1)💼Employment(1)🚗Transportation(2)🌲Recreation & Parks(2)⚑Burial & Memorial(1)

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Arkansas veterans.

RatingVeteran aloneWith spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas Veteran Benefits

What veteran benefits does Arkansas offer in 2026?▾
Arkansas offers 11 state-level veteran benefits in 2026, spanning 2 tax programs, 2 education programs, 0 housing programs, 1 healthcare program, 2 recreation programs, and 1 employment program. 7 are available to any honorably discharged veteran regardless of rating; 3 are reserved for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA. These stack with federal VA benefits.
What benefits are available to 100% disabled veterans in Arkansas?▾
Arkansas offers 3 state benefits specifically for veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, including: Disabled Veteran Homestead & Personal Property Tax Exemption, Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License, Half-Price State Park Camping (100% Disabled). These typically include enhanced property tax exemptions, free hunting/fishing licenses, free state park access, and registration fee waivers. 100% disabled Arkansas veterans also qualify for the 8 broader benefits available at lower rating thresholds — 11 total.
Does Arkansas have property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
Yes. Arkansas offers 2 tax-related benefits for veterans. The headline program is Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Exemption: 100% exemption of military retired pay from Arkansas state income tax. Estimated value: Varies by retirement pay and current AR top tax rate. Whether Arkansas also exempts military retirement pay and VA disability compensation from state income tax varies by program — see the Tax Benefits section above for the full list.
What education benefits are available to Arkansas veterans and their dependents?▾
Arkansas offers 2 state education benefits: In-State Tuition for Nonresident Veterans; Arkansas Heroes Scholarship (formerly Military Dependents Scholarship). Some are tuition waivers at state public universities; others are scholarships for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service or were rated permanently and totally disabled. These supplement (and in many cases stack with) the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Does Arkansas offer free disabled veteran license plates?▾
Arkansas's veteran license plate / registration benefit: Military/Veteran Specialty License Plates. 19 distinctive military/veteran license plates available for veterans and active-duty service members. Apply through your local DMV / county tax assessor with your VA disability rating letter and DD-214.
Does Arkansas have free state park, hunting, or fishing access for veterans?▾
Yes — Arkansas offers 2 recreation-related veteran benefits, including: Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License; Half-Price State Park Camping (100% Disabled). Most state park, hunting, and fishing license discounts are tied to a minimum VA disability rating (typically 50% or 100%) and require Arkansas residency.
How do I apply for Arkansas veteran benefits?▾
Each Arkansas state benefit has its own application — there is no single application that covers them all. Most require: (1) DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, (2) proof of Arkansas residency, and (3) VA disability rating letter if the benefit is rating-gated. Use the application URL listed on each benefit's detail page on this site. For complex cases (claims appeals, dependent benefits), contact your county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance.
Do Arkansas veteran benefits stack with federal VA benefits?▾
Yes. Arkansas state benefits are administered separately from federal VA benefits and the two are designed to stack. A Arkansas veteran can simultaneously receive federal VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, GI Bill education benefits, AND any Arkansas state programs they qualify for. Some specific overlaps (e.g., state tuition assistance) may require exhausting federal GI Bill benefits first; check each benefit's eligibility notes.
Does Arkansas have a state veterans cemetery?▾
Yes. Arkansas State Veterans Cemeteries (Free Burial). Free burial plot, opening/closing, and perpetual care at state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility generally requires honorable discharge and Arkansas residency; some sites accept any veteran meeting federal VA national cemetery criteria. This is in addition to (not a substitute for) burial at a federal VA National Cemetery.
What VA disability rating do I need for Arkansas veteran benefits?▾
Arkansas benefits unlock at every VA rating tier. 7 benefits require no disability rating (available to any honorably discharged veteran). 1 are gated at 10-40%. 0 are gated at 50-90%. 3 require a 100% rating. Veterans rated 100% qualify for ALL 11 Arkansas state benefits.

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