New Mexico Veteran Benefits
Discover 17 state benefits available to New Mexico veterans based on your disability rating and service history.
Benefit Categories in New Mexico
🏛️Tax Benefits(5)
Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Any Veteran$10,000 reduction from taxable property value for all honorably discharged veterans.
Value: $100-$200/year
Learn more →Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption
Any VeteranFirst $30,000 of military retirement pay exempt from NM state income tax.
Value: Approximately $1,500-$1,800/year
Learn more →Military Disability Retirement Pay Exclusion
Any VeteranMilitary disability retirement pay is excluded from NM state taxable income.
Learn more →Proportional Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Any VeteranProperty tax reduction proportional to VA disability percentage for all disabled veterans. Effective 2026.
Value: Proportional to disability rating; potentially thousands/year
Learn more →100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
100%+Complete exemption from all property taxes on primary residence for 100% P&T disabled veterans.
Value: $2,000-$4,000+/year on a $250,000 home
Learn more →🎓Education & Training(3)
Wartime Veterans Scholarship
Any VeteranTuition, fees, and books at any NM state-funded post-secondary institution for veterans with qualifying campaign medals.
Value: $5,000-$15,000+/year
Learn more →Vietnam Veterans Scholarship
Any VeteranTuition and reimbursement for books and fees at NM state-funded schools for Vietnam Campaign Medal recipients.
Value: $5,000-$15,000+/year
Learn more →Children of Deceased Veterans Scholarship
Any VeteranFull tuition waiver plus room, board, books, and a $300 annual stipend for children of veterans killed in action.
Value: $10,000-$25,000+/year total value
Learn more →💼Employment(1)
Veterans Preference in State Employment
Any Veteran5 bonus points on state hiring exams for veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans.
Learn more →🚗Transportation(3)
Reduced Motor Vehicle Registration Fees
Any VeteranRegistration fees at two-thirds the standard rate for veterans without sufficient property for the full property tax exemption.
Value: $15-$30/year per vehicle
Learn more →Disabled Veteran License Plate / Registration Fee Exemption
50%+No registration fees for up to two vehicles for veterans rated 50%+ service-connected disabled.
Value: $50-$100+/year per vehicle
Learn more →Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption (Loss of Limb)
50%+Exemption from the 4% motor vehicle excise tax for veterans who lost use of one or more limbs from service.
Value: 4% of vehicle purchase price
Learn more →🌲Recreation & Parks(4)
New Mexico State Park Lifetime Veteran Pass
Any VeteranFree day-use and camping access at all NM State Parks for life for verified veterans.
Value: $200-$300+/year for regular park users
Learn more →Veteran/Active Duty 50% Hunting & Fishing License Discount
Any Veteran50% discount on all hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps for veterans and active-duty members.
Value: 50% off all hunting/fishing licenses
Learn more →Disabled Veteran Reduced-Fee Combination License
Any Veteran$10 combination game-hunting and fishing license for disabled veterans with any service-connected rating below 100%.
Value: $10 (saves $40-$80/year)
Learn more →Free Lifetime Game-Hunting and Fishing License (100% Disabled)
100%+Free lifetime game-hunting and fishing license including a free deer hunting license for 100% disabled veterans.
Value: $50-$100+/year
Learn more →⚑Burial & Memorial(1)
State Veterans Cemetery Burial Benefits
Any VeteranFree burial at one of three NM state veterans cemeteries for honorably discharged veterans and spouses.
Value: $5,000-$10,000+ compared to private burial
Learn more →2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all New Mexico veterans.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With 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 — New Mexico Veteran Benefits
How many state veteran benefits does New Mexico offer?▾
What disability rating do I need for New Mexico veteran benefits?▾
Does New Mexico offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
What education benefits are available to New Mexico veterans?▾
How do I apply for New Mexico veteran benefits?▾
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