North Carolina Veteran Benefits

Discover 11 state benefits available to North Carolina veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

11
State Benefits
7
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in North Carolina

🏛️Tax Benefits(2)

Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

100% deduction of military retirement pay from NC state income tax for veterans with 20+ years or medical retirement.

Value: Varies by retirement pay (4.25% savings)

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Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion

100%+

Excludes the first $45,000 of assessed home value from property taxes for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: Approximately $315/year

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🎓Education & Training(3)

Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans

Any Veteran

Up to 8 semesters of tuition/fees at NC colleges for children of disabled, deceased, or POW/MIA wartime veterans.

Value: $7,000-$9,000/year at UNC system schools

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Veteran In-State Tuition Waiver

Any Veteran

Waives the 12-month residency waiting period for in-state tuition at NC public colleges for veterans.

Value: $15,000-$20,000+/year savings vs. out-of-state tuition

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NC National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP)

Any Veteran

Tuition reimbursement for active drilling NC National Guard members at approved institutions.

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🏥Healthcare(1)

NC State Veterans Homes (Skilled Nursing Care)

Any Veteran

Skilled nursing care at 5 state veterans homes across North Carolina for eligible veterans.

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💼Employment(1)

Veteran Employment Preference in State Jobs

Any Veteran

10 bonus points on state hiring exams plus 24-hour early access to job postings for veterans.

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🚗Transportation(2)

Highway Use Tax Exemption for Specially Adapted Vehicles

Any Veteran

Exemption from NC highway use tax for disabled veterans whose vehicles were modified through the VA.

Value: Up to $2,000 one-time savings

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Disabled Veteran License Plate (Free)

100%+

Free license plate and registration fee waiver for veterans with 100% service-connected disability.

Value: Free plate and registration (~$38.75+/year)

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🌲Recreation & Parks(1)

Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Licenses

50%+

Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses at deeply discounted rates for veterans rated 50%+ disabled.

Value: $14-$106 one-time for lifetime license

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Burial & Memorial(1)

NC Veterans Cemetery Program

Any Veteran

Free gravesite and interment services for veterans at 4 state veterans cemeteries.

Value: Free burial for veteran

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all North Carolina 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 — North Carolina Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does North Carolina offer?
North Carolina offers 11 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for North Carolina veteran benefits?
North Carolina veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 8 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does North Carolina offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, North Carolina offers 2 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Exemption: 100% deduction of military retirement pay from NC state income tax for veterans with 20+ years or medical retirement.
What education benefits are available to North Carolina veterans?
North Carolina offers 3 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans, Veteran In-State Tuition Waiver, NC National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP).
How do I apply for North Carolina veteran benefits?
Each North Carolina veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of North Carolina residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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