Rhode Island Veteran Benefits

Discover 18 state benefits available to Rhode Island veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

18
State Benefits
8
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Rhode Island

🏛️Tax Benefits(4)

Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

Full exemption of military retired pay from Rhode Island personal income tax with no age limit or income cap.

Value: 3.75-5.99% savings on pension

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Property Tax Exemption (General Veterans)

Any Veteran

Property tax exemption on real estate or motor vehicle tax, amount varies by municipality (typically $1,000-$6,000).

Value: $1,000-$6,000 off assessed value

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Property Tax Exemption (Partially Disabled Veterans)

10%+

Up to $3,000 off assessed property value for veterans with any service-connected disability (varies by municipality).

Value: Up to $3,000+ off assessed value

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Full Property Tax Exemption (100% Disabled)

100%+

Property tax exemption on primary residence and up to 2 vehicles for 100% disabled veterans (amount varies by municipality).

Value: Thousands to tens of thousands/year

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🎓Education & Training(4)

National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP)

Any Veteran

Tuition waiver for up to 5 classes per semester at CCRI, RIC, or URI for RI National Guard members.

Value: Full tuition per semester at state institutions

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In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents

Any Veteran

In-state tuition rates at CCRI, RIC, and URI for active duty, dependents, and eligible veterans regardless of residence.

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Disabled Veteran Tuition Waiver

10%+

Free tuition at RI state-supported colleges and universities (CCRI, RIC, URI) for veterans with 10%+ disability.

Value: $5,000-$15,000/year

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Dependents/Survivors Tuition Waiver

Any Veteran

Free tuition at RI state-supported colleges/universities for up to 4 years for dependents of deceased or 100% disabled veterans.

Value: Up to $56,000-$60,000 (4 years at URI)

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🏥Healthcare(1)

Rhode Island Veterans Home (Long-Term Care)

Any Veteran

Nursing and residential care at a 208-bed facility in Bristol for eligible wartime veterans.

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💼Employment(1)

State Employment Preference (Civil Service)

Any Veteran

5-point credit on passing civil service exam score for veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans.

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🚗Transportation(2)

Veteran License Plates

Any Veteran

Special veteran license plates with military branch decal, no service or transfer charge.

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Free Vehicle Registration and Driver License Fees

100%+

Exemption from vehicle registration and driver license fees for severely disabled wartime veterans.

Value: $60-$90+/year

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🌲Recreation & Parks(3)

Free State Parks, Beaches, and Parking

100%+

Free admission and parking at all RI state parks, recreational facilities, and beaches for 100% disabled veterans.

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Free Golf at Goddard Memorial State Park

100%+

Exempt from all fees to play golf at Goddard Park Golf Course for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: $15-$40 per round, unlimited

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Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

100%+

Free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with 100% VA disability rating.

Value: $18-$35/year

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Burial & Memorial(1)

Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery Burial

Any Veteran

Free burial at state veterans cemetery in Exeter including plot, headstone, and services.

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📋Other Benefits(2)

Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID

Any Veteran

Free "Veteran" or "Disabled Veteran" designation on RI driver license or state ID.

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Rhode Island Family Relief Fund

Any Veteran

One-time emergency grant of up to $5,000 for RI National Guard/Reserve members with emergency financial need.

Value: Up to $5,000

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

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

How many state veteran benefits does Rhode Island offer?
Rhode Island offers 18 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 Rhode Island veteran benefits?
Rhode Island veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 11 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 Rhode Island offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Rhode Island offers 4 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Full exemption of military retired pay from Rhode Island personal income tax with no age limit or income cap.
What education benefits are available to Rhode Island veterans?
Rhode Island offers 4 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP), In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents, Disabled Veteran Tuition Waiver, Dependents/Survivors Tuition Waiver.
How do I apply for Rhode Island veteran benefits?
Each Rhode Island veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Rhode Island residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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