South Carolina Veteran Benefits

Discover 12 state benefits available to South Carolina veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

12
State Benefits
7
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in South Carolina

🏛️Tax Benefits(4)

Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

100% exemption of military retirement pay from South Carolina state income tax with no age restriction or income cap.

Value: Up to 6% savings on retirement pay

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Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

100%+

Complete exemption from property taxes on primary residence plus up to 5 acres for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: $3,000+/year

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Disabled Veteran Vehicle Tax Exemption

100%+

Exemption from property tax on up to two vehicles and registration fees for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: Several hundred dollars/year

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Homestead Exemption (Age/Disability-Based)

Any Veteran

$50,000 exemption on fair market value of primary residence for veterans age 65+ or totally/permanently disabled.

Value: ~$600/year

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🎓Education & Training(2)

In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents

Any Veteran

In-state tuition and fee rates at SC public institutions for active duty, veterans, retirees, and dependents.

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

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Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans

Any Veteran

Free tuition at SC state-supported colleges and universities for children (age 26 or younger) of qualifying veterans.

Value: $5,000-$13,000/year

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🏥Healthcare(1)

State Veterans Nursing Homes and Domiciliary Care

Any Veteran

Six state-operated veterans homes providing VA-subsidized skilled nursing, intermediate nursing, and domiciliary care.

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💼Employment(1)

Veteran Employment Preference (State Jobs)

Any Veteran

Preference in hiring for state positions with guaranteed interview for at least one qualified veteran per opening.

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🚗Transportation(1)

Veteran and Disabled Veteran License Plates

Any Veteran

56 military plate designs available; DV/Purple Heart/Medal of Honor plates exempt from municipal parking meter fees.

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🌲Recreation & Parks(2)

Free Hunting and Fishing License (Disabled Veterans)

10%+

Free 3-year combination hunting and fishing license for SC resident veterans with any service-connected disability.

Value: $50-$75/year

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Discounted Palmetto Passport (State Parks)

100%+

50% discount on annual Palmetto Passport state parks pass for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: ~$25/year savings

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Burial & Memorial(1)

M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery Burial

Any Veteran

Free burial for eligible veterans at state veterans cemetery in Anderson, SC including plot, liner, marker, and perpetual care.

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

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

How many state veteran benefits does South Carolina offer?
South Carolina offers 12 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 South Carolina veteran benefits?
South 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 South Carolina offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, South Carolina offers 4 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: 100% exemption of military retirement pay from South Carolina state income tax with no age restriction or income cap.
What education benefits are available to South Carolina veterans?
South Carolina offers 2 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents, Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans.
How do I apply for South Carolina veteran benefits?
Each South Carolina veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of South Carolina residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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