South Dakota Veteran Benefits
Discover 20 state benefits available to South Dakota veterans based on your disability rating and service history.
Benefit Categories in South Dakota
🏛️Tax Benefits(4)
No State Individual Income Tax
Any VeteranSouth Dakota has no state individual income tax, so all military retirement pay and VA compensation are state-tax-free.
Value: No state income tax on any income
Learn more →Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption (Disabled Veterans)
Any VeteranExemption from 4% excise tax on the purchase of one motor vehicle for qualifying disabled veterans.
Value: ~$1,200 on a $30,000 vehicle
Learn more →Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (100% P&T)
100%+Exempts $200,000 of the home's full and true value from property taxes for permanently and totally disabled veterans.
Value: $200,000 property tax exemption
Learn more →Paraplegic Veteran Full Property Tax Exemption
100%+Complete property tax exemption on the residence (up to one acre) for paraplegic veterans with wheelchair-adapted homes.
Value: Full property tax exemption
Learn more →🎓Education & Training(7)
South Dakota National Guard Tuition Assistance
Any Veteran100% tuition reduction at state-supported universities for active SD National Guard members (up to 128 credits).
Value: $32,000-$40,000+ for undergraduate degree
Learn more →Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased/100% Disabled Veterans
Any VeteranFree tuition at SD state-supported institutions for children (under 25) of veterans killed in action or rated 100% disabled.
Value: $32,000-$40,000+ over four years
Learn more →Free Tuition for Dependents of POWs/MIAs
Any VeteranFree tuition and mandatory fees at state-supported schools for children and spouses of POWs or MIAs.
Value: Full tuition and mandatory fees
Learn more →Free Tuition for Dependents of National Guard Members (Deceased/Disabled)
Any VeteranFree tuition for children (under 25) and spouses of SD National Guard members who died or became totally disabled in line of duty.
Value: Full undergraduate tuition
Learn more →In-State Tuition for Nonresident Veterans and Dependents
Any VeteranNonresident veterans, service members, and dependents are considered residents for tuition purposes at SD public institutions.
Value: Savings of several thousand dollars per year
Learn more →Helping Heroes Grant
Any Veteran$1,000 educational grant for recipients of the Iraq Campaign Medal or GWOT Expeditionary Medal.
Value: $1,000
Learn more →Veteran Free Tuition Program (10%+ Disability)
10%+Free tuition at SD state-supported institutions for veterans with 10%+ disability who served during wartime.
Value: Up to $32,000-$40,000 over four years
Learn more →🏥Healthcare(1)
Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home (Hot Springs)
Any VeteranResidential care for eligible veterans and spouses at the state Veterans Home in Hot Springs.
Learn more →💼Employment(1)
Veterans Employment Preference
Any VeteranPreference for appointment, employment, and promotion at all levels of state, county, and city government.
Learn more →💰Compensation(1)
South Dakota Veteran Bonus Payment
Any VeteranCash bonus for wartime service: up to $500 for hostile area, $240 for non-hostile; veterans with 10%+ disability get $500 max.
Value: Up to $500 (one-time)
Learn more →🚗Transportation(1)
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Any VeteranSpecial Disabled Veteran license plates with a $10 annual fee and no registration fee.
Value: $10 annual plate fee, no registration fee
Learn more →🌲Recreation & Parks(3)
Active-Duty Hunting/Fishing License Exemption
Any VeteranSD resident service members on active duty stationed outside SD are exempt from hunting/fishing license requirements while on leave.
Learn more →Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License (40%+ Disability)
40%+Four-year combined small game hunting and fishing license for $10 for veterans with 40%+ disability.
Value: $10 for four-year license
Learn more →Disabled Veteran/POW Lifetime State Park Entrance License
100%+Free lifetime State Park entrance and 50% discount on camping for 100% disabled veterans and POWs.
Value: Free lifetime park entrance + 50% off camping
Learn more →⚑Burial & Memorial(2)
South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery (Sioux Falls)
Any VeteranFree burial for veterans including grave site, liner, headstone, and perpetual care at the state cemetery.
Value: Free burial (grave, liner, marker, perpetual care)
Learn more →State Burial Allowance
Any VeteranUp to $100 paid by the state to help defray burial and funeral expenses when funds are lacking.
Value: Up to $100
Learn more →2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all South Dakota 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 — South Dakota Veteran Benefits
How many state veteran benefits does South Dakota offer?▾
What disability rating do I need for South Dakota veteran benefits?▾
Does South Dakota offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
What education benefits are available to South Dakota veterans?▾
How do I apply for South Dakota veteran benefits?▾
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