South Dakota Veteran Benefits

South Dakota has no state individual income tax, so all military retirement pay and VA compensation are state-tax-free.

No state income tax on any income

Exemption from 4% excise tax on the purchase of one motor vehicle for qualifying disabled veterans.

~$1,200 on a $30,000 vehicle

Exempts $200,000 of the home's full and true value from property taxes for permanently and totally disabled veterans.

$200,000 property tax exemption

Complete property tax exemption on the residence (up to one acre) for paraplegic veterans with wheelchair-adapted homes.

Full property tax exemption

100% tuition reduction at state-supported universities for active SD National Guard members (up to 128 credits).

$32,000-$40,000+ for undergraduate degree

Free tuition at SD state-supported institutions for children (under 25) of veterans killed in action or rated 100% disabled.

$32,000-$40,000+ over four years

Free tuition and mandatory fees at state-supported schools for children and spouses of POWs or MIAs.

Full tuition and mandatory fees

Free tuition for children (under 25) and spouses of SD National Guard members who died or became totally disabled in line of duty.

Full undergraduate tuition

Nonresident veterans, service members, and dependents are considered residents for tuition purposes at SD public institutions.

Savings of several thousand dollars per year

$1,000 educational grant for recipients of the Iraq Campaign Medal or GWOT Expeditionary Medal.

$1,000

Free tuition at SD state-supported institutions for veterans with 10%+ disability who served during wartime.

Up to $32,000-$40,000 over four years

Residential care for eligible veterans and spouses at the state Veterans Home in Hot Springs.

Preference for appointment, employment, and promotion at all levels of state, county, city government, and public school systems.

Cash bonus for wartime service: up to $500 for hostile area, $240 for non-hostile; veterans with 10%+ disability get $500 max.

Up to $500 (one-time)

Special Disabled Veteran license plates with a $10 annual fee and no registration fee.

$10 annual plate fee, no registration fee

SD resident service members on active duty stationed outside SD are exempt from hunting/fishing license requirements while on leave.

Four-year combined small game hunting and fishing license for $10 for veterans with 40%+ disability.

$10 for four-year license

Free lifetime State Park entrance and 50% discount on camping for 100% disabled veterans, POWs, and Purple Heart recipients.

Free lifetime park entrance + 50% off camping

Free burial for veterans including grave site, liner, headstone, and perpetual care at the state cemetery.

Free burial (grave, liner, marker, perpetual care)

Up to $100 paid by the state to help defray burial and funeral expenses when funds are lacking.

Up to $100