Tennessee Veteran Benefits

Discover 16 state benefits available to Tennessee veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

16
State Benefits
7
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Tennessee

🏛️Tax Benefits(4)

No State Income Tax

Any Veteran

Tennessee has no state income tax; military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and TSP distributions are not taxed.

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Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans

100%+

Reimbursement/exemption of property taxes on first $175,000 of market value for 100% P&T disabled veterans.

Value: $1,000-$3,000+/year

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County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Exemption

100%+

Exemption from county motor vehicle privilege tax (wheel tax) for 100% disabled veterans and former POWs.

Value: $25-$100/year

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Specially Adapted Vehicle Tax Exemption

10%+

Exemption from sales tax, registration fees, and local motor vehicle privilege taxes on vehicles donated/sold to disabled veterans with VA grants.

Value: Thousands in tax savings

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🎓Education & Training(5)

Helping Heroes Grant (Education)

Any Veteran

$1,000/semester (full-time) or $500/semester (part-time) for up to 8 semesters for veterans with qualifying campaign medals.

Value: Up to $8,000 total

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In-State Tuition for Veterans

Any Veteran

All eligible veterans classified as out-of-state pay in-state tuition and fees at TN public institutions.

Value: $10,000-$20,000+/year savings

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Priority Class Registration for Veterans

Any Veteran

Veteran students at TN public institutions may register for classes before the general student population.

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Tennessee STRONG Act (National Guard Tuition)

Any Veteran

Last-dollar tuition reimbursement up to 100% of resident in-state tuition for TN National Guard members.

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Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)

Any Veteran

Complete waiver of tuition and fees at TN state-owned colleges for dependents of veterans killed in action, deceased from service, or POW/MIA.

Value: $8,000-$13,000/year

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🏥Healthcare(1)

State Veterans Homes (Skilled Nursing Care)

Any Veteran

Skilled nursing care at six state-operated veterans homes across Tennessee.

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💼Employment(1)

State Employment Hiring Preference (TEAM Act)

Any Veteran

Guaranteed interview for state preferred-service positions, hiring preference when qualifications are equal, and 60 months layoff credit.

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🚗Transportation(1)

Free Disabled Veteran License Plate

100%+

One free registration and license plate for a motor vehicle owned by a 100% P&T disabled veteran.

Value: $30-$100/year

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🌲Recreation & Parks(3)

State Park Off-Season Camping and Cabin Discount (All Veterans)

Any Veteran

50% off overnight cabin and camping stays during off-season (December 1 through February 28/29) for honorably discharged Tennessee resident veterans.

Value: 50% off-season savings

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Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License

30%+

Lifetime sport fishing and hunting license for a one-time $10 fee for TN resident veterans rated 100% P&T or 30%+ from wartime service.

Value: $10 one-time (lifetime license)

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State Park Discounts (100% Disabled Veterans)

100%+

50% off camping and overnight cabin lodging fees year-round for 100% disabled TN resident veterans.

Value: 50% off lodging

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Burial & Memorial(1)

State Veterans Cemetery Burial

Any Veteran

Free burial at Tennessee state veterans cemeteries including plot, grave opening/closing, headstone, 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 Tennessee 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 — Tennessee Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Tennessee offer?
Tennessee offers 16 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 Tennessee veteran benefits?
Tennessee veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 10 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 Tennessee offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Tennessee offers 4 tax-related benefits for veterans. No State Income Tax: Tennessee has no state income tax; military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and TSP distributions are not taxed.
What education benefits are available to Tennessee veterans?
Tennessee offers 5 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: Helping Heroes Grant (Education), In-State Tuition for Veterans, Priority Class Registration for Veterans, Tennessee STRONG Act (National Guard Tuition), Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans).
How do I apply for Tennessee veteran benefits?
Each Tennessee veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Tennessee residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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