5 Benefits Most Veterans Don't Know About

Most Veterans Are Leaving Benefits on the Table

Studies show that a significant number of veterans never claim all the benefits they have earned. The VA system is complex, and state-level programs are even harder to track. Here are five benefits that consistently fly under the radar.

1. VA Dental Care for 100% Disabled Veterans

Many veterans assume dental care is not covered by the VA. While it is true that most veterans do not receive comprehensive dental benefits, those rated at 100% disability (including Total Disability Individual Unemployability, or TDIU) qualify for full dental coverage at no cost. This includes preventive care, restorative work, and even dentures.

How to apply: Enroll through your local VA medical center dental clinic. If you are rated at 100%, you are automatically eligible under Class IV dental eligibility.

2. State Property Tax Exemptions

Over 40 states offer some form of property tax exemption for disabled veterans, and many veterans do not realize their state participates. In Texas, veterans rated at 100% pay zero property tax on their primary residence. In Florida, veterans with a 10% or higher rating receive a $5,000 reduction in assessed home value, while 100% disabled veterans get a full exemption.

Action step: Check your state's veteran affairs office or use VetUnlock to see exactly what property tax benefits your state offers at your rating level.

3. Free or Reduced Hunting and Fishing Licenses

More than 30 states offer free or heavily discounted hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans. Some states extend this to all veterans regardless of disability status. For example, several states provide free lifetime licenses to veterans with a 50% or higher rating.

This benefit is easy to claim and rarely requires more than showing your VA disability letter at your state wildlife agency.

4. Veterans Preference for Federal Jobs

If you are a veteran looking for employment, federal hiring gives you a significant advantage. Disabled veterans with a 30% or higher rating receive a 10-point preference added to their passing examination score. Non-disabled veterans receive a 5-point preference. Some states also offer hiring preference for state government positions.

Pro tip: When applying for federal jobs on USAJOBS, make sure to upload your DD-214 and VA disability letter. Many veterans forget this step and lose their preference points.

5. Space-Available Military Flights

Retired veterans and 100% disabled veterans can fly on military aircraft on a space-available basis through the Space-A travel program. This can mean free flights to destinations worldwide, including overseas locations. Flights are not guaranteed, but for flexible travelers, this is an incredible perk.

Don't Leave Your Benefits Unclaimed

These five programs are just the beginning. Every state has its own set of benefits, and many are tied to your specific disability rating, service era, and branch.

Use VetUnlock to see every benefit you qualify for in about two minutes. It covers all 50 states, federal programs, and local resources, so you never miss what you have earned.