State Benefits
Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Arkansas' disabled veterans who have been awarded special monthly compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the loss of, or the loss of use of, one (1) or more limbs, for total blindness in one (1) or both eyes, or for service-connected one hundred percent (100%) total and permanent disability shall be exempt from payment of all state taxes on the homestead and personal property owned by the disabled veteran. Surviving spouses, so long as they remain unmarried, and dependent children, during their minority, continue this entitlement. Surviving spouses, so long as they remain unmarried, and dependent children, during their minority, are also eligible for this entitlement if the veteran was killed or died within the scope of his military duties, is missing in action, or died from service connected causes as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In all cases, annual re-certification of continued entitlement by the VA is required. (AR Code 26-3-306 et. seq.)
Gross Receipt of Tax Exemption: Gross receipts or proceeds derived from the sale of a new automobiles to a veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury. Registration will require an entitlement letter form the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two (2) years. This exemption defines automobile as a passenger vehicle or pick up truck but does not include trucks with a maximum goes load in excess of three-quarter (3/4) ton and does not include any trailer. (AR Code 26-52-415 et. seq.)
Income Tax Exemption: Provides an exemption for active duty members of the Armed Forces of the first $9,000 of active service pay. (AR Code 26-51-306 et. seq.) Retired members are entitled to $6,000 exemption. (AR Code 26-51-307 et. seq.) These exemptions include Reserve and National Guard components who are residents of the State of Arkansas.
Arkansas State Parks: The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism provides Arkansas resident veterans, who have a permanent service connected 100% disability rate, the ability to camp for half price in Arkansas State Parks. Proof of 100% status is required.
Hunting and Fishing License: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides discounted hunting and fishing licenses to Arkansas residents who are 100% totally and permanently disabled.
Resident 3-Year Disability Fishing License - ($10.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Cerfitication will be accepted from Social Security, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year's Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for license renewal.
Resident 3-Year Disability Hunting License - ($25.00) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year's Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for license renewal.
Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License - ($35.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A Trout permit must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran's Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year's Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for renewal.
Licenses are available from the Commission's Little Rock office. If you wish to purchase a license, bring proof of one year Arkansas residency, such as driver's licenses, state ID, property assessments, or Arkansas state income tax forms and acceptable proof of disability. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 3-Year Disability licenses are not available by phone order or online.
New for 2008 - Holders of disabled fishing licenses, along with one current fishing license holder for assistance, are allowed to fish all waters listed under Family Fishing regulations.
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Residents on Active Duty: The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission provides Arkansas residents on active duty in the armed services and who were residents of Arkansas at the time that they entered the armed services, whether stationed in Arkansas or elsewhere, free hunting and fishing licenses. (See 15-42-123)
Educational Benefits: The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has the authority to provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school, or vocational school; to the spouse and children of any Arkansan who has been declared to be Prisoner of War or placed in a missing-in-action status since January 1, 1960. The same provisions apply to the surviving spouse and children of any Arkansas resident killed in action since 1960. The Arkansas Department of Education is located at 4 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, phone 501-682-4475. (AR Code 6-82-601 et. seq.)
License Plates: The Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration Office of Motor Vehicle will provide (upon receipt of proper certification letters) a number of special privileges and benefits for Arkansas residents, including special license plates.
| World War II (Dec. 7, 1941 to Mar. 2, 1946) | Korean War (Jun. 7, 1950 to Jul. 27, 1954) |
Persian Gulf War (Aug. 2, 1990 to Nov. 30, 1995) |
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| Operation Iraqi Freedom | |
| Armed Forces Reserve | |
| Ex-Prisoner of War | Pearl Harbor Survivor |
| Congressional Medal of Honor | |
| DV DV license tag: Service connected disability (Act 36 of 1969 and Act 349 of 2007) |
DAV |
Vietnam War (Aug. 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975) |
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Employment: The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services provides employment counseling and referral services tailored to the special needs of veterans. They also maintain an ongoing program of job development designed to create jobs and preferences for all veterans, through the Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER's) and the Disabled Veterans Outreach program (DVOP).
Diplomas for Veterans: High School Diplomas can be obtained for WWII veterans as well as Korean and Vietnam War veterans who were called up for active duty service before finishing high school. Qualifying veterans should contact their school superintendent or the Arkansas Department of Education.