State file · AK
Veteran benefits in Alaska
Alaska combines no state income tax and no statewide sales tax with a sizable property tax exemption for disabled veterans, plus rail, ferry, and camping discounts unique to the state. Here's the rundown.
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Financial benefits
No state income tax
Alaska has no individual income tax, so military retirement pay, military disability retired pay, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are not taxed at the state level.
Property tax exemption for disabled veterans
Qualified veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher receive an exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed valuation of their primary residence. The exemption can transfer to a surviving spouse who is 60 or older.
Sales tax picture
There is no statewide sales tax; municipalities can levy up to about 7.85%, and the average combined rate is roughly 1.28%.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing licenses
Active duty members and their dependents pay resident rates, while National Guard and reserve members receive free licenses. Veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating get free hunting and fishing licenses after 12 consecutive months of Alaska residency and an honorable discharge.
Alaska Railroad discount
The Alaska Railroad offers a 20% discount to active duty members, military retirees, and their dependents with proper identification.
Alaska Marine Highway System pass
Service-connected disabled veterans can get a 50% reduced-fare pass, valid year-round for travel between Alaska ports (vehicles and staterooms excluded).
State camping pass
Disabled veterans receive one free Alaska State Park camping pass, valid for two years.
Education programs
Alaska National Guard tuition assistance
Covers 100% of the University of Alaska undergraduate rate, up to a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year, with a lifetime cap of 208 quarter or 144 semester credits.
Tuition waiver for surviving spouses and dependents
Undergraduate tuition and fees are waived at state-supported institutions for spouses and dependents of service members who died in the line of duty, were prisoners of war, or are listed as missing in action.
Resident tuition for military families
In-state tuition rates at the University of Alaska System are available to active duty members, National Guard members, eligible veterans, and their families.
Interstate Compact for military children
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children removes barriers such as enrollment delays, placement disadvantages, and graduation timing issues.
Veteran housing
Alaska State Veterans Home at Palmer
Provides assisted living for veterans who have an honorable discharge, are 65 or older, need assisted living care, and have at least one year of Alaska residency; costs are based on per-diem status.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Veterans receive 5 points added to state employment examination scores; disabled veterans and former prisoners of war receive 10 points.
Retirement system credit
Honorably discharged veterans vested in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System can claim up to five years of PERS credit for active military service. A separate Alaska National Guard and Naval Militia Retirement System requires at least 20 years of combined service, including 5 years in Alaska Guard units.
Priority of service
Veterans and their eligible spouses are given priority over non-veterans for state employment and training services.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of service members and reservists returning from duty.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Alaska
Alaska is home to Fort Richardson National Cemetery and Sitka National Cemetery.
VA resources in Alaska
Anchorage Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving Alaska for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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