State file · CT
Veteran benefits in Connecticut
Connecticut fully excludes military retirement pay from state income tax and adds property tax exemptions, public-college tuition waivers, and a free lifetime state park pass for disabled veterans.
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Financial benefits
Retired military pay exclusion
Retired members of the Armed Forces may subtract 100% of their military retirement pay from federal adjusted gross income when computing Connecticut AGI, so it is not taxed by the state.
Property tax exemption
Veterans with at least 90 days of wartime active duty and an honorable discharge have $1,500 deducted from the assessed value of real estate or an automobile before tax is assessed, with additional exemptions for low-income or disabled veterans — up to $10,000 for paraplegic veterans.
Disability pay and DIC
Disability pensions, veteran benefits, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation are treated the same as under federal income tax rules — if excluded from federal gross income, they are exempt from Connecticut income tax.
Survivor Benefit Plans
SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP survivor benefits are covered by the same modification that allows the 100% retirement pay exclusion.
Tax relief for combat zone deaths
For a service member who dies in a combat zone, all state income taxes are waived for the taxable year of death and for any prior taxable year ending on or after the first day of combat zone service.
Sales tax picture
The statewide rate is 6.35%; prescription and over-the-counter medicine and unprepared foods are exempt.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing benefits
Connecticut offers a number of hunting and fishing benefits for active service members and disabled persons.
Free lifetime state park pass
The Disabled Veteran Pass provides free access to Connecticut state parks and forests for residents with a service-connected disability; the pass is non-transferable and excludes camping and special events.
Education programs
Public college tuition waiver
Tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities may be waived for eligible veterans, service members, and certain dependents; the waiver covers the amount exceeding Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and excludes books, fees, and room and board.
High school diplomas for WWII veterans
Local boards of education may award diplomas to World War II veterans who left high school before graduation for military service.
Interstate Compact for military children
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children addresses enrollment barriers, placement equity, extracurricular participation, and graduation support.
Veteran housing
Connecticut State Veterans Home at Rocky Hill
Care for veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable; spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents can qualify under age and residency requirements, and costs are based on income.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged wartime veterans receive 5 points added to state examination scores, and those with service-connected disabilities receive 10 points; spouses can be eligible for additional points.
Reinstatement after military service
An employee who leaves a public authority or agency to enter the Armed Forces can be reinstated in their former position, provided they reapply within 90 days. Reserve and Guard employees also cannot lose vacation, holidays, or promotion standing because of military duty.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and members of Reserve components.
Burials & memorials
State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown
Connecticut's veterans cemetery in Middletown provides burial for eligible veterans. Applicants generally document eligibility with their DD 214 discharge paperwork.
VA resources in Connecticut
Hartford Regional Office
The VA regional office serving Connecticut, located in Newington.
Official siteVA Connecticut Healthcare System
VA medical care through campuses in West Haven and Newington.
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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