State file · RI
Veteran benefits in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers seven categories of veteran property tax exemptions, a tuition waiver that starts at just a 10% disability rating, and a state veterans home and memorial cemetery within a short drive of anywhere in the state.
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Financial benefits
Retired military pay
Military retired pay follows federal tax rules and is subject to Rhode Island state income tax.
Military disability retirement pay
Exempt from state taxation for those who qualified before September 25, 1975, were serving by September 24, 1975, have a combat-related injury, or are eligible for VA disability compensation. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors is tax-free.
Property tax exemptions
Seven categories of exemption are available, including regular veteran exemptions, surviving spouse exemptions, total and partial disability exemptions, and exemptions for Gold Star Parents, former POWs, and specially adapted housing.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax is 7.0%. Prescription medications, clothing, and unprepared foods are exempt, while prepared foods are taxed at 8%.
Recreation
Free hunting & fishing licenses
Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive free hunting and fishing licenses, and state residency is not required. Non-resident military members stationed in Rhode Island pay resident rates.
State park admission
Veterans rated 100% disabled receive free entry to Rhode Island state parks; camping and equestrian fees still apply.
Education programs
Disabled veterans tuition waiver
Rhode Island residents with at least a 10% service-connected disability are eligible for a waiver of tuition at state schools; fees and books remain the student's responsibility.
Surviving family tuition
Spouses and children of deceased Rhode Island National Guard members can enroll tuition-free at state colleges.
National Guard STAP
The State Tuition Assistance Program covers up to five tuition-free classes per semester at CCRI, Rhode Island College, and URI for qualifying Guard members.
Veteran housing
Rhode Island Veterans Home at Bristol
Admission requires an honorable discharge, 90 days of active wartime service, and two years of state residency (or entering service from Rhode Island), along with the absence of active psychosis or substance addiction.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 additional points on state employment exams, and veterans with service-connected disabilities receive 10 points; a passing score is required before points are added.
Military training leave
State employees receive up to 15 paid working days annually for military training, with additional time available unpaid.
Burials & memorials
Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Located in Exeter, the cemetery provides free burials for eligible honorably discharged wartime veterans.
VA resources in Rhode Island
Providence Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving Rhode Island 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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