State file · SC
Veteran benefits in South Carolina
South Carolina phases in a sizable military retirement income deduction, exempts the homesteads and vehicles of 100% disabled veterans from property tax, and keeps hunting and fishing free for totally disabled veterans.
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Financial benefits
Military retirement income deduction
Retirees under 65 could deduct $11,700 for 2018, phasing up to $17,500 (other earned income is required); retirees 65 and older could deduct $24,000 for 2018, phasing up to $30,000.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
DIC payments to eligible survivors are a tax-free monetary benefit.
Property tax homestead exemption
Veterans rated 100% disabled, former POWs, and Medal of Honor recipients can exempt their home and land — up to five acres or one acre depending on status — plus two private passenger vehicles.
Sales tax picture
Statewide sales tax is 6.0%, with county additions of up to 3%; the combined average is roughly 7.52%.
Recreation
Free hunting & fishing for disabled veterans
Totally disabled veterans can hunt and fish for free in South Carolina.
Resident privileges for military members
Service members stationed in South Carolina for 30 days or more receive resident hunting and fishing privileges, and active-duty personnel home on leave may hunt and fish without a license.
Education programs
National Guard College Assistance Program
Grants of up to $4,500 per academic year, with an $18,000 lifetime cap, for qualifying South Carolina National Guard members.
Free tuition for children of war veterans
Children of certain war veterans can attend South Carolina state colleges and universities tuition-free.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Removes educational barriers for children of military families moving between states.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points added to state job exam scores; veterans with a service-connected disability receive 10 points.
Military leave
State employees receive 15 paid workdays for military training, with up to 30 additional days for combat-related duty.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in South Carolina
Options include Beaufort National Cemetery, Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, and Florence National Cemetery.
VA resources in South Carolina
Columbia Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving South Carolina for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteRalph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
VA medical care for the Charleston area and coastal South Carolina.
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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