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North Carolina Veterans Benefits

Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, North Carolina offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Here's what North Carolina veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.

4 state benefits · Property Tax, Education, Vehicle, Recreation · Last verified 2026-04-29

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Property Tax

  1. Property Tax Exemption100% P&T
    Est. $1,200/yr · $100,000 of appraised value excluded (rises to $150,000 on 2026-07-01); typical savings ~$700–$1,500/yr

    North Carolina Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion (NCDVA-9). Excludes from property tax appraisal the FIRST $100,000 of the appraised value of the homestead (current 2025-2026 tax year). Effective July 1, 2026 the exclusion amount RISES to the first $150,000 of appraised value. Eligibility: honorably discharged veteran with (1) 100% permanent and total service-connected disability OR (2) receipt of VA Specially Adapted Housing benefits under 38 USC 2101. Unmarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran also qualifies. NO income test. The portion of value above the exclusion remains taxable. File NCDVA-9 with the county tax office.

    How to claim: File Form NCDVA-9 with your county tax assessor with VA P&T disability documentation

    County Tax Assessor / NC DMVA · Official details ↗

Education

  1. Scholarship Program100% P&T
    Est. $8,000/yr · Full tuition and fees

    Up to 4 years of scholarship for children of certain disabled veterans.

    How to claim: Apply through NC Division of Veterans Affairs

    NC DVA

Vehicle

  1. Free License Plate50%+ rating
    Est. $100/yr · Plate and registration waived at 100%

    Free DV plates for disabled veterans. 100% disabled get free registration.

    How to claim: Apply at DMV

    NC DMV

Recreation

  1. Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License50%+ rating
    Est. $600/yr · Free lifetime hunting+fishing license for 50%+ disabled vets (~$600 value over 30 years vs paying $20/yr)

    North Carolina Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License (NC Wildlife Resources Commission). FREE lifetime combination hunting + fishing license for NC-resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher. Valid for the veteran's lifetime as long as the 50%+ rating is maintained. For veterans with under 50% (but still service-connected), a Disabled Veteran license is available for $14. NCDMVA must certify eligibility before NC Wildlife issues the license.

    How to claim: Submit Hunting and Fishing License Application via NC DMVA for certification, then NC Wildlife issues the license

    NC DMVA / NC Wildlife Resources Commission · Official details ↗

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Common questions

What benefits do North Carolina veterans get?

North Carolina offers veteran benefits across property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Highlights include Property Tax Exemption, Scholarship Program, Free License Plate. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.

What property tax exemption do disabled veterans get in North Carolina?

North Carolina Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion (NCDVA-9). Excludes from property tax appraisal the FIRST $100,000 of the appraised value of the homestead (current 2025-2026 tax year). Effective July 1, 2026 the exclusion amount RISES to the first $150,000 of appraised value. Eligibility: ho

Do I need a VA rating to claim North Carolina benefits?

Many state benefits are tied to your VA disability rating — the higher your rating, the more you may qualify for. Use the free VA Ready calculator to confirm your combined rating, then check which state benefits you've earned.

State benefit rules, amounts, and eligibility change and vary by county or municipality. Estimated values are approximate. Always confirm current details with the state agency or the official source linked above before relying on a benefit. VA Ready is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any state agency, and this page is not legal, tax, or financial advice.