Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, South Carolina offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Here's what South Carolina veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.
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South Carolina Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (SC Code §12-37-220). FULL exemption from state and local property taxes on the dwelling house and the lot it sits on, owned and used by a veteran with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability — may be jointly owned with a spouse. Same exemption extends to a person who is paraplegic or hemiplegic, or who has Parkinson's, MS, or ALS that causes equivalent ambulatory difficulty. Surviving unremarried spouse continues the exemption. Separate motor vehicle exemption: up to TWO private passenger vehicles owned/leased by the disabled veteran are also exempt from property tax (and one for surviving spouse).
How to claim: File application (PT-401-I) with SC Department of Revenue with VA P&T disability award letter; SCDOR processes all home exemptions
South Carolina Free Tuition for Children of Certain War Veterans (SC Code §59-111-50). Tuition (NOT fees) waived at any SC state-supported college/university for CHILDREN age 26 or under of veterans who: were killed in action, died from service-connected causes, are 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled, are POW/MIA, or are Medal of Honor / Purple Heart recipients. Both the student and the qualifying veteran must have been actual SC residents for 12+ continuous months prior to application and remain residents. NOT for the veteran themselves — this is a dependent benefit. Fees, books, and room/board remain the family's responsibility.
How to claim: Apply via SC Department of Veterans Affairs at scdva.sc.gov/education
Free DV plates for disabled veterans.
How to claim: Apply at DMV
Free hunting and fishing licenses for 100% disabled veterans.
How to claim: Apply at SCDNR
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South Carolina offers veteran benefits across property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Highlights include Property Tax Exemption, Free Tuition, Free License Plate. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.
South Carolina Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (SC Code §12-37-220). FULL exemption from state and local property taxes on the dwelling house and the lot it sits on, owned and used by a veteran with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability — may be jointly owned with a spouse.
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.