North Carolina Veteran Benefits (2026)
What North Carolina offers veterans on top of federal VA benefits — property tax relief, state income-tax treatment of retirement pay, and education programs. Compiled from official state sources.
Property tax exemption
The Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1C) excludes the first $45,000 of appraised value of the permanent residence for honorably discharged veterans who either have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability or receive benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101. Never-remarried surviving spouses also qualify. (A 2025 bill to raise the exclusion has not been enacted; $45,000 remains current law.)
Military retirement pay & state income tax
Since tax year 2021, North Carolina allows a full state income tax deduction of military retirement pay for retirees who served at least 20 years or were medically retired under 10 U.S.C. Chapter 61; qualifying Survivor Benefit Plan payments are also deductible.
Education benefits
The North Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans provides up to eight academic semesters at North Carolina schools for children of certain deceased, disabled, combat, or POW/MIA wartime veterans; applicants must be NC residents under age 25 at the time of application.
Also worth knowing
The state operates state veterans homes and four state veterans cemeteries, where eligible North Carolina veterans receive a free burial plot (spouses and certain dependents may also qualify).
Where to apply & verify
- North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — the official state agency for these programs
- Verified veteran services in North Carolina — directory of local organizations
- North Carolina veteran resources & news
- VA disability pay dates 2026 · 2026 VA disability rates
Latest North Carolina veteran news
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Other states
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About this information: Compiled July 2026 from official state sources and verified references. Benefit rules change through legislation — always confirm details with North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.