Tennessee Veteran Benefits

Tennessee offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Here’s a clear rundown of what you may qualify for and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: State-funded property tax relief (reimbursement) on a primary residence for eligible disabled veterans—calculated on up to the first $175,000 of market value; certain surviving spouses may qualify. Apply through your county trustee/assessor.
• DMV: “Veteran” designation available on driver license/ID; Disabled Veteran (DV) plate—first plate issued at no cost (additional plates standard fees). 100% P&T disabled veterans and former POWs may be exempt from county motor vehicle privilege “wheel” tax. Accessible parking requires a placard or qualifying disabled decal.
• Education: Helping Heroes Grant pays $1,000/semester (12+ hours) or $500/semester (6–11 hours) for eligible veterans; separate Dependents’ Tuition Waiver covers tuition/fees at Tennessee public institutions for eligible spouses/children of KIA, MIA, or POW.
• Income Tax Notes: Tennessee has no state personal income tax; VA disability compensation isn’t taxed by the state.

Property Tax Relief

Tennessee provides a Tax Relief benefit that reimburses part or all of your local property taxes on a qualifying primary residence. For disabled veterans, relief is calculated on up to the first $175,000 of market value and generally requires a VA determination such as 100% permanent & total (or certain equivalent categories). Applications are filed with the county trustee/assessor. Un-remarried surviving spouses may qualify under specific conditions. See Sources for program details and statute references.

DMV & License Benefits

Add a Veteran designation to your TN driver license/ID by presenting a DD-214 at a Driver Services Center. Tennessee offers a Disabled Veteran license plate; the first DV plate is free (no cost) and additional sets require standard fees. Qualified 100% P&T disabled veterans and former POWs are exempt from the county motor vehicle privilege tax (wheel tax). For ADA parking, use a disabled placard or request a disabled decal for military plates when eligible.

Education Benefits

The Helping Heroes Grant awards $1,000 per semester for full-time enrollment (12+ hours) and $500 for part-time (6–11 hours) to eligible veterans. Tennessee also provides a Dependents’ Tuition Waiver at state public colleges for eligible spouses and children of service members who were KIA or officially listed as MIA/POW during qualifying conflicts (covers tuition and certain fees; age and residency rules apply).

Hunting & Fishing

Resident disabled veterans with a 30%+ service-connected disability or 100% P&T may obtain a permanent Disabled Veteran hunting & fishing license for a one-time $10 fee (Type 198). Species-specific permits and special tags may still be required.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses may qualify for property tax relief when the veteran would have qualified at death and other conditions are met (no remarriage, own/occupy the home). Eligible spouses and children of KIA/MIA/POW may receive tuition/fee waivers at Tennessee public institutions.

Tennessee Veterans Agency

Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS)

VA Regional Office

Nashville Regional Office
7100 Commerce Way, Brentwood, TN 37027

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Nashville VA Medical Center (Tennessee Valley HCS), Nashville
• Alvin C. York VA Medical Center (Tennessee Valley HCS), Murfreesboro
• Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center (formerly Memphis VAMC), Memphis
• James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home (Johnson City)
• Chattanooga VA Clinic, Chattanooga

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Sources

• TDVS — Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans
• TN Comptroller — Property Tax Relief Program
• TN Dept. of Revenue — Disabled Veteran License Plate (costs/eligibility)
• TDVS — County Motor Vehicle Privilege (Wheel) Tax Exemption
• TDVS — Helping Heroes Grant (award amounts)
• TDVS — Dependents’ Tuition Waiver (KIA/MIA/POW)
• TDVS — Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License
• VA Tennessee Valley Health Care — Locations
• VA Memphis Health Care — Locations
• VA Mountain Home Health Care — Locations
• VBA — Nashville Regional Office (address/hours)

Last verified: August 26, 2025