Connecticut Veteran Benefits

Connecticut adds state-level perks on top of your federal VA benefits. Use this page to quickly see what’s available and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: 100% service-connected Permanent & Total (P&T) veterans get a full municipal property tax exemption on their primary residence’s dwelling (or one CT-registered vehicle if no home). Local options may extend details; apply with your town assessor.
• DMV: “Veteran” indicator on driver license/ID; veteran and disabled veteran plates available.
• Education: State tuition waiver for eligible veterans at UConn/CT State Universities/CT State Community College; dependent MIA/POW waiver exists; in-state tuition for active-duty families stationed in CT.
• Income Tax Notes: CT follows federal treatment—VA disability compensation is not taxable; military retirement pay is fully exempt.

Property Tax Relief

Under state law, municipalities must fully exempt from property tax either (1) the dwelling you own and occupy as your primary residence or (2) one CT-registered motor vehicle if you don’t own a home, for veterans with a VA-rated 100% service-connected P&T disability. Towns administer this benefit and may have local options (e.g., land treatment, survivor carryover, caps). File proof of eligibility with your town assessor by the local deadline (see Sources).

DMV & License Benefits

CT offers a “Veteran” indicator on driver licenses/IDs with qualifying proof of service. Specialty plates include Veteran and Disabled Veteran. Apply through CT DMV or your local DMV partner office; bring your discharge documentation and, for DV plates, VA disability verification. Check the state pages for forms and issuance locations (see Sources).

Education Benefits

Connecticut’s Veteran Tuition Waiver covers tuition at public institutions (UConn, CT State Universities, CT State Community College) for eligible veterans; fees are typically not covered. A dependent MIA/POW tuition waiver exists at CSU under Board policy. Active-duty personnel stationed in CT—plus spouses and dependents—may qualify for in-state rates. Confirm campus procedures with the school’s certifying official.

Hunting & Fishing

Active-duty service members can buy hunting/fishing/trapping licenses at resident rates. CT also offers certain free licenses for residents with specific permanent disabilities (e.g., loss of limb) per statute; stamps/permits may still be required. Separate from licenses, CT provides a free lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass for state parks and forests to residents with a service-connected disability (see Sources).

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Under recent legislation, towns may adopt options that clarify/extend how the P&T property tax exemption applies (e.g., survivor carryover, trust/life-estate situations). Education support includes the CSU MIA/POW dependent waiver and in-state tuition eligibility for families of active-duty stationed in CT. Verify program specifics with your town assessor and campus officials.

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)

VA Regional Office

Hartford Regional Office (VBA)
555 Willard Ave, Newington, CT 06111

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven
• Newington VA Clinic, Newington
• New London VA Clinic, New London

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Sources

• Public Act 24-46 – P&T Property Tax Exemption
• CT OLR: Questions on the New P&T Exemption
• CT DVA – Veteran Indicator on License/ID
• CT DMV – Military & Veteran Plates
• CT Office of Higher Education – Veteran Education Benefits
• CT DEEP – Disabled Veteran Pass (State Parks)
• VA Connecticut Health Care – Locations
• VA Hartford Regional Office
• CT DRS – Income Tax Info for Military & Veterans

Last verified: August 26, 2025