Kentucky Veteran Benefits

Kentucky offers state-level benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Use this page to see what’s available and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Statewide Homestead/Disability Exemption of $49,100 (assessment years 2025–2026) on a primary residence for homeowners who are 65+ or totally disabled (includes veterans rated 100% service-connected). Apply with your county PVA.
• DMV: “Veteran” designation available on KY driver license/ID. Military plates include Disabled Veteran—no-fee plate for 100% SC or VA vehicle-grant recipients; a fee plate exists for 50–99% SC. Certain DV/valor plates receive city/county parking fee waivers under Kentucky law.
• Education: Kentucky Tuition Waiver for eligible spouses, un-remarried surviving spouses, stepchildren, and children of qualifying veterans at Kentucky public colleges (statutory categories apply).
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed. Kentucky allows a pension/retirement exclusion (generally up to $31,110, with possible additional exclusion for federal pensions via Schedule P).

Property Tax Relief

Kentucky’s Homestead/Disability Exemption deducts $49,100 (2025–2026) from the assessed value of a qualifying homestead for owners age 65+ or totally disabled. Veterans with a 100% VA service-connected rating (or paid at 100% IU) generally meet the disability standard. File through your county Property Valuation Administrator (PVA); bring proof of disability/age and complete the state form. This is a statewide exemption; local programs may vary on administration and deadlines.

DMV & License Benefits

Add the Veteran designation to your KY driver license/ID at a Driver Licensing Regional Office with proof of honorable service. Kentucky issues multiple military plates, including Disabled Veteran options: a no-fee DV plate for veterans who are 100% service-connected (or received a VA vehicle grant) and a fee DV plate for 50–99% SC. Under KRS 189.4595, certain disabled veterans and valor plate holders receive local parking fee/license exemptions. Obtain DV plate eligibility verification through KDVA and register at your county clerk.

Education Benefits

The Kentucky Tuition Waiver (KRS 164.507/164.515) allows eligible spouses, un-remarried surviving spouses, stepchildren, and children of qualifying veterans to attend Kentucky public colleges/tech schools tuition-free. Private or out-of-state schools are not eligible. Apply through the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) and your school’s veterans office.

Hunting & Fishing

Kentucky resident veterans with a 50%+ VA service-connected disability may purchase a Disabled Sportsman’s License (combination hunting/fishing with included statewide permits) at a reduced cost. Carry required documentation; residency rules apply.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Eligible spouses and dependents may receive the Tuition Waiver at Kentucky public institutions (categories include deceased, POW/MIA, and service-connected disabled cases). Surviving spouses should check with KDVA and local offices for any county-level property/tax programs and state tuition categories.

Kentucky Veterans Agency

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA)

VA Regional Office

Louisville VA Regional Benefit Office
321 West Main Street, Suite 390, Louisville, KY 40202

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Robley Rex VA Medical Center — Louisville
• Lexington VA Health Care — Troy Bowling Campus (Lexington)
• Lexington VA Health Care — Franklin R. Sousley Campus (Lexington)
• Madisonville VA Clinic — Madisonville
• Paducah VA Clinic — Paducah

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Sources

• KY Dept. of Revenue — Homestead/Disability Exemption (2025–2026 amount)
• KDVA — Disabled Veteran Property Tax (who qualifies)
• KYTC/DRIVE — Military & Veteran Driver Services (veteran ID, plates)
• KRS 189.4595 — Local license/parking fee exemptions (DV & certain valor plates)
• KDVA — Tuition Waiver (KRS 164.507/164.515)
• KY Fish & Wildlife — Senior & Disabled Licenses (50%+ SC eligibility)
• KY Dept. of Revenue — Military Tax Issues (retirement exclusion & Schedule P)
• VA Louisville Health Care — Locations (Robley Rex VAMC)
• VA Lexington Health Care — Locations (Troy Bowling & Sousley)
• VA Marion Health Care — KY clinics (Madisonville, Paducah, Mayfield, Owensboro)
• VBA — Regional Offices Index (Louisville RO)

Last verified: August 26, 2025