North Carolina Veteran Benefits

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

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion removes up to $45,000 of a primary residence’s assessed value for eligible 100% P&T veterans or SAH-eligible veterans; apply with NCDVA-9 and AV-9 by local deadline (state guidance: June 1). Surviving spouses may qualify.
• DMV: “VETERAN” designation available on license/ID (free to add; normal issuance/dup fees apply). Veteran and Disabled Veteran plates offered. ADA parking requires a disability placard or plate with the accessibility symbol.
• Education: NC Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans (up to 8 semesters at NC schools). Additional campus supports administered by school veterans offices.
• Income Tax Notes: VA disability compensation isn’t taxed. Military retirement pay and SBP are deductible for eligible retirees (20-year or Chapter 61 medical retirees).

Property Tax Relief

North Carolina’s Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion exempts the first $45,000 of assessed value on your primary residence if you’re rated 100% permanent & total service-connected or you receive Specially Adapted Housing (38 U.S.C. §2101). Unremarried surviving spouses may qualify. Process: get NCDVA-9 certified by the NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, then file AV-9 with your county tax office (state guidance lists a June 1 filing date).

DMV & License Benefits

Add a VETERAN designation to your NC driver license/ID with proof of honorable service (e.g., DD-214). NC offers military plates, including Disabled Veteran (eligibility verified via MVR-33A Section 3). For accessible parking, you must also qualify for a disability placard or a plate that carries the International Symbol of Access per DMV rules.

Education Benefits

The NC Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans covers up to 8 academic semesters at approved North Carolina institutions for eligible dependents of qualifying veterans. Coordinate this state aid with federal VA education benefits through your school’s veterans services office.

Hunting & Fishing

Resident veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or more can purchase lifetime hunting/fishing licenses (multiple options, low one-time fees). Separate stamps/tags (e.g., federal duck stamp) may still be required.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Unremarried surviving spouses may continue the homestead exclusion if statutory criteria are met. Eligible children may use the Children of Wartime Veterans scholarship at NC schools.

North Carolina Veterans Agency

NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

VA Regional Office

Winston-Salem VA Regional Benefit Office
251 N. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27155

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Charles George VA Medical Center — Asheville (1100 Tunnel Rd)
• Durham VA Medical Center — Durham (508 Fulton St)
• W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center — Salisbury (1601 Brenner Ave)
• Fayetteville VA Medical Center — Fayetteville (2300 Ramsey St)
• Wilmington VA Clinic — Wilmington (1705 Gardner Rd)

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Sources

• NC DMVA — Veterans Property Tax Relief (NCDVA-9, $45,000 exclusion, June 1 guidance)
• NC DOR — AV-9 Application for Property Tax Relief (2025)
• NCDMV — “VETERAN” License/ID Designation
• NCDMV — Disability Placards & Plates (parking eligibility)
• NC DMVA — Military & Veteran License Plates (MVR-33A certification)
• NC DMVA — Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans
• NC DOR — Military Retirement Deduction (incl. SBP)
• NC Wildlife — Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans (application & fees)
• VA — Winston-Salem Regional Office
• VA — Asheville VAMC (address)
• VA — Durham VAMC (address)
• VA — Salisbury VAMC (address)
• VA — Fayetteville VAMC (address)
• VA — Wilmington VA Clinic (address)

Last verified: August 26, 2025