Arkansas Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
Arkansas provides 8 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 7 categories. Notable programs include property tax relief for disabled veterans, Arkansas Heroes Scholarship (Dependents of 100% P&T), income tax relief (100% exemption on military pay and retirement). AR also provides hunting and fishing license benefits, state parks and recreation benefits. 3 of these benefits require Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in Arkansas as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for AR Veterans
- Arkansas offers 8 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- Property tax exemptions available starting at 100% disability rating
- Education: Arkansas Heroes Scholarship (Dependents of 100% P&T)
- Military Pay & Retirement — Full State Income Tax Exemption: 100% exemption on military pay and retirement
- Vehicle benefits: Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (VA-Funded Vehicles), Free Disabled Veteran License Plates (30%+ Disabled)
- Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Licenses — Disabled Veterans
8
State Benefits
7
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
427+
Discounts
See exactly what Arkansas benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedArkansas State-Specific Benefits
Arkansas Education Benefits (1)
Arkansas Heroes Scholarship (Dependents of 100% P&T)
Provides financial assistance for in-state tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus housing for spouses and dependent children of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled, killed in action, MIA, or POW.
Arkansas Employment Benefits (1)
State Employment Preference (5 or 10 Points)
Disabled veterans receive 10 points preference for state employment, promotions, and retention. Non-disabled veterans and surviving spouses of deceased veterans receive 5 points.
Arkansas Hunting & Fishing (1)
Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Licenses — Disabled Veterans
100% P&T disabled veterans can get lifetime fishing ($1.50), hunting ($1.50), or combination ($3.00) licenses. Veterans with 70%+ disability (or 50%+ with Purple Heart) can buy a lifetime combination license for $52.50 covering hunting, fishing, trou...
Arkansas Income Tax Benefits (1)
Military Pay & Retirement — Full State Income Tax Exemption
Military pay received by active or reserve service members is exempt from Arkansas state income tax. Military retirement pay is also fully exempt. Military disability retirement pay for service-connected injuries is excluded from taxable income.
Arkansas Property Tax Exemptions (1)
Full Property Tax Exemption — Severely Disabled Veterans
Veterans awarded special monthly compensation by the VA for loss/loss of use of limbs, total blindness, or 100% P&T disability are exempt from all state taxes on their homestead and personal property. Extends to unremarried surviving spouse and minor...
Arkansas State Parks & Recreation (1)
50% State Park Camping Discount (100% P&T)
Residents with a 100% permanent and total disability rating are eligible for a 50% discount on standard campsite fees at Arkansas State Parks year-round.
Arkansas Vehicle Benefits (2)
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (VA-Funded Vehicles)
Disabled veterans who purchase vehicles or adaptive equipment with VA financial aid are exempt from sales tax. Veterans blind from service-connected injury are exempt from gross receipts tax on one new automobile every two years.
Free Disabled Veteran License Plates (30%+ Disabled)
Free license plates for resident veterans who are service-connected disabled and rated at least 30% or are totally and permanently disabled. These plates provide accessible parking rights without a separate placard.
How Arkansas Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
Arkansas state benefits are separate from and stack on top of your federal VA disability compensation. The federal compensation rate table below shows what you receive from the VA — your AR state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in AR, this means federal compensation plus the Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Licenses — Disabled Veterans (up to $3/year) and 7 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some AR benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. 3 benefits in AR specifically require Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-Arkansas benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all Arkansas veterans with service-connected disabilities. Arkansas state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how Arkansas's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Arkansas offer in 2026?
Arkansas offers 8 state-specific veteran benefits across 7 categories, such as Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Licenses — Disabled Veterans. These cover education benefits, employment benefits, hunting and fishing license benefits, income tax benefits, and more — all in addition to federal VA disability compensation and healthcare.
Does Arkansas offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. Arkansas offers 1 property tax benefit for disabled veterans. Veterans rated 100% disabled or with Permanent & Total (P&T) status may qualify for a full property tax exemption. The minimum VA disability rating required is 100%. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in Arkansas?
Arkansas provides 1 education benefit, including Arkansas Heroes Scholarship (Dependents of 100% P&T) — some extend to dependents and spouses. These can be combined with federal programs like the GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E Chapter 31) to reduce or eliminate education costs.
Is military retirement pay taxable in Arkansas?
Federal VA disability compensation is tax-free nationwide. Beyond that, Arkansas offers 1 additional income tax benefit: the Military Pay & Retirement — Full State Income Tax Exemption. These may further reduce your AR state tax burden on military retirement pay or veteran-related income.
Does Arkansas offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Arkansas provides 2 vehicle-related benefits: Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (VA-Funded Vehicles), Free Disabled Veteran License Plates (30%+ Disabled). Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for Arkansas veteran benefits?
Most Arkansas benefits require proof of your VA disability rating, available through VA.gov or your eBenefits account. Some programs require Permanent & Total (P&T) status. Certain benefits require a rating of 100% or higher. Contact your local AR Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service office for application help.
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Benefits by VA Disability Rating
Your disability rating determines which federal and Arkansas state benefits you qualify for: