Maryland Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
Maryland provides 12 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 9 categories. Notable programs include a homestead property tax exemption worth up to $5,000, Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Up to $13,689/Year), income tax relief (tax savings depends on retirement income and state tax rate — up to ~$1,000/year). MD also provides hunting and fishing license benefits, additional benefits, small business benefits, state parks and recreation benefits. 1 of these benefits require Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in Maryland as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for MD Veterans
- Maryland offers 12 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: worth up to $5,000/year
- Education: Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Up to $13,689/Year)
- Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Subtraction: tax savings depends on retirement income and state tax rate — up to ~$1,000/year
- Vehicle benefits: Free Disabled Veteran License Plates
- Purple Heart Hunting & Fishing License Discount, Free Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License
12
State Benefits
9
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
415+
Discounts
See exactly what Maryland benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedMaryland State-Specific Benefits
Maryland Education Benefits (1)
Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Up to $13,689/Year)
The Edward T. Conroy and Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship provides tuition assistance to dependents of 100% disabled veterans, POWs, or KIA, and to veterans with a 25%+ disability who have exhausted federal education benefits. The maximum award for 2025-2026 is $13,689. The Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship provides additional financial assistance for veterans and their families who served in those conflicts.
Maryland Employment Benefits (1)
Veteran Employment Preference & Noncompetitive Appointment
Veterans receive credit when applying for Maryland State Government positions. Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more may be eligible for noncompetitive appointments, bypassing competitive selection if minimum qualifications are met.
Maryland Hunting & Fishing (2)
Purple Heart Hunting & Fishing License Discount
50% discount on Maryland hunting and fishing licenses for any veteran who received a Purple Heart.
Free Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License
Complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for Maryland residents who are 100% service-connected disabled, former POWs, or deemed unemployable by the VA. Includes bow, muzzleloader, and trout stamps.
Maryland Income Tax Benefits (1)
Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Subtraction
Subtract up to $20,000 (age 55+) or $12,500 (under 55) of military retirement income from Maryland adjusted gross income. Available to veterans and surviving spouses of military retirees.
Maryland Other Benefits (2)
Maryland Income Tax Benefits
First $5,000 retirement deductible ($15K at 55+)
Maryland Other Veteran Benefits
Free hunting/fishing for 100%
Maryland Property Tax Exemptions (2)
Maryland Property Tax Exemption
100% P&T: full exemption
100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption from property taxes on primary residence (dwelling house, yard, and necessary structures) for veterans rated 100% permanent and total or 100% permanently unemployable by the VA. Also available to surviving spouses of disabled veterans and military KIA. Refunds available for up to 3 prior years of eligibility.
Maryland Small Business Benefits (1)
Maryland Veteran-Owned Small Business (VSBE)
Maryland's Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) program raised its goal to 3% (effective September 2024), administered by the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. Certification is free via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA); requires 51% ownership and SBA size standards.
Maryland State Parks & Recreation (1)
Free Day-Use Entry at All State Parks for Veterans
Maryland waives day-use entrance fees for all veterans at state parks, regardless of disability rating. This benefit provides free access to all Maryland state parks and recreation areas for any honorably discharged veteran.
Maryland Vehicle Benefits (1)
Free Disabled Veteran License Plates
Free disabled veteran license plates with permanent registration (no annual renewal) for veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled or compensated at 100% due to Individual Unemployability. Registration fees waived.
How Maryland Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
Maryland 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 MD state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in MD, this means federal compensation plus the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Up to $13,689/Year) (up to $13,689/year) and 11 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some MD benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. 1 benefit in MD specifically requires Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-Maryland benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all Maryland veterans with service-connected disabilities. Maryland state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how Maryland's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Maryland offer in 2026?
Maryland offers 12 state-specific veteran benefits across 9 categories, such as Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Up to $13,689/Year), 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption, Free Disabled Veteran License Plates. 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 Maryland offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. Maryland offers 2 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Veterans rated 100% disabled or with Permanent & Total (P&T) status may qualify for a full property tax exemption. Some exemptions are available at any disability rating. The 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption can be worth up to $5,000 per year depending on assessed home value. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in Maryland?
Maryland provides 1 education benefit, including Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Up to $13,689/Year) — 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 Maryland?
Federal VA disability compensation is tax-free nationwide. Beyond that, Maryland offers 1 additional income tax benefit: the Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Subtraction. These may further reduce your MD state tax burden on military retirement pay or veteran-related income.
Does Maryland offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Maryland provides 1 vehicle-related benefit: Free Disabled Veteran License Plates. Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for Maryland veteran benefits?
Most Maryland 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 MD 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 Maryland state benefits you qualify for: