North Dakota Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
North Dakota provides 12 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 9 categories. Notable programs include a homestead property tax exemption worth up to $120,000, Dependent Tuition Waiver (100% Disabled or KIA), state income tax benefits. ND 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 North Dakota as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for ND Veterans
- North Dakota offers 12 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption ($120,000): worth up to $120,000/year
- Education: Dependent Tuition Waiver (100% Disabled or KIA)
- 1 income tax benefit beyond the federal tax-free VA compensation
- Vehicle benefits: Disabled American Veteran License Plates & Registration Exemption
- Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses (50%+ Disabled)
12
State Benefits
9
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
415+
Discounts
See exactly what North Dakota benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedNorth Dakota State-Specific Benefits
North Dakota Education Benefits (1)
Dependent Tuition Waiver (100% Disabled or KIA)
Dependents (spouse, child, or stepchild) of a veteran who is 100% service-connected disabled, killed in action, or died from service-connected causes are eligible for a tuition and fee waiver at state-supported institutions for a bachelor's degree or certificate.
North Dakota Employment Benefits (1)
State Employment Hiring Preference (5 or 10 Points)
In public employment, veterans receive a 5-point preference on competitive exams, while disabled veterans receive a 10-point preference. Disabled veterans also receive first priority for employment and training services at American Job Centers.
North Dakota Hunting & Fishing (1)
Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses (50%+ Disabled)
Residents with a 50% or higher service-connected disability are eligible for discounted hunting and fishing licenses per HB 1147.
North Dakota Income Tax Benefits (1)
Military Retirement Pay — State Income Tax Exempt
North Dakota does not tax military retired pay or VA disability compensation at the state level.
North Dakota Other Benefits (2)
North Dakota Other Veteran Benefits
Employment preference
North Dakota Income Tax Benefits
Military pay exempt
North Dakota Property Tax Exemptions (3)
North Dakota Property Tax Exemption
Disabled vet: credit up to $8,100
Property Tax Credit — 50%+ Disabled Veterans
Honorably discharged veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability receive a property tax credit reducing the taxable value of their homestead: $4,500 at 50%, scaling to $9,000 at 100%. IU veterans paid at 100% also qualify. No income/asset test. Apply to local assessor by April 1.
Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption ($120,000)
Paraplegic veterans or those awarded specially adapted housing by the VA are exempt from property tax on the first $120,000 of the full valuation of their homestead.
North Dakota Small Business Benefits (1)
North Dakota Veteran Business Resources
North Dakota provides no procurement preference for veteran-owned businesses; state law grants only a veteran employment preference on public construction contracts (N.D.C.C. §43-07-20). Veteran entrepreneurs can use the North Dakota APEX Accelerator for free contracting help.
North Dakota State Parks & Recreation (1)
Free Lifetime State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)
Residents with a 50% or greater service-connected disability are eligible for a free annual lifetime entrance pass to North Dakota State Parks.
North Dakota Vehicle Benefits (1)
Disabled American Veteran License Plates & Registration Exemption
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are eligible for DAV license plates with an exemption from annual vehicle registration fees and state vehicle excise (sales) tax for up to two vehicles.
How North Dakota Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
North Dakota 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 ND state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in ND, this means federal compensation plus the Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption ($120,000) (up to $120,000/year) and 11 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some ND benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. 1 benefit in ND specifically requires Permanent & Total (P&T) disability status. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-North Dakota benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all North Dakota veterans with service-connected disabilities. North Dakota state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how North Dakota's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does North Dakota offer in 2026?
North Dakota offers 12 state-specific veteran benefits across 9 categories, such as Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption ($120,000), Property Tax Credit — 50%+ 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 North Dakota offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. North Dakota offers 3 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Some exemptions are available at any disability rating. The Paraplegic Veteran Property Tax Exemption ($120,000) can be worth up to $120,000 per year depending on assessed home value. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in North Dakota?
North Dakota provides 1 education benefit, including Dependent Tuition Waiver (100% Disabled or KIA) — 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 North Dakota?
Federal VA disability compensation is tax-free nationwide. Beyond that, North Dakota offers 1 additional income tax benefit: the Military Retirement Pay — State Income Tax Exempt. These may further reduce your ND state tax burden on military retirement pay or veteran-related income.
Does North Dakota offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. North Dakota provides 1 vehicle-related benefit: Disabled American Veteran License Plates & Registration Exemption. Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for North Dakota veteran benefits?
Most North Dakota 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 ND 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 North Dakota state benefits you qualify for: