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32% of the veterans in Arkansas are receiving VA disability benefits, according to the latest annual report from the Veterans Benefits Administration.

With over $1.7 billion in VA compensation and pension benefits flowing to the state each year, Arkansas provides a range of benefits designed to support disabled veterans, from full property tax exemptions for those rated 100% total and permanent to free license plates, lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, and education assistance for veterans and their families. 

Arkansas also stands out for its sales tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans, which covers up to $25,000 in purchases per year on tangible personal property and services at physical store locations. Combined with federal VA benefits, these programs provide meaningful financial relief and practical support for disabled veterans across the state. 

This guide helps disabled veterans and their families learn about Arkansas-specific programs, resources, and legal assistance available to them. It explains the requirements for each benefit and how to access them. 

Tax Exemptions 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Arkansas?

Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating are fully exempt from all state taxes on their homestead and personal property in Arkansas.  

This exemption also applies to veterans who have been awarded special monthly compensation by the VA for the loss of, or loss of use of, one or more limbs, or for total blindness in one or both eyes.  

The benefit is extended to the surviving spouse and minor dependent children if the disabled veteran dies. Find out more. 

To establish the exemption, veterans must provide a copy of their Summary of Benefits letter from the VA to their county treasurer or collector. If the letter does not document the total and permanent date, a copy of the Rating Decision Form listing that date is also required.  

Beginning in the 2026 assessment year, homestead property owned through an LLC or trust (revocable or irrevocable) also qualifies for the exemption. 

Keep in mind that rental property, special improvement taxes, city liens, sanitation fees, timber, and land-only parcels are not exempt. For specific details and filing deadlines, contact your local county tax assessor or collector. 

Are Disabled Veterans Exempt from Sales Tax in Arkansas? 

Yes. Arkansas provides a state sales and use tax exemption for veterans who qualify under the same disability criteria as the property tax exemption: 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, or special monthly compensation for the loss or loss of use of limbs or total blindness.

The exemption applies to purchases of tangible personal property, specified digital products, and services made at a physical store location in Arkansas. It covers the 6.5% state sales tax only and does not apply to local sales and use taxes. 

The annual exemption limit is $25,000 in purchases for the disabled veteran and authorized household members. Surviving spouses of deceased disabled veterans who have not remarried are also eligible for sales tax exemption but have an annual limit of $2,500 in purchases.  

To qualify, the veteran must obtain a certification letter from the VA and then apply for an exemption identification card from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Each authorized household member who will make purchases on the veteran’s behalf must also obtain a card from DFA. The card must be presented at the time of purchase.  

Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemptions

Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Arkansas state income tax, effective since January 1, 2018. Military disability retirement pay received as a pension or annuity for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service is also excluded from taxable income. 

Transportation Benefits

Are Disabled Veteran License Plates Free in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers a free Disabled Veteran license plate to 100% disabled veterans. The initial plate is issued at no cost and has an annual renewal fee of just $1. One additional plate is available for $4. A surviving spouse who is not already a joint owner of the vehicle can also receive the plate for $4 with a marriage license and death certificate. Learn more from the DFA.

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Sales Tax on Vehicles in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers sales tax relief on vehicle purchases for disabled veterans in specific circumstances. Veterans who purchase specially adapted vehicles or equipment with financial assistance from the VA are exempt from sales tax on those purchases. An official letter from the VA verifying the assisted purchase is accepted as proof of entitlement. 

Additionally, a veteran who is blind as the result of a service-connected injury is exempt from the Arkansas Gross Receipts Tax on the purchase of one new or used automobile every two years.

Veterans who hold the DFA sales tax exemption card (available to those with 100% P&T disability or special monthly compensation) may also be able to use it toward vehicle purchases at a physical dealership location in Arkansas, subject to the $25,000 annual purchase limit. Veterans should confirm their eligibility with the DFA or their local ADVA service officer. 

Education Benefits

Does Arkansas Offer College Benefits to Disabled Veterans?

While Arkansas does not have a state-funded tuition waiver specifically for disabled veterans themselves, the state supports veteran education through several programs. The Arkansas National Guard Tuition Incentive Program provides tuition assistance at accredited Arkansas institutions for qualifying Guard members.

Veterans may also qualify for in-state tuition rates at Arkansas colleges and universities if they were discharged within three years before enrollment, regardless of current residency. 

Federal education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) are widely accepted at Arkansas institutions, and many schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover costs beyond GI Bill limits. 

Do Spouses and Children of Disabled Veterans Get Free Tuition in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Heroes Scholarship provides the spouse and children of 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans with a waiver of tuition, fees, room, and board at any public or private college, university, or technical school in Arkansas. 

The scholarship covers the unpaid portion of tuition, housing and mandatory fees after 3 months of Chapter 35 Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) benefits have been deducted from the total costs per semester.  

Eligibility is limited to eight semesters or the achievement of a degree, whichever comes first. Applicants must provide a DD-214 and documentation from the VA citing the veteran’s 100% permanent and total disability. Learn more about the Arkansas Heroes Scholarship. 

Employment Benefits for Arkansas Veterans 

Arkansas State Veterans Hiring Preference 

Arkansas grants hiring preference points to veterans applying for state government positions. The points are added to a veteran’s passing examination score: 

  • 10 points: Veterans with a service-connected disability, veterans over age 55 who are disabled and entitled to a pension or compensation, or the spouse of a veteran whose service-connected disability disqualifies the veteran from employment. 
  • 5 points: Veterans with an honorable discharge or Reserve/Guard members with at least six years of service. 

Ten-point preference-eligible veterans are placed at the head of the register or applicant list among those with equal eligibility points. Private-sector employers in Arkansas may also voluntarily adopt a veterans preference employment policy under state law. 

Recreation Benefits

Entry to Arkansas state parks is free for all visitors and activities such as hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, launching a boat, and attending most interpretive programs are available at no cost. There are however campsite fees, which are discounted for disabled veterans with 100% total and permanent disability. 

Camping Discounts for Disabled Veterans 

U.S. citizens with 100% total and permanent disability receive a 50% discount on standard campsite fees at all Arkansas State Parks, year-round. The camping discount does not apply to rental camping facilities such as cabins or yurts. See camping rates and information. 

Veterans can qualify for the camping discounts by providing a copy of their VA Awards letter (dated within the last two years) or by presenting an Arkansas license plate with DV or DAV designation. The America the Beautiful Access Pass is also accepted as proof of eligibility.  

Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses 

Arkansas offers permanently disabled veterans the Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Hunting License and the Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License at a one-time fee of $1.50 each. A lifetime combination hunting and fishing license can be obtained for $3. 

Lifetime waterfowl permits ($7) and trout permits ($10) are also available for qualifying disabled veterans. All these veteran licenses are only available through the AGFC Little Rock office or by mail. 

Veterans who are 100% P&T disabled, as certified by the VA, and who have been Arkansas residents for at least one year are eligible. Find out more from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. 

Healthcare Benefits

Arkansas veterans have access to healthcare through two major VA healthcare systems and a network of community-based outpatient clinics across the state. The primary healthcare hubs are the VA Central Arkansas Healthcare System based in Little Rock and the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks based in Fayetteville.

VA Medical Centers 

  • John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital: 4300 West Seventh Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 
  • Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center: 2200 Fort Roots Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114 
  • Fayetteville VA Medical Center: 1100 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 

Community Based Outpatient Clinics 

  • Conway VA Clinic: 1520 East Dave Ward Drive, Conway, AR 72032 
  • El Dorado VA Clinic: 1702 North West Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730 
  • Fort Smith VA Clinic: 5700 Phoenix Place, Fort Smith, AR 72903 
  • Harrison VA Clinic: 814 US Highway 62-65 North, Suite 8, Harrison, AR 72601 
  • Hot Springs VA Clinic: 177 Sawtooth Oak Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901 
  • Little Rock VA Clinic: 1000 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 
  • Mena VA Clinic: 300 Morrow Street South, Mena, AR 71953 
  • Mountain Home VA Clinic: 759 Highway 62 E, Twin Lakes Plaza, Suite 331, Mountain Home, AR 72653 
  • Ozark VA Clinic: 2713 West Commercial Street, Ozark, AR 72949 
  • Pine Bluff VA Clinic: 2906 Market Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 
  • Russellville VA Clinic: 3106 West 2nd Court, Russellville, AR 72801 
  • Searcy VA Clinic: 1120 South Main Street, Searcy, AR 72143 
  • Sunbridge VA Clinic: 180 East Sunbridge Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72703 
  • Township VA Clinic: 216 East Township Street, Fayetteville, AR 72703 

Arkansas State Veterans Homes 

In addition to federal VA medical facilities, Arkansas operates two state veterans homes that provide long-term skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, hospice, and respite care for eligible veterans and their spouses.

  • Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville: 1179 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 | Phone: (479) 444-7001 
  • Arkansas State Veterans Home at North Little Rock: 2401 John Ashley Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72214 | Phone: (501) 683-1406 

Both facilities are Medicare and Medicaid certified and offer round-the-clock skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work services, and recreational activities. Admission requires an honorable discharge and a medical need for nursing home placement. Veterans’ spouses and Gold Star parents are also eligible. 

To apply, submit an inquiry to ADVA Veteran Homes or contact the department at (501) 683-2382 or adva.public@arkansas.gov. 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

Arkansas operates two state veterans cemeteries, providing burial space for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Interment for veterans is provided at no cost, and includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a vault, and a government-provided headstone or niche cover. Find out more. 

  • Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at North Little Rock: 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, AR 72120 
  • Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye: 3600 Highway 163, Birdeye, AR 72324 | Phone: (870) 588-4608 

To be eligible, veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 (or 23 if enrolled in school) may also be interred, at a cost of approximately $807 as of 2026. Veterans and spouses can pre-apply for burial eligibility at no cost. 

Surviving spouses and dependents could also be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA, continued property tax exemptions, and educational benefits through the Military Dependents Scholarship. Learn more about getting survivor benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to Arkansas Veterans

In addition to Arkansas’s specific benefits, disabled veterans also get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including: 

  • Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here) 
  • Medical care, including mental health services and counseling 
  • Special compensation, Aid & Attendance and other financial benefits 
  • Home loans and housing benefits 
  • Vocational rehabilitation and employment services 
  • Education benefits through the GI Bill 
  • Survivor benefits 
  • Federal hiring preference 

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits Arkansas veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc. 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including: 

  • Full monthly VA compensation
  • Full VA healthcare coverage
  • Dental care
  • Adaptive equipment grants

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled Arkansas veteran → 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits: 

  • CHAMPVA healthcare  
  • DIC eligibility  
  • Education benefits  
  • Continued property tax exemption  
  • Access to Arkansas state resources  

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Arkansas veterans and veterans who served at a military base in Arkansas and developed disabilities may be eligible for compensation and VA benefits. Bases in or near Arkansas with known toxic exposure concerns include: 

Find more bases with toxic exposure or get in touch with us for a free evaluation of your case. Hill & Ponton has decades of experience in helping veterans get compensation for conditions caused by exposure to dangerous substances, from Agent Orange to burn pits, jet fuel, and more. If you served at a base in a different state, find yours on the Military Base Toxic Exposure Map. 

Getting VA Disability in Arkansas 

Getting through the VA disability claims process can be tricky, but there are local and national resources to help guide you. These resources include local veteran groups, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys. 

How to Apply for VA Benefits in Arkansas – Free Guide 

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. Get it here free of charge. We also offer a free downloadable version for easy, immediate access. 

Legal Resources for Disabled Veterans 

For veterans who need to appeal a VA decision or are seeking to increase their disability rating, dedicated legal resources can ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve. 

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Arkansas veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction!