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Louisiana is home to over 250,000 veterans and almost a third of them have service-connected disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Benefits Report, a total of 82,385 of Louisiana veterans received disability compensation in 2024.  

The Bayou State provides a wide range of state-level benefits to support its disabled veterans, including significant property tax relief, free outdoor recreation privileges, transportation benefits and access to specialized long-term care facilities. 

This Hill & Ponton guide helps Louisiana’s disabled veterans (and their families) learn about all the state and federal benefits they may be entitled to. It explains the programs and resources offered by the State of Louisiana and how to access them. 

Homestead Tax Exemptions and Other Financial Benefits 

Disabled veterans in Louisiana are eligible for property tax relief that increases alongside their VA disability rating. While all Louisiana homeowners receive a standard $7,500 homestead exemption, veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher qualify for additional exemptions.  

Do 100% Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Louisiana? 

Louisiana veterans with a 100% disability rating (or receiving 100% compensation due to Individual Unemployability) do not have to pay ad valorem property taxes on their primary residence. The tax exemption covers the total assessed value of the property. This benefit extends to the unremarried surviving spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, provided they continue to own and occupy the home as their primary residence.

Partial Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans 

  • 70%-90% disability: eligible for a $4,500 exemption of the assessed value, in addition to the homestead exemption 
  • 50% or 60% disability: eligible for a $2,500 exemption of the assessed value, in addition to the homestead exemption 

How to apply: obtain Form A25 from the local Parish Service Office and file it with the county assessor. 

Veterans with a 50% or higher rating can also benefit from a Special Assessment Level, which freezes the assessed value of their property, preventing tax increases due to rising property values. 

Other Financial Benefits

  • Military retirement is exempt from Louisiana income tax. 
  • Louisiana National Guard members who became permanently and totally disabled while serving on federal or state active duty on or after September 11, 2001 may qualify for a state disability payment of $100,000 or $50,000. 
  • The Military Family Assistance Fund offers need-based financial help to qualifying veterans and eligible members of the Louisiana National Guard or Reserves, providing up to $10,000 toward approved expenses (such as rent, mortgage, utility bills) within a 12-month period.

Transportation Benefits

The state offers disabled veteran license plates, waivers or discounts on fees for veterans obtaining or renewing their Louisiana driver’s licenses or state IDs, as well as certain parking privileges.

Do Veterans Pay for Vehicle Registration in Louisiana?  

Veterans with a 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disability rating are eligible for a specialized Disabled Veteran license plate at no charge for the initial issuance. While the plate itself is free, it is limited to one vehicle per qualified veteran and can be transferred to a different vehicle for a $3 fee. Veterans who have lost the use of limbs or sight may also be eligible for specific grants to assist with the purchase of adaptive equipment or wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 

How to Get a Disabled Veteran License Plate in Louisiana 

To obtain a Disabled Veteran license plate, veterans must apply through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The application must include an affidavit signed by a Veterans Affairs Service Officer attesting to the veteran’s 100% P&T status. These plates include the international symbol of access, allowing veterans to use designated disabled parking spaces without needing an additional hanging placard. 

Auto Insurance Discounts 

Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more, as well as military retirees, may qualify for a 25% discount on their auto insurance premiums at the discretion of their carrier. This discount applies to liability policies for any personal vehicle owned by the veteran in Louisiana. 

Disabled Veteran Parking at Airports and Cruise Terminals 

Louisiana veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher are eligible for free parking at state airports and the Port of New Orleans cruise terminal. Airport parking is available for any duration, while cruise terminal parking is limited to seven days. To utilize these benefits, veterans must provide a travel itinerary and a specialized certification form from a Louisiana Veteran Assistance Counselor. Cruise terminal parking also requires a military honor license plate. 

Education Benefits

In-State Tuition Exemption for the Dependents of Disabled Veterans 

The Title 29 Education Benefit provides a tuition exemption at any Louisiana public college or university for the dependents of certain veterans. It can be used in conjunction with the GI Bill. This educational assistance is available to: 

  • Children of veterans rated 90% or higher for a service-connected disability. 
  • Children and surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or were killed in action. 
  • Spouses of veterans who are 100% P&T disabled.  

Applicants must meet state residency requirements (typically two years for the veteran or student) and should contact their Parish Veterans Service Officer to initiate the application process. Find out more. 

Employment Benefits

Louisiana state and city civil service departments award hiring preference points to honorably discharged veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for a position. To claim these points, veterans must submit their DD214 and a VA disability letter dated within the last six months. 

  • Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points added to their passing score 
  • Service-connected disabled veterans receive 10 points added to their passing score 
  • Certain unremarried surviving spouses and parents of deceased veterans may also claim the 10 points of preference that would have been given to the veteran 

Recreation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Access to Louisiana State Parks? 

Yes. Veterans with a service-connected disability and their guests (in the same non-commercial vehicle) receive free admission to all Louisiana State Parks. State Park Permit. Eligible veterans must apply for their State Park Permit by contacting their local parish veterans service office. Find out more about Louisiana State Parks. 

Does Louisiana offer Disabled Veterans Free Fishing and Hunting Licenses? 

Louisiana residents with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher are eligible for a free hunting and fishing license. It covers basic and saltwater fishing, as well as basic, deer, waterfowl, and turkey hunting privileges. It does not include the Federal Duck Stamp. The $4 fee for the license is covered by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, making it entirely free for the veteran. Veterans can apply through the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) by submitting a VA award letter or having the Veteran Affairs Office complete the relevant information in the application. See the application form. 

Healthcare Benefits

Veterans with a VA disability rating of 70% to 100% can live free of charge in Louisiana’s state veterans homes. Veterans who have a rating below 70% pay a monthly fee determined each year by the VA, that can be offset by applying and qualifying for federal aid and attendance pension. Find out more. 

The state of Louisiana operates five specialized homes providing  24/7 nursing, memory care (for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diagnoses), rehabilitative services and more. 

  • Louisiana War Veterans Home (Jackson): 4061 Wildlife Way, Jackson, LA 70748 
  • Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home (Monroe): 6700 Highway 165 North, Monroe, LA 71203 
  • Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home (Bossier City): 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Pkwy, Bossier City, LA 71112 
  • Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home (Reserve): 4080 W. Airline Hwy, Reserve, LA 70084 
  • Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home (Jennings): 1610 Evangeline Rd, Jennings, LA 70546 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs operates five state veterans cemeteries that provide honorable final resting places for veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Burial for eligible veterans is free. Spouses and dependents may also be interred, but a fee equal to the current federal VA plot allowance is required at the time of their burial. Learn more. 

Surviving spouses and dependents are also eligible for continued property tax exemptions, educational benefits, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA. Find out more about getting survivor benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to Louisiana Veterans 

In addition to Louisiana’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  
  • 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 Louisiana veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc. 

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana state resources  

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Veterans who served at military installations in Louisiana may have been exposed to hazardous substances such as PFAS or industrial solvents. These exposures can make veterans eligible for disability benefits. Bases in Louisiana 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.    

Getting VA Disability in Louisiana 

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 Louisiana – Free Guide 

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free ebook for easy, immediate access. 

Louisiana State Assistance and Resources 

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited attorneys proudly serve Louisiana veterans who were denied or underrated, 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! Hill & Ponton has successfully assisted disabled veterans all over Louisiana. Find out more about our legal services: