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Around 32% of Maryland’s veterans are living with service-related disabilities: in 2024 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs registered 114,085 receiving disability compensation. Over half of the disabled veterans in Maryland report being rated at 70% or more, making access to local resources vital.  

To support the state’s community of veterans and their families, Maryland provides specific benefits at state and county level, in addition to the federal VA compensation and benefits. Veteran state programs include property tax exemptions, free car registration, college tuition assistance, veteran hiring preference, complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, and more. 

The Hill & Ponton guide helps Maryland’s disabled veterans (and those who support them) learn about all the state and federal benefits they may be entitled to. It explains the specific programs and resources offered by the State of Maryland and how to access them. 

Disabled Veterans Tax Exemptions 

Does Maryland Tax VA Disability? 

No. Maryland does not tax disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA disability payments are fully exempt from Maryland income tax. In addition, up to $20,000 of military retirement income may be excluded from taxable income for those aged 55 and older, with a limit of $12,500 for those under the age of 55. Learn more. 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Maryland?  

Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition are eligible for a complete exemption from property taxes on their primary residence in Maryland. The exemption is also available to surviving spouses who do not remarry. Veterans must submit proof of their disability rating from the VA. Get the application forms. 

Transportation Benefits

Do Veterans Get Free Car Registration in Maryland?  

Yes. Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled are eligible for one free vehicle registration, which is renewed annually at no cost. This benefit is only applicable to one personal-use vehicle and does not include commercial or business vehicles. Veterans must provide a certification letter from the VA verifying their disability status. Learn more. 

How to Get Disabled Veteran Plates in Maryland  

Veterans rated 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs receive free registration for all license plate types associated with their status. Veterans rated 50‑99% disabled receive a license plate at no cost but must still pay the standard annual or bi‑annual registration fees and applicable surcharges. The MVA also offers a waiver of the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) skills test for veterans discharged within the past 12 months (or currently active duty) provided they meet certain criteria (e.g., valid Maryland Class C license, two years’ experience driving a military vehicle). See how to apply for these benefits. 

Education Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans’ Dependents Get Free College in Maryland?  

The Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship provides tuition assistance to dependents of 100% disabled veterans, POWs, or those killed in action. Maryland also offers a scholarship to veterans who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, and their son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, or spouse attending a Maryland postsecondary institution. Eligibility requires Maryland residency and VA documentation of the veteran’s disability status. 

Employment Benefits for Maryland Veterans 

Maryland provides hiring preference to eligible veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities, in state employment. This includes additional points on civil service exams and priority consideration during the hiring process. Spouses of disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses may also be eligible. 

Recreation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Access to Maryland State Parks?  

Yes. Day‑use entrance charges are waived for all veterans (resident or non‑resident) visiting Maryland State Parks year‑round (the waiver applies to the veteran only). Visitors with a disability may also apply for the Universal Disability Pass and get free lifetime day‑use entry at state parks. 

Can Disabled Veterans Get a Free Fishing and Hunting License in Maryland?  

Yes. Maryland residents with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing license. This free license includes trout stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and bow stamp privileges. It must be renewed every five years, and applicants must provide proof of residency and VA disability documentation. The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is not part of the free license. The Migratory Game Bird Stamp, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and the Big Game Harvest Record are required for each year. Learn more. 

Healthcare Benefits

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, operated by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, offers assisted living and skilled nursing care to eligible Maryland veterans and their spouses. The facility provides rehabilitative services, memory care, and full-time medical staff. Admission requires an honorable discharge and Maryland residency. 

The state also offers behavioral health resources and veteran care coordination through the Maryland Department of Health. The main medical facilities offering VA health care in Maryland are:   

  • Baltimore VA Medical Center – 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: 410-605-7000 
  • Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center – 3900 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21218 | Phone: 410-605-7000 
  • Perry Point VA Medical Center – 361 Boiler House Road, Perry Point, MD 21902 | Phone: 410-642-2411 

    Burial and Survivor Benefits

    Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Maryland National Guard to veterans who received an honorable or general discharge and the state covers the expenses for veterans’ burial plot, grave liner, headstone, and interment services at a state’s veterans cemetery. Eligible National Guard and Reserve members, as well as dependents, may also be buried for a set fee of $1,002, which covers all interment types and perpetual care. Find out 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 Maryland Veterans 

    In addition to Maryland’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. Find out more here and use the links below to see what federal benefits Maryland 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 Maryland 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  
    • Education benefits  
    • Continued property tax exemption  
    • Access to Maryland state resources  

    Benefits for Toxic Exposure

    Veterans who served at contaminated military bases or who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other environmental hazards may qualify for additional VA benefits. Bases in or near Maryland with known toxic exposure issues include: 

    If you served at a base in a different state, you can find yours on our toxic exposure map: https://www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/. 

    Getting VA Disability in Maryland 

    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 Maryland – 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 online course for easy, immediate access.  

    Maryland State Assistance and Resources 

    Help from Experienced Lawyers 

     Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Maryland 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!