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Maryland’s veterans are increasingly living with service-related disabilities: at the end of 2025 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs registered 121,355 veterans receiving disability compensation, around 35% of the total number of veterans in the state (up from 32% from the previous year). Over half of the disabled veterans 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 and Military Retirement Pay?

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. A veteran compensated at the 100% rate for individual unemployability, permanent and total in nature, also qualifies. The exemption is also available to surviving spouses who do not remarry.

Veterans must submit proof of their disability rating from the VA. The Department of Assessments and Taxation does not accept a VA Summary of Benefits letter: the VA letter has to state the rating, the decision date, and the effective date, or the VA completes the certification block on the department’s own form. Get the application forms.

Local Property Tax Credits for Veterans Rated 50% or More

Maryland counties and municipalities may also credit 50% of the county or municipal property tax for a veteran rated at least 75%, and 25% for a veteran rated 50% to 74%, under Tax-Property Article 9-265. The credit is subject to an income limit. The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families keeps a list of jurisdictions with local property tax relief.

Transportation Benefits

Do Veterans Get Free Car Registration in Maryland?

A veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled receives free registration for a vehicle owned by or leased to and personally used by the veteran. A veteran compensated at the 100% rate for individual unemployability also qualifies.

The MVA issues a permanent registration card and plate sticker, so there is no annual renewal trip to the MVA. The exemption extends to an unmarried surviving spouse. 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 VA 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.

A separate free placard (up to two, valid until the holder’s death) or a $40 disability plate covers accessible parking (the Disabled Veteran plate carries no wheelchair symbol).

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. The Conroy scholarship is also open directly to a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 25% or more who has exhausted federal education benefits; applications go to the school’s financial aid office by July 15.

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 a DD-214 or equivalent discharge document..

Employment Benefits

Maryland gives hiring preference to eligible veterans in state employment. The state adds 10 points to a selection test score for an eligible veteran, the spouse of an active service member, the spouse of an eligible veteran with a service-connected disability, and the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran. A former prisoner of war receives two more points. Learn more.

Recreation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Access to Maryland State Parks?

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). A visitor with a permanent disability can also apply for Maryland’s free lifetime Universal Disability Pass, which does not require renewal. Learn more.

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

Maryland residents with a 100% service-connected disability, residents the VA determines are unemployable, and former prisoners of war are eligible for a complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing license. The free hunting license includes the bow stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and furbearer permit, and the free fishing license includes the trout stamp and the Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license.

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

The state 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 Medical Center: 3901 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD 21218 | Phone: 410-605-7650
  • Perry Point VA Medical Center: 361 Boiler House Road, Perry Point, MD 21902 | Phone: 410-642-2411

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, supervised by the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, 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.

Burial and Survivor Benefits

Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Maryland National Guard to veterans separated with a discharge other than dishonorable and the state covers the expenses for veterans’ burial plot, grave liner, headstone, and interment services at a Maryland state veterans cemetery. A veteran’s eligible spouse and dependents are also buried at no cost.

A qualified National Guard or Reserve member, and that member’s spouse or dependents, pay a burial fee equal to the federal plot allowance, which changes each October 1, so families should ask the cemetery for the current amount. Find out more.

Maryland operates five state veterans cemeteries:

  • Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery: 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623 | Phone: 301-372-6398
  • Crownsville Veterans Cemetery: 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032 | Phone: 410-987-6320
  • Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery: 6827 East New Market Ellwood Road, Hurlock, MD 21643 | Phone: 410-943-3420
  • Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery: 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 | Phone: 410-363-6090
  • Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery: 14205 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, MD 21530 | Phone: 301-777-2185

Maryland veterans can also be buried at a VA national cemetery: Baltimore National Cemetery, at 5501 Frederick Avenue, has space for cremated remains and can accommodate casketed remains in the gravesite of a previously interred family member. Annapolis and Loudon Park National Cemeteries are closed to new interments.

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 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, check its history of toxic contamination and potential health effects using the Military Base Toxic Exposure Map or get in touch with us for a free evaluation of your claim.

Getting VA Disability in Maryland

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be challenging, but there are local and national resources to help guide you: veteran groups and organizations, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys.

Free Guide to Claiming and Winning Benefits

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge.

Get the free book

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!