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New Hampshire is home to over 27,000 veterans receiving VA disability compensation, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But the state offers many programs and resources beyond monthly payments, and many veterans are still leaving benefits on the table.

New Hampshire’s most valuable disabled veteran benefits include property tax credits of up to $700 (or more by local option), a full property tax exemption for veterans living in VA-adapted homes, free state park admission, a free lifetime hunting and fishing license for 100% disabled veterans, and free parking in every city and town for vehicles with the NH Disabled Veteran license plate.

If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to receive, based on your rating or your family’s situation, this guide is for you. It explains the requirements for the wide range of VA disability benefits offered by New Hampshire and how to access them.

Tax Exemptions and Housing Assistance

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in New Hampshire?

Yes, but New Hampshire offers several property tax credits and a full exemption that can substantially reduce or eliminate the bill. The most generous benefit, the Certain Disabled Veterans Exemption, fully exempts the homestead from taxation when a veteran:

  1. owns a home that has been specially adapted using a VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant (or acquired with the proceeds of selling such a home) AND
  2. is 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled, a double amputee or paraplegic, or service-connected blind.

Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability

Under NH RSA 72:35, veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, double amputees, and paraplegics receive a $700 standard property tax credit on their residential property. Each town or city may vote to adopt an optional amount ranging from $701 up to $5,000 in place of the standard credit. Surviving spouses of veterans who qualified are also eligible.

Standard and Optional Veterans’ Tax Credit

Honorably discharged veterans who served at least 90 days during a qualifying wartime period, or who were discharged for a service-connected disability, are entitled to a $50 standard veterans’ tax credit under RSA 72:28. Municipalities may adopt an optional credit ranging from $51 to $750 in place of the standard amount.

How to Apply

  • File Form PA-29 (Permanent Application for Property Tax Credits/Exemptions) with the local town or city assessor by April 15 of the tax year.
  • Provide a DD-214 and, for disability-based credits or the exemption, a VA letter confirming the rating.
  • Veterans must own and occupy the home as their principal residence and be a New Hampshire resident.

A separate Surviving Spouse Tax Credit of $700 (up to $2,000 by municipal option) is available under RSA 72:29-a for unremarried spouses of service members killed or who died while on active duty in a wartime period or combat zone.

Are Veterans Exempt From Income Tax in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire does not impose a state tax on earned wages, military retirement pay, Thrift Savings Plan distributions, or VA disability compensation. The state’s Interest and Dividends Tax was repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024, so investment income earned in 2025 and later is no longer taxed at the state level either.

Ending Veteran Homelessness in New Hampshire

The Ending Veteran Homelessness in NH initiative, led by the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services (DMAVS), works to engage every veteran in Coordinated Entry within 24 hours and place them in permanent housing within 90 days. At any given time, roughly 150 New Hampshire veterans are experiencing homelessness, including about 40 who are chronically unhoused.

Two community partners anchor the program’s housing and wraparound services:

  • Liberty House (a program of Catholic Charities NH), 221 Orange Street, Manchester, NH 03104. A substance-free transitional residence for homeless veterans offering 90 days to 1 year of housing, recovery support, health and wellness programming, and employment services. Phone: 603-669-0761.
  • Harbor Care operates three veteran apartment complexes – Buckingham Place (46 Spring Street, Nashua), Dalianis House (59 Factory Street, Nashua), and BAE Systems Independence Hall (335 Somerville Street, Manchester) – plus integrated primary care, behavioral health, and substance use treatment. Veteran services line: 603-305-1122.

Veterans needing immediate housing assistance can also call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for 24/7 referral.

Do you deserve a higher disability rating but the VA underrated you? Get a free case evaluation here.

Transportation Benefits

Do Veterans Get Free Car Registration in New Hampshire?

Yes, for a narrow group. Under NH RSA 261:141, vehicle registration fees are waived for veterans who are either:

  1. amputees or paraplegics who received the vehicle from the United States government (or whose vehicle replaces one so received), or who were rated permanently and totally disabled
  2. service connected for total blindness
  3. honorably discharged former prisoners of war

The waiver covers one vehicle. Veterans with lower disability ratings pay standard registration fees through the NH Division of Motor Vehicles.

The driver’s license fee is also waived under RSA 263:42 for veterans who are amputees or paraplegics who received a vehicle from the U.S. government, or who are 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled.

New Hampshire’s Disabled Veteran License Plates

Under NH RSA 261:86, the Division of Motor Vehicles issues one set of Disabled Veteran license plates at no charge to veterans who are amputees or paraplegics who received their motor vehicle from the U.S. government, or who are evaluated by the VA as permanently and totally service-connected disabled. A separate free plate is issued to veterans with service-connected total blindness. The plates incorporate the international accessibility symbol.

New Hampshire Parking Benefits for Disabled Veteran License Plates

Under RSA 265:73, any vehicle displaying the NH Disabled Veteran plate is allowed free parking in any city or town, including state and municipal facilities where fees are charged, as long as the vehicle is under the direct control of the veteran owner.

How to Get Disabled Veteran License Plates

  • Submit the Disabled Veteran plate application along with a DD-214 and a VA disability rating letter to the NH Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • NH also offers a Veteran indicator on driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards for any honorably discharged veteran (free at renewal; $3 for a replacement outside renewal).
  • Additional veteran plate designs are available, including the Purple Heart (RSA 261:86-d), the Veterans Plate (RSA 261:87-b), the Gold Star Family plate (RSA 261:87-c), and branch-of-service decal plates.

The Purple Heart and Veterans plates transfer to an unremarried surviving spouse. Find out more about the NH Veteran Indicator and plates.

Education Benefits

New Hampshire’s most valuable education benefit is reserved for the children of permanently disabled or deceased veterans, while active New Hampshire National Guard members can access state tuition assistance for themselves. State benefits stack on top of federal GI Bill education benefits.

Can New Hampshire Veterans Get Tuition Assistance?

The state’s tuition assistance is limited to active members of the New Hampshire National Guard. Under RSA 110-B:63-c, sworn-in active Guard members who are enrolled in a degree program in the University System or Community College System of New Hampshire and who have exhausted federal tuition assistance receive tuition-free courses on a space-available basis.

The Guard’s ability to transfer this benefit to a spouse (after completing the initial 6-year service obligation, with a 4-year additional reserve commitment) is set to expire on July 1, 2027, but the underlying tuition waiver for Guard members remains in place.

Veterans attending in-state public colleges qualify for the in-state tuition rate under RSA 187-A:20-c when using federal education benefits, regardless of how long they have lived in New Hampshire.

Do Children of Disabled Veterans Go to College for Free in New Hampshire?

Yes, in many cases. Under RSA 187-A:20, biological, adopted, and step-children of a veteran rated 100% permanent and total service-connected can attend any school in the University System of New Hampshire (UNH, Plymouth State, Keene State, Granite State College) tuition-free. The waiver also applies to children of service members officially listed as POW or MIA after February 28, 1961, and to children of veterans who died from a service-connected disability.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The veteran-parent must have been a New Hampshire resident at the time of enlistment, when the VA determined them to be 100% disabled, or at the time of death.
  • The student must complete the FAFSA, exhaust available federal Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and tuition assistance, and meet each institution’s residency rules.
  • Eligibility ends at the end of the semester in which the child turns 27.

Children ages 16-25 of NH residents killed during wartime or who died from a service-connected disability may also receive up to $2,500 per year for four years under the Child of Veteran Scholarship program (RSA 193:19, RSA 193:20).

Note that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private institution and is not covered by the state tuition waiver. SNHU separately offers military discounts, Yellow Ribbon Program participation, and Operation Homefront scholarships. Find out more about the USNH tuition waiver.

Employment Benefits

New Hampshire State Veterans Hiring Preference

Under NH RSA 283:4, state, county, city, town, and district employers must give a hiring preference to equally qualified New Hampshire citizens who served in the U.S. armed forces for at least 90 days during wartime and received an honorable discharge or release from active duty.

The preference applies to public employment of clerks, mechanics, laborers, inspectors, supervisors, foremen, janitors, peace officers, and relief employees in public works projects, as well as to contractors performing such work.

RSA 283:5 extends the same preference to unremarried widows of wartime veterans and to the spouses of totally disabled wartime veterans. Separate veterans’ preferences also apply to positions at the NH Liquor Commission (RSA 176:10) and the NH Veterans Home (RSA 119:6).

Peddler’s License Fee Exemption

Veterans with a service-connected disability and the unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible disabled veteran are exempt from peddler’s license fees under RSA 320:11. This applies to municipally issued peddler, hawker, and itinerant vendor licenses statewide.

Veterans Employment Resources

New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) provides priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses across all federally funded employment, training, and placement programs at the state’s American Job Centers. Veterans receive earlier access to job listings, training referrals, and one-on-one career counseling at no cost. Find out more about NHES veteran services.

Other state employment protections include 15 days of paid military leave annually for state employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve, and reemployment rights under RSA 97:1 that restore state employees to their same or a similar position within 90 days of discharge.

Recreation Benefits

Are New Hampshire State Parks Free for Veterans?

Yes, for any New Hampshire veteran with a service-connected disability of any percentage. Under RSA 216-A:3-g, disabled veterans pay no day-use admission fee at any New Hampshire state park or forest. A NH Disabled Veteran license plate or a VA letter certifying a service-connected disability serves as proof of eligibility. Find out more about NH state park fees.

Do Disabled Veterans Get a Free Hunting and Fishing License in New Hampshire?

Yes, for resident veterans rated totally and permanently service-connected. Under NH RSA 214:13, 100% disabled NH residents receive a free perpetual special veteran’s license covering hunting, fishing, and bow-and-arrow privileges, with only a $10 one-time administrative fee.

Veterans rated 80% to 99% service-connected for more than two years receive a lifetime license at 50% of the standard cost.

How to Apply

  • Complete the Disabled Veteran Lifetime License application and include a copy of your DD-214 and a VA letter confirming your service-connected rating.
  • Mail the package to the NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
  • The license is perpetual as long as the holder remains a New Hampshire resident – no annual renewal is required.

New Hampshire Disabled Veteran Hunting License Reciprocity

New Hampshire’s non-resident disabled veteran license is narrow: only Maine and Vermont residents rated totally and permanently service-connected disabled may apply. Other non-resident disabled veterans must purchase a standard non-resident license.

Download the NH Disabled Veterans Lifetime License at Half Price application (for veterans with a disability rating of 80% to 99%) or the NH Disabled Veterans License application (for veterans with a permanent disability rating of 100%) to apply.

Health Care Benefits

Clinical care for disabled veterans is primarily provided through the federal VA system, but New Hampshire fills several specific gaps with state-funded programs.

Veterans’ Freedom to Smile Initiative

The Veterans’ Freedom to Smile Initiative is a DMAVS-led partnership with Northeast Delta Dental, NH Smiles (Medicaid), and the Dental Lifeline Network that connects qualified veterans to free or reduced-cost dental care.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold a New Hampshire driver license or non-driver ID
  • Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge (DD-214 required)
  • Not rated 100% service-connected by the VA (100% rated veterans already qualify for VA dental care)
  • No dental insurance and not eligible for Medicaid

Resources for Veteran Pet Owners

DMAVS maintains a clearinghouse of partner organizations that help veterans with service dog certification, emotional support animals, pet food assistance, and waived adoption fees. See the list of NH pet-owner resources.

New Hampshire Veterans Home

The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton is an intermediate and long-term care facility offering medical and nursing care, dementia care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, hospice and palliative care, social services, and recreation programs. Combat service and a service-connected disability are not required for admission.

  • Eligibility: honorable discharge plus either one year of New Hampshire residency immediately before application, or New Hampshire listed as the home of record on military discharge papers; the applicant must need physical or daily-living care that the Home can safely provide.
  • Cost: determined by resident assets with a one-year financial look-back. A home is excluded as a countable asset if it remains occupied by a spouse, partner, or dependent.
  • Address: 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276 | Phone: 603-527-4400

Burial and Survivor Benefits

New Hampshire operates one state veterans cemetery: the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303-2413 (phone 603-796-2026).

The cemetery offers full-casket burial, in-ground burial of cremated remains, and columbarium niches. There is no cost to the veteran for interment. The VA plot allowance covers the gravesite, opening and closing, engraved headstone or niche marker, and perpetual care. Pre-placed outer burial containers are provided free of charge in newer full-casket sections.

Spouses and unmarried dependent children (under 21, or under 23 if a full-time student) of eligible veterans may also be interred, with a nominal interment fee due at the time of burial. New Hampshire residency is not required – the cemetery uses the same eligibility rules as VA national cemeteries.

Pre-certification of eligibility is encouraged to remove administrative burden at the time of need; applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or through any NH Veterans Service Office.

Free Burial for Indigent Veterans

Under RSA 165:16 and RSA 165:17, the city or town of residence covers burial expenses for resident veterans who served at least 90 days during wartime (or were discharged earlier for a service-connected disability) and cannot afford burial.

Benefits for Veterans’ Surviving Family

The Veteran and Dependent Family Relief program (RSA 165:5) provides municipal financial assistance to wartime veterans and their families who are unable to support themselves.

Surviving spouses and dependents of New Hampshire veterans are eligible for federal death and burial benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and other benefits.

The surviving spouse of a veteran who was 100% disabled at the time of death remains eligible for the RSA 72:35 property tax credit (and, where applicable, the RSA 72:36-a exemption) as long as they remain a New Hampshire resident, do not remarry, and continue to occupy the home.

Federal Benefits Available to New Hampshire Veterans

In addition to New Hampshire’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)
  • Special compensation, Aid & Attendance and other financial benefits
  • 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 disabled veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire with known toxic exposure issues include:

The State of New Hampshire also maintains Pease AFB health concerns information for affected service members and their dependents.

If you served at a different base or 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 New Hampshire

How to Claim and Win VA Benefits – 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.

New Hampshire State Assistance and Resources

The New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services (within DMAVS) is the state’s lead agency for filing federal VA claims, accessing state benefits, and connecting with local resources. All Veterans Service Officer (VSO) services are provided free of charge.

Attorneys Specialized in VA Disability Law

Our VA-accredited disability lawyers can represent New Hampshire 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!