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Almost 41% of Oklahoma’s veterans (114,091 out of 278,538 veterans in 2024 according to the VA) are living with a service-connected disability, making the state one of the highest per-capita recipients of federal VA spending in the region. In addition to federal programs, Oklahoma provides its own set of state-specific benefits, including: 

  • Tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans 
  • Free driver’s license and significant transportation benefits 
  • Discounted or free state park access and hunting/fishing privileges 
  • Tuition support for dependents of disabled veterans 
  • Employment preference for state jobs 
  • State veterans homes and long-term care support 

This guide helps Oklahoma’s disabled veterans and their families learn about the state and federal benefits, as well as the legal assistance that may be available to them. It explains disability requirements for the specific programs and resources offered by the state of Oklahoma and how to access them. 

Disabled Veterans Tax Exemptions 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Oklahoma?  

100% disabled veterans in Oklahoma do not have to pay property taxes on their primary residence. The exemption offered by the state is equal to the full fair cash value of the homestead and is also applicable to the veteran’s surviving spouse if the widow(er) remains unmarried and continues to live in the home. To qualify, a veteran must: 

  • Have been honorably discharged from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Oklahoma National Guard 
  • Be an Oklahoma resident 
  • Have a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA 
  • Own and occupy the home as their primary residence 

To claim the property tax exemption, applicants must request a VA Summary of Benefits Letter certifying 100% P&T disability, then complete and submit Form 998, “Application For 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption” to the county assessor’s office in the county where the property is situated. Many counties provide their own guidance pages and checklists, so it’s worth checking your county’s assessor site after reading the statewide form instructions. 

This exemption can significantly reduce annual housing costs, especially in counties where average home values continue to rise. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 70% of Oklahoma veterans are homeowners, so this benefit impacts a large portion of the veteran population. 

Are Oklahoma’s 100% Disabled Veterans Exempt from Sales Tax? 

Yes. In addition to the disabled veteran property tax exemption, Oklahoma residents who receive 100% VA disability are eligible to receive a sales tax exemption permit, which can save a veteran thousands of dollars annually. The maximum amount of sales that qualify for this exemption is $25,000.00 per year. Veterans can benefit from the sales exemption if they have: 

  • A 100% permanent service-connected disability, or 
  • Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate 

To receive this benefit, veterans must first register with the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) Registry. Participation in this registry is mandatory to verify your eligibility for the sales tax exemption card. Once registered, the Oklahoma Tax Commission will issue a Sales Tax Exemption Card. The card must be presented with a valid photo ID at the time of purchase to receive the exemption. 100% disabled veterans can apply online for an exemption permit on OkTAP. 

Sales Tax Exemptions for Veterans’ Surviving Spouses 

Oklahoma’s sales tax exemption extends to a qualified veteran’s surviving spouse, provided the spouse did not remarry after the death of the veteran. Their qualifying sales are limited to $1,000 annually, according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Sales Tax on Vehicles in Oklahoma?

Yes, in most cases. Oklahoma does not offer a vehicle sales tax exemption for disabled veterans. However, certain specially adapted vehicles used by severely disabled veterans may qualify for exemptions through federal VA programs like adaptive equipment grants. 

Transportation Benefits

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Exemption 

Veterans rated at 100% disability are exempt from paying the motor vehicle excise tax when purchasing a vehicle. This exemption can be claimed on only one vehicle in a consecutive three-year period and does not extend to surviving spouses. It requires presenting the 100% Disabled Veteran Sales Tax Exemption Card or a letter from the VA with a raised seal when registering the vehicle. 

Free Driver Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans 

The issuance or renewal of an Oklahoma Driver License, Commercial Driver License, or State ID is free for veterans who receive 100% VA compensation for a permanent disability sustained through military action or resulting from a disease contracted while in active service, according to Oklahoma law Title 47 O.S. § 6-101 P. 

Does Oklahoma Offer Car Registration Discounts to Disabled Veterans? 

Yes. Instead of paying the sliding scale fee based on the age of the vehicle (which can be up to $96), Oklahoma allows veterans to renew their vehicle registration at the disabled veteran rate ($5 plus applicable insurance and mailing fees), if they meet the following criteria: 

  • 50% or higher disability rating 
  • A sales tax exemption number or C599 Card issued by the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs 
  • Limited to 2 vehicles per veteran 

Use the form Application for a Disabled American Veteran License Plate. A surviving spouse can receive one discounted vehicle registration based on a letter of eligibility issued by the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs (ODVA). 

Education Benefits

Oklahoma state colleges and universities are required to grant academic credit for education, training, and experience received during military service. This helps veterans complete their degrees faster and enter the workforce sooner. While most education benefits are federal (Post-9/11 GI Bill), Oklahoma provides specific support through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.  

Does Oklahoma Provide Free College for Disabled Veterans or Their Dependents? 

Oklahoma provides tuition waivers and financial assistance for veterans and their families through two primary programs: 

  • Heroes Promise: This program provides scholarship assistance to the children of veterans who were killed in action or who are 100% disabled. 
  • State Technology Centers & Higher Education (SB 1223): As of 2024, state law provides tuition waivers for 100% disabled veterans and their dependents at Oklahoma’s public technology centers and state colleges. 

Employment Benefits 

Veteran Hiring Preference in Oklahoma 

The state of Oklahoma prioritizes the hiring of veterans, especially those with disabilities, in its workforce. When applying for state government jobs, veterans receive “points” added to their passing competitive exam scores: 

  • 5 Points: For honorably discharged veterans. 
  • 10 Points: For veterans with a service-connected disability. 
  • Top of List: Veterans with a 30% or higher disability rating are placed at the top of the “absolute preference” register, essentially giving them priority over non-veteran candidates with similar scores. 

Recreation Benefits

Oklahoma State Park Benefits for Disabled Veterans 

All Oklahoma residents who are honorably discharged veterans receive free admission to all state-owned parks and museums. Disabled veterans may also get discounts at campsites in state parks.

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Oklahoma Disabled Veterans 

100% disabled Veterans are exempt from specific fees for deer and turkey tags and the Wildlife Land Stamp. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation also offers a Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combination License at a deeply discounted rate: 

  • 60% or higher disability: $25.00 (one-time fee for life) 
  • Under 60% disability: $200.00 

Healthcare Benefits

In addition to federal VA medical centers and clinics, Oklahoma operates seven state veterans centers for aging or chronically disabled veterans who require long-term nursing care. These centers are managed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) and are designed for veterans who can no longer be cared for at home and need specialized attention, including memory care units for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Admission is based on medical necessity and wartime service. You can apply online or through an ODVA service representative. 

  • Ardmore Veterans Center – 1015 S. Commerce, Ardmore, OK 73401 | Phone: (580) 223-2266 
  • Claremore Veterans Center – 3001 W. Blue Starr Dr., Claremore, OK 74017 | Phone: (918) 342-5432 
  • Clinton Veterans Center – 1701 S. 4th St., Clinton, OK 73601 | Phone: (580) 323-5540 
  • Lawton Veterans Center – 501 S.E. Flower Mound Rd., Lawton, OK 73501 | Phone: (580) 351-6511 
  • Norman Veterans Center – 1776 E. Robinson St., Norman, OK 73071 | Phone: (405) 360-5600 
  • Sallisaw Veterans Center – 1300 New Life Way, Sallisaw, OK 74955 | Phone: (539) 230-2152 (The state’s newest facility, replacing the former Talihina location) 
  • Sulphur Veterans Center – 304 E. Fairlane, Sulphur, OK 73086 | Phone: (580) 622-2144 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

Located in Carter County, the Seaman First Class Billy Turner Veterans Cemetery in Ardmore is the first state-owned and operated veterans cemetery in Oklahoma. Dedicated in 2022, this 12-acre facility offers burial options including in-ground casket burial, in-ground cremation burial and columbarium niches for cremated remains. 

Veterans and their spouses can pre-certify their eligibility at no cost. This process confirms your status in advance, removing the administrative burden from your family during a time of grief. To apply, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 and a marriage certificate if your spouse is to be buried with you. 

Oklahoma is also home to two major national cemeteries: 

  • Fort Gibson National Cemetery – 1423 Cemetery Rd, Fort Gibson, OK 74434 
  • Fort Sill National Cemetery – 2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd, Elgin, OK 73538 

Surviving spouses and dependents of Oklahoma veterans are eligible for death and burial benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), accrued benefits and more. If a veteran died from a service-connected disability, the surviving spouse may also retain certain state tax exemptions, such as the 100% property tax waiver. Find out more about getting survivor benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to Oklahoma Veterans 

In addition to Oklahoma’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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma – 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.  

Oklahoma State Assistance and Resources 

  • Veterans Service Offices – The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs employs trained Veteran Service Representatives across the state to help you and your family file claims for federal and state benefits. 
  • Veteran Treatment Courts – For veterans who find themselves in the criminal justice system due to underlying mental health or substance abuse issues, Oklahoma offers specialized Veteran Treatment Courts. Available in major areas like Oklahoma County and Tulsa County, these programs focus on rehabilitation and treatment rather than traditional incarceration, connecting veterans with the clinical care they need to stabilize their lives. 

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Oklahoma 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!