South Carolina Disabled Veterans Benefits Guide 

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Car Registration in South Carolina? 

Yes, if they are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who qualify for the “Disabled Veteran” license plate may receive an exemption from vehicle registration fees for up to two personal vehicles. This benefit applies only to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition and who provide proof of their disability rating from the VA. 

How to Get Disabled Veteran Plates in South Carolina 

South Carolina offers several military license plates, including options for disabled veterans. These include standard “Disabled Veteran” plates as well as variants such as “Disabled Veteran (wheelchair).” Eligible veterans must complete a military plate application and submit supporting documents (including disability proof) to the SCDMV.  Find out more. 

Do 100% Disabled Veterans in South Carolina Get Free Parking? 

Veterans issued a Disabled Veteran license plate (granted for permanent and total disability due to a service-connected condition) can use parking meters at no cost in the municipalities that honor this benefit. Veterans who qualify for the “Disabled Veteran (wheelchair)” plate also receive access to handicapped parking spaces, in addition to free metered parking.  

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Tolls in South Carolina? 

Yes. South Carolina does not currently operate toll roads that offer statewide exemptions for disabled veterans. However, local or temporary toll facilities may have their own policies. Veterans using special plates, such as “Disabled Veteran” tags, may still receive benefits like preferred parking, but these do not typically include toll waivers. 

South Carolina offers free undergraduate tuition at state-supported institutions for children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, deceased due to service, or listed as POW/MIA. This tuition waiver does not include books, room, or board. Additionally, veterans and their dependents using VA education benefits are eligible for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in South Carolina, regardless of residency status. Find out more about education benefits for veterans. 

• Veterans Employment Preference – South Carolina law provides hiring preference for veterans applying for state jobs. Veterans with service connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and certain eligible family members receive additional preference points. State agencies are encouraged to interview at least one qualified veteran for open positions. For more information, see the SCDVA Veteran Hiring Initiative Toolkit. 
• Professional Licensing and Certification – South Carolina expedites professional licensing for veterans and recognizes military training for occupational licensing in fields like healthcare, law enforcement, and skilled trades. Military spouses may also benefit from streamlined or expedited license applications. 
• Veteran-Owned Business Support – Veterans can receive business support through the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SCSBDC), including training, funding assistance, and help registering as a veteran-owned small business. 

Disabled veterans can benefit from discounts for the ALL Park Passport, which allows unlimited entry to all South Carolina state parks for everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle. The Passport is 50% off for legally blind and 100% disabled residents of South Carolina, as well as senior citizens (65 and older).  

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

Yes. South Carolina residents who have lived in the state for at least one year and receive disability benefits (either from the VA, SSA, Medicaid, or the SC Retirement System) are eligible for a free hunting and fishing license. The free disability license covers freshwater and saltwater fishing, state hunting, big game, WMA access, and the Migratory Waterfowl Permit, and is valid for three years. License holders get annual deer tags automatically and must request turkey tags yearly. Paraplegic and quadriplegic individuals can receive a lifetime license with a doctor’s statement and only need to request tags once. See how to apply for a hunting and fishing license. 

The state provides healthcare coverage and compensation for South Carolina National Guard members injured, disabled, or killed while on State Active Duty. These benefits help cover treatment and support for service-related conditions. Veterans can access health care through several major VA facilities in the state: 

• Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center: 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401‑5799; Phone: (843) 577‑5011 
• North Charleston VA Clinic: 6450 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406; Phone: (843) 818‑5100 
• Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center: 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209‑1638; Phone: (803) 776-4000

South Carolina Veterans Homes 

South Carolina operates several veteran home facilities. Eligible veterans must have an honorable or general discharge, be a South Carolina resident, and have a medical need for skilled nursing care. 

• E. Roy Stone Veterans Pavilion – 2200 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29203 
• Veterans’ Victory House – 2461 Sidneys Road, Walterboro, SC 29488 
• Richard Michael Campbell Veterans Home – 4605 Belton Highway, Anderson, SC 29621 
• Veteran Village – 1200 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506 
• Palmetto Patriots Home – 120 Hampshire Drive, Gaffney, SC 29341 
• Patriot’s Village – 915 North Wise Drive, Sumter, SC 29153 

South Carolina operates the M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson. Honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents may be buried here at little or no cost. 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. 

Besides South Carolina’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 South Carolina veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc. 

• 50% VA disability benefits  
• 60% VA disability benefits  
• 70% VA disability benefits  
• 80% VA disability benefits  
• 90% VA disability benefits  

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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina state resources  

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 South Carolina with known toxic exposure issues include: 

• Joint Base Charleston 
• Fort Jackson 
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island 
• McCrady Training Center 
• Myrtle Beach Air Force Base 
• Shaw Air Force Base 

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 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 South Carolina – 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.  

South Carolina State Legal Aid and Resources 

Organizations such as the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the state’s network of Veterans Affairs Officers assist with claims and appeals. You can find your local VA office at https://scdva.sc.gov/field-service-offices. 

Veterans Treatment Courts are available in several counties to help veterans facing criminal charges access treatment instead of incarceration. These courts focus on rehabilitation and often help veterans access benefits. Find the treatment courts in your area. 

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent South Carolina 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! 

• Charleston VA Lawyers 
• Columbia, SC Lawyers