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Approximately 40% of South Carolina’s estimated 384,872 veterans are living with service-related disabilities. To support the state’s community of veterans and their families, South Carolina provides specific benefits at state and county level, in addition to the federal VA compensation and benefits.

Veteran state programs include property tax exemptions for homes and vehicles, college tuition waivers, employment assistance, counseling and support services, free registration on disabled veteran plates, free hunting and fishing licenses, and more.

Hill & Ponton helps South Carolina’s disabled veterans (and those who support them) obtain and access VA disability benefits. Learn about all the state and federal benefits you could be entitled to receive, who grants them, the disability rating that makes a veteran eligible for them, and what documentation is required.

Disabled Veterans Tax Exemptions

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in South Carolina? 

Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition may qualify for a complete exemption from property taxes on their home and up to five acres of land. Medal of Honor recipients and former POWs are eligible for exemption on up to one acre. This exemption also extends to surviving spouses who do not remarry, even if the veteran passed away before becoming a South Carolina resident. Veterans must have owned and occupied the home as of December 31 of the year prior to applying.  

As of 2022, South Carolina law allows eligible veterans to receive the exemption starting the year in which the disability occurs, even if it is mid-year. Applications can be submitted online through the SCDOR’s MyDORWAY portal. Required documents include proof of ownership, a tax map number, and verification of the veteran’s disability rating. Learn more about veteran property tax exemptions.

State Income Tax Exemptions for Veterans 

Under SC Code § 12-6-1171, military retirement income is fully exempt from South Carolina state income taxes with no income cap. Eligible surviving spouses who receive military retirement income from a deceased spouse can also claim this deduction. Find out how to claim the military retiree state income tax exemption. 

Transportation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Car Registration in South Carolina?

Veterans with a permanent disability and individuals aged 65 or older pay a reduced registration fee of $36 instead of the full license fee when registering passenger vehicles for a license plate. More about registration fees. 

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? 

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. 

Education Benefits

Is College Free for Disabled Veterans and Their Dependents in South Carolina? 

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, provided they meet certain residency requirements. Find out more about education benefits for veterans. 

Employment Benefits 

  • 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. 

Recreation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Access to South Carolina State Parks? 

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? 

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. 

Healthcare Benefits

South Carolina has a network of VA medical centers and clinics serving disabled veterans. 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 
  • Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center: 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209‑1638; Phone (803) 776-4000

VA Clinics in South Carolina

  • Aiken VA Clinic: 951 Millbrook Ave, Aiken, SC 29803; Phone: (706) 733-0188
  • Beaufort VA Clinic: 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29902‑6122; Phone: (843) 577-5011
  • Florence VA Clinic: 1380 Celebration Boulevard, Florence, SC 29501‑5495; Phone: (843) 292-8383
  • Goose Creek VA Clinic: 2418 NNPTC Circle, Goose Creek, SC 29445‑6314; Phone: (843) 577‑5011
  • Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell VA Clinic (formerly Greenville VA Clinic): 41 Park Creek Drive, Greenville, SC 29605‑4270; Phone: (864) 299-1600
  • Myrtle Beach VA Clinic: 1800 Airpark Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577‑1412; Phone: (843) 577-5011
  • North Charleston VA Clinic: 6450 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406; Phone (843) 577-5011
  • Orangeburg VA Clinic: 151 Magnolia Village Parkway, Orangeburg, SC 29118; Phone: (803) 533‑1335
  • Spartanburg VA Clinic: 279 N Grove Medical Park Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29303; Phone: (864) 582‑7025
  • Sumter VA Clinic: 245 North Bultman Dr, Sumter, SC 29150; Phone: (803) 938‑9901

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 – 2198 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 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

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. 

Federal Benefits Available to SC Veterans

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. 

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  

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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 

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. 

Free Guide to Successful VA Claims and Appeals 

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

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. Find the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) in your area. 

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!