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Almost a third of Utah’s veterans receive VA disability compensation according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet many still struggle to access or increase their benefits.

Beyond federal benefits, Utah offers state programs that can save disabled veterans and their families thousands of dollars each year. The biggest financial benefit is Utah’s Disabled Veteran Property Tax Abatement, which reduces the taxable value of a home and vehicles based on the veteran’s disability rating.

Utah also offers free state park passes, discounted hunting and fishing licenses, college tuition waivers, subsidized or free long term care, and more.

This guide explains the requirements for the programs available to disabled veterans and their families in the state of Utah – and how to access them.

Tax Exemptions and Financial Assistance

Utah offers property tax relief that scales with the veteran’s disability rating, making it one of the more generous state programs in the country. Veterans with any service-connected rating of 10% or higher can benefit.

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Utah?

Disabled veterans in Utah may pay reduced property taxes depending on their disability rating. Under Utah Code 59-2-1903 and 59-2-1904, the state reduces the taxable value of a veteran’s primary residence in proportion to their VA disability percentage. The maximum adjusted taxable value limit is $521,620 and increases annually based on inflation.

The exemption amount equals the maximum limit multiplied by the veteran’s disability rating. For example, a veteran rated at 100% receives the full $521,620 reduction in taxable value, while a veteran rated at 50% receives approximately $260,810. The actual tax savings depend on the local tax rate applied to the reduced value.

Eligibility for the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Abatement

  • Available to veterans with a 10% or higher service-connected disability rating who are Utah residents and own their primary home.
  • The exemption also applies to tangible personal property held for personal use, such as motor vehicles.
  • Apply by September 1 each year through the county assessor with proof of military service and disability. Veterans must reapply annually.
  • If a qualifying veteran passes away, the unmarried surviving spouse or minor orphans may continue to receive the exemption as long as they remain unmarried and occupy the home.

Find out more about the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Abatement.

Housing Assistance

The state offers a $2,500 First-Time Home Buyer Grant to veterans, active duty members, reservists, guard members, and those recently separated (within five years) who are purchasing a home in Utah. This grant helps offset closing costs and down payment expenses. Funding is limited and availability varies by fiscal year. Find out more.

Transportation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Vehicle Registration in Utah?

Instead of vehicle property tax, Utah charges uniform fees on vehicles, and disabled veterans can have these fees reduced or eliminated through the Motor Vehicle Uniform Fee Abatement. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or higher qualify.

The abatement works similarly to the property tax exemption: the vehicle’s taxable value is reduced based on the veteran’s disability percentage and the adjusted taxable value limit. The abatement amount is proportional to the disability rating, so higher ratings provide greater savings.

Unmarried surviving spouses and minor orphans of qualifying veterans are also eligible for this abatement.

To apply, file Form PT-032 at the motor vehicle office with proof of military service and VA disability documentation. Find out more.

Disabled Veteran License Plates in Utah

Utah offers Disabled Veteran license plates to veterans with any service-connected disability. The plates have no initial or annual contribution fee, with only the standard plate fee of $12.50 (or $8.00 for motorcycles) and a $4.00 special group fee. The plates are transferable to an unmarried surviving spouse.

Utah also offers Purple Heart plates and Former Prisoner of War plates at no contribution cost. Branch-specific plates (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) are available for a $25 initial and $10 annual contribution, with funds supporting the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.

Disabled veteran plates do not provide handicapped parking privileges; a separate placard must be obtained. Find out more.

Education Benefits

Do Veterans Get Tuition Assistance in Utah?

Utah offers a Veterans Tuition Gap Program for veterans who have exhausted their federal education benefits (such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill) and are in the final year of their first bachelor’s degree. This program provides supplemental grants that can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies and housing at Utah institutions.

Purple Heart recipients receive a full tuition waiver for undergraduate programs at all Utah public colleges and universities. Graduate tuition is waived up to a $10,000 cap, and the veteran must enroll in a graduate program within 10 years of completing their undergraduate degree. The waiver covers tuition only and does not include fees, books or housing.

Does Utah Offer Scholarships to Disabled Veterans and Dependents?

Yes. Dependents (including spouses and children) of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating qualify for a tuition waiver at Utah state institutions of higher education. The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs certifies eligible dependents to the institution.

The Scott Lundell Military Survivors Tuition Waiver provides a full undergraduate tuition waiver for surviving dependents of service members killed while serving on active duty. For reserve and National Guard members, the qualifying event must have occurred on or after September 11, 2001.

Additionally, Utah’s Accelerated Credentialing to Employment (ACE) Program pays for short-term training leading to certificates or licenses for veterans, guard/reserve members and their spouses, helping translate military experience into civilian credentials.

Employment Benefits for Utah Veterans

Utah State Veterans Hiring Preference

When applying for Utah state government jobs, honorably discharged veterans receive 5 preference points (or 5% of the total possible score, whichever is greater) added to their passing examination score. Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients receive 10 points (or 10%).

Spouses and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans also receive the same hiring preference percentage as the veteran.

To claim the preference, select ‘yes’ on the veteran status indicator when applying on the state job portal and upload supporting documentation such as a DD-214, VA status letter or active duty orders.

Veteran-Owned Business Resources

The Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) at Salt Lake Community College provides free support for starting and growing a business, including business plan development, financial analysis and marketing strategy.

Utah also maintains a searchable Veteran-Owned Business Registry to help veteran businesses gain public visibility.

Additionally, veterans may qualify for federal certification as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) through the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides access to federal contracting set-asides.

Recreation Benefits

Spending time outdoors is often therapeutic for veterans dealing with physical or mental health challenges. Utah offers several programs for disabled veterans to enjoy the state’s world-class natural beauty at reduced or no cost.

Do Disabled Veterans Get into Utah State Parks for Free?

Yes. Utah offers a free Veterans With Disabilities Honor Pass to veterans with any service-connected disability rating. The pass covers day-use access for the veteran plus up to seven guests in the same private vehicle at all Utah state parks.

The pass does not cover camping fees, golf green fees, OHV rider fees or special program fees. It is also not valid at This Is The Place Heritage Park and does not cover Davis County causeway fees to Antelope Island.

The Veterans With Disabilities Honor Pass is valid through the end of the calendar year, and veterans must bring updated VA documentation each year to renew. Find out more.

Do Disabled Veterans Get Discounts for Fishing and Hunting Licenses in Utah?

Yes. Utah resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 20% or higher qualify for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses through the Division of Wildlife Resources.

  • Fishing license: $12 (365-day validity)
  • Hunting license: $25.50
  • Combination hunting and fishing license: $28.50

Once approved, veterans are automatically eligible to renew at the discounted rate each year without reapplying. Verification requires an official VA letter, statement or card certifying a 20% or higher service-connected disability.

Healthcare Benefits

The primary healthcare hub for veterans in Utah is the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center at 500 Foothill Boulevard, Salt Lake City, UT 84148. The VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System also operates outpatient clinics throughout the state in North Logan, South Ogden, Orem, Price, Roosevelt, South Jordan and St. George. Find a VA facility near you.

Utah also has two Vet Centers that provide readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma counseling and other mental health services: the Salt Lake City Vet Center in Murray (801-266-1499) and the Col. Gail S. Halvorsen Veterans Center in Orem (801-377-1117). See more veteran healthcare resources in Utah.

Utah State Veterans Homes

Utah operates four state veterans homes providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care and long-term care services. Veterans care is subsidized by the VA with a per diem and there is no cost for those with 70% or higher service-connected disability rating. Spouses and Gold Star Parents may also qualify for admission but they pay the full cost of care.

  • William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home: 700 S. Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84113 | (801) 584-1900
  • George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home: 1102 North 1200 West, Ogden, UT 84404 | (801) 334-4300
  • Mervyn Sharp Bennion Veterans Home: 1551 North Main Street, Payson, UT 84651 | (801) 465-5400
  • Southern Utah Veterans Home: 160 N. 200 E Street, Ivins, UT 84738 | (435) 634-5220

Burial and Survivor Benefits

Utah operates one state veterans cemetery (located at (17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, UT 84065) and has two VA national cemeteries, providing burial options for eligible veterans, their spouses and dependents.

At Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, burial options include in-ground urn burials, granite columbarium niche interments and Memorial Garden ash scattering. There are no burial fees for veterans. A small fee applies for eligible spouses and dependent children. The cemetery also has a chapel seating 150 guests. Find out more.

Surviving spouses and dependents of Utah veterans may qualify for death and burial benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and accrued benefits. Learn more about getting survivor benefits.

Federal Benefits Available to Utah Veterans

In addition to Utah’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 disabled veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah 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. Utah has several military installations with documented toxic exposure histories, including:

If you served at a different base or in a different state, check the Military Base Toxic Exposure Map or get in touch with us for a free evaluation of your claim.

Getting VA Disability in Utah

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 organizations, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys.

How to Apply for VA Benefits in Utah: 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.

Utah State Assistance and Resources

Help from Experienced Lawyers

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Utah 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!