At around 150,000, Connecticut’s veteran population is smaller than many other states.
Despite this dwindling population, there are still many Connecticut state veteran benefits to be claimed. It’s vital that the state looks after the brave many and women that made sacrifices to protect the US and its citizens.
Although the benefits are there, many veterans are unaware of how much help they can actually claim. Here, we’ll review all the benefits available to the veterans that call Connecticut home.
Read on to find out more.
1. Connecticut Veterans Home
There is one veteran’s home in Connecticut called Rocky Hill. There are two levels of care at this facility, residential and skilled care.
There is an income-based fee for residing in this home, but it’s open to any Connecticut veteran as long as they didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
2. Connecticut Veteran Financial Benefits
One of Connecticut’s main priorities for helping veterans is assisting financially. Reintegration into society isn’t always easy, but the stress can be eased if they have less financial burden.
Several financial military benefits are available to active-duty members, veterans, spouses, and dependents.
Property Tax Exemptions
Most veterans can receive a property tax exemption of $1500 on property or personal automobiles. If a veteran doesn’t own property, they may be entitled to a tax refund. Contact your local veteran advisor for guidance if you’re in this situation.
To claim the property tax exemption, veterans must have served at least ninety days during wartime.
There is an additional exemption of up to $10,000 for veterans with service-connected disabilities or low incomes. The exact amount varies case-to-case and year-to-year; your municipality’s Tax Assessor Officer will be able to help with the exact figures.
Income Tax
Income taxes are substantially cut for military members. Any payment that’s accrued during active duty is tax-free. However, to qualify for this tax-free payment, they must have been stationed out of state and not owned property in Connecticut or reside there for more than one month per year.
No veterans pay any tax on payments from military retirement pay or SBC.
Wartime Bonus
Any members of the Connecticut National Guard can claim a £50 bonus for each month that they served after 9/11. The maximum payout for non-combat members is $500 and $1200 for combat members.
Connecticut Military Family Relief Fund
The final financial veteran benefit is the military family relief fund. Service members and their families can claim money if they suffer financial problems due to military service.
Every claim is assessed on the family’s unique circumstances, but the maximum payout is $5000.
3. Connecticut State Veteran Employment Benefits
The state of Connecticut is dedicated to helping veterans find post-service employment. Therefore, they can claim a points preference for state and municipal employment exams.
If the veteran is eligible to claim VA compensation, they’ll get a ten-point preference. If they aren’t eligible for this compensation, they can claim a five-point preference.
The spouses of qualifying veterans can also get this points advantage.
CDL Skills Test Exemption
Getting a commercial driver’s license is more accessible for some veterans. If they operated vehicles during service that would more require a CDL, they can often get the permit without having to complete the skills section of the exam.
However, they must be within one year of discharge and be able to present the relevant documentation.
Veterans Agriculture Program
Veterans that choose to get into agriculture after service can usually get tax exemptions. They can apply for sales and use tax exemptions on any property they use for commercial agriculture production.
4. Connecticut Veteran Education Benefits
Many veterans sacrifice their right to education at the typical time when they enlist. However, they can return to education and have tuition and fees waived if they attend state regional and technical colleges or state universities.
They must have served a minimum of 90 days of active duty during wartime and be a Connecticut resident.
If a veteran is declared missing in action after 1960, their dependents can qualify for this tuition waiver instead.
5. Connecticut Veteran Recreation Benefits
As well as financial, educational, and practical benefits, veterans can also benefit from several recreational benefits. These include:
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Anyone on active duty can buy a hunting and fishing license in Connecticut for the resident rate. It doesn’t matter where they are stationed or whether they’re a resident.
State Parks
One of the disabled veteran benefits is access to state parks. Any veteran with a service-related disability can claim a free pass to enter all Connecticut state parks and forests. This pass is valid for life, but the veteran must be a Connecticut resident.
6. Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery
There is one veteran cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut. Any veteran that receives anything other than a dishonorable discharge is eligible for burial here.
Sometimes there is a nominal fee, but this is usually means assessed, and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs has more information about any potential costs.
Spouses and dependents are also eligible for this benefit if the veteran meets the criteria.
Connecticut State Veteran Benefits Explained
Here we’ve outlined all the various benefits and perks available to veterans in Connecticut. Reintegration into society isn’t always easy after service, especially if you’ve been left with mental or physical injuries.
At VetLink Solutions, our sole ambition is to help veterans and their values get the state benefits they deserve. If you think you may be eligible to claim Connecticut state veteran benefits, we can help. Contact us today for a free evaluation by a veteran advisor.
