While there are over 550,000 veterans in the state of Indiana, as little as 10% collect compensation and benefits. If you’re one of the 90% of eligible veterans not claiming what they’re due, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about Indiana state veteran benefits.
There’s lots to cover, so let’s dive in!
Housing and Healthcare
The West Lafayette Veterans Home offers long-term and short-term rehabilitation for veterans. In addition, Indiana veterans and their spouses can access veteran-specific services, events, and housing at reduced prices.
You must have resided in Indiana for at least 12 months before admission to be eligible.
You also need to be either an honorably discharged veteran, the spouse of an honorably discharged veteran, or the parent of a US military member who died during service.
Tuition and Fee Exemption
Indiana offers discounted tuition for children of disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and former POW/MIA services members. To qualify, the veteran must:
- Been an Indiana resident for the last 5 years or have joined the military from Indiana.
- Have served in a wartime period from 08/02/90 to the present.
- Received a Purple Heart or currently have a VA qualifying disability.
- 80% VA disability or more can receive a 100% tuition discount.
- For a disability less than 80%, the discount is 20% plus the disability rating.
National Guard members on active drilling can also receive free tuition from Indiana State-funded schools.
Moreover, National Guard members who attended an Indiana State public university can apply for refunds or credit during active duty. As well as guaranteed re-enrollment.
Tax Exemption
As of 2022, Indiana service members can access tax exemptions or relief on the following:
- Income tax – Military pay for active duty and reserve members is tax-exempt up to $5000.
- Property tax – Honorably discharged veterans with disabilities can receive a property tax deduction based on age and disability:
- Veterans with a 10% VA disability are granted up to $24,960 in deductions.
- Veterans with a 10% or more VA disability over the age of 61 receive up to $14,000 additional deduction if the property owned is valued less than $200,00. In total, this can be up to $38,960.
- Retired military pay – This is tax-free.
- SBP (survivor benefit plans) – This is tax-free.
Additionally, military families may apply for an MFRF (Military family relief fund) grant for emergency expenses. This may include an award of up to $2500 for food, housing, utilities, and more.
Employment
The state of Indiana gives veterans hiring preference was state roles. This can add up to 10% to their test score during the hiring process. To qualify:
- You must have served a minimum of 181 days in the US armed forces.
- Received an honorable discharge.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development also has an outreach program to help veterans transition into the workforce.
They offer a variety of tailored training, placements, and resources for veterans through the LVER and DVOP programs.
Veterans may also be eligible for:
CDL Skills Waiver Program
This offers waivers for veterans in lieu of traditional skills tests based on military experience.
The Indiana BMV (bureau of motor vehicles) grants these allowances to veterans who wish to apply for an Indiana Commercial Driver’s License.
Veterans can also receive a fee waiver for vendor licenses. Those who wish to find roles in the corporate sector can apply for the Next Level Veterans Program.
Next Level Veterans Program
Within this program, Hosier veterans are offered access to corporate career training, veteran job boards, and relocation funds for roles in Indiana. This can include positions in:
Advanced manufacturing, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business, and transportation and logistics.
Recreation
Hosier veterans are eligible for a one-year admissions pass to all Indiana State parks, recreation areas, reservoirs, and forests. Except for historic sites, museums, and memorials.
You can purchase these passes at the reduced price of $25. In addition, former POWs or surviving spouses qualify for a free Indiana Golden Hoosier Permit.
Additionally, disabled veterans can purchase a Hosier golden passport at a 50% discount.
This pass can be purchased directly at DNR (Department of National Resources) facilities by either showing a disabled Veteran license plate or certification of eligibility.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Indiana residents with a service-related disability can apply for hunting and fishing licenses at a discounted rate.
A DVA (Disabled Veteran) license can be purchased online or through a mail application. It entitles you to a one-off season license for $2.75.
This covers the hunting of small game and fishing. Or you can purchase a ten-year DAV license for $27.50, which again covers the hunting of small game and fishing for ten hunting/fishing seasons.
Residents of Indiana who are active service members on leave do not have to pay for a hunting or fishing license.
Instead, they can present a valid Indiana driver’s license or voter registration card to get an exemption. Whereas non-resident military personnel on active duty and stationed within Indiana can qualify for a resident license.
Burial
The Indiana State veterans memorial ceremony is dedicated to Hoosier veterans and their spouses. To qualify for burial at this site, a veteran must meet one of the following requirements:
- Didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
- Passed away while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.
- Be the spouse or minor of a veteran
- The person qualifying for burial benefits is the unmarried adult dependent child of a Veteran.
Families of veterans can also apply for a funding allowance to help with burial costs.
Burial Allowances
Burial allowances can cover:
- Burial and funeral costs
- The cost of the gravesite or interment
- Transportation for the cost of transporting the veteran’s remains to their final resting place
Additionally, county auditors are authorized to make payments up to $100 for a federal headstone or setting for the burial of veterans or their spouses. To qualify, Indiana veterans must have received an honorable discharge.
On top of that, an application must be filed with the county auditor in the county of residence.
Do You Want to Know More About Indiana State Veteran Benefits?
We hope that this blog post has provided you with a better insight into Indiana State veteran benefits.
However, if you still have more questions, why not apply for a free evaluation to determine what you’re eligible for? Or, contact us today to find out more!
