In the United States, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 every year–the same day that World War I formally ended.
While this is a special day of honor for our veterans, did you know that your veteran status ensures you can be celebrated beyond a dedicated holiday? Serving your country means greater access to benefits that can save you money and time. Learning the extent of these benefits as quickly as possible ensures you don’t miss out on benefits that aren’t widely available to most civilians!
Does New Mexico have veteran benefits? Absolutely! Read on to learn about how to best utilize your New Mexico state veteran benefits
Veteran Housing Benefits in New Mexico
The New Mexico veterans home is located in the southwest New Mexico city of Truth or Consequences. According to their official mission statement, the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home “strives to provide integrated services in an atmosphere that promotes the physical, social and emotional well-being of every resident.”
Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses are able to apply for housing with the NMSV. New Mexico residency is not required, though residents receive preference over non-residents.
Veteran Financial Benefits in New Mexico
A primary benefit of veteran status is financial relief. Check out the following discounts and tax relief benefits you may qualify for in the state of New Mexico.
Income Tax Benefits
Federal income tax brackets vary between 10% and 37% of one’s income. However, unlike most other kinds of income, active duty military pay is tax-free.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Information
The Veteran Property Tax Exemption allows a total waiver on home property tax for any veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA. If you have been discharged, confirm your eligibility for this program.
Standard Tax Relief Benefits
Expect standard tax relief benefits with your status. Any living veteran, or their surviving spouse, may be eligible for a deduction of up to $4,000 of the taxable value of the property.
Vehicle Purchases
If you have experienced a loss or one or more limbs due to your military service, you are exempt from new vehicle excise taxes. Make sure you receive this exemption upon purchase.
Reduced Vehicle Registration Fees
If you cannot claim a full property tax exemption due to a lack of real or personal property, you may be eligible to at least benefit from reduced vehicle registration fees. Check your eligibility to determine the cost of motor vehicle registration fees (usually two-thirds of the standard rates charged).
Veteran Employment Benefits in New Mexico
Looking to make a career change? Your veteran status may certainly benefit you during your job hunt.
Candidate Scoring for State Employment
If you are completing a hiring exam for state employment, note that all honorably discharged veterans or anyone currently serving in the National Guard get five points added to their final passing score.
Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability get ten points.
Education Benefits in New Mexico
Veterans and children of veterans greatly benefit from their status in the state of New Mexico. You may find that an expanded world of scholarships and education funding is available due to your veteran (or veteran-adjacent) status.
Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans
Children of deceased veterans are also eligible for certain financial stipends and tuition support.
Children between the ages of 16-26 whose veteran parent was killed in action or died as a result of their service-related injuries qualify for a full tuition waiver at any state college or university. A $150 stipend, per semester, is issued to help with book costs or other admission fees.
The Wartime Veteran Scholarship Fund
If you have exhausted all of your GI Bill and have served in combat since 1990, the Wartime Veteran Scholarship pays the full cost of tuition and books at any state college or university. If you are interested in going back to school, it’s worth verifying your eligibility.
The Vietnam Veteran Scholarship
If you are a veteran and have been a resident of New Mexico for a minimum of 10 years, served in Vietnam, and were issued the Vietnam Campaign or Service Medal, you are eligible for the Vietnam Veteran Scholarship. This scholarship will pay full tuition and books at any state-funded college or university.
Veteran Recreational Benefits in New Mexico
Make sure to take advantage of discounted hunting licenses, fishing licenses, camping permits and museum passes with your veteran status. Additional verification and restrictions may apply.
Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Fishing and hunting draw fees can add up. Any New Mexico resident veteran with a service-connected disability can get a fishing & small game hunting license for $10.
Temporary Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Active-Duty
As long as you are able to show proof of residency, active duty members, National Guard, or Army Reserve members who are New Mexico residents can get a temporary fishing or small game hunting license. If you are on active duty out of state but are still able to prove residency, you may also apply. as long as you are on leave in New Mexico for no more than 30 days.
Lifetime Hunting & Fishing Licenses for Disabled New Mexico Veterans
If a veteran’s disability is service-related, they are eligible for a free lifetime New Mexico small-game hunting & fishing license. Additional paperwork may be required.
Free Museum and State Park Admission for Veterans
If it’s Veterans Day, all honorably discharged New Mexico resident veterans or active-duty service members, spouses and children have free access to any state park. The state also waives admission fees for the following museums:
- The Museum of New Mexico
- The New Mexico Museum of Natural History
- The New Mexico Museum of Space History
Any veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled qualifies for an annual free day-use pass and three free nights of camping. For personal use, these members can also get a free state monument and museum pass.
Veteran Cemeteries in New Mexico
Are you doing your research on a New Mexico State Veterans’ Cemetery? There are currently three in operation in the state of New Mexico: one in Angel Fire, one in Ft. Stanton, and one veterans’ cemetery in Gallup. These cemeteries are open to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses.
Take Advantage Of Your New Mexico State Veteran Benefits
VetLink Solutions is dedicated to the lives of our nation’s Veterans. We provide our assistance free of charge and without obligation until we complete a review of your case. Veterans are never charged a fee unless they receive a benefit from our services.
For more guidance on New Mexico state veteran benefits and other services, sign up for a free evaluation. Your medical benefits advisor will analyze the specific details of your case to see what you qualify for.
