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Alaska benefits for Veterans and families, each checked against an official Alaska source and linked to it. Federal VA benefits work the same everywhere, and the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs – Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) can help you apply for them at no cost.
13 benefits from official sources2 not yet finalizedLast verified
Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs – Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA)
How to read the labels:In effect confirmed on an official page. Not yet finalized announced or passed but not in force yet. Unverified — confirm with the agency we couldn't confirm it on an official page, so ask the agency.
Help from your state veterans office
Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs and statewide service officers
In effect
Veterans service officers from the VFW, American Legion, DAV and Vietnam Veterans of America work out of Anchorage, Wasilla, Juneau, Fairbanks, Soldotna, Kodiak and other locations, giving free claims help. They are accredited by VA and certified by the OVA director.
Alaska exempts the first $150,000 of assessed value of the home of a veteran rated 50% or more service-connected. It transfers to a surviving spouse who is at least 60.
Who qualifies
Alaska resident veteran with a 50%+ service-connected rating who owns and lives in the home as the primary residence.
Amount or details
First $150,000 of assessed value exempt (AS 29.45.030(e)); municipalities may offer more.
How to apply
Apply to your borough/municipal assessor (many deadlines are around Jan 15–Apr 30 each year).
“is exempt from taxation on the first $150,000 of assessed valuation. The exemption transfers to the spouse if the veteran passes away and the spouse is at least 60 years of age.”
HB 169 would raise the exemption to $250,000 (stalled)
Not yet finalized
Not final yet: HB 169 is in House Community & Regional Affairs (status date 04/02/2025) and is not law. The 34th Legislature ends with the 2026 session.
House Bill 169 (34th Legislature) would raise the mandatory senior/disabled veteran exemption from $150,000 to $250,000. It was referred to House Community & Regional Affairs on April 2, 2025 and has not advanced.
Alaska DMV offers specialty plates for veterans, disabled veterans and qualifying family members, including branch, Gold Star, POW and Purple Heart plates. You must show proof of honorable service and eligibility at the DMV.
Who qualifies
Veterans, disabled veterans, qualifying family members.
Amount or details
Varies by plate; see the DMV plates page.
How to apply
Apply at Alaska DMV with your DD-214 and supporting evidence; see doa.alaska.gov/dmv/plates.
University of Alaska tuition waiver for survivors of service members killed in the line of duty
In effect
Spouses and dependents of Alaska-resident service members who died in the line of duty, or are POW/KIA, get all undergraduate tuition and fees waived in the University of Alaska system. Alaska National Guard members can get up to 100% tuition assistance.
Who qualifies
Spouses/dependents of Alaska-resident service members who died in the line of duty or were POW/KIA; Alaska Guard members (TA).
Amount or details
Full undergraduate tuition and fee waiver.
How to apply
Contact your University of Alaska campus before enrolling; Guard members call (907) 428-6663.
State hiring preference (5- and 10-point veterans)
In effect
Qualified 10-point veterans must be offered an interview for open competitive state jobs, and 5-point veterans must be considered (AS 39.25.159). Employers who hire veterans can claim an Alaska veteran employment tax credit.
Who qualifies
Veterans with 5- or 10-point preference meeting minimum qualifications.
AHFC veterans mortgage, interest-rate preference and state land discount
In effect
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation offers a Veterans Mortgage Program and a 1% lower interest rate on the first $50,000 of a home loan. Veterans can also get a one-time 20% discount on state residential/recreational land.
Who qualifies
Qualified veterans (see AHFC and DNR criteria).
Amount or details
1% rate reduction on first $50,000; 20% land discount (once per lifetime).
“providing a complimentary permanent identification card in order to hunt, sport fish, or trap to those who meet the Department of Fish and Game’s residency definition and who are certified 50-percent disabled or greater.”
Free state park camping pass and half-fare ferry pass for disabled veterans
In effect
Disabled veterans can get a free two-year camping pass for developed Alaska State Park campgrounds. Veterans with a service-connected disability can also get a one-year Alaska Marine Highway pass for 50% off fares between Alaska ports.
Who qualifies
Alaska resident with a service-connected disability (camping); veterans with a service-connected disability (ferry).
Amount or details
Free camping (2 years); 50% ferry fare for veteran plus attendant if required.
Alaska's VA-certified state veterans home is the Alaska Veterans & Pioneers Home in Palmer, an assisted living home where 75% of the 79 beds are set aside for veterans. Qualifying veterans can get a VA per diem toward costs.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged veterans (and older Alaskans for the 25% non-veteran beds).
Amount or details
Monthly rates by care level start at $3,458 (Level I) before any VA per diem.
Interior of Alaska Veterans Cemetery (planned, Salcha)
Not yet finalized
Not final yet: The state cemetery is planned or under construction, with no opening date published on the OVA page.
Alaska has no state veterans cemetery in operation yet. The Interior of Alaska Veterans Cemetery is scheduled for construction in Salcha. Veterans can currently use Fort Richardson and Sitka national cemeteries.
Who qualifies
Veterans and eligible dependents.
Amount or details
Federal: Fort Richardson National Cemetery (Anchorage) and Sitka National Cemetery.
How to apply
Contact OVA for status; VA national cemeteries for burials now.
This state page was last reviewed against official sources on November 1, 2026. Our watcher re-checks those pages automatically and flags any item whose quoted wording disappears.