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Delaware benefits for Veterans and families, each checked against an official Delaware source and linked to it. Federal VA benefits work the same everywhere, and the Delaware Office of Veterans Services (with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs) can help you apply for them at no cost.
12 benefits from official sourcesLast verified
Delaware Office of Veterans Services (with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs)
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
Office of Veterans Services county service officers
In effect
Delaware's Office of Veterans Services has county service officers who help veterans with federal, state and local benefits. Appointments are made through the contact page.
Veterans paid at the 100% rate, through a 100% rating or permanent-and-total individual unemployability, can get a credit covering 100% of non-vocational school district property tax on their home. They must have lived in Delaware for 3 years and must apply by April 30.
Who qualifies
100% rating or P&T IU; 3-year Delaware domicile; owner-occupied; taxes paid in full.
Amount or details
Credit against 100% of non-vocational school district property tax.
How to apply
Apply to your county assessment office by April 30. It can't be combined with the Senior School Property Tax Credit.
For tax year 2025, military retirees under 60 can exclude up to $12,500 of military pension (other pensions get $2,000). Filers 60 and older can exclude up to $12,500 of pension plus eligible retirement income.
Who qualifies
Military retirees (any age).
Amount or details
Up to $12,500.
How to apply
Claim on Line 6 of the Delaware resident return and check the U.S. military pension box.
“retired from the United States military and received pension income during the year, your exclusion equals $12,500 or the amount of your pension, whichever is less.”
Special plates; registration fee exemption for adapted vehicles
In effect
The DMV offers special plates, including Disabled Veteran, Former POW and Purple Heart. Disabled veterans eligible for VA adaptive-equipment benefits don't pay registration fees on one vehicle.
Who qualifies
Varies by plate; adaptive-equipment-eligible disabled veterans for the fee exemption.
“Special License Plates are available through the DMV for various groups, including Former Prisoners of War, Purple Heart Recipients, Disabled Veterans, and more.”
The Delaware DMV adds a veteran designation to a license or ID with proof such as a DD-214. There's no extra $10 charge if you add it during a renewal, address change or duplicate.
Who qualifies
Delaware veterans of the Armed Forces or National Guard.
Amount or details
Free with renewal/duplicate; otherwise a $10 charge applies.
How to apply
Bring your DD-214, DD-256 or another accepted document to the DMV.
“will, upon submission of satisfactory proof, designate on a driver license or identification card the holder is a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard.”
Educational benefits for children of deceased/POW/MIA service members
In effect
Delaware offers education benefits to children of service members who died, were POWs or are missing in action. Applicants must be 16–24 and Delaware residents for 3 years. The Delaware Postsecondary Education Commission runs the program, and Delaware National Guard members get separate tuition support.
Who qualifies
Children 16–24 of deceased/POW/MIA members; 3-year residency.
Amount or details
Postsecondary education benefits.
How to apply
Apply through the Delaware Postsecondary Education Commission (Dept. of Education).
“The State of Delaware offers educational benefits for children of deceased military service members, those held as prisoners of war, and those declared missing in action.”
State hiring preference; Veterans Opportunity Credit
In effect
Disabled veterans get 10 preference points and other eligible veterans 5 for state jobs, and unmarried surviving spouses or spouses can also claim them. Employers who hire qualified combat-zone veterans get a tax credit of 10% of wages, up to $1,500 a year, for three years.
Veterans Trust Fund emergency assistance; paraplegic veteran pension
In effect
The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund gives financial help to veterans and families facing a verified emergency hardship. Paraplegic veterans whose disability came from wartime service receive a $3,000 annual state pension.
Who qualifies
Delaware veterans with documented emergency need; wartime service-connected paraplegic veterans.
“The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides critical financial assistance to Delaware veterans and their families who are experiencing a verified emergency financial hardship.”
“veterans with a disability rating of 60 percent or more can obtain a no-fee hunting, trapping, and fishing license.”
50% off annual state park vehicle pass
In effect
Honorably discharged veterans and current service members, including the Delaware National Guard, with a Delaware-registered vehicle get half off the annual state park entrance pass.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged veterans/current members with a DE-registered vehicle.
“Veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for interment at either of the two State Veterans Cemeteries, located in Bear and Millsboro, Delaware.”
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.