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Kentucky benefits for Veterans and families, each checked against an official Kentucky source and linked to it. Federal VA benefits work the same everywhere, and the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) can help you apply for them at no cost.
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
KDVA Veterans Benefits Field Representatives
In effect
KDVA has trained Veterans Benefits Field Representatives at field offices across Kentucky. They help veterans and families find and apply for federal, state and local benefits for free.
Homestead exemption for totally disabled homeowners ($49,100)
In effect
Homeowners 65 or older, or classified as totally disabled by a federal agency (including the VA) or a retirement system, can deduct $49,100 from their home's assessed value for 2025-2026. Kentucky has no separate disabled-veteran property tax exemption.
Who qualifies
Kentucky homeowner, 65+ or totally disabled under a U.S. government program or retirement system.
Amount or details
$49,100 off assessed value (2025-2026 assessment years).
How to apply
Apply with your county Property Valuation Administrator (form 62A350).
Military retirement pension exclusion (up to $31,110, more for pre-1998 service)
In effect
Kentucky excludes up to $31,110 of pension income, including military retirement. Retirees with service before 1998 may exclude more using Schedule P. Active-duty military pay is fully exempt.
Who qualifies
Military retirees; active-duty members for pay exemption.
Amount or details
Up to $31,110; Schedule P for larger federal/military pensions.
How to apply
Claim on Schedule M (and Schedule P if over $31,110).
Disabled Veteran license plate (no fee) and military plates
In effect
Kentucky offers 28 military and veteran plate designs. The Disabled Veteran plate is free for honorably discharged veterans rated 100% or who received VA funds to adapt a vehicle.
Who qualifies
Disabled Veteran plate: 100% VA rating or VA auto grant.
Kentucky waives tuition at state-supported schools for children, stepchildren, spouses and unremarried surviving spouses of eligible Kentucky veterans (such as those who died in service or are 100% disabled).
Who qualifies
Dependents of qualifying Kentucky veterans per KRS 164.505-164.515.
Amount or details
Tuition waiver at Kentucky public 2-year, 4-year and vocational schools.
“A waiver of tuition is an education benefit provided by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, for children, stepchildren, spouses, and un-remarried widows & widowers”
Veterans with honorable or general discharges, and certain spouses and dependents, get an interview for state competitive classified positions they qualify for (KRS 18A.150).
Who qualifies
Current service members, honorable/general discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses, surviving spouses and dependent parents.
Amount or details
Required interview preference.
How to apply
Claim preference in the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet application.
Disabled Sportsman's License and state park benefits
In effect
Kentucky resident veterans rated 50%+ service-connected can buy a Disabled Sportsman's License for $12.68, with authorization valid three years. Kentucky State Parks give free lodging or camping to resident veterans rated 100% service-connected, free camping to former POWs, and military discounts.
KDVA runs state veterans long-term care centers, including Carl M. Brashear Radcliff Veterans Center, Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center, Joseph Eddie Ballard Western Kentucky Veterans Center and Thomson-Hood Veterans Center.
2026 session: PTSD hyperbaric oxygen therapy enacted; $100,000 disabled-veteran homestead bill did not pass
In effect
HB 369 (2026) adds PTSD as a qualifying condition for the state's hyperbaric oxygen therapy program and was signed April 13, 2026. HB 285 (a homestead exemption up to $100,000 for 50%+ disabled veterans) stalled in committee, as did dependent tuition expansion bills.
Who qualifies
Varies.
Amount or details
HB 369 enacted; HB 285, HB 252 and HB 383 not enacted.
We only publish what we could confirm on an official Kentucky source. These are the open questions from our latest review. Ask the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) about anything here.
Effective date of HB 369 (2026) not confirmed from an official page (non-emergency KY acts typically take effect 90 days after adjournment).
KDFWR disabled license direct purchase page and state-home list may omit newer centers (Bowling Green/Magoffin) - not verified this pass.
Kentucky Disabled Veteran plate fee confirmed only via the KDVA summary PDF, not a KYTC page.
Dependent tuition waiver exact eligibility (KRS 164.505-515) not reviewed from statute.
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.