Indiana State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

Note: Information for this document was gathered from various sources including: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/indiana-state-veterans-benefits.html

Visit the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs for more detailed information: https://www.in.gov/dva/

Veterans Homes

For more information, visit: https://nasvh.org/directory/

Your eligibility for State Veterans Homes is based on clinical need and setting availability.

Each State establishes eligibility and admission criteria for its homes.

Talk with a VA social worker about the eligibility requirements of State Veterans Homes near you and to figure out a plan for paying for State Veterans Home care services.

Veterans Homes Locations:

• INDIANA VETERANS’ HOME
  WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

The Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette provides nursing and domiciliary care for any honorably discharged Veteran who has resided in Indiana for at least 12 months prior to admission. The home is open to both veterans and their spouses. There is a fee.

State Veterans’ Cemeteries

For more detailed information visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/state.asp?STATE=IN

National Veterans Cemeteries:

Crown Hill Columbarium Annex 725 West 42nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Burial Space: Cremation Only	Phone: 317-525-9821 Fax: 765-674-4521
Marion National Cemetery 1700 East 38th Street Marion, IN 46952 Burial Space: Open	Phone: 765-674-0284 Fax: 765-674-4521
New Albany National Cemetery 1943 Ekin Avenue New Albany, IN 47150 Burial Space: Cremation Only	Phone: 502-893-3852 Fax: 502-893-6612
Crown Hill Cemetery Confederate Plot 700 West 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 3765-674-0284 Fax: 765-674-4521
Woodlawn Monument Site North 3rd Street and 4th Avenue Terre Haute, IN 47802 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 815-423-9958 Fax: 815-423-5824

State Veterans Cemeteries:

Indiana State Soldiers Home Cemetery 3851 N. River Road W. Lafayette, IN 47906 VA Grant Funded: No	Phone: 765-463-1502 Fax: 765-497-869
Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery 1415 North Gate Road Madison, IN 47250 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 812-273-9220 Fax: 812-273-9221

Many states have established state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility is like Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries but may include residency requirements. Even though they may have been established or improved with Government funds through VA’s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, state veterans cemeteries are run solely by the states.

Indiana Financial Benefits

Income Tax

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.in.gov/dor/individual-income-taxes/filing-my-taxes/indiana-deductions-from-income/

Indiana offers some tax breaks to resident service members, veterans, and their families.

• Up to $5,000 of active-duty pay is tax-free.
• Eligible non-resident military spouses do not have to pay Indiana income tax for wages earned in Indiana.
• Military retired pay is exempt from Indiana income tax.
• Military Disability Retired Pay that is received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance should not be included in taxable income. Some of these payments include:
  • Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families.
  • Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living.
  • Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
  • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.
• DIC payments are tax free in Indiana.
• SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) payments are exempt from Indiana income tax.

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Deduction

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.in.gov/dlgf/deductions-property-tax/ and https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/property-tax-deductions/

Property tax deductions are available to resident disabled veterans who have an honorable discharge. This amount is deducted from the value of your home for tax purposes, leaving you with a smaller property tax bill.

Indiana offers several tax deductions that can be combined in a combination of ways. We recommend contacting your local tax assessor to learn more.

Indiana offers several tax deductions that can be combined in a variety of ways. Not all of which are exclusive to veterans. We recommend contacting your local tax assessor to learn more.

We will provide an overview of the property tax exemptions offered in Indiana that are specifically for veterans:

• Totally Disabled Veteran or Veteran at least 62 with Disability of 10% or More:
  • The exemption amounts to about $14,000.
  • The applicant must own or be under contract to buy the home on the day the application is submitted.
  • The applicant must have served for at least 90 days and was honorably discharged.
  • The applicant is either totally disabled, or at least 62 with at least a 10% disability rating.
  • The assessed value of the property is not greater than $200,000.
  • A surviving spouse may receive this deduction.
  • NOTE: This deduction can be claimed with all other deductions except the Over 65 Deduction.
• Deduction for Homestead Donated to Veteran:
  • The amount of the deduction varies based on the veteran’s disability. It will be at least 50% and up to 100% of the assessed value of the homestead.
  • The applicant must have served for at least 90 days, received an honorable discharge, and have a disability rating of at least 50%.
  • The homestead must have been conveyed without charge to the individual who is the owner of the homestead by an organization that is exempt from income taxation.
  • NOTE: This deduction can be claimed with all other deductions except the Totally Disabled Veteran Deduction, Veteran with Service-Connected Disability Deduction and Over 65 Deduction.
• Veteran with Service-Connected Disability:
  • The amount of the deduction is around $25,000
  • The applicant must own or be under contract to purchase the property on the date the application is filed.
  • The applicant must have received an honorable discharge after serving in any of its wars.
  • A service-connected disability of at least 10% is required.
  • Surviving spouses may receive this deduction as well.
  • NOTE: This deduction can be claimed with all other deductions except the Over 65 Deduction and the Surviving Spouse of WWI Veteran Deduction.
• Surviving Spouse of World War I Veteran:
  • The amount of this deduction is about $18,700.
  • The surviving spouse must own or be under contract to buy the property on the date the application is filed.
  • The applicant is the surviving spouse of the person who served before November 12, 1918.
  • The applicant may claim this deduction with all other deductions except the Over 65 Deduction and the Veteran with Service-Connected Disability Deduction.

NOTE: Any unused portion of the deduction may be applied to the personal property taxes and then the excise taxes for either a motor vehicle or an aircraft.

Annual refiling is required.

Find your local tax assessor at this link: https://www.publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Assessor-and-Property-Tax-Records.htm

Disabled Hoosier Veteran License Plate

Visit the following website for more information and applications: https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/license-plates-overview/indiana-military-license-plates/

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers a variety of distinctive license plates for military personnel, and veterans. You can explore all the options at the link provided above.

One of the plates offered is for veterans who require access to handicapped parking. The Disabled Hoosier Veteran Plate is issued with no group or administrative fees to qualified veterans.

Eligibility includes:

• The Veteran must be 50% service-connected disabled with at least 60% of that disability attributed to a mobility disability
• OR the service-connected disability precludes the Veteran from walking without pain or difficulty.
• If it is unclear that your service-connected disability is causing you pain or difficulty while walking, a signed doctor’s letter may be required.

The eligible veteran may park at any legal metered space in Indiana and not be charged a fee when displaying this plate. Additionally, the eligible veteran may not be charged a fee when parking in a legally metered parking space for longer than the time permitted.

Note: Veterans can obtain a plate or a placard for each registered vehicle they own. All Indiana license plates supporting military personnel are available as motorcycle plates.

To purchase a new Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate, you must visit any Indiana branch and are required to provide the following on first issuance:

• The Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran License Plate – State Form 32584.

Contact your local BMV for required documentation and applications.

Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF)

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.in.gov/dva/about-idva/links/military-family-relief-fund/

The MFRF emergency grant may be used by the families for needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, transportation and other essential family support expenses which have become difficult to afford. A grant up to $2,500 may be awarded.

Eligibility:

• Must be an Indiana resident.
• The veteran must have an honorable, under honorable conditions, or certain other than honorable discharge codes.
• The applicant must prove genuine financial hardship. Financial hardship must be reflected in applicants’ income, spending habits, or emergency condition.
• The household income cannot exceed 2 times the US federal poverty guidelines.
• There is a lifetime limit of $2,500.00 of assistance available to each veteran. Under some emergency circumstances requests for amounts more than the lifetime limit, the Indiana Veterans’ Commission may review and decide to award an applicant additional money.
• The department may close out an incomplete application if all required documentation is not received with thirty (30) days of initial submission.

There is a lifetime limit of $2,500.00 of assistance available to each veteran. Under some emergency circumstances requests for amounts more than the lifetime limit, the Indiana Veterans’ Commission may review and decide to award an applicant additional money.

The department may close out an incomplete application if all required documentation is not received with thirty (30) days of initial submission.

Indiana Employment Benefits

State Employment Veterans Preference

Veterans who are seeking full-time state employment may be eligible to receive additional preference points added to their examination. The preference points are equal to 10% for the total number of points on the examination.

To be eligible to receive preference points, under this chapter, a person must have:

• Served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States for at least 181 days; and
• Received an honorable discharge.

Military CDL Skills Waiver Program

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.in.gov/bmv/resources/military-families/military-cdl-skills-waiver-program/

The BMV may waive the required skills test for select veterans or active-duty personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces who were truck drivers during their military service if the applicant applies within one year of discharge and meets all requirements.

All military applicants must pass the required written tests; prove that they are regularly employed (or was regularly employed) in a military position requiring operation of a CMV within one year; and certify that during the two years immediately preceding the application for an Indiana CDL they met certain requirements.

Steps to Apply

1. Visit a BMV branch, pass required written tests and have Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) issued.
2. Collect necessary documentation:
   • Complete, save and print the “Application for Military Skills Test Waiver” form;
     • Secure the signature of the applicant’s Commanding Officer, or responsible person in his/her military chain of command, attesting to the applicant’s military driving experience; and
   • Provide copy of DD214 or proof currently active duty; and
   • Provide letter from commander stating applicant has operated a CMV for at least one year immediately preceding discharge from the military; and
   • A copy of military license.
3. Use one of the following options to submit the completed application packet and contact phone number.
   • Fax: 317-974-1615
   • Drop documents off at any BMV branch; or
   • Mail to:
     Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
     Attn: CDL Programs
     100 North Senate Avenue
     IGCN, Room N 481
     Indianapolis, IN 46204

Applications will be processed, and the applicant will be contacted once the submitted documents are verified.

Peddlers, Vendors, or Hawkers License

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/peddlers-vendors-or-hawkers-license/

Honorably discharged veterans may receive a vending license for free. The license permits the veteran to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in the county.

The veteran is subject to all county, city, or town regulations and ordinances concerning vendors, hawkers, or peddlers, except for those provisions requiring payment of money to obtain a license.

See your county Auditor for more information on the necessary documents and the application process.

Next Level Veterans Program

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.invets.org/

INvets is a nonprofit organization founded by veterans that helps former service members transition to civilian life by connecting them with Indiana employers and providing career- building resources.

Resources are available to help spouses with career opportunities as well.

Grants for Veterans Services Award Recipients

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/gvs-awards/

Indiana veterans have access to numerous nonprofit organizations that provide various types of assistance. Some examples include: assistance for homeless veterans; transportation assistance, legal services; short term financial assistance; motorcycle workshops; employment opportunities.

Indiana Education Benefits

Indiana offers a wide variety of Educational Benefits to resident veterans and their dependents.

State Educational Benefits can be used in conjunction with the National Educational Benefits (DEA)

Visit the following link for a full list: https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/tuition-and-fee-exemption/

Free Tuition for Children of Disabled Veterans

Visit the following website for more information and application process: https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/tuition-and-fee-exemption/

Indiana offers free or discounted tuition at state schools to children of disabled veterans, Purple Heart Recipients and their children, and children of former POW/MIA.

These state aid programs provide eligible students tuition exemption for up to 124 hours at anystate supported school listed below.

Approved students will have 8 academic years to use the 124 hours after they use the exemption for the first time.

Students must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, each year they intend to use the exemption.

The student must apply for this benefit on Scholar Track. Paper applications are no longer accepted for this benefit.

Scholar Track can be accessed by clicking HERE.

There are four State Aid Programs for Tuition and Fee Exemption that IDVA determines eligibility for through Scholar Track.

Students must be eligible for the resident tuition rate for state supported schools in Indiana to use these state aid programs.

For children of Veterans that have graduated high school from January 2023 and forward the award can be used at Indiana private, non-profit colleges and universities at the undergraduate resident tuition rate. The annual award shall not exceed $5000 per academic year at private, non-profit schools.

Basic Eligibility for Children of Veterans:

1. Veteran parent must have served in Armed Forces of the United States during a war OR performed equally hazardous duty that was recognized by the award of a Service or Campaign Medal. This includes service in a Reserve or National Guard component as long as the veteran was actively attending drill and annual training.
   Eligible wartime dates are:
   • WWII: December 7, 1941 –  December 31, 1946
   • Korea: June 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955
   • Vietnam: Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975
   • Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – present
2. Veteran must have been rated for a service connected disability by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs 0-100%
3. Veteran Parent must have either entered the Armed Forces from and Indiana home of record address (noted on DD214) OR resided in Indiana for 5 years. (Must include this evidence with Scholar Track Application)
4. Student must be the biological child of the veteran OR adopted by the veteran prior to reaching their 18th birthday. Stepchildren are not eligible.
5. Students must first apply and be eligible prior to reaching their 33rd birthday.
6. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the state educational institution.

NOTE: the 32-year-old age limit DOES NOT apply to a Purple Heart recipient applying for this benefit and only applies to the child of the disabled veteran or the child of a Purple Heart recipient.

ALL STUDENTS MUST FILE A FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) for the academic year(s) they want to use the exemption. CLICK HERE FOR THE FAFSA WEB SITE

NOTE: Every Campus has a Veteran’s Liaison that can provide more information and assistance.

High School Diploma Program for WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veterans

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/high-school-diploma-program-for-wwi-wwii-korea-and-vietnam-veterans/

Veterans who served between:

• April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918 (World War I)
• December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 (World War II)
• June 27, 1950 and Jan 31, 1955 (Korea)
• or Aug 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 (Vietnam)

may apply to the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs for issuance of a high school diploma.

Veterans must have:

• attended public or nonpublic high school in Indiana prior to military service
• been a student in good standing
• not graduated or received a diploma because of leaving high school for military service
• and been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States

Veterans, or their surviving spouses or eligible family members, may submit application to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Indiana Veterans Recreation Benefits

State Parks

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/rates-and-fees/entrance-fees/

A Hoosier Golden Passport provides unlimited admission to all Indiana State owned parks, recreation areas, reservoirs, and forests on an annual basis. It is NOT valid for historic sites, museums, memorials, and other Department of Natural Resource (DNR) facilities. The pass is good for one calendar year.

Persons eligible for a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate may purchase the annual Hoosier Golden Passport at DNR facilities around the State at a 50% reduced cost. If you have Disabled Hoosier Veteran plates on the vehicle simply drive to the gate and the attendant will sell you the annual Hoosier Golden Passport. If you do not have the plate on the vehicle but have state form 32584 signed by IDVA that determines your eligibility you can show this form.

Former Prisoners of War will receive their Hoosier Golden Passport in the mail after their plates are issued. If you do not receive yours in a reasonable time, or have other plates on your vehicle but are entitled to POW plates, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-622-4931.

Hunting And Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/licenses-and-permits/disabled-veterans/

Any Indiana resident who has a service-connected disability with the VA can buy an Indiana hunting & fishing license for a reduced fee.

The license sells for $2.75 and covers the hunting of small game as well as fishing, excluding any stamps. Or you can buy a 10-year DAV license for $27.50. This covers the same as above for a total of 10 hunting/fishing seasons.

DAV license is for small game hunting or fishing only.

Additional stamps can be purchased to affix to your DAV license.

Note: Your first DAV License must be purchased at the IDNR Customer Service Center or an IDNR property. Afterward, online purchases can be made for future licenses.

You may contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, at (317) 232-4200 or the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, at (317) 232-3910.

Burial Allowances

Each county auditor is authorized to pay up to an amount not to exceed $100 for the burial of a veteran or the veteran’s spouse, and to pay up to $100 for the setting of a federal headstone. Veterans must have received an honorable discharge, and an application must be filed with the county auditor in the county of residence.

To locate your local County Auditor, visit the following website: https://www.in.gov/dlgf/contact-your-local-officials/