Louisiana State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

100% State Benefits – Louisiana

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

Visit the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs website for more detailed information: https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/

Veterans Homes

For more information, visit: https://www.nasvh.org/state-homes/statedir.cfm

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:

Eligibility:
For admission to a Louisiana State Veterans Home, a veteran must be a resident of the state of Louisiana, with an other-than-dishonorable discharge. Applicants who have income will be expected to pay for their care.

Spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible if they meet basic qualifying criteria.

State Veterans’ Cemetery

For more detailed information visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/state.asp?STATE=LA

National Veterans Cemeteries:

Alexandria National Cemetery 209 East Shamrock Street Pineville, LA 71360 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 225-654-1988 Fax: 225-654-1989
Baton Rouge National Cemetery 220 North 19th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 225-654-1988 Fax: 225-654-1989
Louisiana National Cemetery 303 W. Mount Pleasant Road Zachary, LA 70791 Burial Space: Open	Phone: 225-654-1988 Fax: 225-654-1989
Port Hudson National Cemetery 20978 Port Hickey Road Zachary, LA 70791 Burial Space: Cremation Only	Phone: 225-654-1988 Fax: 225-654-1989

State Veterans Cemeteries:

Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 3348 University Parkway Leesville, LA 71446 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 337-238-6405 Fax: 337-238-6448
Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 2413 Hwy 425 Rayville, LA 71269 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 318-728-4346 Fax: 318-728-5921
Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 7970 Mike Clarke Road Keithville, LA 71047 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 318-925-0612 Fax: 318-925-5521
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 34888 Grantham College Drive Slidell, LA 70460 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 985-646-6458 Fax: 225-654-1989
Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 1620 Evangeline Road Jennings, LA 70546 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 337-246-7094 Fax: 337-246-7096

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.

Louisiana Veteran Financial Benefits

Income Tax

For more information, visit the following website: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Louisiana

Up to $50,000 of active-duty pay is tax-free if stationed out-of-state for 120 consecutive days or
more.

Retired pay and SBP payments are tax-free.

Military Disability Retirement Pay should not be included in taxable income.

Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families. This includes DIC payments.
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.

Louisiana Homestead Tax Exemption

Visit the following website for more information: https://veteran.com/louisiana-veterans-benefits/

The Louisiana Homestead Tax exemption equals $7,500 of a homestead’s assessed value ($75,000 of market value) and can be claimed for up to 160 acres as long as the home is an owner-occupied property.

According to the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, “in parishes in which the voters have elected to adopt the policy, the amount of the homestead exemption is doubled to $15,000 of a home’s assessed value ($150,000 of market value) for property owned by a military veteran having a service-related disability rating of 100% as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.”

This exemption is also available for property owned and occupied by the surviving spouse of a qualifying service member.

Consult the local assessor’ office for detailed requirements regarding these exemptions.

Annual refiling is often required.

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

Military Family Assistance (MFA) Fund

Visit the following website for more information and to apply:
https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefit/military-family-assistance-fund/

For more information, you may call toll free 1-877-432-8982.

The MFA fund can provide financial support to Louisiana veterans and their families when they
experience financial hardships.

The MFA can pay up to $10,000 for one claim per active-duty order in a 12-month
period. Applicants must submit a completed application to the Louisiana Department of
Veterans Affairs and include all required supporting documentation, as certain criteria apply.

Eligibility:

To qualify for assistance, veterans and activated military applicants must meet certain minimum active-duty service requirements and have been honorably discharged.

Immediate family members of eligible Veterans and activated military personnel may also qualify.

You can apply online or by mail. Be ready to include all supporting documents requested on the form.

NOTE: The Military Family Assistance Fund is a fund of last resort. All applicants shall seek assistance from other available sources prior to making an application to the MFA Program. All applicants should show proof of applications submitted to other sources and disclose amounts received.

National Guard Death & Disability Benefit

For more information and to apply visit the following website:
https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefits/

Louisiana National guardsmen suffering a permanent and total disability while on federal or state active duty on or after Sep. 11, 2001, or the beneficiary of record of those killed in action may qualify for a $250,000 death or $100,000 disability benefit from the State of Louisiana.

Qualifications for this program include:

Louisiana state resident
Current member of the Louisiana National Guard or Reserves OR
Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Louisiana National Guard or Reserves) with a discharge of “Honorable” or “Under Honorable Conditions”
Veterans must have completed 24 months of continuous active-duty, other than active duty for training; Completed at least 90 days of active duty and has been discharged under the specific authority of 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173, or has been determined to have a service connected disability.
Received a discharge with less than 90 days of service for a service connected disability.

NOTE: This is a “payer of last resort” program, meaning that the applicant must exhaust other avenues of aid or assistance before applying.

Louisiana State Veteran Housing Benefits

Visit the following website for more information: https://veteran.com/louisiana-home-loan-veterans/

The Louisiana Housing Corporation is responsible for federal and state funds to help borrowers find affordable, energy-efficient housing for low- and moderate-income families.

There are 3 programs available through the LHC.

Market Rate GNMA Program:

This program offers qualified veterans 30-year, fixed-rate FHA, VA, or USDA Rural
Development mortgages at favorable interest rates.

Mortgage Bond Revenue Home Program:

Bond programs are often provided for need-based loans for borrowers meeting income
caps and purchase price limits. Veterans are not specifically targeted with this program
but those who meet income and purchase requirements are welcome to apply.

Mortgage Revenue Bond Assisted Program:

This is another LHC program offering assistance for prospective homebuyers (veterans
or not) who need help with down payment and closing expenses.

Louisiana Veteran and Disabled Veteran Driver’s License or ID Card

Louisiana offers a driver’s license or ID card that identifies the cardholder as a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Honorably discharged veterans are eligible.

The Veteran’s driver’s license of ID card will be issued with no fees if the veteran turns in their valid license at the time of the request.

If requesting the veteran indicator at the time of renewal or when requesting a duplicate card, a fee will be charged.

Proof of character of discharge, such as a DD-214 will be required.

Louisiana disabled veterans who are rated as 100% disabled with the VA can receive a 100% DAV (Disabled American Veteran) indicator on their driver’s license.

Proof of disability rating will be required.

Louisiana Veterans License Plates

Visit the following sites for more information: https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/SpecialPlatesPublic/SpecialPlates1.aspx

and https://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov/OMV_Welcome.nsf/2a656c057052b310862575f300653b85/f6ebae290b4b797e862575f300631507?OpenDocument

Louisiana offers 47 different license plate designs to service members, veterans, retired service members, and eligible family members. These plates are issued to an eligible applicant for any privately-owned passenger car, pickup truck, motorcycle, or van.

All plates have specific documentation requirements to prove eligibility.

The cost of these plates is the same as the regular issued plates. They can be requested through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles License Plate Online ordering page.

NOTE: Payment must be mailed in before the license plate will be ordered, or applicants can
visit one of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle locations.

Louisiana Veteran Employment Benefits

State Employment

Visit the following website for more information: https://jobs.la.gov/Veterans/VeteransInfo.aspx and https://jobs.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Veterans/VeteransInfo.aspx

The State of Louisiana has many job opportunities to offer veterans. The state also participates in programs that assist veterans such as the Army PaYS Program, and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

For veterans interested in a civil service position within the state, an addition of five or ten points can be added to the final passing scores on Civil Service examinations. The eligible applicant must first pass any written examination before the points are added to his or her score. Veterans’ preference points, when claimed, will appear on the applicant’s grade notice. These additional points are added only in new hiring situations — “probational” or “job” appointments. Veterans with permanent status in the State classified system do not receive this preference in promotional situations.

A five-point preference is given to veterans who were honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions and served during specific time periods.

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating with the VA can receive a ten-point preference.

Spouses of veterans who are rated VA unemployable as well as un-remarried widows of deceased veterans and Gold Star parents are also eligible for this preference.

Some restrictions apply for eligibility.

Required documentation:

DD214
Letter from Veterans’ Administration documenting service-connected disability, if claiming 10 points, dated within last six months

For claimants OTHER THAN the eligible veteran:

Claim Form for Veterans Preference for Spouse/Parent
Death certificate, if applicable
Marriage certificate, if applicable

Testing Exemptions for Veterans

If you are a veteran that was honorably discharged within the last 12 months, you may be eligible for a civil service appointment without having to take the Civil Service testing that is normally required. Minimum job qualifications must be met to qualify for this exemption.

The veteran must have been honorably discharged and have served at least 90 days of active service for purposes other than training.

An appointing authority may make an offer to an active member of the armed forces, but the effective date of the appointment cannot be prior to the discharge date.

If you have any questions concerning this rule, please feel free to contact the Testing and Recruiting Center at (225) 925-1911.

Transfer of Military Skills to Civilian Employment

Visit the following website for more information:
https://jobs.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Veterans/VeteransInfo.aspx

Veterans with military training and experience can get a corresponding professional license or certification if they have a military occupational specialty that qualified them for that license.

Contact the Louisiana State Licensing Agency for more information.

Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative

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

The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative was created to honor the resident veteran by recognizing businesses owned by a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star Spouse.

The program will allow for veterans, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouses who have a fifty-one percent ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses. In addition, a searchable database is provided for anyone seeking to patronize a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star-spouse business.

This is a free program offered to qualifying businesses.

A participating business will be added to the searchable database and will receive an insignia to use in all marketing and advertising efforts.

Louisiana Educational Benefits

Louisiana 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.vetaffairs.la.gov/benefits/

Louisiana Title 29 Dependents Educational Assistance

This state benefit provides educational assistance to surviving spouses of deceased or disabled war veterans. The benefit also includes children of veterans with at least a 90% service-disabled rating and children of war veterans who have a 100% disability rating due to individual un-employability.

The benefit provides students with exemption of tuition and select fees. It is good for four years of schooling to be completed in not more than five years, or until the student reaches the age of twenty-five. There is no age limit for a surviving spouse. Student utilizing this benefit must attend on a full-time basis.

To apply for Title 29 contact your local Parish Veterans Service Office. For additional information you may also visit the LDVA website.

Eligible students will receive a Fee Exemption Certificate from the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs. You must submit the original certificate to our office to receive the exemption.

The deceased veteran must have been a resident of Louisiana for at least 12 months immediately preceding entry into service. The living veteran must have lived in the state for at least 24 months prior to the child being admitted into the program.

The surviving spouse has 10 years to use the benefit, the child must be between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five to be eligible.

Louisiana In-State Tuition Status

In-state tuition status is granted to Veterans and active-duty military who seek to attend any Louisiana public college or university. Eligibility requirements apply.

Contact your college or university to inquire about the application process. All campuses will have a veteran’s liaison that should be able to assist.

Louisiana Veteran Recreation Benefits

Free Hunting/Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

For more information and application, visit the following website: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/special-licenses-and-permits

Disabled veterans classified with a service-connected permanent disability, rated 50% or higher and who are Louisiana residents can get hunting and fishing licenses free of charge.

Includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing Licenses; Basic, Deer, Waterfowl, and Turkey
Hunting Licenses; and the WMA Access Permit
Does not include the Federal Duck Stamp

Documents needed:

Valid Driver’s License
Proof of Disability
Application

Submit the applications in person at: LDWF Headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

You can also apply via email or mail.

Email it to lifetime@wlf.la.gov. Scan and attach the application and all required documents to your email. Licensing staff will contact applicants by phone to collect payment (if applicable) by credit card.
Mail it to the address below with all required documents and, if applicable, a check, money order, or cashier’s check for your license fees:

LDWF
Attn: Sports License
PO Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000.

Call 225.765.2887 for more information.

NOTE: Surviving Spouses can also receive a special license for $4.

Any resident or non-resident purple heart recipient can receive a special license at the resident rate.

Free and Discounted Admission to State Parks

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.lastateparks.com/special-ratesdiscounts

Disabled veterans, as well as everyone in the same vehicle as them, are exempt from paying the day-use entrance fee to any Louisiana state park.

Eligible veterans may apply for the permit by contacting their local parish veterans service office.

Click here for contact information for the parish offices.

Additional Park Discounts:

MILITARY – 15% off all rentable facilities. Good any day of the week; available to active duty and retired military, National Guard, and reservists.
Active-duty members plus one additional family member get half off admission to state parks.