Maryland State Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

100% State Benefits – Maryland

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

Visit the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website for more detailed information: https://veterans.maryland.gov/

The following PDF document also provides detailed benefit information: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/Maryland_Veterans_Resource_Guide.pdf

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:

CHARLOTTE HALL VETERANS HOME
CHARLOTTE HALL, MARYLAND

Eligibility:

Maryland’s veterans’ home in Charlotte Hall is open to honorably discharged Maryland resident veterans 62 and over. Those disabled and unable to work are also eligible. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs per diem payments lower the cost of care.

State Veterans’ Cemeteries

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

National Veterans Cemeteries:

Annapolis National Cemetery 800 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 612-726-1127 Fax: 410-644-1563
Baltimore National Cemetery 5501 Frederick Avenue Baltimore, MD 21228 Burial Space: Cremation Only	Phone: 410-644-9696 Fax: 410-644-1563
Loudon Park National Cemetery 3445 Frederick Avenue Baltimore, MD 21228 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 410-644-9696 Fax: 410-644-1563
Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery Point Lookout Ridge, MD 20680 Burial Space: Closed	Phone: 410-644-9696 Fax: 410-644-1563

State Veterans Cemeteries:

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Program 1122 Sunrise Beach Road Crownsville, MD 21032 VA Grant Funded: N/A	Phone: 410-923-6981 Fax: 410-987-3920
Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery 11301 Crain Highway Cheltenham, MD 20623 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 301-372-6398 Fax: 301-782-7310
Crownsville Veterans Cemetery 1122 Sunrise Beach Road Crownsville, MD 21032 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 410-987-6320 Fax: 410-987-3920
Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery 6827 E. New Market Ellwood Road Hurlock, MD 21643 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 410-943-3420 Fax: 410-943-3680
Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery 11501 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills, MD 21117 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 410-363-6090 Fax: 410-363-1533
Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery 14205 Pleasant Valley Road, NE Flintstone, MD 21530 VA Grant Funded: Yes	Phone: 301-777-2185 Fax: 301-777-2402

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.

Eligibility: A burial plot is provided to eligible veterans and their eligible dependents when the veteran is a resident of the State of Maryland and has received an honorable discharge.

Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no cost to the veteran for burial plot, opening/closing, headstone, and state liner (if used). Eligible dependents have a minimal opening/closing cost and a direct cost for state liner (if used).

Maryland Veteran Financial Benefits

Property Tax Exemption

Visit the following website for more information: https://veterans.maryland.gov/federal-and-state-benefits-for-service-connected-veterans/

Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities are exempt from paying property tax on their primary residence.

Eligibility is extended to veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled or 100% permanently unemployable. The applicant must be a Maryland resident.

Upon the veteran’s death, the exemption passes to their spouse. The surviving spouse of active-duty military personnel who died in the line of duty as well as the surviving spouse of a totally disabled veteran, or a spouse who receives DIC, may also receive an exemption.

Annual refiling is often required.

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

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

Local Property Tax Benefits

Visit the following website for more information: https://veterans.maryland.gov/local-veteran-property-tax-exemptions/

Maryland disabled veteran benefits also include county-specific additions to property tax exemptions. These exemptions may be slightly different from the State of Maryland tax exemption.

Contact your local Finance Office to learn more about local property tax credits.

Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Deduction

Visit the following website for more information: https://veterans.maryland.gov/military-retirement-pay-and-pension-tax-deductions-exclusions/ or https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/

Up to $15,000 of military pay may be tax-free if earned while serving overseas. However, if you earned more than $30,000 in military pay, you are not eligible for this deduction.

If you receive or the spouse of a military retiree receives military retirement income, you will be able to subtract up to $12,500, with an increase to the first $20,000 for individuals who are at least 55 years old on the last day of the taxable year, of your military retirement income from your federal adjusted gross income before determining your Maryland tax. The retirement income must have been received because of any of the following military service:

Induction into the U.S. Armed forces for training and service under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 or a subsequent Act of similar nature
Membership in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces
Membership in an active component of the U.S. armed forces
Membership in the Maryland National Guard

The benefit also applies to persons separated from active-duty employment with the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Pension Tax Exclusion

Visit the following website for more information: https://veterans.maryland.gov/military-retirement-pay-and-pension-tax-deductions-exclusions/

If you are 65 or older, totally disabled, or your spouse is totally disabled, you may qualify for Maryland’s current calendar year maximum pension exclusion. This amount is determined in Instruction 13 of the Maryland resident tax booklet.

If you’re eligible, you may be able to subtract some of your taxable pension and retirement annuity income from your federal adjusted gross income.

This subtraction applies only if you were 65 or older or totally disabled, or your spouse was totally disabled.

To speak with the Maryland Taxpayer Service call:

From Central Maryland: 410-260-7980
From all other areas of Maryland: 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937)

License Plate Discounts for Disabled Veterans in Maryland

Visit the following website for more information: https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/licenseplates/disabled-license-plate.aspx

The MVA will accept a letter from the Veterans Administration stating that you have a total (100%) disability and will issue a disability license plate. You can choose any plate, including a veteran plate, and it will display the universal wheelchair symbol.

If you own more than one vehicle, your options are as follows:

One set of disability plates and one placard
OR
Two placards

Only one set of disability plates per disabled licensed driver can be issued with the universal wheelchair symbol. The other set of plates will not have the symbol and that vehicle will need a placard for disabled parking.

100% Disabled Veterans receive free registration for all license plate types.

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

Visit the following website for more information: https://veterans.maryland.gov/maryland-department-of-veterans-affairs-veterans-trust-fund/

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is designed to assist with non-emergency, temporary financial challenges facing veterans or widows/widowers of veterans. It is mostly used to assist with rent/mortgage payments and utility bills.

The trust cannot assist with taxes, child support, speeding tickets, legal fees, payday and interpersonal loans, credit card debt, home repairs, food, appliances, and vehicle purchases. Grant awards are provided directly to the landlord, mortgage company, utility company, etc.

The Trust Fund Grant Administrator completes a brief interview with each veteran/widow/widower before submitting applications for review. A review committee convenes as applications are ready and, based on information supplied in the application, approves, or denies requests for assistance.

The Trust Fund receives donations from community partners and private individuals. It also receives funding through Maryland based veteran service organization casino slot revenue.

Maryland Veteran Employment Benefits

State Employment Veterans Preference

Visit the following website for more information: https://dbm.maryland.gov/jobseekers/Pages/VeteransJobs.aspx

The appointing authority for skilled and professional appointments will award a credit of 10 points on any selection test to an eligible veteran, the spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability, or the surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran.

Veterans and spouses of veterans receive preference in the application process for state government positions through the award of points used in evaluating applications.

Additional points are applied to your application if you have a service-connected disability or are a former prisoner of war.

An appointing authority shall apply a credit of ten points on any selection test for:

An eligible veteran;
The spouse of an eligible veteran who has a service-connected disability; or
The surviving spouse of a deceased eligible veteran.

An appointing authority shall apply a credit of two additional points on any selection test for a former prisoner of war.

A credit of five points can be applied on a selection test for an individual with disabilities, as defined by the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

CDL License

Visit the following website for more information: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/militarydriverprograms

Several FMCSA programs make it easier, quicker, and less expensive for experienced military drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Maryland participates in the following program:

- Military Skills Test Waiver
  - Military personnel could get a commercial driver’s license without the driving test within 12 months of their discharge if they obtained those qualifications in the service.

Maryland Educational Benefits

Maryland 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://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Pages/acadaff/veteransbenefits/index.aspx

Veterans of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program

For more information, visit the following website: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_vaic.aspx

The Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts (VAIC) Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to U.S. Armed Forces personnel who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts that wish to attend a Maryland postsecondary institution.

Spouses and dependent children of these veterans may also be eligible.

Applicants must be Maryland residents that have been accepted for admission or enrolled in a regular undergraduate program at an eligible Maryland institution or be accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2-year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program at an eligible Maryland institution. Students must be enrolled as either a full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester) undergraduate student.

Scholarships awarded under this program shall supplement any federal education benefits for which a recipient qualifies because of an individual’s military service or status as a dependent of a member of the armed forces or of a veteran of the armed forces. The funds may be used at any eligible Maryland institution to pay for educational expenses including tuition and mandatory fees, and room and board.

To apply for this scholarship, you must submit an application and supporting documentation online by March 1 at https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/.

Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship

Visit the following website for more information: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_conroy.aspx

The Conroy scholarship program awards educational scholarships to the children or surviving spouse of various military employees and state or local employees who died or were disabled because of military service or while in the line of duty.

Scholarship Uses: The scholarship awarded may be used for tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible Maryland institution.

Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.

Qualifying Programs: You must enroll at:

A two-year or four-year Maryland college or university, as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or professional student.
OR
Be enrolled in a 2-year terminal certificate program in which the coursework is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program in an eligible institution.
OR
be enrolled in a private career school.

Award Amount: The amount of your award may not exceed the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees, of a resident undergraduate at a four-year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland University College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with the highest annual expenses for a full- time resident undergraduate.

Awards to the sons, daughters or spouses of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks may not exceed the amount specified above when combined with any other scholarships received by a student based on the student’s status as a child or spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Eligibility: The eligibility for both the qualifying civil worker as well as the individual applying for the scholarship is multifaceted. Please visit the link above to access the full eligibility requirements.

How to apply: New and renewal applicants to the program must contact their higher education institution’s financial aid office for application instructions. Do not submit any applications or documents to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).

When to apply to your institution: By July 15

NOTES:

The scholarship is renewable, and the student must reapply each year. The recipient may hold the award for five years if a full-time student, or eight years if a part-time student.
Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
The award is not based on financial need.
The scholarship will be offered to no more than 15 recipients annually for veterans who suffered a service-connected disability of 25 percent or greater and have exhausted or are no longer eligible for federal veterans’ educational benefits.

Maryland Veteran Recreation Benefits

Free Hunting License for Disabled Veterans

Visit the following website for more information: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/Military-One-stop-Shop.aspx

A free lifetime hunting license is available to Maryland residents certified as a former POWs as well as to 100% service-connected disabled veterans.

The lifetime license includes the bow stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and furbearer permit. The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is not part of the Complimentary License.

The lifetime license is available only at the department’s Licensing and Registration Service Centers

The Migratory Game Bird Stamp, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and the Big Game Harvest Record are required for each year and can be obtained from a Licensing and Registration Service Center, a sport license agent, or online
at: https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal.

Free Lifetime Fishing License

Visit the following website for more information: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_fishing_license.aspx

A free lifetime fishing license is available to Maryland residents certified as former POWs or 100% service-connected disabled veterans.

The license incorporates the non-tidal angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license, and trout stamp.

Proof of rating and a completed application are required. These documents can be scanned or faxed to one of Maryland’s Licensing and Registration Service Centers.

Follow this link to locate a service center near you: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_centers.aspx

Admission to State Parks

Visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources Military One Stop Shop website to learn more.

All applicable day-use entrance charges are waived for all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This waiver applies to both resident and out-of-state veterans. The waiver is applicable to the veteran only and not others in the same vehicle unless a per-vehicle charge is in effect at the time. In that case, the per-vehicle fee is waived. No other facility use service charges will be waived.

Another option for veterans and their families, is the Maryland State Park and Trail Passport that can be purchased for a yearly fee of $75 ($100 for non-residents). This pass entitles the holder to unlimited day-use entry for everyone in the vehicle (up to 10 people) to Maryland’s state parks, including unlimited boat launching.

Additional Benefits

Free Copy of Vital Records

Marriage licenses and divorce certificates are available from the Maryland Department of Health’s Vital Statistics Administration (VSA), free of charge in most cases (proof of service in the U.S. Armed Forces must be provided).

To contact the VSA by telephone, call 410-764-3038 or toll free 1-800-832-3277.

Applications for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are available from the VSA. There is no fee for:

A copy of a certificate of a current or former armed forces member that is requested by the member; or
A copy of a certificate of a current or former armed forces member or of a surviving spouse or child of the member if the copy will be used in connection with a claim for a dependent or beneficiary of the member.

A veteran or the veteran’s surviving spouse can also obtain one free copy of marriage licenses and divorce decrees from the clerk of the Circuit Court of the county in which it was issued, including Baltimore City.

To locate your county Circuit Court, visit https://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit.

Maryland Survivor Benefit Program

For more information, visit the following website: https://dpscs.maryland.gov/publicinfo/mspb.shtml

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides a death benefit to the surviving spouse or estate of Maryland first responders who are killed in the performance of duty. The program works closely with families and agencies to obtain the required documentation and process claims according to statutory guidelines.

Effective July 1, 2022, if additional evidence arises that the decedent’s death arose from an act committed against the decedent by another due to the nature and performance of the decedent’s duties, then the application for a death benefit shall be filed within three years of the finding of this evidence.

The Maryland Survivors Benefit Program handles the benefits for Public Safety Officers that were employed as the following:

Law enforcement officer;
Correctional officer;
Volunteer or career firefighter or rescue squad member;
State Fire Marshal or Deputy State Fire Marshal;
Public safety aviation employee; or
A hazardous material response team employee, subject to limitations in MD State Government Code, §1-202 (j);
A Maryland resident who, after January 1, 2006, was a member of the United States military serving in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict and died in the performance of duties;
- During active military service in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflict;
  OR
- As a result of an injury sustained during active military service in the Afghanistan
  or Iraq conflict.

There are two chapters under the Maryland Survivor Benefit Program. One for state public safety officers and one for resident military members. One thing to note that applies specifically to the Military Death Benefit is a death benefit awarded under this chapter is subject to deductions for taxes, debt or penalty owed by a decedent to a federal, state, or local government agency.

Flag Benefit

The Secretary of State shall issue a State flag to the family of a firefighter, police officer, member of the military, sworn member of the office of State Fire Marshal, or professional or volunteer emergency medical services provider who is killed in the performance of duty. Except when the deceased is a member of the military, the flag shall be presented to the family of the deceased by the State Senator of the legislative district in which the deceased resided or served. When the deceased is a member of the military, the flag shall be presented to the family of the deceased by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How to File a Claim

The Maryland Survivor Benefits Program now offers online services. To file a claim online, follow this link: Maryland Survivor Benefits Claim Submission Form. Claimants and/or their representative may also contact the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Office of the Secretary at 410-585- 3728, or send an email to survivor.benefits@maryland.gov.

Claims Process

Claims can be initiated in several ways. The team will work directly with the surviving family or any representative they may designate. Agencies may also initiate a claim on behalf of a fallen officer. Referrals from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), National Fallen Officers Foundation (NFOF) and other foundations are also welcome. The Maryland Survivor Benefits outreach team also works to identify and notify potential claimants.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Statement from a qualified Maryland Public Safety Organization (Endorsement Letter)
Copy of Death Certificate
Investigative Report of Incident Related to Death
Name, Address, Social Security Number, Birth Certificate and Driver’s License/ID of all eligible beneficiaries
Copy of Marriage Certificate (if beneficiary is the surviving spouse)
Copy of Court Custody Order (if the beneficiary is a child)
Documentation to verify dependency (if the beneficiary is a surviving dependent parent)
Verification that an estate has been opened and the name of the person who has authority to represent the estate.

STEPS

Submission – Survivors/agencies/representatives initiate a claim for benefits. Maryland Survivor Benefits Claim Submission Form
Intake – Applications are reviewed for completeness and additional information or documentation may be requested.
Determination Review – Once all required information and documentation is submitted, the claim is reviewed by the program director and a determination is made.
Legal Review – Every determination made by the Maryland Survivor Benefits Program is reviewed by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General for legal sufficiency.
Decision – Once a determination is reviewed for legal sufficiency, a decision is issued, and notification is made both to the family and the represented agency.
If approved, payment is issued by the Comptroller of Maryland. If not approved, detailed information is provided regarding the appeal process.