Sign up to get update news about us
Information for this document was gathered from various sources including: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Puerto-Rico And https://www-opv-pr-gov.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc
Please note that for most of these benefits, there are no specific websites available to apply or learn more.
Most information is gathered from the Puerto Rico statutes, codes and regulations that can be found at the following link: https://casetext.com/statute/laws-of-puerto-rico/title-twenty-nine-labor/part-iv-veterans/chapter-62-bill-of-rights-of-the-puerto-rican-veteran-for-the-21st-century/737-rights-granted
If you need assistance with veterans benefits in Puerto Rico, you can visit or contact the following organizations:
These organizations can provide you with information and assistance on various veterans benefits, including healthcare, education, financial assistance, and more.
For more information, visit: https://nasvh.org/directory/puerto-rico/
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:
Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico
Eligibility:
Honorably discharged Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, spouses of Veterans, widows of Veterans and “Gold Star Parents” of a deceased Veteran in combat.
For more detailed information visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/state.asp?STATE=PR
National Veterans’ Cemeteries:
Puerto Rico National Cemetery 50 Avenida Cementerio Nacional Bayamon, PR 00961 Burial Space: Open | Phone: 787-798-8400 Fax: 787-785-7281 |
Morovis National Cemetery 900 Carretera 137 Morovis, PR 00687 Burial Space: Open | Phone: 787-798-8400 Fax: 787-785-7281 |
State Veterans’ Cemeteries:
Atlantic Garden Veteran Cemetery Garden of Eden Boulevard State Rd 110 Aguadilla, PR 00690 VA Grant Funded: Yes | Phone: 787-221-6858 |
Many states, territories, and tribes 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.
Territory of Puerto Rico Military Pay Taxes:
If you are a resident service member stationed in Puerto Rico, you must pay taxes on all military pay earned in Puerto Rico. If you are a Puerto Rican resident service member stationed outside Puerto Rico, you do not have to pay Puerto Rico income tax on money earned outside the territory but must pay federal income tax.
Territory of Puerto Rico Military Retired Pay Taxes:
New Legislation: As of October 30, 2023, Puerto Rico has passed a law to exempt all military retired pay for retired service members. The Puerto Rico Departamento de Hacienda and the Oficina del Procurador del Veterano are working on implementing this new legislation.
Existing Tax Rules:
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Taxes:
TSP does not withhold state or local income taxes, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes, and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
Extension to File Income Tax for Deployed Service Members:
If you are deployed to a combat zone or supporting a contingency operation, you are eligible for a 10-month extension to file Puerto Rico income taxes. You must pay your Puerto Rico income taxes by the 15th day of the 10th month after your return. If hospitalized due to a combat-related injury, the extension lasts until the 15th day of the 10th month after your release from a military treatment facility.
Puerto Rico Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay:
Military Disability Retirement Pay received for personal injury or sickness from active service is not included in taxable income. This includes:
Puerto Rico Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plans (SBP/RCSBP/RSFPP):
For those receiving a retirement pension or annuity from the U.S. Government, Puerto Rico offers a tax reduction based on age:
Veteran Tax Exemptions:
Puerto Rico resident Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for an income tax exemption of $1,500. If married filing jointly and both Spouses are Veterans, the exemption is $3,000.
There are several types of property tax exemptions available for veterans in Puerto Rico. These exemptions range from $5,000 to a complete property tax exemption, depending on your eligibility. To qualify, you must have used the home as your primary residence as of January 1 of the taxable year. The exemptions apply to the appraised value of the home and the land up to 1,000 square meters in an urban zone or 1 cuerda in a rural zone.
Regular Veteran Property Tax Exemption:
Totally Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption:
Service-Connected Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption:
Application Process:
Annual refiling is often required.
Consult the local assessor’s office for detailed requirements regarding these exemptions.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.cesco.pr.gov/solicitudes-y-formularios and https://docs.pr.gov/files/cesco/Solicitud%20de%20Licencias/DTOP-DIS-058%20Solicitud%20de%20Tablilla%20Especial%20para%20Veteranos.pdf
Puerto Rico offers one free license plate to eligible veterans. You can request additional plates for $13.
Eligibility:
Tax-Free Vehicles:
Fee Exemptions for 100% Disabled Veterans:
Fee Exemptions for Veterans Over 60:
Veterans receive hiring preference for government employment. These benefits and processes ensure that you receive fair consideration and maintain your career progression with the Puerto Rico government.
Hiring Preference
Eligibility:
Benefits:
Application Process:
If you are a veteran hired for the first time in the Puerto Rico government and join the government retirement system, you can buy military service credit.
You can purchase up to five years of service credit for the time you served on active duty or used VA educational benefits.
You will need to pay the required contributions plus 6% simple annual interest based on your salary.
The Government of Puerto Rico will provide free medical care, hospitalization and necessary medications, for Veterans and their Families who are considered low income, as defined in the Federal Medical Assistance Program (Title 19 of the Federal Social Security Act).
Puerto Rico will also provide free medical care, hospitalization and necessary medications to the Children of Service members who are killed in action.
Eligibility:
Puerto Rico 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 website for more information: https://nationalguard.com/puerto-rico
FIGNA Military Education Incentive:
Eligibility:
Benefits:
Application Process:
Eligibility:
Benefits:
How to Apply:
Eligibility:
Benefits:
How to Apply:
65th Infantry Regiment Scholarship
Visit the following websites for more information:
65th Infantry Regiment Scholarship Program Application
65th Infantry Regiment Scholarship Program Requirements
65th Infantry Regiment Scholarship Announcement
Eligibility:
Benefits:
Application Process:
OR
Eligibility:
Benefits:
How to Apply:
Eligibility:
Benefits:
Application Process:
Eligibility:
Benefits:
Veterans, their Spouse and minor and/or disabled Children are eligible for a 10% discount on fees charged in Puerto Rico parks, such as beaches, zoos, aquariums, vacation centers, camping areas, and recreational areas. This benefit is transferable to the Surviving Spouse and to the minor and/or disabled Children upon the death of the Veteran.
If you are a veteran purchasing War surplus property, you are exempt from all types of taxes or duties. War surplus must be for the personal use of the Veteran and must not have a total value of more than $5,000.
All Puerto Rico government agencies will provide copies of official documents used for benefits claims free of charge to Veterans, their Spouse, or minor Children. The Surviving Spouse and minor Children of a deceased Veteran would also be eligible to receive these documents free of charge.
Low-income Veterans and their Surviving Spouse do not have to include VA Aid and Attendance and House Bound Allowance when determining eligibility for public assistance.