Puerto Rico US Territory Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans
100% US Territory Benefits – Puerto Rico
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:
- Puerto Rico Office of Veterans Affairs (Oficina del Procurador del Veterano)
- Location: Centro Gubernamental Minillas, Torre Norte, Piso 3, Avenida José De Diego, Parada 22, San Juan, PR 00940
- Phone: 787-758-5760
- Website: opv.pr.gov
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office
- Location: 50 Carr 165, Guaynabo, PR 00968
- Phone: 1-800-827-1000 (VA Benefits Information)
- Website: va.gov
- Puerto Rico National Guard Institutional Trust (FIGNA)
- Phone: 787-253-4040
- Contact FIGNA directly for more information about educational and other benefits.
These organizations can provide you with information and assistance on various veterans benefits, including healthcare, education, financial assistance, and more.
Veterans’ Homes
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.
State Veterans’ Cemeteries
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.
Puerto Rico Financial Benefits
Tax Benefits
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:
- Tax Based on Service Location: Military retired pay is taxed based on where you served. For example, if you served 20 years, with 5 years in Puerto Rico and 15 outside, 75% of your retirement income is taxed by the federal government, and 25% is taxed by Puerto Rico.
- Age-Based Tax Reduction: If you receive a retirement pension or annuity from the U.S. Government:
- Under age 60: $11,000 standard deduction
- Over age 60: $15,000 deduction
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:
- Disability compensation and pension payments for veterans or their families
- Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
- Grants for motor vehicles for veterans who lost sight or use of limbs
- Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program
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:
- Under age 60: $11,000 standard deduction
- Over age 60: $15,000 deduction
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.
Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
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:
- Eligibility:
- You are a veteran.
- You are an unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran.
- Benefit: Up to $5,000 off the appraised taxable value of your home.
Totally Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption:
- Eligibility:
- You are a 100% disabled veteran.
- Benefit: Complete property tax exemption for your home.
Service-Connected Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption:
- Eligibility:
- You are a resident veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 50% from the VA.
- Benefit: Exemption on the first $50,000 of the appraised value of your home.
Application Process:
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for the specific exemption you are applying for.
- Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents such as proof of veteran status, disability rating (if applicable), and proof of primary residence.
- Submit Application: Submit your application and documentation to the local tax assessor’s office or relevant authority in Puerto Rico.
Annual refiling is often required.
Consult the local assessor’s office for detailed requirements regarding these exemptions.
Free Puerto Rico Veterans License Plates
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:
- You must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Provide certification from the VA or your DD214 as proof.
Tax-Free Vehicles:
- If the VA provides you with a vehicle, it is exempt from vehicle taxes and license fees.
- Replacement vehicles can also be tax-exempt if you’ve owned the replaced vehicle for at least four years for personal use.
Fee Exemptions for 100% Disabled Veterans:
- If you have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA, you don’t have to pay taxes or fees for your vehicle, license plate, or driver’s license.
Fee Exemptions for Veterans Over 60:
- If you are over 60, you are exempt from vehicle taxes and fees for license plates or driver’s licenses, regardless of disability status.
Puerto Rico Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
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:
- You are a veteran applying for a job, reinstatement, or promotion in the Puerto Rico government.
Benefits:
- 10 points or 10% (whichever is greater) added to your passing examination scores.
Application Process:
- Apply for the Job: Submit your application for employment, reinstatement, or promotion.
- Take the Test: Complete the required examination for the position.
- Receive Preference: Your score will include the added points if you pass.
Veteran’s Service Credit in Government Retirement System
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.
Puerto Rico Healthcare Benefits
Free Medical Care
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:
- Low-income Veterans
- Spouse
- Children under age 21 (25 if a student and any age if the Child has a physical or mental disability) are eligible.
Puerto Rico Educational Benefits
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)
Puerto Rico National Guard Educational Benefits:
Visit the following website for more information: https://nationalguard.com/puerto-rico
FIGNA Military Education Incentive:
Eligibility:
- Active Puerto Rico National Guard members who contribute $5 monthly to FIGNA.
- Your spouse or child (under 23 years of age) can use this benefit.
- Children can receive up to a bachelor’s degree, spouses up to a master’s degree, and service members up to a doctoral degree.
- Only one family member can use the benefit at a time.
Benefits:
- Up to $50 per credit for a bachelor’s degree or lower.
- Up to $75 per credit for a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Assistance for up to 18 credits per year.
Application Process:
- Contact FIGNA at 787-253-4040 for more information and to apply.
Free Tuition for Puerto Rican Veterans
Eligibility:
- Puerto Rican veterans who do not have VA education benefits or whose benefits have expired.
Benefits:
- Free tuition at the University of Puerto Rico and its regional colleges.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Admissions office for more information on how to apply
- https://www.uprrp.edu/english/admissions/
Reduced Tuition for Dependents of Puerto Rican Veterans
Eligibility:
- Dependents of Puerto Rican veterans.
Benefits:
- 50% reduction in tuition at the University of Puerto Rico and its regional colleges.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Admissions office for more information on how to apply
- https://www.uprrp.edu/english/admissions/
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:
- Children of honorably discharged veterans under age 26 (no age limit for children with physical or mental limitations).
- Must be a resident of Puerto Rico, have a 2.5 GPA, be a high school graduate, and be accepted for college admission.
- Only one child per family may participate, and they cannot be receiving additional VA educational benefits.
Benefits:
- For a bachelor’s degree: up to 12 credits per semester.
- For a master’s or doctoral degree: 6-9 credits per semester.
Application Process:
- Email Beca65@opv.pr.gov
OR
- Call 787-758-5760 for more information and to apply.
Education Benefit for Surviving Spouses and Children
Eligibility:
- Surviving spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty.
Benefits:
- Total exemption of tuition and fees at any Puerto Rico public higher education institution.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Admissions office at the institution you plan to attend to learn about application processes.
High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
Eligibility:
- Puerto Rican veterans who left high school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam.
Benefits:
- Can request a high school diploma, which may be awarded posthumously.
Application Process:
- Call the Puerto Rico Department of Education at 787-759-2000 for more information.
Readmission to University for Active-Duty Service Members
Eligibility:
- Service members who left the University of Puerto Rico due to active military service.
Benefits:
- Must be allowed to return to their course of study.
- Priority registration and no readmission application fees if reapplying within one year of discharge.
Puerto Rico Recreational Benefits
Puerto Rico National Parks and Recreation Area Discounts:
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.
Additional Benefits
War Surplus Property Exemption:
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.
Free Documents from Puerto Rico Government Offices:
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.
Income Exemption for Public Assistance:
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.
