Connecticut has one of the most comprehensive state veterans benefit systems in the United States. With approximately 168,000 veterans residing in the state — drawn from its long history of military service and its proximity to major military installations — Connecticut has invested significantly in programs covering property tax relief, tuition waivers, employment advantages, long-term care, income tax exemptions, and recreational benefits.
The primary state agency responsible for veteran services is the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (CTDVA), headquartered in Rocky Hill. The CTDVA administers state veterans benefits, operates the Connecticut Veterans Home and Hospital, and coordinates with the federal VA system to ensure Connecticut veterans access the full range of benefits available to them.
This guide covers all major Connecticut state veterans benefits for 2026, including the specific statutes that govern each program, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how state benefits interact with federal VA compensation. If you're a Connecticut veteran or the family member of one, this guide ensures you don't leave money and benefits on the table.
Connecticut's veterans property tax exemption is one of the most important financial benefits available to CT veterans and is governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-81(19). The program provides an exemption on the assessed value of a veteran's primary residence, reducing the taxable value of the home and thereby lowering the property tax bill.
Veterans who served on active duty during a period of war or armed conflict and received an honorable discharge qualify for a $1,500 reduction in assessed property value. At Connecticut's statewide average mill rate of approximately 30–35 mills, this translates to roughly $45–$52 per year in tax savings for the basic exemption — modest on its own but serving as the foundation for enhanced exemptions.
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher qualify for a larger exemption based on the degree of disability. The exemption scales with the disability rating:
| VA Disability Rating | Exemption on Assessed Value | Estimated Annual Tax Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| 10–25% | $2,000 | ~$60–$70 |
| 26–50% | $3,000 | ~$90–$105 |
| 51–75% | $4,000 | ~$120–$140 |
| 76–99% | $5,000 | ~$150–$175 |
| 100% (total) | $5,000 + eligible for AEP | ~$150–$175+ with AEP |
| 100% P&T disabled | Up to $10,000+ via Additional Exemption Program | ~$300–$700+ |
*Estimated savings based on 30-mill rate. Actual savings vary by municipality.
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled by the VA are eligible for Connecticut's Additional Exemption Program (AEP), which provides substantially larger property tax relief. Under AEP, income-eligible P&T veterans can receive exemptions valued at $10,000 or more on assessed property value. Income thresholds and specific exemption amounts vary by municipality — Connecticut allows towns to set their own rates within state guidelines. Veterans in municipalities with high mill rates (Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven) can realize the largest dollar savings from AEP.
Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may continue to receive the property tax exemption as long as they remain unmarried, maintain Connecticut residency, and continue to own and occupy the exempt property. Surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of service-connected disability, or who were killed in combat, may qualify for enhanced exemptions regardless of the surviving spouse's income.
The property tax exemption is NOT automatic. Veterans must apply at their local assessor's office by November 1 to receive the exemption on the following year's tax bill. Required documentation includes the DD-214 (or equivalent discharge papers), VA disability rating letter, and proof of residency. Veterans who miss the November 1 deadline must reapply the following year. Contact your town's assessor's office directly to confirm local procedures and any additional requirements.
Connecticut's Tuition Waiver for veterans — authorized under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10a-77 — provides free tuition at Connecticut public higher education institutions for eligible veterans and certain dependents. This is one of the most generous state education benefits in the country, and many Connecticut veterans are unaware they qualify.
To qualify for the CT Tuition Waiver as a veteran, you must:
Under § 10a-77, dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled may also qualify for the Tuition Waiver. Eligible dependents include:
Dependents must be Connecticut residents, meet normal admissions standards, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The waiver for dependents is one of the most valuable benefits Connecticut offers — free tuition at any Connecticut State University System campus, the University of Connecticut, or any Connecticut community college represents tens of thousands of dollars in education savings per child.
The Connecticut Tuition Waiver covers tuition only. It does not cover:
These additional costs can be significant — often $5,000–$15,000 per year at a residential CT state school. Veterans using the Tuition Waiver should simultaneously explore VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31), which may cover these additional costs for veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting employment, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides a housing allowance that can offset room and board expenses.
The Connecticut Tuition Waiver is accepted at:
The waiver does not apply to private institutions (Yale, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, etc.), even if they are Connecticut-based.
State benefits are only part of the picture. Check if you're underrated for federal VA disability compensation — it takes under 2 minutes, and it's free.
Check My VA Rating →Connecticut provides a veterans employment preference for state civil service positions under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 5-198. This preference is added to passing scores on competitive civil service examinations and gives veterans a meaningful advantage in hiring for state government positions.
| Veteran Category | Points Added to Passing Score |
|---|---|
| Non-disabled veteran (wartime service, honorable discharge) | 5 points |
| Disabled veteran (VA disability rating, any percentage) | 10 points |
| Surviving spouse of veteran killed in action | 10 points (in certain circumstances) |
| Spouse of 100% service-connected disabled veteran | 10 points (in certain circumstances) |
To use the Connecticut veterans employment preference, you must:
The employment preference applies to initial hiring decisions for state classified positions. It does not apply to promotions within state service. In practice, the 5- or 10-point advantage can be decisive in competitive hiring processes where many applicants score close together on examinations.
Veterans seeking Connecticut state employment should contact the CT Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to confirm that the position they're applying for is subject to civil service examination and preference, and to register their veteran status in the state's employment system. Claiming the preference requires documentation (DD-214 and, for disabled preference, a VA rating letter).
The Connecticut Veterans Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill — established and governed under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 27-105 — is one of the oldest and most comprehensive state veterans' care facilities in the United States. Founded in 1864, the Rocky Hill campus provides long-term care, rehabilitation, and assisted living services to Connecticut veterans.
Admission to the Connecticut Veterans Home is prioritized as follows:
Residents of the Connecticut Veterans Home pay on a sliding scale based on income, including VA disability compensation, Social Security, and pension income. The facility is certified by Medicare and Medicaid, so residents who qualify for Medicaid may have costs covered through that program. VA Aid and Attendance benefits can also be applied toward costs at state veterans' homes. Contact the CTDVA admissions office at 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT, or call (860) 616-3600 for current cost and payment details.
Applications for admission to the Connecticut Veterans Home should be made directly to the facility's admissions office. Required documentation includes DD-214, VA benefit verification, medical records, and financial documentation. Waiting lists may exist for certain care levels. The CTDVA recommends beginning the application process well before the need becomes urgent, as intake processing and bed availability can take time.
Effective January 1, 2024, Connecticut fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax. This change — enacted under Public Act 23-204 — was a significant expansion of Connecticut's prior partial exemption and makes the state substantially more attractive for military retirees.
Prior to 2024, Connecticut offered a partial military retirement income tax exemption: 50% of military retirement pay was exempt for veterans whose income fell below certain thresholds. The 2024 change eliminated the income limit and the partial exemption structure entirely, replacing it with a complete 100% exemption for all military retirees regardless of total income.
The full exemption applies to:
Note that VA disability compensation is already 100% exempt from both federal and state income tax under existing federal law — regardless of the 2024 CT change. Veterans who receive VA disability compensation combined with military retirement pay should also be aware of Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), which allow some veterans to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously without the traditional dollar-for-dollar offset. Check your VA eligibility if you're receiving military retirement pay and think you might qualify for VA disability compensation as well.
| Income Type | Federal Tax | CT State Tax (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| VA Disability Compensation | Exempt | Exempt |
| Military Retirement Pay | Taxable | Exempt (fully, effective 2024) |
| Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) | Taxable | Exempt (effective 2024) |
| Social Security (if veteran receives) | Partially taxable | Partially exempt based on income |
Connecticut provides hunting and fishing license benefits to eligible veterans through the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). These benefits recognize veterans' service while enabling participation in outdoor recreation that supports physical and mental wellness.
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 100% — or who are deemed permanently and totally (P&T) disabled — are eligible for free Connecticut hunting and fishing licenses. This includes:
Veterans with partial disability ratings (10–99%) may qualify for reduced fees on certain licenses. Additionally, veterans with mobility-limiting disabilities may qualify for Connecticut's Disabled Person Sportsman's License, which provides accessible hunting accommodations including the use of assistive devices, vehicle-based hunting in designated areas, and crossbow use during archery seasons.
Apply for veteran hunting/fishing license benefits at any CT DEEP office or through the online DEEP licensing portal at portal.ct.gov/DEEP. Provide your VA disability rating letter or other official VA documentation of your disability rating. Licenses are renewed annually.
Connecticut veterans have access to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS), which operates two main campuses:
VACHS also operates community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) throughout the state in Bridgeport, New London, Stamford, Waterbury, Windsor, and other locations, making VA primary care accessible throughout Connecticut without traveling to the main campuses.
Veterans who served on active duty and received a discharge other than dishonorable are generally eligible to enroll in VA healthcare. Priority for VA healthcare services is assigned based on disability rating, income, and service history. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or higher receive Priority Group 1 — the highest priority — and pay no copays for any VA healthcare services. Increasing your VA disability rating can improve your healthcare priority group and eliminate or reduce copays.
Under the VA MISSION Act, Connecticut veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can access community (civilian) healthcare providers when VA cannot provide timely or geographically accessible care. Veterans in rural Connecticut or those with specialized healthcare needs may frequently use community care providers through their VA healthcare plan. Contact VACHS at (203) 932-5711 to enroll and understand your community care options.
Connecticut provides robust mental health support for veterans through both VA and state programs. Military service, combat exposure, and the transition to civilian life can create significant mental health challenges that require specialized care.
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System provides comprehensive mental health services including:
The Connecticut Support, Treatment, Resources, Outreach for Veterans and National Guard (CT STRONG) program provides community-based mental health services for veterans who may not be VA-eligible or prefer community-based care. CT STRONG connects veterans with peer support specialists, clinical counseling, and community resources.
Veterans in crisis — or family members concerned about a veteran — should call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1. Text-based support is available by texting 838255. Chat support is available at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Connecticut also operates a state 211 helpline that can connect veterans with local mental health resources.
Connecticut state veterans benefits layer on top of federal VA benefits — they don't replace them. Connecticut veterans should ensure they are maximizing all federal VA benefits available to them:
VA disability compensation is the cornerstone of most veterans' financial benefits. Monthly tax-free payments from 10% to 100% disability ratings can range from $175 to $3,938+ per month for a single veteran. Many Connecticut veterans are underrated or have unidentified secondary conditions that could substantially increase their rating. Use our free eligibility check to see if you may be underrated.
Veterans who are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities — even if their combined rating is below 100% — may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate ($3,938.58/month in 2026). Connecticut veterans who are unemployed or underemployed due to service-connected conditions should explore TDIU. Common conditions leading to TDIU include back and spine conditions, PTSD, TBI, and chronic pain.
The VA Home Loan Guarantee allows eligible veterans and service members to purchase homes with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates. In Connecticut's expensive housing market — where median home prices in many municipalities exceed $400,000 — the VA home loan benefit can save veterans tens of thousands of dollars compared to conventional financing.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities that create a barrier to employment may qualify for VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), which provides funded education, job training, and employment services. Unlike GI Bill education benefits, VR&E can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, AND a monthly living stipend — often making it a better option than GI Bill for veterans who qualify.
Veterans who require the regular aid and attendance of another person — or who are substantially confined to their home due to disability — may qualify for enhanced VA pension benefits including Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, which provide additional monthly income beyond the basic VA pension. These benefits are especially important for elderly Connecticut veterans facing long-term care costs.
Connecticut state benefits are valuable — but federal VA disability compensation often represents $1,000–$3,900+ per month in additional tax-free income. If you're not rated or think you're underrated, get a free review.
Get Free VA Rating Review →Most Connecticut state veterans benefits require separate applications through specific agencies. Here's a consolidated guide to the application process for each major benefit:
| Benefit | Where to Apply | Documents Needed | Deadline/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption | Local Assessor's Office | DD-214, VA rating letter, proof of residency | By November 1 annually |
| CT Tuition Waiver | School's Veterans Affairs office | DD-214, VA rating letter (if claiming disability), CT residency proof | Apply before registration each term |
| Employment Preference | CT Department of Administrative Services (DAS) | DD-214, VA rating letter (for 10-point preference) | At time of civil service application |
| Rocky Hill Veterans Home | CT Veterans Home Admissions Office, Rocky Hill | DD-214, VA benefit letters, medical records, financial docs | Apply early; waiting lists possible |
| Hunting/Fishing License | CT DEEP licensing office or portal | VA disability rating letter | Annual renewal required |
| Military Pension Tax Exemption | CT DRS (via income tax return) | Military retirement income documentation | Applied on annual CT income tax return |
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) can be invaluable partners in navigating both state and federal benefits. Accredited VSO representatives can help with VA disability claims, appeals, and coordinating access to state programs at no cost to the veteran. Major VSOs operating in Connecticut include the American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center for veterans with legal issues. Contact the CTDVA for a referral to a VSO representative in your county.
Connecticut veterans with service-connected conditions who need medical documentation for their VA claims — including nexus letters and independent medical opinions — can work with REE Medical, a national service specializing in IMOs for veterans' disability claims. A strong medical nexus letter can be the difference between a denied claim and a compensable rating that unlocks federal and state benefits simultaneously.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-81(19), Connecticut veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 10% receive a property tax exemption reducing their home's assessed value. Basic exemptions start at $1,500 assessed value reduction; veterans rated 100% P&T may qualify for $10,000+ reductions through the Additional Exemption Program (AEP). Veterans must apply at their local assessor's office by November 1 each year.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10a-77, the Connecticut Tuition Waiver provides free tuition at public CT colleges (UConn, CT State University System, community colleges) for eligible veterans and dependents of 100% P&T disabled veterans. The waiver covers tuition only — not fees, housing, or books. Veterans must be CT residents with 90+ days of active duty and an honorable discharge.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 5-198, non-disabled veterans receive 5 points added to their passing score on CT state civil service exams; disabled veterans (any VA rating) receive 10 points. This preference applies to initial state employment hiring — not promotions. Veterans must provide a DD-214 and, for disabled preference, a VA rating letter, when registering with the CT Department of Administrative Services.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 27-105, the Connecticut Veterans Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill is a state-operated long-term care facility for CT veterans offering skilled nursing, domiciliary, memory care, and rehabilitation services. Admission priority goes to veterans with service-connected conditions. Costs are on a sliding scale based on income. Contact (860) 616-3600 to begin the application process.
No — effective January 1, 2024, Connecticut fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax under Public Act 23-204. This applies regardless of income level and covers regular retired pay, Reserve/Guard retired pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) income. VA disability compensation has always been exempt from both federal and state income tax.
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 100% (or P&T status) receive free hunting and fishing licenses in Connecticut through CT DEEP. Veterans with partial ratings may qualify for reduced fees and accessible hunting permits. Apply at any CT DEEP office with your VA rating letter.
Apply for property tax exemptions at your local assessor's office by November 1; for the Tuition Waiver, through your school's veterans affairs office before registration; for employment preference, through CT DAS at time of civil service application; for the Veterans Home, through the CTDVA admissions office in Rocky Hill. Contact the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs at (860) 616-3600 or portal.ct.gov/DVA for guidance on all state benefits.
Yes — under the CT Tuition Waiver (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10a-77), dependents of veterans who are 100% P&T disabled, killed in action, or died from service-connected disability may receive free tuition at CT public institutions. Dependents must be CT residents and meet normal admissions requirements. The benefit covers tuition only, not fees, housing, or books.
Connecticut state benefits stack on top of federal VA benefits. CT veterans should maximize: VA disability compensation (rated conditions), VA healthcare enrollment, Post-9/11 GI Bill or VA Voc Rehab (Chapter 31), VA Home Loan Guarantee, and TDIU if unemployed due to service-connected conditions. A higher VA disability rating also unlocks better property tax exemptions, stronger tuition waiver eligibility, and improved VA healthcare priority groups. Check your federal VA eligibility today.
VA Connecticut Healthcare System (West Haven and Newington campuses) provides PTSD treatment, substance use disorder programs, MST services, and general mental health care. The CT STRONG program provides community-based veteran mental health support. For immediate crisis support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1, or text 838255.