With approximately 73,000 veterans calling Delaware home, the First State provides a solid suite of state-level benefits that complement federal VA benefits. While Delaware's programs may be less expansive than larger states, they include meaningful property tax relief, strong veteran hiring preference, and a network of support services.
Delaware may be the nation's second-smallest state, but it punches above its weight for veteran benefits. The state's ~73,000 veterans benefit from a combination of county-administered property tax exemptions, strong civil service hiring preferences, and dedicated veterans services offices in each county. Being located between major metropolitan areas means Delaware veterans also have relatively easy access to VA medical centers in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Delaware's veterans benefits are largely administered through the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA), which operates offices in each county and provides free VA claims assistance, advocacy, and referrals to state and federal programs.
Delaware's property tax exemptions for veterans are administered at the county level, which means the specific amount and eligibility rules vary depending on where you live. Each of Delaware's three counties — New Castle, Kent, and Sussex — has its own exemption program.
New Castle County provides property tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability rating may qualify for a complete exemption from county property taxes on their primary residence. Veterans with lower ratings receive partial exemptions scaled to their disability percentage. Contact the New Castle County Assessment Division to apply.
Kent County offers property tax relief for disabled veterans. The exemption amount depends on the veteran's disability rating and the assessed value of the property. Veterans should contact the Kent County Assessment Office directly to determine the current exemption amounts and application requirements, as these can be adjusted annually.
Sussex County administers its own veteran property tax exemption program. 100% disabled veterans with P&T designations receive the most significant relief. Sussex County veterans should contact the Sussex County Assessment Office for current rates and to obtain application Form VE-1.
All three counties provide their largest exemptions for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans. Contact your county assessment office for exact current amounts.
Veterans with lower service-connected ratings qualify for proportionally smaller exemptions. Even 10% ratings can generate meaningful savings in Delaware's moderate-tax environment.
Surviving spouses of eligible veterans who have not remarried may continue to receive property tax exemption benefits in some county programs.
Some Delaware municipalities (e.g., Wilmington, Dover) offer additional property tax relief for veterans. Check with your local tax authority for city-level exemptions.
Delaware provides strong veterans preference in state civil service hiring, which can be a major career advantage for veterans seeking government employment.
Under Delaware's Merit Employee Relations Board rules:
This preference applies to initial hiring — not promotions. However, the 10-point preference for disabled veterans is substantial in competitive examinations and can move a veteran from the middle of an eligible list to near the top.
Delaware state agencies are required to make good-faith efforts to hire qualified veterans. The Delaware Department of Labor's Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) provides specialized employment assistance for veterans with significant barriers to employment, including service-connected disabilities.
Delaware provides free Disabled Veteran license plates for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating from the VA. Benefits of DV plates include:
Apply through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles with your VA disability letter and DD-214. Veterans with lower ratings can obtain standard veteran license plates at reduced cost.
Delaware offers numerous veteran-specific license plate options that allow veterans to display their service branch, specific campaigns, or veteran status. Many of these specialty plates come at reduced registration fees. Available designs include: U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, POW/MIA, and various campaign/service designations.
Delaware veterans can access several education pathways beyond the federal GI Bill:
Members of the Delaware National Guard qualify for the Delaware National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, which provides tuition assistance for up to 100% of tuition at Delaware public colleges and universities. This program is administered through the Delaware Military Department and is available to eligible Guard members in good standing.
Delaware veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. 100% disabled veterans may qualify for free licenses. Apply through the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The Delaware Veterans' Home in Milford provides long-term nursing care for eligible veterans at rates significantly below private nursing facilities. Priority given to veterans with service-connected conditions.
Delaware Legal Aid Society provides free legal services to low-income veterans. The Delaware Volunteer Legal Services program also connects veterans with pro bono attorneys for civil matters including housing and benefits.
The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs operates offices in all three counties providing free VA claims assistance, accredited by the VA. Service officers can file initial claims, appeals, and NODs at no charge.
Delaware operates the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, which provides free burial for eligible veterans and certain dependents. This state cemetery complements the federal VA cemetery system and provides a local option for Delaware veterans and their families.
No — each of Delaware's three counties (New Castle, Kent, Sussex) administers its own veteran property tax exemption program with different amounts and eligibility rules. Always check with your specific county assessment office for current rates. Some municipalities also offer additional local exemptions on top of county programs.
Free DV plates in Delaware are generally reserved for 100% P&T veterans. However, veterans with any service-connected disability can obtain specialty veteran license plates at reduced fees. Contact the Delaware DMV to see which plates you qualify for based on your rating.
VA disability compensation is exempt from Delaware state income tax (as it is from all state income taxes per federal law). Additionally, Delaware allows military retirees to exclude a portion of their military retirement pay from state taxable income. Contact the Delaware Division of Revenue for current exclusion amounts.
The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs operates offices in Wilmington (New Castle County), Dover (Kent County), and Georgetown (Sussex County). You can also reach the main DCVA office at (302) 739-2792 or visit veteransaffairs.delaware.gov to schedule an appointment with a VA-accredited service officer — completely free of charge.
A higher VA disability rating unlocks bigger property tax exemptions and more financial security. See what your rating should be — in minutes.
Start Your Free Claim Review →Ready to make sure your VA disability rating reflects your true level of impairment? Use the claim.vet rating calculator or check out our state benefits tool to compare Delaware benefits with other states. Explore the full Delaware state benefits page. When you're ready to file, start your claim review — it's free.