Delaware is a small state with a modest portfolio of state-level veterans benefits. Property tax relief, tuition assistance for dependents, civil service employment preference, the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, and the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear make up the core of what the First State offers. This guide covers every program, the relevant Delaware code sections, honest comparisons to neighboring states, and how to stack these state benefits with your federal VA entitlements.
Let's start with honesty: Delaware is not a top-tier state for veterans benefits. If maximizing state-level veterans benefits is a priority in your relocation decision, neighboring states offer substantially more. Pennsylvania fully exempts 100% disabled veterans from state income tax and provides a complete real estate tax exemption. Maryland offers military retirement income subtraction modifications up to $15,000 and property tax credits. Virginia — home to major military installations — exempts disabled veterans from property taxes entirely and offers broad tuition benefits for dependents of combat-killed veterans.
Delaware's veterans benefit package is genuine but narrow. The state has approximately 68,000 veterans — a small population compared to neighboring Virginia (750,000+) or Pennsylvania (750,000+) — and state programs reflect that scale. What Delaware lacks in breadth it partially compensates for with other factors important to veterans: no sales tax, low overall tax burden, small geographic footprint (easy access to VA medical centers in Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore), and proximity to Dover Air Force Base.
If you're choosing where to live primarily based on state veterans benefits, Delaware ranks below most Mid-Atlantic neighbors. This guide covers everything Delaware offers — but veterans should know upfront that the state's programs are more limited than those of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, or New Jersey.
That said, federal VA benefits — which are the most financially significant source of veterans compensation — are identical regardless of which state you live in. Your VA disability rating, compensation payments, healthcare eligibility, GI Bill entitlement, and VA home loan guarantee follow you to any state. State benefits are supplementary; federal benefits are the foundation. With that context established, here's everything Delaware offers.
The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) is the primary state agency serving Delaware veterans. Established under Delaware law, the DCVA coordinates veterans services across the state, including:
DCVA Contact Information:
The DCVA operates Veterans Service Officers at multiple locations throughout the state. VSOs provide free, accredited assistance with VA disability claims, pension applications, appeals, and access to state programs. There is no cost to veterans for VSO assistance. If you're filing a VA disability claim for the first time or seeking to increase an existing rating, the DCVA VSO network is a good starting point — though for complex claims or appeals, an accredited VA attorney may provide more specialized advocacy. See our guide on the VA claims process and VSO vs. VA attorney comparison.
Delaware's primary property tax benefit for veterans is governed by Delaware Code Annotated, Title 9, §8131. This statute provides property tax relief for disabled veterans, with the most significant benefit available to paraplegic veterans and those with certain severe service-connected conditions.
Under Del. Code Ann. tit. 9, §8131, a veteran who is paraplegic — meaning paralysis of both legs or both arms due to service-connected injury or disease — is entitled to an exemption from county real property taxes on their primary residence. This is a meaningful benefit for the most severely disabled veterans in Delaware, potentially eliminating a significant annual property tax expense.
Delaware also provides property tax relief for veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the VA. The exemption amount varies by county (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex each administer their own assessment offices) and depends on the veteran's VA disability rating percentage. Veterans should contact their county assessment office directly to:
County assessment offices:
It's important to note that Delaware's property tax exemption for veterans is county-administered, and the exact benefit varies. This is unlike states such as Texas, which provides a uniform 100% property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans statewide, or Virginia, which provides complete real estate tax exemption through the state constitution. Delaware's benefit is more modest and county-dependent.
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Delaware's income tax treatment of military pay and veterans benefits is moderate:
VA disability compensation is not taxable at the federal level under 26 USC 104, and Delaware follows federal treatment — VA disability compensation is not subject to Delaware state income tax. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation do not include those payments in Delaware gross income.
Delaware does not offer a blanket military retirement pay exemption. However, Delaware provides a pension exclusion for residents age 60 and older that covers up to $12,500 in pension income annually (including military retirement pay). For veterans under 60, military retirement pay is generally subject to Delaware state income tax after standard deductions. This compares unfavorably to states like South Carolina (up to $30,000 exemption for military retirees) or Tennessee (no income tax at all).
Delaware residents who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and earn compensation while stationed outside Delaware are not required to pay Delaware state income tax on that out-of-state active duty pay. This is consistent with the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) principles and Delaware's own military income provisions.
SBP annuity payments received by surviving spouses are includable in Delaware gross income, subject to the same pension exclusion available to other retirees (up to $12,500 for those 60 and older). Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA should note that DIC is federally tax-exempt and similarly not taxable in Delaware.
Delaware's education benefits for veterans and their families are primarily structured for dependents of deceased, MIA, or POW veterans, not for veterans themselves. Under Delaware Code Annotated, Title 14, §3404, the state provides tuition assistance at state-supported higher education institutions.
Under Del. Code tit. 14, §3404, the following categories of dependents may receive state tuition assistance:
Eligible institutions include:
The tuition waiver covers in-state tuition rates. Room, board, fees, and books are not typically covered by this program. Applicants must be Delaware residents and meet standard academic admission requirements of the institution. Apply through the DCVA and the specific institution's financial aid office.
Delaware does not have a broad veteran tuition waiver comparable to Texas's Hazelwood Act (36 hours free per semester for eligible Texas veterans) or Florida's Gold Seal Vocational Scholars / Florida Veterans' Benefits Fund programs. Veterans in Delaware who want education benefits should rely primarily on:
Also check Delaware's state education benefits guide for the most current program information and any new programs enacted since this publication.
Delaware provides veterans' preference in state civil service employment under Delaware Code Annotated, Title 29, §5912. This preference helps veterans compete for state government jobs.
| Veteran Category | Preference Points Added | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran with honorable discharge | 5 points | Civil service exam score |
| Disabled veteran (10%+ service-connected) | 10 points | Civil service exam score |
| Surviving spouse of veteran | 10 points | Civil service exam score (in some circumstances) |
| Post-initial hire promotions/transfers | 0 points | Does not apply after initial hire |
Veterans preference in Delaware applies to the initial appointment to state civil service positions. It does not apply to internal promotions, lateral transfers, or demotions after a veteran has already been hired into state service. Veterans must disclose their veteran status and, if claiming disability preference, provide documentation of their VA disability rating at the time of application.
Delaware state employment is administered by the Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR). Veterans applying for state positions should review open positions on the Delaware State Jobs website and disclose their veteran status during the application process to receive preference credit.
The Delaware Veterans Home is a state-operated skilled nursing and residential care facility located in Milford, Delaware (Sussex County). It is one of the most tangible and valuable state veterans benefits Delaware offers — providing long-term care for eligible veterans who might otherwise face prohibitive private facility costs.
To be eligible for admission to the Delaware Veterans Home, an applicant must generally:
Admission priority is typically given to veterans with service-connected conditions, followed by veterans who served during wartime periods, then peacetime veterans. Waiting lists may apply, particularly for private-room accommodations.
The Delaware Veterans Home charges residents on a means-tested basis — fees depend on income and assets. Importantly, veterans residing in the Delaware Veterans Home may qualify for the VA's Aid and Attendance benefit, a pension enhancement that provides additional monthly income to veterans (or surviving spouses) who need help with daily activities. Aid and Attendance can significantly offset the cost of long-term care at a state veterans home. See our VA benefits overview for Aid and Attendance eligibility details.
The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located in Bear, Delaware (New Castle County), provides burial services for eligible veterans and their dependents at no cost to the family for the eligible veteran's burial.
Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may also be interred in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dependent burial is not free in all cases — there may be fees for opening/closing of the grave and liner for dependents. Contact the cemetery office for current dependent interment costs and procedures.
Veterans are encouraged to pre-register with the cemetery while living, both to confirm eligibility and to facilitate efficient arrangements for family members at the time of need. The process requires documentation of military service (DD-214 or equivalent).
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Delaware provides recreation benefits to veterans, primarily through the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Recreation under the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
Delaware veterans with a VA-certified 100% service-connected disability rating may qualify for reduced-cost or free hunting and fishing licenses. Delaware law provides license fee waivers or reductions for totally disabled veterans to ensure they can participate in state hunting and fishing programs regardless of income limitations from disability.
To apply, veterans should contact the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife with a copy of their VA Award Letter showing the 100% service-connected rating. The specific programs available may change annually with state budget cycles, so confirming current offerings directly with DNREC is recommended: (302) 739-9910.
Delaware State Parks may offer discounted annual passes for veterans with qualifying disability ratings. The state maintains a Senior/Disability annual pass program, and veterans should inquire whether their VA disability rating qualifies them for reduced park access fees. Delaware's 17 state parks include popular locations such as Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Killens Pond State Park.
Delaware National Guard members enjoy both state-specific programs and access to federal VA benefits for qualifying service periods. Key Delaware Guard programs include:
The Delaware National Guard provides a State Tuition Assistance (STA) program for Guard members in good standing, covering a portion of tuition costs at Delaware state institutions. This supplements federal tuition assistance programs available to Guard members. Contact the Delaware National Guard Education Office for current funding levels, application deadlines, and eligible institutions.
National Guard and Reserve members who have been activated to federal service under Title 10 USC orders and served minimum qualifying periods gain eligibility for many federal VA benefits — including VA healthcare, disability compensation, home loan guaranty, and GI Bill education benefits. Guard members should review our VA benefits for National Guard guide to understand exactly which periods of activation confer which federal benefits.
The most significant veterans benefits available to Delaware veterans are federal — not state — programs. Federal VA benefits are the same regardless of which state a veteran lives in, but Delaware's geographic position provides convenient access:
Delaware is one of the few states where a single VA medical center (Wilmington) serves the entire state, with convenient supplementary access to major regional VAMCs in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
| Benefit Category | Delaware | Pennsylvania | Maryland | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption (100% disabled) | Partial, county-administered | Full exemption | Property tax credit | Full exemption |
| Military Retirement Tax Exemption | Limited ($12,500 age 60+) | Full exemption | Up to $15,000 | Full exemption |
| Veteran Tuition Benefit | Dependents of KIA/MIA only | Broad (PHEAA grants) | Moderate | Veterans' tuition waiver |
| Employment Preference | 5/10 pts (state jobs) | 5/10 pts (state jobs) | 5/10 pts (state jobs) | 5/10 pts (state + some private) |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐ (Modest) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Strong) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Strong) |
The comparison table above reflects the general landscape. Delaware's relatively modest state benefit package is a real consideration for veterans who have flexibility in choosing where to live post-service. That said, Delaware's lack of sales tax (a meaningful benefit for daily spending), relatively low cost of living compared to metro Philadelphia and DC, and convenient proximity to VA facilities in Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore make it a reasonable choice despite smaller state-specific programs.
Veterans interested in other Mid-Atlantic state guides can explore Maryland veterans benefits, Virginia veterans benefits, Pennsylvania veterans benefits, and New Jersey veterans benefits for direct comparisons.
Additional resources for Delaware veterans: