With approximately 120,000 veterans — one of the highest per-capita rates in the nation — Maine takes veteran support seriously. From the Veterans' Exemption on property taxes to tuition waivers across the University of Maine system, Maine offers a meaningful package of state benefits that every Maine veteran should know about.
Maine has one of the highest concentrations of veterans per capita in the United States, with approximately 120,000 veterans representing over 10% of the adult population. The state's Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services (BMVS) administers a range of programs, and Maine's veterans benefit from a property tax exemption, significant tuition assistance at public universities, burial benefits, and access to free claims assistance statewide.
Maine's veterans are particularly supported through the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services, which provides VA-accredited claims representation, financial assistance, and coordination with both state and federal programs — all at no cost to veterans.
Maine's Veterans' Exemption reduces the assessed value of a veteran's primary residence for property tax purposes. The exemption amount depends on when the veteran served:
Maine provides a $6,000 reduction in assessed property value for veterans who served during a recognized war period and are at least 62 years old, OR who have a service-connected disability. This means the amount of property tax reduction depends on the local mil rate. At a mil rate of $15 per $1,000 assessed value, the exemption saves approximately $90/year. In higher-rate towns, the savings are proportionally greater.
Veterans who are paraplegic or have lost the use of both legs due to service-connected disability are eligible for a significantly larger exemption — up to $50,000 off assessed value — for their specially adapted housing. This can result in savings of $750+ per year depending on local tax rates.
Maine offers tuition waivers at University of Maine System campuses for qualifying veterans and their dependents. These waivers can dramatically reduce or eliminate the cost of a public university education in Maine.
Maine veterans who are 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled and residents of Maine may qualify for a tuition waiver at University of Maine System campuses, including the flagship campus at Orono. The waiver covers tuition and mandatory fees at undergraduate level. Veterans should contact the veterans services office at their specific campus to confirm current eligibility and application requirements.
Maine provides tuition benefits for dependents of veterans under certain conditions:
As with all state tuition waivers, Maine's tuition waiver can potentially be stacked with federal education benefits. The GI Bill pays for tuition (or uses the waiver if tuition is zero), and veterans may still receive the monthly housing allowance (BAH equivalent) from the Post-9/11 GI Bill even when tuition is covered by a state waiver. This creates an effective "free education + living stipend" combination for eligible veterans. Confirm stacking rules with your campus veterans services office and VA regional office.
Maine operates the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, providing free burial plots for eligible veterans and their eligible dependents (spouses and dependent children). The cemetery provides:
Contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services for eligibility requirements and to pre-register. Wait times and availability should be confirmed in advance.
Maine veterans are also eligible for burial at federal VA national cemeteries. The nearest VA national cemetery to most Maine veterans is Togus National Cemetery, located adjacent to the VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta.
Maine veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities qualify for a free lifetime combination hunting and fishing license. Veterans with lower ratings receive significant discounts. Apply through Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
VA disability compensation is exempt from Maine state income tax. Military retirement pay may also be partially or fully excluded for qualifying retirees under Maine's military pension deduction — check with Maine Revenue Services for current amounts.
Maine offers veteran and disabled veteran specialty license plates. 100% disabled veterans may qualify for reduced or free registration on one vehicle. Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for current eligibility and fees.
The VA Maine Healthcare System at Togus (Augusta) is one of the oldest VA facilities in the nation. Maine veterans also access community-based outpatient clinics in Bangor, Portland, Caribou, Calais, and Rumford.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services maintains VA-accredited claims representatives throughout the state. BMVS service officers can help you:
The $6,000 assessed value reduction translates to different dollar savings depending on your municipality's mil rate. At Maine's average mil rate of approximately $14–18 per $1,000, the exemption saves roughly $84–$108/year. In higher-tax municipalities, savings can be greater. While modest, it compounds over time and stacks with any federal VA benefits you receive.
If your exemption is based on war-period service only (without a service-connected disability), you must be 62 or older. However, if you have any service-connected disability rating from the VA, you qualify for the exemption at any age, regardless of when you served.
No — Maine's tuition waivers are for Maine residents. However, if you have a service-connected disability and are establishing Maine residency, contact the UMaine system's veterans services office early to understand how residency rules apply to your situation.
Maine operates the Maine Veterans' Home with locations in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, and South Paris — providing nursing and rehabilitation care for eligible veterans at below-market rates. Contact the Maine Veterans' Home at (207) 287-3218 for eligibility and admission information.
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 Maine benefits with other states. Explore the full Maine state benefits page. When you're ready to file, start your claim review — it's free.