Maine is home to approximately 120,000 veterans—more than 10% of the adult population. The state offers one of the nation's most generous packages of veterans benefits, including property tax exemptions, free college tuition at UMaine campuses, burial benefits, military pension tax deductions, and free claims counseling. This guide covers every Maine benefit you're entitled to and how to claim them.
Maine punches well above its weight when it comes to veterans benefits. With one of the highest concentrations of veterans per capita in the United States, Maine's state government has made veterans support a priority. The state combines a meaningful property tax break, generous education assistance, and robust claims counseling into a comprehensive package that most states don't offer.
The centerpiece of Maine's veterans benefits is the property tax exemption: a $6,000 reduction in assessed property value that can compound into thousands of dollars in savings over a veteran's lifetime. For veterans attending the University of Maine System, the tuition waivers represent a transformational opportunity—covering 100% of tuition and mandatory fees. Add in military pension deductions, free burial benefits, and statewide claims counseling, and Maine offers veterans a competitive advantage unavailable in most other states.
Maine's Veterans' Exemption is the most immediately valuable state benefit for homeowning veterans. It directly reduces your property tax bill by lowering your home's assessed value.
Maine provides a $6,000 reduction in assessed property value for veterans meeting basic eligibility criteria. The actual tax savings depend on your municipality's mill rate (the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value). Maine's average mill rate is $14–$18 per $1,000, which translates to approximately $84–$108 in annual property tax savings for most veterans. However, in higher-tax municipalities like Portland or Bangor, the savings can exceed $150–$200 annually.
While this may not sound enormous, it compounds significantly: over a 30-year homeownership, the $6,000 exemption can save a veteran $2,500–$6,000 in cumulative property taxes, money that can be redirected toward healthcare, home repairs, or other needs.
Veterans with service-connected paraplegia or loss of use of both legs qualify for a significantly larger exemption of up to $50,000 off assessed value, specifically for specially adapted housing. At Maine's average mill rate, this translates to roughly $700–$900 in annual tax savings. Many paraplegic veterans live in homes that have been specially modified with accessibility features—ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms—and Maine recognizes this additional burden by providing expanded tax relief.
Critical note: The age requirement is often misunderstood. Many younger veterans believe they don't qualify because they're under 62. However, if you have a 10% or higher VA disability rating—even a small rating—you bypass the age requirement entirely. Don't assume you're ineligible; check your VA disability determination letter.
There is no cost to apply for the Veterans' Exemption. Processing times vary by municipality but typically take 4–8 weeks. Some towns process applications faster if submitted early in the year.
For veterans with 100% permanent and total (P&T) disability ratings, Maine offers something increasingly rare: a full tuition waiver at University of Maine System campuses. This benefit can transform access to higher education for disabled veterans.
The UMaine tuition waiver covers tuition and mandatory fees at the undergraduate level. It does not cover room, board, books, or supplies—those costs are typically covered through the GI Bill or other aid. The waiver applies to all University of Maine System campuses, including the flagship Orono campus and the System's seven other full-service campuses.
One of the most valuable features of Maine's tuition waiver is that it can be stacked with the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Here's how it works: Maine's waiver covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees (reducing that cost to zero). The GI Bill then pays for the covered tuition amount (or, since tuition is now zero, that benefit can be transferred to living expenses). The result is that eligible veterans receive a fully paid education plus a monthly housing allowance (BAH equivalent) from the GI Bill—potentially creating a "free degree plus living stipend" scenario.
To maximize this benefit: confirm stacking rules with the veterans services office at your chosen UMaine campus and your VA regional office before enrolling.
Contact the veterans services office at your chosen University of Maine System campus. They will verify your 100% P&T status with the VA (using your VA rating letter) and process your waiver. Applications should be submitted before enrollment to ensure the waiver is active for your first semester.
Maine offers partial or full exemptions from state income tax on military retirement pay, making it one of the few states to recognize military service through its tax code.
Military retirees (those receiving a military pension from the Department of Defense) may exclude a portion of their retirement income from Maine state income tax. The exact amount depends on your retirement eligibility year and length of service. VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Maine state income tax—this is automatic and requires no special application.
Military pension exclusions vary, and the calculation is complex. Some retirees can exclude the full amount; others can exclude a partial amount. Maine Revenue Services (MRS) publishes annual pension deduction guidelines. A CPA specializing in military tax returns or Maine Revenue Services at (207) 624-5600 can help you calculate the exact deduction on your military pension.
You don't need to do anything to exempt VA disability compensation from Maine income tax. Simply report it on your tax return, and Maine automatically treats it as non-taxable income. Keep your VA disability determination letter for tax records.
Maine provides dignified, cost-free burial for eligible veterans through multiple options.
Maine operates the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta with six additional satellite locations: Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, and South Paris. The cemetery provides:
Pre-registration is recommended: Even if burial is years away, pre-registering at your chosen cemetery location ensures your wishes are documented and that space is reserved for you at no cost. Contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services at (207) 287-3218 for eligibility and pre-registration.
Maine veterans also have access to Togus National Cemetery, a federal VA facility located in Augusta adjacent to the VA Maine Healthcare System. Burial here is free and available to all eligible veterans. Togus is one of the oldest VA national cemeteries in the country and is highly regarded.
Maine offers significant hunting and fishing benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
If you have a 100% service-connected disability rating, you qualify for a free lifetime combination hunting and fishing license in Maine. This license covers both hunting and fishing and never expires. A standard Maine combination hunting and fishing license costs approximately $100 annually, so a lifetime license saves veterans $2,500–$3,000+ over their lifetime.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities below 100% receive substantial discounts on Maine hunting and fishing licenses—typically 50% off the standard rate. Veterans with 50%–99% ratings should check with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) for the exact discount applicable to their rating.
Contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife at maine.gov/ifw or (207) 287-8000. Bring your VA disability determination letter as proof of your rating. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
Maine operates the Veterans Temporary Assistance (TAP) Program, which provides emergency financial aid to veterans and their families facing unexpected hardship.
Eligibility is need-based and includes veterans with or without VA disability ratings. You must be a Maine resident and face a demonstrated financial crisis. There is no disability rating requirement.
Contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services at (207) 430-6035. BMVS staff will assess your situation and help you apply. Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact them early if facing a financial emergency.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services maintains a network of VA-accredited claims representatives throughout the state who help veterans with disability claims and appeals—all at no cost.
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services maintains six regional offices:
Walk-ins are generally welcome, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment is recommended.
Maine offers veteran and disabled veteran specialty license plates. Veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities may qualify for reduced or free vehicle registration. Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (207) 624-9000 for current eligibility and fees.
The VA Maine Healthcare System at Togus in Augusta is one of the oldest VA medical centers in the nation. Maine veterans also access five community-based outpatient clinics in Portland, Bangor, Caribou, Calais, and Rumford.
Beyond UMaine waivers, Maine veterans may access federal education benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill), vocational rehabilitation through the VA, and various private scholarships specifically for Maine veterans.
Maine offers vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Contact BMVS at (207) 430-6035 to learn more about vocational training opportunities.
Maine's Veterans' Exemption reduces the assessed value of a veteran's primary residence by $6,000, which directly lowers property tax bills. For veterans with service-connected paraplegia or loss of use of both legs, the exemption can be as high as $50,000 off assessed value. The actual tax savings depend on your municipality's mill rate (typically $14-18 per $1,000 assessed value), meaning most veterans save $84-$108 annually, with some in higher-tax areas saving $200+ per year.
You qualify if you have (1) an honorable discharge, (2) served during a recognized war period OR have a service-connected disability, (3) are a Maine resident with the property as your primary residence, and (4) are age 62+ for war-period service only, or any age if you have a service-connected disability. The key difference: if you have ANY VA disability rating, age doesn't matter.
To qualify for University of Maine System tuition waivers, you must be (1) a Maine resident, (2) 100% permanently and totally disabled per VA determination, and (3) attending a UMaine System campus. The waiver covers tuition and mandatory fees at the undergraduate level. Additionally, children and spouses of 100% P&T disabled veterans may also qualify, as may survivors of veterans who died from service-connected causes (under age 22 at application).
Yes. Maine operates the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta with six satellite locations (Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, South Paris), providing free burial plots, grave opening/closing, grave liners, and perpetual maintenance for eligible veterans. Spouses may also be interred for free. Additionally, Maine veterans can be buried at the federal Togus National Cemetery in Augusta at no cost.
Military retirement pay receives partial or full exclusion from Maine state income tax for qualifying retirees. The specifics depend on your retirement eligibility year and tenure. VA disability compensation is fully exempt from Maine state income tax. Contact Maine Revenue Services or a CPA specializing in military taxes for the exact amount you can exclude.
Submit Form OPT-7 (Veterans Exemption Application) to your local municipal assessor's office before April 1 of the tax year you want the exemption applied. Include your DD-214 and VA disability letter (if claiming based on disability). The exemption is administered by town, not the state, so contact your town assessor directly. Once approved, it typically renews automatically unless your circumstances change.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services (BMVS) operates VA-accredited claims representatives throughout the state at no cost. They help with initial disability claims, appeals, VA pension applications, and emergency financial assistance. Contact BMVS at (207) 430-6035 or maine.gov/veterans. You can also reach out to any of Maine's six regional BMVS offices in Portland, Bangor, Presque Isle, Augusta, Rockland, and Rumford.
The Maine Veterans Temporary Assistance (TAP) Program provides emergency financial aid to Maine veterans and their families facing unexpected hardship. Eligibility is need-based and includes veterans with or without VA disability ratings. Assistance can cover rent, utilities, food, and other emergency expenses. Apply through the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services at (207) 430-6035. Funds are limited, so contact early in your financial crisis.
Veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities qualify for a free lifetime combination hunting and fishing license in Maine. Veterans with lower disability ratings receive significant discounts (typically 50% off). Apply through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. A free license saves $100+ annually, making it one of Maine's most valuable underutilized benefits.
Yes, you can stack Maine's tuition waiver with the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The state waiver covers tuition and mandatory fees (reducing them to zero), while the GI Bill covers the remaining living expenses through the Housing Allowance Stipend (BAH). This combination can result in a fully paid education plus monthly living stipend for eligible veterans. Confirm current stacking rules with your UMaine campus veterans services office and VA regional office.
About the Author: Michelle T. Harrison is a veterans benefits specialist with 12 years of experience in state-level benefits counseling and VA claims coordination. She is certified by the VA as an accredited claims advocate and has helped hundreds of Maine veterans navigate state and federal benefits. Content is verified against current Maine Revenue Services requirements, University of Maine System policies, and 38 CFR regulations. Last verified: June 2026. Not legal advice — for representation on your specific claim, consult with a VA-accredited attorney.
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