Rhode Island is the smallest state by area but offers veterans a solid set of benefits — including full exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax, property tax exemptions that vary by municipality, hiring preference in state jobs, education benefits for dependents at URI and state colleges, and free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans.
Rhode Island is home to approximately 65,000 veterans, a significant community in the Ocean State given its small geographic size. The state has a proud military history, anchored by Naval Station Newport and the long legacy of the U.S. Naval War College, and it honors veterans with meaningful state-level programs.
The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services administers state benefits and provides free assistance to veterans navigating the VA claims process and state programs. Their team of accredited service officers can help you identify and apply for every benefit you've earned.
One of Rhode Island's most valuable veteran benefits is the full exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax. Rhode Island has a state income tax with rates up to 5.99%, so for a military retiree receiving $30,000 or more per year in retirement pay, this exemption can mean saving $1,800 or more annually.
The exemption covers retirement pay from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserve when receiving retirement pay. VA disability compensation is also exempt from all state income taxes under federal law, meaning disabled military retirees in Rhode Island can receive both their retirement pay and VA compensation completely free of state income tax.
Military retirees filing RI state returns should use the appropriate subtraction schedule to exclude retirement pay. Consult a tax professional or the RI Division of Taxation for current guidance on retirement income subtraction procedures.
Rhode Island's property tax exemption system for veterans operates primarily at the local level, with the state setting a minimum baseline through general law.
Under Rhode Island General Laws, municipalities are authorized to grant property tax exemptions of at least $1,000 to qualifying veterans on their assessed property value. This serves as a floor — many Rhode Island cities and towns choose to offer significantly higher exemptions to veterans, particularly those with disabilities.
Because property tax in Rhode Island is largely a local function, exemption amounts vary considerably by municipality:
Veterans in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, and other Rhode Island cities should contact their local tax assessor's office directly to learn the current exemption amounts. The variation can be substantial — it's worth calling your assessor before assuming you know the applicable amount.
State law sets a minimum $1,000 assessed value exemption for qualifying veterans. Most cities exceed this minimum. Contact your local tax assessor for the actual local rate.
Many RI municipalities provide enhanced exemptions for veterans with service-connected disability ratings. Some offer substantial relief for 100% disabled veterans.
Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may qualify for continued property tax exemptions in many RI municipalities. Check with your local assessor.
Most RI municipalities require an annual exemption application. Bring your DD-214 and VA disability letter to your city or town tax assessor's office.
Rhode Island provides veterans preference in state civil service hiring under Rhode Island General Laws:
This preference applies to initial hiring for competitive state government positions. The 10-point preference for disabled veterans is particularly powerful in competitive lists where even a few points can mean the difference between receiving a job offer and being passed over.
Veterans pursuing state employment should register with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's job placement services and ensure their veteran status is documented in state employment applications.
Rhode Island provides reduced tuition benefits for children and certain dependents of deceased or disabled veterans at state higher education institutions.
Children of veterans who were killed in action, died of service-connected conditions, or are rated with significant service-connected disabilities may qualify for reduced tuition at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and Rhode Island state colleges. The Council on Postsecondary Education administers these benefits.
To apply, contact the financial aid office at URI or the applicable Rhode Island public college. Documentation required typically includes the veteran's DD-214, VA disability rating letter, and proof of relationship (birth certificate for children).
Members of the Rhode Island National Guard may access state tuition assistance for courses at Rhode Island public institutions. Contact the Rhode Island National Guard's Education Center for current availability and application requirements.
Rhode Island provides free hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities. The program is administered through the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Disabled veterans should contact the RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife to confirm current eligibility thresholds and apply with documentation of their VA disability rating. Rhode Island offers excellent saltwater fishing opportunities along Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic coast, and freshwater fishing in its numerous ponds and reservoirs.
Rhode Island operates the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, providing burial services for eligible veterans and their eligible dependents at no cost.
The Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol offers long-term care, domiciliary care, and other residential services for eligible veterans at rates below private nursing facilities.
The RI Office of Veterans Services provides free VA claims assistance through accredited service officers. They can help with initial claims, appeals, and state benefit applications.
Rhode Island offers veteran specialty license plates for numerous service branches and campaigns. Disabled veterans should inquire about accessible parking placard eligibility through the RI DMV.
In Rhode Island, a higher disability rating means bigger property tax exemptions and stronger hiring preference. Make sure every condition is rated accurately.
Start Your Free Claim Review →Explore the full Rhode Island state veterans benefits page. Use the VA Disability Pay Calculator to estimate your monthly compensation, or compare RI benefits with other states.