The Sunflower State is home to more than 200,000 veterans. Pizza Hut opened its first restaurant here in 1958 when two brothers attending Wichita State University wanted a place to eat good pizza. The largest ball of twine is housed in Cawker City. It continues to grow daily, and at last check it had about 7,974,454 feet of twine. To be safe in this state there are a few laws you should know. In Lawrence, it’s illegal to wear a bee in your hat. There’s a law in Derby that bans anyone from hitting vending machines that stole your money and in Topeka, no one is allowed to sing the Alphabet Song on the streets at night.
Taxes
Military retirement pay is not taxed by Kansas
- Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Tax Credit Veterans must be Kansas residents, have an honorable discharge and a 50 percent or more permanent service-connected disability. Surviving spouses are also eligible. You’ll need to file an original Veterans Disability Determination Letter that includes disability date and percentage of permanent disability.
- Military Personnel Affidavit for Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption. Up to two vehicles may qualify for exemption from property tax if you are a state resident and mobilized and deployed.
Education
- Kansas Military Service Scholarship. Pays the tuition and fees at public Kansas institutions for students who are a resident of the state. Eligibility requires at least 90 days of active duty service in operations that required hostile fire pay. Deadline for this scholarship is May 1.
- Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance pays a percent of tuition and fees. The percentage is determined by the number of students and appropriations.
- Dependents and Spouses of Deceased Military Personnel Tuition Waiver. You must be a state resident to apply.
Career
- Preference points are awarded to eligible veterans when applying for state jobs. You need to have an honorable discharge and a copy of your DD-214 when applying.
- Kansas Works workforce centers across the state
- Applicant Workshops are for anyone interested in employment with the state. They are free and for more information email the Division of Personnel Services.
- KanSERVE helps veterans find jobs using occupational specialty codes.
Family
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Cash assistance, the amount provided depends on the family’s income and the county where they live.
- Child Care Subsidy Program helps pay for child care costs.
- Konza Prarie Community Health and Dental. Offering discounted dental service based on a sliding scale of income and current insurance, if any.
Entertainment
- Fishing/Hunting licenses. Disabled veterans and active duty members of Kansas Army and Air National Guard may receive free hunting and fishing licenses..
- Admission to State Parks. Funding is available to provide free park vehicle permits to active members of the Kansas National Guard.
Housing
- Veterans’ Homes. There are two state-run Veteran Homes in Kansas. One in Fort Dodge and the other in Winfield. Applicants need an other than dishonorable discharge. On a space available basis, spouses and surviving spouse may qualify for admission. Here’s the applicant checklist.
Cemetery and Burial
- Kansas Veteran Cemeteries. Military requirements include a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions or died while on active duty. Spouse, surviving spouse and dependent children are eligible for interment even if the veteran is not buried in the cemetery.
- Eligibility Determination Form. Pre-needs determination is intended to simplify and assist the veteran’s next-of-kin at the time of death. This does not reserve a plot or niche at the cemetery.
Links or Resources
Contact us about this article or share your story at gethelp@connectingvets.com
