Just over 48,000 veterans live in the Green Mountain State. This state produces over 500,000 gallons of maple syrup every year. According to a 2013 poll, Vermont is the least religious state in the U.S. and also one of the most progressive. It was the first to grant women partial voting rights, abolish slavery and legislate same-sex marriage. It’s against the law to undress in public here, but if you want to get around this law, just leave your house naked and you're ok. And if you live in Barre, all residents must bathe every Saturday night.
Taxes
Vermont taxes military retirement pay.
- Property Tax Exemption.The exemption varies from town to town. The state mandated minimum is $10,000, but towns are given the option of increasing the exemption to $40,000. Exemptions are applied only to homes that are owned and used as the primary residence by the veteran or survivor. You must provide proof of eligibility to the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs. Tax exemptions are available for:
- Veterans receiving Disability Compensation at a rating of 50 percent or more
- Veterans receiving Non-Service Connected Pension (also called Improved Pension)
- Veterans collecting permanent military retirement pay
- Surviving spouses of veterans who had received the exemption (may also be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or Death Pension)
Education
- Vermont National Guard has tuition assistance programs for members. For more information contact the education office at (802) 338-3346.
- University of Vermont Student Veteran Services
- Armed Services Scholarship may be used for the number of academic credits needed to graduate up to a maximum of 130 credits.
- Vermont Scholarships and Grant Programs
- Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) is a public nonprofit that helps Vermonters who want to go to college or other training after high school. VSAC also administers a small number of private scholarships for veterans and their families.
Career
- Veterans Preference is given veterans applying for state jobs. You need an honorable discharge and at least 90 days of active duty service. Preference points are also given to the spouse of a totally disabled veteran with a service-connected disability and to the unmarried widow or widower of a veteran.
- Vermont Department of Labor Veteran Services
- Vermont Career Resource Centers
Family
- Vermont National Guard Family Programs
- Vermont Veteran Assistance Fund provides a one-time payment of up to $500 for veterans or their families. Applications are done over the phone.State residency is required. Call (888) 666-9844 for information.
- Friends of Veterans helps with financial assistance. They recently received a grant to help combat veterans with PTS purchase service dogs.
- Vermont 211 is for veterans and their families who are having a hard time with basic life necessities like food, shelter or utilities.
Entertainment
- Hunting/Fishing licenses. Depending on your age, you may need to complete the hunter education certification before purchasing your hunting license. Veterans with a VA rated disability of at least 60 percent may receive a free license.
Housing
- Vermont’s Veterans Home is located in Bennington. Eligible veterans are those who served at least 90 days of active duty and received an honorable discharge. Gold Star parents and spouses of qualified veterans are also eligible for admission.
Cemetery and Burial
- The Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located in Randolph Center.
- 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. There is no cost for this.
Links or Resources
