More than 100,000 veterans live in the Isle of Enchantment. It’s a relatively small place – about the size of Connecticut but is also one of the most densely populated islands in the world. It’s home to the only tropical rainforest, El Yunque, in the U.S. National Forest System. More than 70 percent of the rum sold in the U.S. comes from Puerto Rico. The drinking age here is 18 years old. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is one of the few places in the world where you can see the bioluminescent bay phenomenon.
Taxes
Puerto Rico taxes military retirement based on where you served. If you retired after 20 years, served five years in Puerto Rico and 15 outside, then 2/3s of your retirement income is taxed.
- Veteran Income Tax Exemption. Every veteran shall be entitled to $500 deduction.
- Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
- Standard Veteran 10 Year Property Tax Exemption applies to the dwelling that a veteran build or acquires as their residence. The exemption is up to $5,000 for ten years.
- Injured Veterans Property Tax Exemption is for injured veterans or the immediate family. All property tax is exempt.
- Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption. For veterans with a 50 percent or more VA rated disability. The exemption is on the first $50,000 of the appraised value.
Education
- Puerto Rico National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund provides $1,350 for undergraduate or $900 for vocational training each year. Medical students may receive $1,000 for two years.
- University of Puerto Rico Veteran Preference Request Form
Career
Family
- Office of the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities provides occupational counseling, help with interviews and information on reasonable accommodations.
Entertainment
- Department of Recreation promotes recreation and sports throughout Puerto Rico
Housing
- Puerto Rico Affordable Housing through Homeless to Independence Ind.
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Puerto Rico offices
Cemetery and Burial
- Puerto Rico National Cemetery is located in Bayamon.
- Eligibility Determination Form. A 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
