North Carolina Disabled Veteran Benefits

This page is for North Carolina veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), plus their spouses, children, and survivors. It walks you through the state benefits you can claim, step by step, in plain language. Most of these steps start with a free North Carolina Veterans Service Officer (VSO), a trained person who certifies your paperwork at no cost. Nobody should ever charge you to file a VA claim or to certify these forms. First, spell out one thing you will see a lot below: DMV means the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, and DMVA means the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (the state agency that runs veteran benefits).

Property tax relief (Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion)

North Carolina lets a qualifying disabled veteran (or an unremarried surviving spouse) exclude part of the value of a permanent home from property tax. This is called the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion. The official state page confirms the excluded amount is the first $45,000 of the home's assessed value. See the amount and rules on the official page: Veterans Property Tax Relief (DMVA). There is no age limit and no income limit for this veteran exclusion.

You may qualify through any one of these pathways. A free Veterans Service Officer will confirm which one fits you and will certify it on your form.

You have a VA permanent and total service-connected disability rated 100 percent (a schedular 100 percent rating).

• You have a VA permanent and total service-connected disability rated 100 percent (a schedular 100 percent rating).

You are paid at the 100 percent rate because of Individual Unemployability (the VA benefit that pays at the 100 percent rate when a service-connected condition keeps you from working), and the VA has found that condition permanent and total.

• You are paid at the 100 percent rate because of Individual Unemployability (the VA benefit that pays at the 100 percent rate when a service-connected condition keeps you from working), and the VA has found that condition permanent and total.

You receive VA benefits for specially adapted housing under federal law (38 U.S.C. 2101). This pathway covers veterans certified for statutory conditions such as legal blindness or the loss or loss of use of limbs.

• You receive VA benefits for specially adapted housing under federal law (38 U.S.C. 2101). This pathway covers veterans certified for statutory conditions such as legal blindness or the loss or loss of use of limbs.

You are the unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who met one of the conditions above, or whose death resulted from a service-connected condition.

• You are the unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who met one of the conditions above, or whose death resulted from a service-connected condition.

Follow these steps to apply.

Gather your documents: your VA award or benefits summary letter showing your rating, and your military discharge document (DD Form 214) showing an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.

• Gather your documents: your VA award or benefits summary letter showing your rating, and your military discharge document (DD Form 214) showing an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.

Contact your local county Veterans Service Officer to get Form NCDVA-9 (Certification of Disabled Veteran's for Property Tax Exclusion) certified. The Veterans Service Officer completes the certification section for free. Find your local office here: Find a County Veterans Service Office (DMVA). Bring your VA rating letter and DD Form 214, get the certified NCDVA-9 there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Contact your local county Veterans Service Officer to get Form NCDVA-9 (Certification of Disabled Veteran's for Property Tax Exclusion) certified. The Veterans Service Officer completes the certification section for free. Find your local office here: Find a County Veterans Service Office (DMVA). Bring your VA rating letter and DD Form 214, get the certified NCDVA-9 there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Get Form AV-9 (Application for Property Tax Relief) from the North Carolina Department of Revenue (the state tax agency, called NCDOR). The AV-9 and the NCDVA-9 instructions are here: NCDVA-9 and Form AV-9 (NCDOR). Download it, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Get Form AV-9 (Application for Property Tax Relief) from the North Carolina Department of Revenue (the state tax agency, called NCDOR). The AV-9 and the NCDVA-9 instructions are here: NCDVA-9 and Form AV-9 (NCDOR). Download it, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

File the certified Form NCDVA-9 together with the completed Form AV-9 at your county tax office (the county tax assessor for the county where your home is). If you do not know your county tax office, search your county name plus tax assessor, or ask your Veterans Service Officer.

• File the certified Form NCDVA-9 together with the completed Form AV-9 at your county tax office (the county tax assessor for the county where your home is). If you do not know your county tax office, search your county name plus tax assessor, or ask your Veterans Service Officer.

Meet the deadline. The official state page lists the filing deadline as June 1 of the tax year. File well before June 1 so certification is not rushed.

• Meet the deadline. The official state page lists the filing deadline as June 1 of the tax year. File well before June 1 so certification is not rushed.

State income tax on VA disability pay and military retirement

North Carolina has a flat state income tax, and several military items are not taxed. Here is how the common ones work.

VA disability compensation is not counted as taxable income. It is not in your federal taxable income, so North Carolina does not tax it.

• VA disability compensation is not counted as taxable income. It is not in your federal taxable income, so North Carolina does not tax it.

Military retirement pay is fully deductible on your North Carolina return, and this includes Survivor Benefit Plan payments received by a survivor. You claim it as a deduction on Form D-400, Schedule S, when you file your state return. Read the official rule here: Bailey Decision and retirement benefits (NCDOR).

• Military retirement pay is fully deductible on your North Carolina return, and this includes Survivor Benefit Plan payments received by a survivor. You claim it as a deduction on Form D-400, Schedule S, when you file your state return. Read the official rule here: Bailey Decision and retirement benefits (NCDOR).

The Bailey settlement is a separate, older protection. If you were vested in a qualifying federal, state, or local government retirement plan (including a military plan) as of August 12, 1989, those retirement distributions are exempt from North Carolina tax. The same NCDOR page above explains it.

• The Bailey settlement is a separate, older protection. If you were vested in a qualifying federal, state, or local government retirement plan (including a military plan) as of August 12, 1989, those retirement distributions are exempt from North Carolina tax. The same NCDOR page above explains it.

If you are not sure which deduction applies to your pay, take your Form 1099-R and your VA award letter to a tax preparer or your Veterans Service Officer before you file. Do not guess on the return.

• If you are not sure which deduction applies to your pay, take your Form 1099-R and your VA award letter to a tax preparer or your Veterans Service Officer before you file. Do not guess on the return.

Vehicle plates and the DMV

North Carolina offers special license plates for disabled veterans, and the disabled veteran plate waives the plate fee. Every one of these plates uses the same application, Form MVR-33A, and every one must be certified by a DMVA accredited Veterans Service Officer before you take it to the DMV.

Disabled Veteran plate: for a veteran with a combined VA rating of 100 percent, or who is paid at the 100 percent rate because of Individual Unemployability. This plate is free (the plate fee is waived).

• Disabled Veteran plate: for a veteran with a combined VA rating of 100 percent, or who is paid at the 100 percent rate because of Individual Unemployability. This plate is free (the plate fee is waived).

Partially Disabled Veteran plate: for a veteran with any other service-connected rating below 100 percent. This is the option to ask about if you are rated, for example, 30, 50, or 70 percent.

• Partially Disabled Veteran plate: for a veteran with any other service-connected rating below 100 percent. This is the option to ask about if you are rated, for example, 30, 50, or 70 percent.

Get Form MVR-33A (Military and Veteran's Registration Plate Application). Download it here: Form MVR-33A (NC DMV), or see the full plate list here: Military and Veteran License Plates (DMVA).

• Get Form MVR-33A (Military and Veteran's Registration Plate Application). Download it here: Form MVR-33A (NC DMV), or see the full plate list here: Military and Veteran License Plates (DMVA).

Fill out your sections of Form MVR-33A, then take it to a DMVA accredited Veterans Service Officer (County or State) to certify. Bring your VA rating letter or benefits summary letter (dated within the last year and showing your name on the same page as the rating) and your DD Form 214. Get it certified there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Fill out your sections of Form MVR-33A, then take it to a DMVA accredited Veterans Service Officer (County or State) to certify. Bring your VA rating letter or benefits summary letter (dated within the last year and showing your name on the same page as the rating) and your DD Form 214. Get it certified there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Take the certified Form MVR-33A to a North Carolina DMV license plate office to get your plate. You cannot skip the Veterans Service Officer certification step.

• Take the certified Form MVR-33A to a North Carolina DMV license plate office to get your plate. You cannot skip the Veterans Service Officer certification step.

Recreation (state parks, hunting, and fishing)

North Carolina gives disabled veterans a free state parks annual pass and a low-cost lifetime hunting and fishing license.

Free State Parks Annual Pass: veterans with a service-connected disability can request a free annual pass each calendar year (day-use entry, boat launches, and more). You must request it again every calendar year; it does not renew automatically. See the program and get the request form here: Free Annual Pass for Veterans with Disabilities (NC State Parks).

• Free State Parks Annual Pass: veterans with a service-connected disability can request a free annual pass each calendar year (day-use entry, boat launches, and more). You must request it again every calendar year; it does not renew automatically. See the program and get the request form here: Free Annual Pass for Veterans with Disabilities (NC State Parks).

To get the parks pass, fill out the parks request form, attach a copy of your VA Summary of Benefits letter, and email it to the state parks web store address listed on that page. Send it there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• To get the parks pass, fill out the parks request form, attach a copy of your VA Summary of Benefits letter, and email it to the state parks web store address listed on that page. Send it there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans: for a North Carolina resident who is a 50 percent or more disabled veteran as determined by the VA. This is a one-time, reduced-cost lifetime license (fees vary by license type; the state does not publish a single fixed number, so confirm the current fee when you apply).

• Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans: for a North Carolina resident who is a 50 percent or more disabled veteran as determined by the VA. This is a one-time, reduced-cost lifetime license (fees vary by license type; the state does not publish a single fixed number, so confirm the current fee when you apply).

Get the disabled veteran lifetime license application from the DMVA and submit it with your VA disability certification. Start here: Hunting and Fishing License Application (DMVA). You can also buy it online or by mail through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (the state agency for hunting and fishing): Disabled Licenses (NC Wildlife). Apply there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Get the disabled veteran lifetime license application from the DMVA and submit it with your VA disability certification. Start here: Hunting and Fishing License Application (DMVA). You can also buy it online or by mail through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (the state agency for hunting and fishing): Disabled Licenses (NC Wildlife). Apply there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Education (Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans)

North Carolina offers the Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans (also called the Children of War Veterans Scholarship). It is for the child of a wartime veteran, and eligibility is grouped into classes based on the veteran's disability, death, prisoner of war status, or combat service. Rated, Now What helps only with the education steps below. For any question about the veteran's VA rating or claim, use a free Veterans Service Officer.

Basic rules: the applicant is the veteran's child, is under age 25 at the time of application, and is a North Carolina resident. The veteran's qualifying service must have been during a wartime period.

• Basic rules: the applicant is the veteran's child, is under age 25 at the time of application, and is a North Carolina resident. The veteran's qualifying service must have been during a wartime period.

The classes are, in short: Class I-A (veteran died in wartime service or from a service-connected condition), Class I-B (veteran rated 100 percent disabled by the VA from wartime service), Class II (veteran rated 20 to 99 percent from wartime service, or awarded the Purple Heart), Class III (veteran receiving a VA pension for total and permanent disability, deceased, or served in a combat zone with a campaign badge or medal), and Class IV (veteran was a prisoner of war or missing in action). A Veterans Service Officer can tell you which class fits.

• The classes are, in short: Class I-A (veteran died in wartime service or from a service-connected condition), Class I-B (veteran rated 100 percent disabled by the VA from wartime service), Class II (veteran rated 20 to 99 percent from wartime service, or awarded the Purple Heart), Class III (veteran receiving a VA pension for total and permanent disability, deceased, or served in a combat zone with a campaign badge or medal), and Class IV (veteran was a prisoner of war or missing in action). A Veterans Service Officer can tell you which class fits.

Apply through the state scholarship portal. Read the program details and start the application here: Scholarships for Children of Wartime Veterans (DMVA) and apply at the portal: Scholarship application portal. Apply there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Apply through the state scholarship portal. Read the program details and start the application here: Scholarships for Children of Wartime Veterans (DMVA) and apply at the portal: Scholarship application portal. Apply there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Watch the deadlines, because they differ by class. The state lists a February 14 deadline for Class II and Class III, and a June 1 or December 1 window for Class I-A, Class I-B, and Class IV. Confirm the exact current-year dates on the portal before you apply, since funding and dates can change.

• Watch the deadlines, because they differ by class. The state lists a February 14 deadline for Class II and Class III, and a June 1 or December 1 window for Class I-A, Class I-B, and Class IV. Confirm the exact current-year dates on the portal before you apply, since funding and dates can change.

Emergency help and other support

North Carolina runs state veterans homes, gives veterans a hiring preference for state jobs, and staffs free Veterans Service Officers in the counties. Start every one of these with your county Veterans Service Officer if you are unsure.

Find your free county Veterans Service Officer first. They help you find and file for federal, state, and local benefits at no charge. Locate the nearest office here: Find a County Veterans Service Office (DMVA) or start at Benefits and Claims (DMVA).

• Find your free county Veterans Service Officer first. They help you find and file for federal, state, and local benefits at no charge. Locate the nearest office here: Find a County Veterans Service Office (DMVA) or start at Benefits and Claims (DMVA).

State Veterans Homes: North Carolina operates state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care (locations include Fayetteville, Salisbury, Black Mountain, and Kernersville). Learn about eligibility and how to apply here: NC State Veterans Homes (DMVA).

• State Veterans Homes: North Carolina operates state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care (locations include Fayetteville, Salisbury, Black Mountain, and Kernersville). Learn about eligibility and how to apply here: NC State Veterans Homes (DMVA).

State job hiring preference: veterans get a preference in North Carolina state government hiring, and eligible veterans get 10 points added to a scored application. Read the policy here: Veterans and National Guard Preference Policy (NC OSHR).

• State job hiring preference: veterans get a preference in North Carolina state government hiring, and eligible veterans get 10 points added to a scored application. Read the policy here: Veterans and National Guard Preference Policy (NC OSHR).

Job search help: register free on NCWorks, the state job site, where veterans get early access to new job postings and free career help. Register here: NCWorks Online and see veteran employment services here: Employment (DMVA). Register there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

• Job search help: register free on NCWorks, the state job site, where veterans get early access to new job postings and free career help. Register here: NCWorks Online and see veteran employment services here: Employment (DMVA). Register there, then come back to ratednowwhat.com and continue with the next step.

Purple Heart, former POW, and Medal of Honor perks

North Carolina offers special license plates for these honored veterans. Like the disabled veteran plate, each uses Form MVR-33A and must be certified by a DMVA accredited Veterans Service Officer before the DMV issues it.

Purple Heart plate: for a Purple Heart recipient. No extra plate fee beyond the regular fee. This plate carries handicapped parking privileges and does not require any specific VA disability rating. Bring your DD Form 214 showing the Purple Heart award and an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.

• Purple Heart plate: for a Purple Heart recipient. No extra plate fee beyond the regular fee. This plate carries handicapped parking privileges and does not require any specific VA disability rating. Bring your DD Form 214 showing the Purple Heart award and an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.

Ex-Prisoner of War plate: for a former prisoner of war. This plate is free (fee waived). Bring your DD Form 214 documenting prisoner of war status.

• Ex-Prisoner of War plate: for a former prisoner of war. This plate is free (fee waived). Bring your DD Form 214 documenting prisoner of war status.

Congressional Medal of Honor plate: for a Medal of Honor recipient. This plate is free (fee waived). Bring your DD Form 214, certificate, or citation.

• Congressional Medal of Honor plate: for a Medal of Honor recipient. This plate is free (fee waived). Bring your DD Form 214, certificate, or citation.

Apply the same way as the disabled veteran plate: complete Form MVR-33A, get it certified by a Veterans Service Officer, then take it to the DMV. See the full list here: Military and Veteran License Plates (DMVA).

• Apply the same way as the disabled veteran plate: complete Form MVR-33A, get it certified by a Veterans Service Officer, then take it to the DMV. See the full list here: Military and Veteran License Plates (DMVA).

Print-and-take checklist

☐ Find your free county Veterans Service Officer at milvets.nc.gov county offices; they certify most of the forms below at no cost.

☐ Gather your core documents: VA award or benefits summary letter (dated within the last year) and your DD Form 214 showing an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.

☐ Property tax: get Form NCDVA-9 certified by your Veterans Service Officer, complete Form AV-9 from NCDOR, and file both at your county tax office by June 1.

☐ Property tax: confirm which pathway fits you (100 percent schedular, Individual Unemployability at the 100 percent rate, specially adapted housing, or unremarried surviving spouse) with your Veterans Service Officer.

☐ State income tax: claim the military retirement deduction on Form D-400, Schedule S if it applies; verify against NCDOR Bailey Decision.

☐ Disabled veteran plate: complete Form MVR-33A from NC DMV, get it certified by a Veterans Service Officer, then take it to a DMV plate office (plate fee waived at 100 percent or Individual Unemployability paid at the 100 percent rate).

☐ Partially disabled veteran plate: ask your Veterans Service Officer about the Partially Disabled Veteran plate if your rating is below 100 percent.

☐ State parks: request your free annual pass and attach your VA Summary of Benefits letter at NC State Parks free pass; remember to request it again every calendar year.

☐ Hunting and fishing: if you are 50 percent or more disabled, apply for the resident disabled veteran lifetime license at DMVA or NC Wildlife.

☐ Education: if you have a child under 25, apply for the Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans at the DMVA scholarship portal and check the deadline for your class.

☐ State job preference: read the NC OSHR veterans preference policy and register on NCWorks Online for early access to job postings.

☐ State veterans home: if you or your veteran needs skilled nursing care, review eligibility at NC State Veterans Homes.

☐ Honored plates: if you hold the Purple Heart, are a former prisoner of war, or are a Medal of Honor recipient, apply with Form MVR-33A through your Veterans Service Officer at Military and Veteran License Plates.

☐ Any VA claim, rating, appeal, or Individual Unemployability question: take it to a free VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer. Never pay anyone to file or certify a VA claim.

Education only. Not the VA, not a government agency, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer. Rules and amounts change; verify with the official source before you act.

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