Military Pension Exclusion — $12,500 Now, $25,000 by 2029
A military pensioner excludes up to $12,500 regardless of age — the under-60 crowd would otherwise get only $2,000. A law signed 17 August 2026 raises the military figure to $15,000 for 2027, $20,000 for 2028 and $25,000 from 2029.
Verified August 20, 2026
What this benefit is
A military pensioner excludes up to $12,500 regardless of age — the under-60 crowd would otherwise get only $2,000. A law signed 17 August 2026 raises the military figure to $15,000 for 2027, $20,000 for 2028 and $25,000 from 2029.
What it's worth: Up to $12,500 of military pension excluded (2026); $15,000 in 2027, $20,000 in 2028, $25,000 from 2029
- The saving is your marginal state rate (top rate 6.6%) on the amount excluded — up to roughly $825 a year at the current cap, growing with the schedule.
Who is entitled to it
- You receive military retired pay.
- Your home is in this state.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
Deadline: With your return- 1Under 60: claim the greater of the standard $2,000 pension exclusion or up to $12,500 of your military pension — the military figure was raised from $2,000 for tax years from 2022 (§1106(b)(3)b.1).
- 2At 60 or over: the general $12,500 pension-and-eligible-retirement-income exclusion already applies; the new law matters to you from 2027, when the military-specific figure starts to exceed it.
- 3From tax year 2027 the military pension exclusion rises on a fixed schedule regardless of age: $15,000 (2027), $20,000 (2028), $25,000 (2029 and after).
- Form
- Pension exclusion line on the resident return
- File with
- Division of Revenue, with your annual return
- Annual
- Claimed once a year.
Sources
- authority · statute30 Del. C. §1106(b)(3) — pension exclusions, military pension provision
- supporting · statuteSB 219, 153rd General Assembly — phase-in to $25,000, signed 17 August 2026
Why only one source type: Both sources are the law itself — the codified section and the newly signed act. The Division of Revenue has not yet published guidance reflecting SB 219, signed three days before this pass.
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.