Tennessee veteran benefits
- Verified veteran benefits
- 18
- plus 3 general-law and correction records
- Counties covered
- 95
- every one has its own page
- Veterans in this state
- 0.43M
- Rating thresholds that matter
- 0
- each one opens something different
How to use this, in four steps
You are on step 1. Nothing is locked — browse everything first, then check the ones that look relevant.
See what you may be entitled to
Browse every verified benefit in your state. No questions, no account — everything is open.
Check whether you qualify
Open any benefit and answer a few questions about that one. We stop as soon as we know.
Get the letter that shows the finding
A VA Benefit Summary Letter configured to show service connection and permanence satisfies most offices without disclosing any diagnosis.
File before the deadline
The deadline for the main property tax relief is: 35 days after the delinquency date. File with your county trustee.
Which of these sounds like you?
Pick one and we will narrow the list. You can change or clear it at any point.
Two things sharpen this a lot
Both optional. Your county decides where you file and what a property tax exemption is actually worth; your rating decides which thresholds you cross.
Where do you live?
We use this once to work out your county, because property tax is decided county by county. No benefit is ever matched on a ZIP code alone.
Your VA disability status
What does my rating actually unlock?
Read the record for the test that actually applies in Tennessee — several reliefs across this corpus turn on the words on your VA letter rather than on the number.
27 benefits worth checking
What you appear to qualify for — worth checking.
One question checks 20 of them. You can skip it and keep browsing.
Did you serve in the U.S. armed forces?
2 more questions could resolve others. We ask them one at a time.
Free Camping and Golf on Veterans Day — and Half-Price Camping All Winter
Tennessee State Parks gives every resident veteran ONE FREE NIGHT'S CAMPING AND ONE FREE ROUND OF GOLF on Veterans Day, and 50% OFF standard nightly camping rates from 1 DECEMBER TO THE END OF FEBRUARY. A veteran with a 100% total service-connected disability gets the 50% discount YEAR ROUND, on overnight lodging as well as camping. Proof is a DD214, a VA benefit card or a Tennessee driver licence with the veteran designation.
VeteransApplies statewideFree camping and golf on Veterans Day; 50% off camping in winter, or year round at 100%
Read it and check if you qualifyProperty Tax Relief — a Reimbursement, Not an Exemption, and Four Routes Into It
Tennessee pays you back rather than taking you off the roll, and only on the first $175,000 of market value. Four routes reach it: the service-connected disability route; paraplegia or permanent paralysis of both legs and lower body from traumatic spinal cord or brain injury or disease, legal blindness, or loss or loss of use of two or more limbs from any service-connected cause; 100% permanent total disability resulting from service as a prisoner of war; and a surviving spouse, at the same cap. Apply on receipt of the tax bill, and no later than 35 days after the delinquency date.
VeteransApplies statewideReimbursement of tax on the first $175,000 of market value
Read it and check if you qualifyCDL Road Test Waived — a Year After Discharge, or Two Years' Permit While Serving
Tennessee waives the CDL road skills test for veterans DISCHARGED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR, and for active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel who have held a MILITARY OPERATOR'S PERMIT FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. The two tests apply to different people: recent discharge for veterans, two years of permit for those still serving. THE KNOWLEDGE TEST IS STILL REQUIRED and there is no fee waiver — this saves the road test and nothing else.
VeteransApplies statewideThe CDL road skills test waived
Read it and check if you qualifyFree Tuition for the Children and Spouse of a Member Killed, Held or Missing
Tennessee waives TUITION, MAINTENANCE FEES, STUDENT ACTIVITY FEES, REGISTRATION FEES AND ADMISSION at its state-owned colleges and universities for the dependants of a member killed, who died as a direct result of injuries received, or officially reported a PRISONER OF WAR OR MISSING IN ACTION while serving during a qualifying period of armed conflict. The waiver covers a long list of charges rather than tuition alone, which is what makes it close to a complete education. The veteran parent must have been a TENNESSEE RESIDENT AT THE TIME OF DEATH.
StudentsApplies statewideTuition, maintenance, activity, registration fees and admission all waived
Read it and check if you qualifyMilitary Training Counts Toward a Tennessee Occupational Licence
Tennessee gives EQUIVALENT CREDIT toward an occupational licence under Title 62 for military training that aligns with the licensing requirements. It reaches serving members and honorably discharged veterans alike. The evidence the boards want is specific: CERTIFICATES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS documenting the training. A Joint Services Transcript on its own may not be enough, so ask what form the board expects before you apply.
VeteransApplies statewideEquivalent credit toward an occupational licence for aligned military training
Read it and check if you qualifyThe Disabled Driver Decal for Your Veteran Plate — Free
Tennessee adds a disabled driver decal to an existing veteran specialty plate at no charge, for a veteran motorist who meets the disabled driver definition at TCA §55-21-102. It is small and it solves a specific irritation: a veteran who wants both the specialty plate and disabled parking would otherwise have to choose between the plate they want and the plate that lets them park. The decal keeps both.
VeteransApplies statewideA free disabled driver decal added to an existing specialty plate
Read it and check if you qualifyIn-State Tuition on Where You Live, Not Where You Are From
Tennessee charges the in-state rate to a veteran or anyone eligible for VA educational benefits who is enrolled at a Tennessee public institution, USING THE BENEFIT AT THAT INSTITUTION, and living in Tennessee — REGARDLESS OF FORMAL STATE OF RESIDENCY. There is no domicile test and no waiting period; living here while you study is the whole requirement. The condition people miss is that you must actually be USING the VA education benefit at that school.
StudentsApplies statewideIn-state tuition classification; the out-of-state differential waived
Read it and check if you qualifyTennessee Has No Income Tax — For Anyone
Another state credited with exempting military retirement when it taxes nobody's income at all.
VeteransApplies statewideNot a veteran benefitNo Tennessee income tax applies — and none would apply to anyone
Read it and check if you qualifyHelping Heroes Grant — For Campaign Medal Holders, and Capped at 375 a Year
A grant for Tennessee veterans who hold the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Service alone does not qualify — the medal is the test. It is available to up to 375 eligible veterans a year, awarded first-come, first-served, so applying early matters more than it does for most awards.
StudentsApplies statewide$1,000 a semester at 12 or more hours; $500 at six to eleven hours
Read it and check if you qualifyPermanent Hunting and Fishing Licence for a One-Time $10
A combination sport hunting and fishing licence that never expires, for a single ten-dollar payment — reachable at 30% if the disability came from service in a war, as well as at 100% permanent and total.
VeteransApplies statewideA permanent hunting and fishing licence for a one-time $10
Read it and check if you qualifyAn Interview the Agency Must Offer, and the Tie-Break
No points — something better. A veteran on the list of eligibles must be invited to the first-round interview, and wins a tie on equal qualifications.
VeteransApplies statewideA first-round interview the agency must offer, and the tie-break on equal qualifications
Read it and check if you qualifyDisabled Veteran Plate — One, Free
One disabled veteran plate free of charge — at 100% permanent total disability, or the loss-of-use and vision tests regardless of percentage. Further plates cost the regular fee.
VeteransApplies statewideOne disabled veteran plate, free of charge
Read it and check if you qualifyTennessee State Veterans Homes — Five Routes In, Two Per Diems
Five state homes. The residency test has five alternatives — living here is only one of them — and the VA Higher Per Diem covers the whole cost of the stay at a 70% rating, for a service-connected admission, or on individual unemployability.
VeteransApplies statewideSkilled nursing care — the whole cost covered at a 70% rating, or discounted by the Basic Per Diem below that
Read it and check if you qualifyTemporary Exemption from Licensure While You Transition
A servicemember stationed in Tennessee, or their spouse, can work in their licensed profession here on an out-of-state licence while moving to Tennessee licensure — but the exemption ends at the earlier of the out-of-state licence expiring or one year from registering.
VeteransApplies statewideWork in your licensed profession on your existing out-of-state licence while you transition
Read it and check if you qualifyState Veterans Cemeteries — No Fee for the Veteran, and None for a Spouse or Dependent Child
Five state veterans cemeteries inter eligible veterans at no cost, with a white upright marble headstone at government expense. The department states there is no fee for interment of a veteran’s spouse or eligible dependent children either. Since June 2026, eight years of reserve or guard service qualifies.
VeteransApplies statewideNo cost for an eligible interment, and a white upright marble headstone at government expense
Read it and check if you qualifySTRONG Act Tuition Reimbursement — 100% of In-State Tuition, After Federal Aid
The state reimburses a serving member of the Tennessee National Guard 100% of the maximum resident in-state tuition rate, as a last-dollar payer after federal aid. Since 1 July 2025 course and programme fees are reimbursed up to $3,500 a fiscal year for undergraduates and $7,500 for graduates.
StudentsApplies statewide100% of maximum resident in-state tuition after federal aid, plus fees to $3,500 or $7,500 a fiscal year
Read it and check if you qualifyFree Registration of Your Discharge with the County Register
County registers are required to register a DD-214 for the service member named in it or for the holder of the discharge, and the department states the service is provided free of charge.
VeteransApplies statewideNo charge to register the discharge with the county register
Read it and check if you qualifyCounty Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax — Waived for a 100% Disabled Veteran or a Former Prisoner of War
The county motor vehicle privilege tax — the wheel tax — is waived for a veteran with a 100 percent permanent total service-connected disability, and for a former prisoner of war. It is claimed from the county officer who collects the tax, not from the state.
VeteransApplies statewideThe county motor vehicle privilege tax waived — the amount is set by your county
Read it and check if you qualifyVeteran Designation on Your Driver Licence or Photo ID
An honorably discharged veteran can have their licence or photo identification card marked to recognise military service. It is added at any driver services centre against a certified or original DD-214 — and if you are not due for renewal, a duplicate costs $8.
VeteransApplies statewideA veteran marking on your licence or ID — $8 for a first duplicate if you are not due to renew
Read it and check if you qualifyTennessee Fallen Hero Medal — for the Immediate Survivor of an Active Duty Death
A state medal, with the recipient’s name inscribed on the case, presented by the governor to the immediate survivor of an active duty service member killed in action or in a designated combat zone. It cannot be awarded for a death before 1 July 2011.
VeteransApplies statewideA state medal, inscribed with the recipient’s name, presented to the immediate survivor
Read it and check if you qualifyUnclaimed Veteran Remains — a State Cemetery Burial When No Next of Kin Comes Forward
A standing procedure by which a Tennessee funeral director holding the unclaimed remains of a veteran can route them to a state veterans cemetery for a dignified burial. Two clocks govern it: 72 hours for a next of kin to claim after notification, and 168 hours to locate one from the date of death.
VeteransApplies statewideBurial at a state veterans cemetery with military honours, arranged when no next of kin claims the remains
Read it and check if you qualifyHonor and Remember Flag — the State’s Symbol of Remembrance, With No 2011 Cut-Off
Tennessee made the Honor and Remember Flag its symbol of remembrance for members of the armed forces who lost their lives while serving, or as a result of service, and for their families. Unlike the Fallen Hero Medal it carries no date cut-off and is not confined to combat circumstances.
VeteransApplies statewideA state symbol of remembrance for the family of a service member who died while serving or as a result of service
Read it and check if you qualifyFalsely Claiming Military Service Is a Crime in Tennessee
It is a Class B misdemeanour in Tennessee to falsely represent — by conduct, dress, verbally or in writing — that you were or are a member of the United States armed forces, with the intent to deceive another into believing it. Costume, theatrical, historical, ceremonial and educational use is carved out.
VeteransApplies statewideA criminal offence in Tennessee — falsely representing military service with intent to deceive
Read it and check if you qualifyMilitary Medal Protection — Abandoned Medals Are Held by the State Treasurer, Not Sold
When a military medal turns up as abandoned property, the State Treasurer holds it until the owner or the owner’s heirs or beneficiaries can be identified and the medal returned. The Treasurer may appoint a custodian, such as a veterans organisation, to hold it in the meantime.
VeteransApplies statewideAn abandoned military medal held for return to the veteran or the veteran’s heirs
Read it and check if you qualifyNo Statewide Veteran Utility Discount — What Tennessee Actually Has Is Income-Tested
The state utility regulator publishes no veteran or military programme, and the state energy assistance programme is income-tested with no veteran preference on its own eligibility page. The help that exists in Tennessee is means-tested and open to everyone who qualifies.
VeteransApplies statewideNot a veteran benefitNo veteran-specific utility discount found on the regulator’s or the energy assistance programme’s own pages
Read it and check if you qualifyVeterans Treatment Courts — Twelve Named Programmes, Six of Them Outside State Funding
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services publishes Tennessee’s recovery court contacts, including twelve veterans treatment courts by county and judicial district. They are hybrid drug and mental health courts using volunteer veteran mentors and family support organisations, and partnering with local VA offices so participants get their benefits.
VeteransApplies statewideA recovery-court track built for veterans, with a volunteer veteran mentor and a route into VA benefits
Read it and check if you qualifyService-Disabled Veteran Business Certification — Now GO-BID, and the Threshold Is 20%
Tennessee certifies service-disabled veteran owned businesses for state procurement. The certifying body is the Governor’s Office of Business Initiatives and Development — GO-BID, the renamed Go-DBE — and the test is at least 51% ownership and day-to-day control by someone who served honorably with a service-connected disability of at least twenty per cent. Certification runs three years.
VeteransApplies statewideState certification, a place in the certified vendor directory, and access to technical assistance — valid three years
Read it and check if you qualify
Does my county change the answer?
For the statewide records, no — the same law applies in all 95 counties. What changes is the office you file with and the rate your bill is calculated at, and we do not yet hold Tennessee rates.
- Anderson County
- Bedford County
- Benton County
- Bledsoe County
- Blount County
- Bradley County
- Campbell County
- Cannon County
- Carroll County
- Carter County
- Cheatham County
- Chester County
- Claiborne County
- Clay County
- Cocke County
- Coffee County
- Crockett County
- Cumberland County
- Davidson County
- Decatur County
- DeKalb County
- Dickson County
- Dyer County
- Fayette County
- Fentress County
- Franklin County
- Gibson County
- Giles County
- Grainger County
- Greene County
- Grundy County
- Hamblen County
- Hamilton County
- Hancock County
- Hardeman County
- Hardin County
- Hawkins County
- Haywood County
- Henderson County
- Henry County
- Hickman County
- Houston County
- Humphreys County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Johnson County
- Knox County
- Lake County
- Lauderdale County
- Lawrence County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Loudon County
- McMinn County
- McNairy County
- Macon County
- Madison County
- Marion County
- Marshall County
- Maury County
- Meigs County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Moore County
- Morgan County
- Obion County
- Overton County
- Perry County
- Pickett County
- Polk County
- Putnam County
- Rhea County
- Roane County
- Robertson County
- Rutherford County
- Scott County
- Sequatchie County
- Sevier County
- Shelby County
- Smith County
- Stewart County
- Sullivan County
- Sumner County
- Tipton County
- Trousdale County
- Unicoi County
- Union County
- Van Buren County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Weakley County
- White County
- Williamson County
- Wilson County
Every benefit here was checked against the statute or rule behind it, and each page shows the date. This is an informational match, not a government eligibility determination — the responsible agency decides your application.