Connecticut Veteran Benefits

Connecticut, the "Constitution State," provides a focused set of state-exclusive benefits for its veterans, notably encompassing property tax exemptions, educational aid for dependents, and dedicated support for employment and long-term care.

Employment
• Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) Veteran Services: Offers priority of service to veterans in employment and training services.
• Veteran Hiring Preference: Connecticut provides a 5-point hiring preference for veterans and a 10-point preference for disabled veterans in state government employment.
• Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG): Funds veteran employment services through the CT DOL. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/grants/jvsg
• Transfer of Military Experience: Facilitates the transfer of military training and experience to civilian credentials and licenses.
Compensation & Grants
• Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund (SSMF): Provides temporary financial assistance for Connecticut veterans and their families experiencing unforeseen financial distress. Aid can cover medical, dental, food, utilities, and emergency housing. https://www.portal.ct.gov/DVA/Content/Soldiers-Sailors-and-Marines-Fund
• Aid to Veterans' Dependents (AVD): Provides financial aid to indigent surviving family members of veterans.

Education
• Tuition Waiver for Veterans: Public colleges and universities in Connecticut may waive tuition for eligible veterans.
• Tuition Exemption for Dependents of Deceased/MIA/POW Veterans: Children and spouses of Connecticut veterans who died in service, were POW/MIA, or died from a service-connected disability are exempt from tuition at state higher education institutions.
• Connecticut National Guard Tuition Waiver: Members of the Connecticut National Guard may receive a tuition waiver at state public colleges and universities.
• Veterans' Educational Benefits (State): The CT Department of Veterans Affairs assists veterans and their dependents in understanding and accessing state education benefits.

Healthcare
• Connecticut State Veterans Home (Rocky Hill): Provides long-term nursing, specialized memory care, and rehabilitation services to eligible Connecticut veterans. https://portal.ct.gov/DVA/Content/Veterans-Home
• State Aid for Needy Veterans: The SSMF can provide financial assistance for medical and dental care.

Loans
• Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Homebuyer Programs: Offers various mortgage and down payment assistance programs that veterans may utilize. https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers/chfa-mortgage-programs/
• Small Business Loans for Veterans: State programs may exist to support veteran-owned businesses through favorable loan terms or resources.

Housing
• Connecticut State Veterans Home (Rocky Hill): Provides residential and nursing care options.
• Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans: State initiatives and partnerships work to provide housing solutions and supportive services for homeless veterans.
• Emergency Rental/Utility Assistance (SSMF): The Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund can provide aid for housing and utility needs.

Taxes
• Property Tax Exemption for Veterans: Connecticut provides a property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans from the assessed value of their property. The basic exemption is $1,000.
• Increased Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive an increased exemption, varying based on the percentage of disability. For 100% disabled veterans, the exemption can be significantly higher.
• Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses: Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify for property tax exemptions.
• Military Retirement Pay: Connecticut does not exempt military retirement pay from state income tax.
• Income Tax Exemption for Disability Pay: Federal disability compensation is exempt from Connecticut state income tax.

Free Benefits & Discounts
• Veteran Designation on Driver's License/ID: Honorably discharged veterans can add a "Veteran" designation to their Connecticut driver's license or ID card. https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Licenses/Get-or-Renew-a-License/Driver-License-or-ID-Card-for-Veterans
• Special License Plates: Various military and veteran-themed license plates are available. https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Licenses/Get-or-Renew-a-License/Driver-License-or-ID-Card-for-Veterans
• Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Free hunting and fishing licenses are available to legally blind veterans, those receiving disability compensation for specific severe conditions, or those with a 100% service-connected disability rating.
• Free State Park and Museum Admission: Connecticut veterans are generally eligible for free admission to state parks, forests, and public museums.
• Burial in State Veterans Cemeteries: (See Burial Benefits for details).

Burial Benefits
• Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery (Middletown): Provides dignified burial services for eligible Connecticut veterans and their eligible dependents. Services include a burial plot, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. https://portal.ct.gov/DVA/Content/Veterans-Cemetery
• Burial Allowance: The state may provide a burial allowance for certain eligible veterans.

Legal Assistance
• Connecticut Veterans Legal Aid (CT VLA): Provides free legal services to low-income veterans. https://ctvla.org/ Focuses on housing, employment, and public benefits.
• Legal Aid Services: Various legal aid organizations across the state may assist veterans with civil legal issues.

Connecticut Veteran Factoid: Connecticut is home to the Naval Submarine Base New London, the nation's primary submarine base and home to the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force, highlighting its critical role in naval defense.
Your Key Contact in Connecticut: For personalized assistance and the most current details on these benefits, always connect with the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (CT DVA) or your local Town/City Veterans Service Contact. CT DVA Contact Info: 287 West St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Phone: (860) 616-3600. Toll-Free: 1-866-9CT-VETS (1-866-928-8387). https://portal.ct.gov/DVA/Content/Contact-Us
Disclaimer: This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL nor FFSC but created by Dr. Tony Astro, PhD, GCDF, CMCS, CCSP as part of his class & capstone counseling. To reach-out for correction and additional information connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyastro. You can also subscribe to his Military Benefits and Transition page for an update on this at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro.