Kentucky Veteran Benefits
Kentucky provides a strong portfolio of veteran support across education, tax relief, job training, and recreation access. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) oversees these services through its regional offices, veterans centers, and cemetery operations.
🎓 Education & Tuition Assistance• Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Disabled Veterans:Covers full tuition at any Kentucky public college for children, spouses, or unremarried surviving spouses of 100% SC disabled or deceased veterans.🔗 https://veterans.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-9203• In-State Tuition for Veterans & Families:Veterans, active-duty personnel, and dependents receive in-state tuition regardless of residency.🔗 https://veterans.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-9203• High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans:Veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam who left school to serve may apply for honorary diplomas.🔗 https://education.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-4970________________________________________
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💰 Property Tax & Financial Relief
• Homestead Property Tax Exemption:
100% SC disabled veterans are eligible for a $46,350 exemption on their primary residence (adjusted annually). 🔗 https://revenue.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-4581
• Military Retirement Pay Tax Exclusion:
Up to $31,110 of retirement income (including military) is excluded from Kentucky state income tax.
🔗 https://revenue.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-4581
• State Tax Exemptions for Active Duty Pay:
Active duty military pay earned outside Kentucky is exempt from state income tax.
🔗 https://revenue.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-4581
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🧰 Employment & Workforce Support
• Veterans Preference for State Jobs:
Five-point hiring preference for honorably discharged veterans; ten points for disabled veterans.
🔗 https://personnel.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-8030
• Military Skills to Civilian Licensing Credit:
Training can be applied toward licensing in fields such as nursing, teaching, and HVAC.
🔗 https://kctcs.edu | ☎ (877) 528-2748
• Apprenticeship Programs & Workforce Grants:
Veterans can access skilled training and career grants via the Kentucky Career Center.
🔗 https://kcc.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-7456
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🌲 Outdoor & Motor Vehicle Benefits
• Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses:
Available to 50%+ SC disabled veterans and all residents 65+ with veteran status.
🔗 https://fw.ky.gov | ☎ (800) 858-1549
• Free Access to State Parks for DAVs:
Disabled veterans receive discounted or waived entrance and overnight fees at Kentucky State Parks.
🔗 https://parks.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-2172
• Military License Plates:
Specialty plates include Veteran, Disabled Veteran, Gold Star, Purple Heart, and Campaign-Specific Designs. 🔗 https://drive.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-1257
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🏠 Veterans Homes, Cemeteries & Local Resources
• Kentucky Veterans Centers:
Located in Radcliff, Wilmore, Hazard, and Hanson, these facilities provide skilled nursing and dementia care.
🔗 https://veterans.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-9203
• Kentucky State Veterans Cemeteries:
Locations in Hopkinsville, Williamstown, Fort Knox, and Greenup offer free burial for veterans and low-cost options for spouses. 🔗 https://veterans.ky.gov/cemeteries | ☎ (502) 564-9203
• Veteran Service Officers (VSOs):
KDVA operates offices statewide with certified VSOs to assist with claims, appeals, and benefits.
🔗 https://veterans.ky.gov | ☎ (502) 564-9203
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🧠 Kentucky Veteran Factoid
Kentucky’s four state-run veterans nursing homes offer more than 900 beds, making it one of the most expansive long-term veteran care systems in the Southeast region.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL, or FFSC. It was created by Dr. Tony Astro as part of his capstone counseling and veteran education outreach.
🔗 For corrections and updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro