💰 Property Tax & Financial Relief
• Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive a $6,000 property tax exemption; paraplegic veterans may receive a greater benefit.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/property-tax | ☎ (207) 624-5600
• Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: As of 2016, all military retirement pay is exempt from Maine state income tax.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/revenue | ☎ (207) 626-8475
• Vehicle Registration Discount: One free registration annually for 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv | ☎ (207) 624-9000
________________________________________
🧰 Employment & Licensing
• State Job Preference: Honorably discharged veterans and Gold Star spouses receive preference in state employment.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs | ☎ (207) 624-7761
• Military Experience Credit: Veterans can apply military experience toward certifications in healthcare, skilled trades, and public safety roles.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/veterans | ☎ (207) 430-6035
• CareerCenter Veteran Services: Personalized career planning, resume coaching, and placement support are available at Maine CareerCenters statewide.
🔗 https://www.mainecareercenter.gov | ☎ (207) 623-7981
________________________________________
🌲 Outdoor & Vehicle Benefits
• Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses: 100% SC disabled veterans are eligible for a lifetime hunting and fishing license at no cost.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/ifw | ☎ (207) 287-8000
• Free State Park Admission: 100% SC disabled veterans and Maine resident veterans aged 65+ get free day-use access.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks | ☎ (207) 287-3821
• Veteran Plates & Parking: Disabled veterans may receive specially marked plates and exemption from municipal parking fees.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv | ☎ (207) 624-9000
________________________________________
🏠 Veterans Homes, Cemeteries & Local Services
• Maine Veterans' Homes: Located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough, and South Paris; services include long-term and dementia care.
🔗 https://mainevets.org | ☎ (207) 622-0075
• State Veterans Cemetery System: Eligible veterans and spouses may be buried at no cost in one of Maine’s state veterans cemeteries.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/veterans/cemeteries.html | ☎ (207) 430-6035
• Veterans Service Officers (VSOs): Available throughout all counties to assist with claims and benefits applications.
🔗 https://www.maine.gov/veterans/vso-locations.html | ☎ (207) 430-6035
________________________________________
🧠 Factoid: Maine’s Veterans' Services maintains one of the nation’s highest per-capita state cemetery capacities for veterans, ensuring long-term honor and care for every eligible resident veteran.
⚠️ 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, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro