SERVING

Those That

SERVED

Arkansas State Benefits

Arkansas military retirement pay is exempt from state taxes. 

A total exemption of all state taxes on the homestead and personal property owned by a disabled veterans with special awarded monthly compensation by VA for the loss of or use of one or more limbs, for total blindness in one or both eyes, or for service connected total and permanent disability of 100 percent. This exemption passes on to the surviving spouse as long as they remain unmarried.  Annual recertification is required.

       
Arkansas Department of Higher Education has the authority to provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school or vocational school. This applies to the spouse and children of any Arkansan who has been declared a POW or MIA since Jan. 1, 1960.

  

Instate Tuition. Regardless of residence, state supported of schools shall classify a student as in-state if the student is a:

  • Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty
  • Dependent of veteran shown above
  • Member of the armed forces
  • Spouse of a member of the armed forces

    

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

    

Veterans receive preference points when testing for open and open non-promotional examinations for state jobs.

  • 10 points: veterans with written proof of a service-connected disability
  • 5 points: veterans with honorable discharge and served at least six years active duty, National Guard or reserves.

    

Fishing/Hunting licenses.  State veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability may receive discounted hunting and fishing licenses.  The application for the Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Licenses is here.

   

There are two State Veterans Homes in Arkansas, one in Fayetteville and the other in North Little Rock.  Admission requirements include an honorable discharge and a need for nursing home placement.  Veterans spouse and Gold Star parents may apply for admission. 

    

Veterans residing in the state are eligible to receive certain end of live benefits.  There are two state veterans’ cemeteries in Arkansas, one in North Little Rock and the other in Birdeye.  Interment eligibility includes a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.

Eligibility Determination Form.  Pre-needs determination is intended to simplify and assist the veteran’s next-of-kin at the time of death.  This does not reserve a plot or niche at the cemetery. There is no cost for this.

      

In 1997, the 81st Arkansas General Assembly authorized the establishment of a state veterans cemetery.  On November 11, 2001, the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery was formally dedicated to serve all honorably discharged veterans.  The cemetery, situated on an 82-acre site, is located in North Little Rock at 1501 West Maryland Avenue. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs operates the cemetery to commemorate the military service of our deceased veterans.  Our cemetery system provides the visiting family and friends an atmosphere of peacefulness and dignity.

    

In the ground, double depth concrete liners are provided free of charge for burials.

     

   

   

      

   

   

   

   

     

    

Niches are available for cremations.  The eligibility requirements and costs are the same as full size grave spaces.  The niche covers are not big enough for the same amount of inscription as the upright headstones, so there is no space for additional inscription. Internal size is 15" H x 20" L x 10 1/2" W.

     

Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces:

  • Must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.
  • Any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. >With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and service after 

   

October 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum 24 continuous months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty.

   

National Guardsman or Reservist:

  • Eligible for retirement pay at age 60; or
  • Members called to active duty for 2 years or more, (does not have to be consecutive) or completed the full period for which they were called up.
  • Members who die under honorable conditions or  while hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred while performing active duty for training.
  • Members who die under honorable conditions while performing full time AGR service.
  • Members who receive a Hardship Discharge while on active duty.
  • Members discharged due to a service-connected disability while on active duty.

    

Others:

  • Commissioned Officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commissioned Officers of the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service
  • WWII Merchant Mariners
  • Philippine Armed Forces.

     

Veteran's Dependents:

  • The veteran's spouse.
  • Unmarried child, (under the age of 21or 23 if still enrolled in school); or
  • A verifiable life-long dependent of the veteran.

   

We follow federal guidelines in determining eligibility for burial.

     

Who Is Not Eligible:

  • Former spouses whose marriage to an eligible veteran was terminated by divorce.
  • Any veteran convicted of a federal or state crime. This also includes those veterans who commit capital crimes but avoid conviction due to death or flight.

    

What Paperwork Is Necessary:

To schedule an interment, or to pre-register, the following forms must be provided:

  • Veteran's military discharge papers (DD Form 214 or equivalent).
  • Signed cemetery application.
  • Marriage License (if married).
  • Check for $150 (spouse and dependent only) payable at the time of burial.
  • A Headstone Application Form or a Niche Application Form.

       

New License Fees   

The new license will cost $52.50 and will give full hunting and fishing privileges to any disabled veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher or a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher and is a recipient of the Purple Heart medal.

   

Free COVID-19 Testing
Eligible veterans in the Texarkana area can get tested for free starting on Saturday, August 1, 2020.  Drive-through testing will take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Texarkana Veterans Clinic, 910 Realtor Ave., Texarkana, Arkansas.  Veterans are asked to bring their Veteran ID Card or a valid driver’s license to ensure the veteran is enrolled in VA healthcare. Veterans who are enrolled in VA Healthcare are considered eligible.