State veteran benefits

Veteran Benefits in Utah

Utah offers disabled-veteran property tax relief, a military retirement tax credit, education assistance, state veterans homes, recreation discounts, and state employment preference.

Checked against official state sources on October 3, 2026.

Free help in Utah

Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

Connects veterans and service members with available benefits and resources.

Agency website (opens in a new tab) · Phone: 801-326-2372

Free help with VA claims

UDVMA provides free help with VA claims, applications, and appeals for veterans and family members. Use its regional office directory to locate help.

Find a local office (opens in a new tab)

Not sure what applies to you?

Answer seven questions and the Benefits Finder builds a checklist of federal and state benefits, deadlines and free help.

Open the Benefits Finder

Property tax relief

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Who qualifies
Veterans with service-connected disability of at least 10%, and qualifying unremarried surviving spouses or minor orphans. The residence must qualify for the exemption.
What you get
The 2026 maximum exempt taxable value is $535,459, with relief determined by the veteran's disability percentage. The primary residence and up to one acre may qualify.
How to apply
Apply through the county administering the property. Utah County's Tax Relief team provides paper applications; confirm current filing and late-filing requirements with your own county.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (3)

State income tax

Military retirement pay: Partly exempt

Military Retirement Credit

Who qualifies
Taxpayers receiving eligible taxable military retirement pay, including a spouse's pay on a joint return.
What you get
A Utah income tax credit for eligible military retirement pay.
How to apply
Calculate the credit using the applicable tax-year worksheet and report the total on TC-40A, Part 3, code AJ.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Utah Code § 59-10-1043

Sources (2)

Education and tuition

Veterans Tuition Gap Program

Who qualifies
Veterans in the final year of a first bachelor's program at an eligible Utah institution, with federal veterans education benefits exhausted or unavailable. Applicants must meet the rule's Utah resident or nonresident-tuition exemption and domicile criteria, be unconditionally admitted and enrolled, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and complete the FAFSA.
What you get
May cover tuition, fees, books, education-related supplies, and a housing allowance, subject to program limits and available funds.
How to apply
Complete the FAFSA and apply through the eligible institution's process.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Utah Admin. Code R765-611

Sources (1)

Scott Lundell Military Survivors Tuition Waiver

Who qualifies
Surviving dependents of qualifying service members killed in action on or after September 11, 2001, subject to the institution's full statutory eligibility review.
What you get
Tuition waiver at Utah state schools for eligible survivors.
How to apply
Contact UDVMA for program guidance and eligibility verification.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

Utah National Guard State Tuition Assistance

Who qualifies
Current Utah National Guard members serving satisfactorily. Eligible members must use federal tuition assistance first; full-time students at Utah public institutions must apply for the state tuition waiver first. A two-year service commitment and grade of C or better generally apply.
What you get
Up to $7,000 per state fiscal year toward eligible tuition and fees at accredited postsecondary schools, including schools outside Utah. Program and prior-degree restrictions apply.
How to apply
Submit the required application and documents at least eight days before classes start. Use the education-services page to reach the application portal; submit grades within 30 days after course completion.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

State jobs and hiring preference

Veterans' Preference in State Employment

Who qualifies
Eligible U.S. armed forces veterans applying for state employment.
What you get
Preference through Utah's veterans' preference point system.
How to apply
Select yes on the veteran-status indicator when applying for a specific state position.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

Licenses, plates and parks

Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Veterans with Disabilities

Who qualifies
Utah residents with a service-connected disability rating of at least 20%, verified by VA or a branch of the armed forces.
What you get
Discounted 365-day or multiyear hunting, fishing, or combination licenses. A discounted disability fishing license is unavailable if the applicant already qualifies to fish without a license or for a free license.
How to apply
Provide an official disability letter, statement, or card and pay the applicable fee. Applications may be submitted at DWR offices; licenses may be issued by mail, online, or through license agents.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Utah Admin. Code R657-12-10

Sources (1)

Emergency financial help

We could not confirm this from an official source yet. Ask Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs or a free veterans service officer what applies to you.

State veterans homes

Before you apply

This page summarizes state law and agency guidance as checked on October 3, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Eligibility depends on your records, and laws change, so confirm the details on the official page linked with each benefit, or ask a free accredited representative. This page covers the main state programs. Your county veterans service officer can tell you about smaller or local benefits.

Federal VA benefits apply in every state. See the Veteran Resource Directory and the Benefits Finder.