Quick guide
- Several of the biggest Arkansas benefits depend on your VA rating, especially a 100% permanent and total (P&T) service-connected rating.
- The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) and county veteran service officers can help you apply.
- Eligibility rules change. Confirm details with the agency listed before you rely on them.
Homestead and personal property tax exemption
Under Ark. Code § 26-3-306, Arkansas exempts the homestead and personal property of resident disabled veterans who:
- are rated 100% total and permanent for service-connected disability; or
- receive Special Monthly Compensation for the loss or loss of use of one or more limbs, or for total blindness in one or both eyes.
The exemption can also cover an unremarried surviving spouse and minor dependent children. Apply through your county assessor or collector with your VA benefits letter showing the qualifying rating. Some counties require annual recertification. If your 100% comes through TDIU, confirm with your county and ADVA that it qualifies before you count on it.
Arkansas State Veterans Homes
ADVA operates two state veterans homes offering skilled nursing care. Admission generally requires a qualifying discharge and a medical need for nursing home care.
- Fayetteville: 1179 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703 · 479-444-7001
- North Little Rock: 2401 John Ashley Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114 · 501-683-1406
A VA rating can affect the cost of care. VA pays state homes a higher rate for some veterans with high service-connected ratings. Ask the home about costs when you apply. See also VA pension and Aid & Attendance.
State veterans cemeteries
- North Little Rock: 1501 W. Maryland Ave., North Little Rock, AR 72120 · 501-683-2259
- Birdeye: 3600 Hwy 163, Birdeye, AR 72324 · 870-588-4608
Burial is free for eligible veterans, and eligible spouses and dependents may also be buried there.
Education: Arkansas Heroes Scholarship
The Arkansas Heroes Scholarship replaced the Military Dependents Scholarship. It helps eligible spouses and dependent children of certain veterans and service members, including those rated 100% P&T, killed in action, missing in action, or prisoners of war, with in-state tuition, mandatory fees, and housing. Apply through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. Federal options include Chapter 35 (DEA).
State income tax
Arkansas exempts military retired pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation isn't taxable federally or by the state. See Is VA disability taxable?
License plates, hunting and fishing, and state parks
- Disabled veteran license plate: available to qualifying disabled veterans through the Office of Motor Vehicle, with reduced or no fees for those who qualify. Ask your revenue office about current eligibility.
- Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission): resident disabled veterans may qualify. A combination license costs $3 for veterans rated 100% P&T, and $52.50 for veterans rated 70% or more, or 50% or more with a Purple Heart. Residency requirements apply.
- Arkansas State Parks: half-price camping year-round for resident veterans with a 100% P&T service-connected rating.
Where to get help
- Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs: 501 Woodlane St., Little Rock, AR 72201 · 501-683-2382 · veterans.arkansas.gov
- County veteran service officers help with state benefits and VA claims at no cost.
- Arkansas Veterans Legal Services Clinic (UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law): help with certain legal issues such as discharge upgrades · 501-916-3434
- Advocates for Benefits in Cabot: help with VA claims, appeals, and ratings, including P&T reviews. 993 AR-5, Cabot, AR 72023 · (501) 443-7633
We'll review whether your rating should be permanent and total. The review is free.
Sources
Ark. Code § 26-3-306 (via Justia) · U.S. Army My Army Benefits: Arkansas state benefits · Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs · VA: State veterans homes
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.