Vet Pay ChartSouth Dakota disabled veteran benefits
Official state programs, rating thresholds and other eligibility conditions. Checked September 30, 2026.
| Program | Benefit | Who may qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxPermanent-total and adapted-home exemptions | Qualifying permanent-total disabled veterans can exempt up to $200,000 of assessed value. A separate full exemption covers qualifying paraplegic/loss-of-use adapted homes. | Permanent-total service-connected disability, owner occupancy and assessor application. The full adapted-home pathway requires loss or loss of use of both lower extremities and a wheelchair-designed home. Eligible unremarried surviving spouses have continuation pathways.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| Vehicle registrationDisabled-veteran specialty plates | Disabled-veteran plates are available under specified wartime service-connected disability pathways. | Qualifying active wartime service and VA documentation of permanent-total disability, qualifying special monthly compensation, an adapted-vehicle grant, or compensated loss of use of an extremity. Apply through the county treasurer.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| Hunting and fishingReduced four-year disability license | Qualifying residents can obtain a four-year hunting and fishing license for $10. | Eligibility includes at least 40% service-connected disability, qualifying VA special monthly compensation, specified Social Security disability with military service, or former-POW status. Documentation and separate hunting rules apply.Official program details |
| State parksLifetime veteran entrance license | Eligible veterans receive free state-park vehicle entrance and a 50% discount on qualifying camping/electrical fees or camping cabins. Other facility fees are excluded. | Resident with a 100% total service-connected disability, qualifying VA special monthly compensation, former-POW status or a Purple Heart. Apply with documentation.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| EducationVeteran undergraduate tuition benefit | Qualifying veterans can receive one month of free undergraduate tuition per qualifying service month, with a one-year minimum and four-year maximum, at state-supported universities and technical colleges. | Resident and in-state tuition eligibility, honorable discharge and qualifying service/medal/disability rules; at least 10% service-connected disability is one pathway. VA education benefits must be exhausted first.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
| Income taxNo individual state income tax | South Dakota has no individual state income tax, including on military retired pay. VA disability compensation is tax-free. | Other taxes and federal income-tax rules still apply.Official program details |
| EmploymentPublic-employment veteran preference | Qualified veterans receive hiring preference in state and local public employment, with disabled veterans ranked ahead of other eligible veteran categories. Eligible state applicants can be added to interview lists. | South Dakota residency, citizenship and qualifying service/discharge; spouse and survivor pathways have separate conditions. All applicants must meet job qualifications.Official program detailsAdditional eligibility rules |
Property tax rating thresholds
Before you apply
Bring your current VA benefit or award letter and the documents required by the administering agency. Exemptions may require an application, county approval and renewal. Federal compensation and state benefit eligibility are separate.
Keep exploring
Sources for this page
- myarmybenefits.us.army.mil — Benefit Library/State/Territory Benefits/South Dakota
- dor.sd.gov — individuals/taxes/property tax/relief programs
- dor.sd.gov — individuals/motor vehicle/cars trucks vans/specialty military plates
- gfp.sd.gov — vet pow
- vetaffairs.sd.gov — benefits/State/State%20Education%20Programs.aspx
- dlr.sd.gov — veterans/preference.aspx
Retrieved September 30, 2026. Published VA rates, official rules and eligibility terms control.