The state of Tennessee provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Tennessee State Veterans Homes
Tennessee offers four state veteran homes in Clarksville, Humboldt, Knoxville and Murfreesboro. Tennessee residents or natives are eligible for admission. Spouses, surviving spouses and Gold Star Parents may also be eligible for admission.
There is a cost.
County Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax
Any former POW or 100% permanent and total disabled veteran is exempt from the county motor vehicle privilege tax.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Relief
Property tax relief for certain 100% disabled veterans for up to $175,000 of the property's assessed value and their surviving spouses for up to $100,000 of the property's assessed value.
Tennessee Veteran Employment Benefits
State Employment
The following employment benefits are available in Tennessee:
- Veterans preference in state employment
- Credit for military service in state employment
- Reemployment rights of public employees
Commercial Driver License
Tennessee will waive the required skills test for the first issuance of a commercial driver license for veterans who have a valid military commercial driver license.
Tennessee Veteran Dependent Education Benefits
This program covers the full cost of college at Tennessee state colleges for survivors of veterans killed in action or died as a result of injuries suffered in war. Children must be under the age of 23.
Tennessee Veteran Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing License
Free hunting and fishing licenses for 100% permanently disabled veterans or those with a 30% disability due to war service. There is a one time fee of $10.
Camping in State Parks
During the off-season, (Nov. 1 - Mar. 31), resident veterans can camp at the same discounted rate as Tennessee senior campers.
Free Day
On Veterans Day, camping and golf greens fees are free at state campgrounds and golf courses.
Tennessee Veterans Cemeteries
Tennessee has five state veterans cemeteries, two in Knoxville, and one each in Memphis, Nashville and Parkers Crossroads. There is no fee for veteran interment, and a small fee for spouse and dependent children.
Generally veterans with an "other than dishonorable" discharge are eligible.
Visit the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
Stay on Top of Your Veteran Benefits
Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by subscribing to Military.com, and get access to up-to-date pay charts and more with all latest benefits delivered straight to your inbox.
