Oklahoma Veteran Financial Benefits
Oklahoma Military Pay Income Tax Exemption: Active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are residents of Oklahoma are not required to pay state income tax on their military earnings.
Income Tax Relief for Nonresident Military Spouses: Nonresident spouses of service members stationed in Oklahoma are exempt from paying state income tax on income earned within Oklahoma, provided that:
- The service member is stationed in the state under official military orders
- The spouse resides in Oklahoma solely to accompany the service member
- Both share the same state of legal residence outside Oklahoma
Tax Rules for VA Military Disability Retirement Pay: Disability retirement payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), whether through pensions, annuities, or other allowances for injury or illness related to military service, are excluded from taxable income in Oklahoma. Examples of tax-exempt disability benefits include:
- VA disability compensation and pension benefits for Veterans or their dependents
- Housing grants for wheelchair-accessible homes
- Vehicle grants for Veterans who lost vision or limb function
- Dependent-care assistance program benefits
Tax Exemption for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC benefits, provided to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or Veterans who passed away from a service-connected condition, are fully exempt from Oklahoma state income tax.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP): Surviving spouses can deduct up to $10,000 of annuities received under these plans from their Oklahoma taxable income, as long as the amount is part of their federal adjusted gross income.
Tax Waiver for Service Members Killed in Action: Payments from the Department of Defense to the families of service members killed in combat zones are free from Oklahoma income tax for the year of death. Additionally, surviving spouses are exempt from paying state income tax on income earned during that same year.
Sales Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses: Eligible disabled Veterans may claim a sales tax exemption of up to $25,000 annually, including both state and local taxes. Surviving spouses are eligible for an exemption of up to $1,000 each year.
Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: Veterans rated as 100% disabled may receive a motor vehicle excise tax exemption in Oklahoma. This exemption applies to one vehicle within a three-year period. Surviving spouses are not eligible for this benefit.
Property Tax Relief for 100% Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a 100% disability rating, as well as their surviving spouses, qualify for a full exemption from property taxes on the fair market value of their primary residence.
Oklahoma Sales Tax Rates:
- State rate: 4.5%
- Counties may add up to 7% in additional tax
- Combined state and local average: 8.98%
Recreation
Free Admission to Oklahoma State Parks and Museums for Veterans:
Honorably discharged Veterans who are residents of Oklahoma can enjoy free entry to all state-owned or state-operated parks and museums. To qualify, Veterans must present a valid Oklahoma driver’s license or state-issued ID along with discharge documents (DD214 or equivalent proof of honorable service).
Complimentary Hunting and Fishing for Disabled Veterans:
Oklahoma provides free hunting and fishing permits to resident Veterans with a VA disability rating of 60% or higher. These Veterans are also exempt from Wildlife Land Stamp requirements.
Discounted Lifetime Combination Hunting/Fishing License:
Resident disabled Veterans may purchase a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license at reduced costs based on disability rating:
- $200 for those rated below 60%
- $25 for those rated at 60% or higher (includes extra tags not covered by the free permit for 60%+ disabled Veterans).
Exemptions for 100% Disabled Veterans:
Veterans receiving full (100%) VA disability compensation are not required to pay for the following licenses:
- Deer Gun Hunting License
- Deer Archery License
- Primitive Firearms License
- Bonus, Special, or Second Deer Gun Hunting License
Resident-Rate Licenses for Nonresident Service Members and Families:
Active duty service members stationed in Oklahoma, as well as their spouses and dependents, may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Stars and Stripes License Project:
Through donations, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation offers free hunting and fishing licenses to Veterans and to survivors of service members who died in the line of duty. Eligible applicants may choose from:
- Annual Combination Hunting/Fishing License
- Lifetime Combination Hunting/Fishing License for Veterans with a disability rating of 60% or more
Education Programs
Oklahoma Education and Training Benefits for Veterans and Families
College Credit for Military Service
Oklahoma colleges, universities, and technology centers grant academic credit for applicable education, training, and military experience. Veterans must have received an honorable discharge within three years of enrollment, and credits must align with the chosen area of study.
National Guard Tuition Assistance
The Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Program offers tuition waivers to active Guard members at all public colleges and universities in the state. The waiver covers tuition, mandatory fees, and academic service fees. Guard members may enroll in:
- Up to 18 credit hours per semester
- A maximum of 120 undergraduate hours or 40 graduate hours
Heroes Promise Scholarship
This program provides tuition assistance at Oklahoma public colleges or universities for the children of resident service members killed in the line of duty. It may also help cover tuition at private colleges or public technology centers. Students may use the scholarship for up to five years or until completing a bachelor’s degree.
High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
Oklahoma awards high school diplomas to resident Veterans who left school early to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during:
- WWII (Sept. 16, 1940 – Dec. 31, 1946)
- Korea (June 27, 1950 – Jan. 31, 1955)
- Vietnam (May 13, 1961 – Apr. 29, 1975)
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)
This agreement ensures children of military families are not disadvantaged by frequent relocations or deployments. Key provisions include:
- Smooth transfer of school records
- Consistency in placement, grading, and course requirements
- Support for timely graduation
- Access to academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities
- Coordination among schools, parents, and military families
Purple Star School Program
Oklahoma designates schools as Purple Star Schools when they demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students. Requirements include:
- A trained school liaison to assist military families
- Staff awareness of unique challenges for military children
- A dedicated webpage with resources for military families
Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP)
Designed for disabled or honorably recognized service members, VEP provides practical training in small business management. Costs for travel, lodging, meals, materials, and instruction are covered. The program includes:
- Self-study preparation
- Eight-day residency at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater
- Five months of advising and venture development with OSU experts
Technology School Tuition Waivers
Resident Veterans and children of service members declared missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW) can receive tuition waivers at state-supported technology centers (except OSU Institute of Technology-Okmulgee).
CareerTech for Veterans
Oklahoma CareerTech provides resources and guidance to service members transitioning out of the military, helping them connect with training and career opportunities.
Housing: Oklahoma offers several options for Veterans’ residential care.
Oklahoma State Veterans Centers: The state operates seven Veterans Centers that provide a range of services, including intermediate and skilled nursing care, memory care, and domiciliary care, available to eligible Veterans and their spouses.
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Ardmore
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Claremore
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Clinton
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Lawton
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Norman
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Sulpher
Oklahoma State Veterans Home at Talina
Eligibility for Oklahoma State Veterans Centers
To qualify for admission to an Oklahoma State Veterans Center, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Have served at least 90 days in the U.S. Armed Forces, with at least one day on active duty, or have been discharged before 90 days due to a service-connected disability.
- Possess a discharge status that is not dishonorable.
- Demonstrate a need for nursing care.
- Be eligible for the VA State Home per diem program.
- Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible Veterans may also apply.
Admission Priority
Placement is based on the following priority order:
- World War II Veterans
- Former POWs
- Wartime Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 70–100%
- Wartime Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 0–60%
- All other wartime Veterans
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70–100%
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 0–60%
- All other eligible Veterans
Spouses and surviving spouses of qualified Veterans may be considered for admission once all eligible Veterans have been accommodated.
Employment and Job Training: Veteran Preference in Oklahoma
State Employee Military Leave
Oklahoma state employees who serve in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves are entitled to 30 days of paid military leave per federal fiscal year when ordered to active or inactive duty. If service extends beyond 30 days, employees may use accrued leave or opt for leave without pay. Importantly, military leave does not affect job status or seniority.
Professional Licensing Benefits for Service Members and Spouses
Under the Oklahoma Post-Military Service Occupation, Education, and Credentialing Act, Service members, Veterans, and their spouses may qualify for streamlined licensing benefits:
- Automatic Extension: Professional licenses remain valid through deployment without renewal fees.
- Credit for Military Training: Military education, training, and experience may count toward Oklahoma licensing requirements.
- Military Spouse Benefits: Spouses of active-duty personnel stationed in Oklahoma can receive expedited or temporary licenses if they hold valid credentials from another state.
Applicants should check with the relevant licensing board for specific eligibility details.
State Employment Hiring Preference
Oklahoma provides Veterans and their spouses with hiring preference in state employment:
- 5 Points Added: For honorably discharged Veterans, un-remarried surviving spouses, and spouses of unemployable Veterans (with VA certification).
- 10 Points Added: For wartime Veterans with a service-connected disability.
- Absolute Preference: Wartime Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher move to the top of hiring lists.
Disabled Veterans with a 30%+ rating may bypass entrance exams and hiring procedures but must complete a one-year probationary period.
Private-Sector Voluntary Hiring Preference
Employers in Oklahoma may adopt a Veterans’ preference policy if it is:
- In writing
- Applied consistently to hiring, promotion, or retention decisions
- Veterans are registered in the Oklahoma Veterans Registry
Proof of eligibility (such as discharge papers) may be required.
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) Priority of Service
Through U.S. Department of Labor grants, OESC gives Veterans priority access to:
- Job referrals
- Training programs
- Workforce services
Veterans also receive career guidance, resume assistance, and help navigating job programs at Workforce Centers.
Federal Employment Preferences
Federal law gives Veterans additional hiring advantages:
- 5-Point Preference: For those who served during specific wartime periods, campaigns, or after 9/11 with 180+ days of active duty.
- 10-Point Preferences: For Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, or certain surviving spouses/parents.
- Veterans with 30%+ disabilities receive the highest preference tier and cannot be passed over without cause.
USERRA Protections
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) safeguards job rights for Service members by:
- Guaranteeing reemployment after up to 5 years of military leave
- Protecting seniority, pay, and benefits
- Requiring reasonable accommodation for disabled Veterans
- Ensuring continued access to health and pension benefits during military service
Oklahoma National Guard Employment Coordination Program (ECP)
The ECP connects Guard members, Veterans, and families with civilian employers by offering:
- Resume building
- Job search assistance
- Interview coaching
- Career and education counseling
Burials and Memorials
It is important to ensure that your wishes concerning burial in a national cemetery, as well as the use of a VA-provided headstone, are clearly documented and stored with your personal paperwork and medical records.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors eligible Veterans and their loved ones by offering a dignified final resting place and a permanent memorial to recognize the Veteran’s service to the nation.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any open national cemetery with available space, the opening and closing of the grave, perpetual maintenance, a government-issued headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—all provided at no cost to the family. Certain Veterans may also qualify for a burial allowance. Cremated remains are treated with the same respect as casketed remains and are either inurned or interred within national cemeteries.
These benefits also extend to qualified spouses and dependents, ensuring burial alongside the Veteran and ongoing care of the site. The spouse’s or dependent’s name, along with their birth and death dates, will be inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone without charge. Notably, spouses and eligible dependents retain the right to burial even if they predecease the Veteran, and they do not have to be interred in the same national cemetery.
National Cemeteries include:
Elgin: Fort Sill National Cemetery
Ft. Gibson: Fort Gibson National Cemetery
Oklahoma VA Benefit Resources
Veterans in Oklahoma have access to a Regional Benefits Office as well as VA Medical Centers for their care and support needs.
Oklahoma VA Regional Benefits Office
- Muskogee: Muskogee Regional Office
Oklahoma VA Medical Centers
- Muskogee: Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (Jack C. Montgomery VAMC)
- Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
Key Information on Oklahoma Veteran Benefits:
When applying for VA benefits for the first time, Veterans must provide a copy of their DD Form 214 (discharge document). This record verifies details such as discharge status, full name, Social Security number, branch of service, and service dates. In most cases, honorable and general discharges make a Veteran eligible for VA benefits.
It is highly recommended to keep discharge paperwork and medical records stored securely, in a location that is both safe from damage and easily accessible to you and your family—such as a personal safe.
Eligibility for most VA benefits requires separation from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Active duty refers to full-time service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, as well as commissioned officer service in the Public Health Service, Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Veterans who received a “Dishonorable” discharge as a result of a general court-martial may be ineligible for VA benefits. However, certain benefits may still be available for Veterans who are incarcerated or on parole. VA regional offices can provide clarification for individuals with complex service histories, including those with multiple discharges under varying conditions.
Information current as of December 2023.
