South Dakota Veteran Financial Benefits
State Income Taxes:
South Dakota does not impose individual income taxes. This means withdrawals from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are exempt from state taxation.
Property Tax Relief for Paraplegic Veterans and Surviving Spouses:
Eligible paraplegic Veterans and their surviving spouses may receive a complete exemption from property taxes. This benefit covers the residence, garage, and up to one acre of land.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans:
Disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for a partial property tax break of up to $150,000. This exemption also applies to the home, garage, and up to one acre of property.
Sales Tax in South Dakota:
- State rate: 4.5%
- Local rate: Municipalities may add up to 6.40%
- Average combined rate: Approximately 5.57%
- Special note: Seniors and disabled residents may be eligible for a sales tax refund.
Recreation
Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans and POWs in South Dakota
Disabled Veterans and former Prisoners of War (POWs) who are residents of South Dakota can obtain a four-year hunting and fishing license for just $10.
Special Hunting Provisions for Disabled Residents
South Dakota provides special accommodations for hunters with disabilities. Residents who have lost an upper limb, cannot use an upper limb, or require a wheelchair may legally hunt using a crossbow or draw-lock. Additionally, residents who are legally blind or quadriplegic may have an assistant accompany them during hunts.
Active-Duty Service Members on Leave
Resident Service members stationed outside of South Dakota are exempt from needing general hunting and fishing licenses while home on leave. However, federal migratory bird stamps and certification permits are still required. Service members must carry their current out-of-state orders and military ID while hunting or fishing.
Resident-Rate Licenses for Nonresident Service Members and Veterans
South Dakota extends resident hunting and fishing license prices to Service members and their spouses stationed in the state. Veterans receiving treatment at a VA hospital in South Dakota also qualify for resident pricing.
Big Game Licenses for Deployed Service Members and Families
Resident Service members and their dependents stationed out of state during application and lottery periods may still apply for deer, turkey, and antelope licenses, provided they meet all other requirements.
Lifetime State Park Access for Disabled Veterans and POWs
Eligible disabled Veterans and former POWs who are South Dakota residents can receive a free lifetime State Park Entrance License. This pass grants free admission for the Veteran and their vehicle to all state parks. It also includes a 50% discount on camping and electrical site or cabin fees (not applicable to other services or fees).
Education Programs
South Dakota Education Benefits for Veterans, Service Members, and Families
Free Tuition for Veterans
Veterans who served on active duty during qualifying wartime periods may be eligible for free tuition at South Dakota state-supported schools. Benefits include:
- One month of free tuition toward an undergraduate degree for each month of wartime service.
- A minimum of one academic year and a maximum of four academic years of tuition coverage.
- Must use all federal VA education benefits before receiving state tuition assistance.
Free Tuition for Dependents of Fallen, Disabled, or Missing Service Members
- Children of Fallen Service Members: Eligible for free tuition at state-supported schools or postsecondary technical institutes.
- Spouses and Children of POW/MIA Veterans: May qualify for free tuition and waived mandatory fees (after using all federal benefits).
- Spouses and Children of South Dakota National Guard Members: Eligible if the Guard member died or became permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Reduced Tuition for South Dakota National Guard Members
- 50% tuition reduction for up to 128 undergraduate credits or 32 graduate credits at state-supported schools.
- Can also be applied at vocational schools.
- Federal education benefits do not impact eligibility.
- Nonresident Guard members are considered residents for tuition purposes.
Resident Tuition for Veterans, Service Members, and Dependents
Nonresident Veterans, Service members, and their dependents are classified as residents for tuition purposes in South Dakota.
Honorary High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
Wartime Veterans who left school early to serve may be awarded an honorary high school diploma. Eligible service periods include:
- WWII: Dec 7, 1941 – Sep 2, 1945
- Korea: Jun 25, 1950 – Jul 31, 1953
- Vietnam: Feb 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975
Applicants must have an honorable discharge and apply through their local school district.
Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program
VUB helps Veterans prepare for college, technical school, or university. Services include:
- Academic refresher courses and tutoring
- Study skills and college prep
- GED preparation
- Career exploration, interest assessments, and job outlook guidance
- Financial aid and education funding support
All services, materials, and resources are provided at no cost.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MIC3)
Supports military children by reducing education-related barriers caused by frequent relocations. Benefits include:
- Streamlined enrollment and record transfers
- Fair placement regardless of curriculum differences
- Access to extracurricular activities
- Protections for on-time graduation
- Coordination across member states, schools, and military families
Purple Star School Designation
South Dakota recognizes military-friendly schools through the Purple Star Award. To qualify, schools must:
- Appoint a trained liaison for military-connected students and families
- Provide teacher training on the unique needs of military children
- Maintain a dedicated school webpage with resources for military families
Housing: Below are the available Veterans Home locations.
South Dakota State Veterans Home: The Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota Veterans Home, situated in Hot Springs, is a 100-bed residence dedicated to serving Veterans and their spouses. The facility includes 76 skilled nursing beds and 24 non-skilled beds.
Designed for comfort, the home is divided into eight wings, each featuring its own neighborhood complete with a living room, dining room, and kitchen to create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
South Dakota State Veterans Home at Hot Springs
South Dakota Veterans Home Amenities:
- Comprehensive medical care
- On-site pharmacy
- Physical and occupational therapy services
- 24/7 nursing support
- Recreational activities and programs
- Nutritious meals
- Social work support
- Religious and spiritual services
- Transportation assistance
- Access to a South Dakota Veterans Service Officer located within the home
Eligibility for the Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota Veterans Home
Admission is available to South Dakota resident Veterans, their spouses, or Surviving spouses.
- Veterans: Must have an honorable discharge and have lived in South Dakota at any time within the five years prior to applying. Income must not exceed $1,000 above the VA Pension rate for Veterans.
- Spouses: Eligible if married and cohabiting with the Veteran for at least one year before applying. A spouse may also qualify if the Veteran is eligible for admission but currently resides in another healthcare facility.
- Surviving Spouses: Must be un-remarried, at least 60 years of age, and have been married to the Veteran for at least one year before the Veteran’s passing.
Spouses and Surviving spouses may only be admitted if the number of non-Veteran residents does not exceed 25% of the home’s total population.
Employment and Job Training Benefits for South Dakota Veterans
Military Training Leave for State Employees
South Dakota state employees who are members of a Reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are entitled to 15 days of paid military leave each calendar year for training. In addition, employees may use up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave if called to state active duty.
- Eligibility: Permanent state employees who serve in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve.
Credited Military Service for the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)
Reserve component Service members called to federal active duty do not lose retirement credit in SDRS. Members continue to earn credited service if they:
- Were employed before going on military leave,
- Return to public service within one year of discharge, and
- Remain employed for at least one year after returning.
Active Duty Pay Differential for State Employees
State employees who are members of the Reserves or National Guard and are called to state or federal active duty (outside of training) receive the difference between their state salary and their military pay. This differential is paid quarterly for the duration of service.
Veterans’ Hiring Preference in South Dakota
Veterans and certain family members receive preference when applying for state, county, or municipal jobs. Eligible applicants are placed on interview lists once deemed qualified. Preference is applied in the following order:
- Disabled Veteran
- Spouse of a Disabled Veteran
- Veteran
- Un-remarried Surviving Spouse
- Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, South Dakota residents, and Veterans with an honorable discharge after fulfilling their service obligation. Spouses and Surviving spouses may also qualify under certain conditions.
Federal Veterans’ Hiring Preferences
Federal law provides Veterans additional points in civil service hiring exams:
- 5-Point Preference: For wartime Veterans, those who served during qualifying periods, or earned campaign medals.
- 10-Point Preferences: For Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, or certain family members (spouses, Surviving spouses, and mothers of eligible Veterans).
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
USERRA protects Service members’ civilian job rights when they are absent due to military duty. Key protections include:
- Reemployment Rights: Up to five years of military leave while retaining job security and seniority rights.
- Disability Accommodation: Employers must make reasonable efforts to accommodate disabilities incurred during service.
- Return to Work: Veterans are entitled to the same job, seniority, pay, and benefits they would have earned had they not left.
- Health & Pension Protections: Employer health plans can be extended for up to 24 months during active duty; pension plans remain protected.
Who is Eligible for USERRA?
- Veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists who leave civilian employment for training or active duty.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) assists with USERRA claims, including those from federal and postal employees.
Burials and Memorials
It’s important to ensure your wishes regarding interment in a national cemetery and the use of a VA-provided headstone are clearly documented and stored with your records and medical files.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors eligible Veterans and their loved ones by offering a dignified final resting place and a lasting memorial in recognition of the Veteran’s service to the nation.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any open national cemetery with available space, preparation and closing of the grave, ongoing 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 receive the same honors and are placed in national cemeteries with equal respect as those in caskets.
These benefits extend to eligible spouses and dependents as well. They may be laid to rest alongside the Veteran, with perpetual care of the site included. The spouse’s or dependent’s name, along with their dates of birth and death, are engraved on the Veteran’s headstone at no charge. Notably, spouses and qualifying dependents remain eligible for burial even if they pass before the Veteran and may be interred in a different national cemetery if desired.
National Cemeteries include:
Harwood: Fargo National Cemetery
South Dakota VA Benefit Resources
South Dakota provides Veterans with a Regional Benefits Office and a VA Medical Center.
South Dakota VA Regional Benefits Office
- Fargo: Fargo Regional Office
South Dakota VA Medical Centers
- Fargo: Fargo VA Health Care System
Key Details on South Dakota Veteran Benefits:
If you are a Veteran applying for VA benefits for the first time, you must include a copy of your DD 214 (discharge document). This record verifies your discharge status, full legal name, Social Security number, military branch, and the dates you served. Veterans with an honorable or general discharge are typically eligible for most VA benefits.
It is strongly advised to store your discharge papers and medical records securely in a place where both you and your family can access them if needed. Keeping them in a fireproof safe or other protected location ensures they are not lost, damaged, or altered.
Eligibility for VA benefits generally requires discharge from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Active duty includes full-time service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer with the Public Health Service, Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Veterans separated with a “Dishonorable” discharge, especially those resulting from general courts-martial, may be disqualified from VA benefits. However, some incarcerated Veterans and parolees may qualify for specific benefits. VA regional offices are available to review and clarify eligibility for those with prison status, parole, or multiple discharges with different characterizations.
Information current as of November 2023
South Dakota Veteran Benefits
Disabled Veterans in South Dakota with a VA disability rating of 90% or lower may qualify for extra benefits. Vital Veterans Consultants offers a free, no-obligation consultation to review your claim and help determine if you are eligible for additional support.
