Maryland State Benefits

Rating Based State Benefits

Maryland Pension Exclusion

Maryland residents that are 65 or older or totally disabled (or their Spouse is totally disabled), may qualify for a pension exclusion from their gross income of $31,100 for 2020 and $34,300 for 2021.

Maryland Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Maryland offers a property tax exemption to Veterans that have a service-connected 100% permanent and total, or unemployable disability rating from the VA. This is a complete exemption from real property taxes on their house and surrounding yard. This exemption is available to unmarried Surviving Spouses of eligible Veterans and to Surviving Spouses of Service members killed in the line of duty.

Maryland Veterans Local Property Tax Credits

The following local Maryland Counties have property tax credits for eligible Veterans and their Surviving Spouses. The credits apply to the primary home and the surrounding land.

  • Anne Arundel County - Tax Credit provides a 15% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members. Applicants must be 65 years old or older and the value of the home is $500,000 or less
  • Baltimore County - Exempts the home of a 100% disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse from all Baltimore County real property taxes; also offers a property tax refund for three years prior to a Veteran receiving a disability rating from the VA
  • Calvert County – Exempts the home of a 100% disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse from all Calvert County real property taxes
  • Washington County - Washington County Veterans that have a 50% to 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA will receive a property tax credit equal to their percentage of disability; Surviving Spouses of eligible Veterans may apply for this tax credit.

Maryland Disabled Veteran License Plates

Disabled Veterans that have 100% total disability rating from the VA are eligible for the Disabled Veterans License plate. Veterans that meet these eligibility requirements can choose any plate design, including the Disabled Veteran license plate and it will display the universal wheelchair symbol. 100% Disabled Veterans receive free registration for all license plate types. When applying Veterans must submit the following:

Free Maryland Hunting Licenses for Former Prisoner of Wars and Disabled Veterans

Maryland residents Veterans that are former prisoners of war or a have a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime hunting license.

This license is only available at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Centers and includes lifetime archery stamps, muzzleloader stamps, and furbearer permits. It does not include the annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. Veterans are required to provide official documentation proving their eligibility when they apply.

Free Maryland Fishing Licenses for Former Prisoner of Wars and Disabled Veterans

Maryland residents Veterans that are former prisoners of war or a have a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime fishing license.

All State Benefits

Maryland Income Tax Subtraction for Military Retired Pay

Retired Service members or their Surviving Spouse can subtract up to $5,000 of their military retired pay from their gross income before determining their Maryland tax. At age 55 this subtraction increases to $15,000

​Maryland Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay

Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

  • Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families
  • Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
  • Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
  • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.

Maryland State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.

Maryland Income Tax Subtraction for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP)

Surviving Spouses that receive SBP, RCSBP or RSFPP can subtract up to $5,000 of their survivor benefit payment from their gross income before determining their Maryland tax. At age 55 this subtraction increases to $15,000.

Maryland Pension Exclusion

Maryland residents that are 65 or older or totally disabled (or their Spouse is totally disabled), may qualify for a pension exclusion from their gross income of $31,100 for 2020 and $34,300 for 2021.

Maryland Overseas Pay Subtraction

Maryland resident Service members that serve in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside U.S. boundaries or possessions may subtract up to $15,000 of their military pay from their taxable income. Service members must have earned less than $30,000 in military pay to be eligible.

Maryland Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Maryland offers a property tax exemption to Veterans that have a service-connected 100% permanent and total, or unemployable disability rating from the VA. This is a complete exemption from real property taxes on their house and surrounding yard. This exemption is available to unmarried Surviving Spouses of eligible Veterans and to Surviving Spouses of Service members killed in the line of duty.

Maryland Veterans Local Property Tax Credits

The following local Maryland Counties have property tax credits for eligible Veterans and their Surviving Spouses. The credits apply to the primary home and the surrounding land.

  • Anne Arundel County - Tax Credit provides a 15% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members. Applicants must be 65 years old or older and the value of the home is $500,000 or less
  • Baltimore County - Exempts the home of a 100% disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse from all Baltimore County real property taxes; also offers a property tax refund for three years prior to a Veteran receiving a disability rating from the VA
  • Calvert County – Exempts the home of a 100% disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse from all Calvert County real property taxes
  • Cecil County - The Senior/Military Tax Credit provides a 20% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members and their Surviving Spouses; applicants must be 65 years old or older, have an adjusted gross income less than $84,000, and the value of the home is $400,000 or less
  • Frederick County - 20% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members and their Surviving Spouses; applicants must be 65 years old or older and have a combined gross household income less than $80,000; This tax credit applies to the first $300,000 of assessed value of the property
  • Harford County- 20% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members and their Surviving Spouses; applicants must be 65 years old or older and the value of the home is $400,000 or less
  • Howard County - 20% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members and their Surviving Spouses aged 65 years old or older; this tax credit applies to the first $500,000 of assessed value, reduced by the Homestead Tax Credit assessment
  • Montgomery County - 20% property tax credit for a maximum of five years to retired Service members and their Surviving Spouses aged 65 years old or older; this tax credit applies only if the assessed value is less than $650,000
  • Washington County - Washington County Veterans that have a 50% to 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA will receive a property tax credit equal to their percentage of disability; Surviving Spouses of eligible Veterans may apply for this tax credit.

Maryland Military Spouse Residency Relief Act

 Spouses of nonresident Service members remain a nonresident for purposes of Maryland taxes when they are in Maryland due to military orders and can file for a tax exemption for any wages earned in Maryland.

Maryland Vessel Excise Tax Credit for Military Personnel

Active duty Service members stationed in Maryland are exempt from the 5% vessel excise tax for one year. This exemption applies only to boats registered elsewhere and brought to Maryland during a permanent change of station.

Maryland National Guard State Tuition Waiver (STW)

ALL state-supported colleges / universities (Except University of Maryland Global Campus) offer a tuition waiver for Service members in the Maryland National Guard when taking credited, undergraduate, or graduate courses. Each institution has their own rules that govern the number of seats available and the number of credit hours eligible for tuition waiver.

Classes held at Maryland National Guard locations are available to all National Guard Service members with a 25% or 50% tuition waiver, regardless of space available. Professional courses are not eligible for STW. STW can be used for trade schools in partnership with the Maryland National Guard.

Maryland National Guard State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR)

STAR reimburses Maryland National Guard Service members up to 50% tuition and related fees at all Maryland State supported Colleges/Universities, some private institutions and trade schools. . The National Guard Service member receives tuition reimbursement directly from the state.

STAR is available for undergraduate courses and may be used in conjunction with State Tuition Waiver, Montgomery GI Bill, and Federal Tuition Assistance. Tuition is reimbursed for grades “C” and above.

Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship and the Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program

The Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship and the Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program will award tuition and other educational expenses to eligible Veterans and their Family members who are attending an institution of higher learning in Maryland.

The amount of the award may not be more than the equivalent annual tuition and mandatory fees, of a resident undergraduate at a two or four-year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland (cannot be used at University of Maryland University College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore).

Students may enroll full-time or part-time at a two or four-year Maryland college, university, or career school as an undergraduate or graduate student. Undergraduate awards may be used for five years of full-time study (12+ credits per semester) or eight years of part-time study (6-11 credits per semester) or a combination of both. Graduate awards may be used for full-time study (9+ credits per semester) or for part-time study (6-8 credits per semester). This award is not based on financial need.

Maryland Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program (VAIC)

VAIC provide educational financial assistance to U.S. Armed Forces Service members and Veterans who served in the Wars in Afghanistan or Iraq and their eligible Family members. This assistance can be used for full and part-time study at schools in the University System of Maryland (cannot be used at University of Maryland University College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore).

The award will provide 50% of the annual tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board.

2021-2022 maximum award amounts:

  • On campus: up to $7,735
  • With parents: up to $4,650
  • Off campus: up to $5,220

Applicants must be accepted for admission or enrolled in an undergraduate program or an approved 2-year certificate program. Students may be either full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester) students.

Award amounts including state aid and VA educational benefits, may not exceed the total cost of attendance or $28,000, whichever is less.

Maryland High School Diplomas for World War II and Korean War Veterans

County Boards of Education will award high school diplomas to Korea and World War II Veterans who left high school early to enter the U. S. Armed Forces. Diplomas are also issued to any Veteran that received a GED. For more information applicants should contact their local board of education.

Maryland Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3)

The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children of military Families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

  • Facilitating the prompt enrollment of Children of military Families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
  • Facilitating the student placement process through which Children of military Families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
  • Facilitating the on-time graduation of Children of military Families
  • Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
  • Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military Families under this compact
  • Promoting coordination between these compact and other compacts affecting military Children
  • Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.

Maryland State Employee Paid Leave for Military Training

Maryland law provides for up to 15 days of paid military leave to state employees for military training or active Soldier in a helicopter military duty in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Maryland State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference

Maryland offers Veteran’s preference when hiring for state employment. Preference is applied by adding points to the passing scores on state selection tests. Applicants must minimally be qualified for the position and able to perform the duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

10 Points are added to scores of the following:

  • Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces that received an honorable discharge or a certificate of satisfactory completion of military service
  • Spouse of an eligible Veteran who has a service-connected disability
  • Surviving Spouse of a deceased eligible Veteran.

Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences

By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.

5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:

  • During a war, or
  • During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
  • During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
  • In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.

10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.

10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

  • A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
  • A Veteran who received a Purple Heart.

10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of Spouses, Surviving Spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a Spouse (including Surviving Spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran’s service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the Spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and

  • Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
  • Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
  • Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability.

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

 USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects Service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

Absence from Work for Military Duty

USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment right to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and Reserve training duty, and involuntary active-duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual’s service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

Disability Accommodation

USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority

USERRA provides that returning Service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning Service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans

Health and pension plan coverage for Service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.

Maryland State Retirement System Service Credit for Military Service

Former and current Service members that are members of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS) may be eligible to claim additional retirement credit for service in the military.

Employees may receive retirement credit for military service as long as they have not (and will not) received credit for this military service under any other pension system. Credit can be claimed for military service before and after becoming a member of SRPS. All members must have 10 years of participation in SRPS before they can claim military service credit.

Maryland Military Personnel Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program (MPVOLP)

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development offers no-interest loans to provide financial assistance to small businesses. MPVOLP provides loans for the following small businesses:

The loans range from $1,000 to $50,000. Loan maturity will be from one to eight years.

Maryland Professional Licensing Benefits for Veterans, Service Members, Spouses and Surviving Spouses

The Maryland Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing helps Veterans and Service members, including their Spouses and Surviving Spouses receive special benefits when applying for professional licenses. Applicants that hold a professional license in another state can get expedited licenses within 60 days. Licensing boards and commissions can also issue temporary licenses to applicants that hold a valid license in another state and are working to meet Maryland licensing requirements.

Maryland Unemployment Insurance (UI)

The Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance provides UI to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

To file an initial claim, applicants will need the following information:

  • Social Security Number
  • Employer Information: Business/Company name, complete payroll address, telephone number, first day of work, last day of work and reason for separation for each employer worked for in the last 18 months prior to filing a claim
  • Citizenship Status: If you are not a citizen, proof of alien status
  • Former Military Status, if applicable: DD214 – Member copy 4 for Service members that separated within the last 18 months
  • Former Federal Government Employee Status, if applicable: If available, Form 50 or SF-8
  • Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security number for each dependent: A dependent is defined as a Child, stepchild or legally adopted Child under the age of 16 that the applicant supports, only one parent may claim a dependent(s), up to a maximum of five, during any one-year benefit period.

Maryland’s American Job Centers- Workforce Development and Adult Learning Center Employment Assistance

Maryland’s American Job Center’s help Service members that are leaving the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans, and their Spouses, to transition to a rewarding career by offering employment, training and placement services.

They have local Veteran’s employment representatives that work with businesses, contractors, and employer organizations in the local area to develop career opportunities for Veterans. They also have Disabled Veterans Outreach Program staff that provide specialized intensive employment assistance to eligible Veterans with employment and training needs.

‘Veteran’ Designation on Maryland Driver’s Licenses and Identification (ID) Cards

The Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) offers a ‘Veteran’ designation on a driver’s license or ID cards for qualifying Veterans. The designation indicates that they are eligible for state Veteran benefits.

There is no cost when:

  • Adding the designation at any time without making any other changes
  • Veteran already has the designation on the back of their driver’s license or ID but is requesting new secure driver’s license or ID with the word Veteran on the front
  • Maryland Vehicle Registration Exemption and Tax Credit for Certain Service Members

 Nonresident active-duty Service members that are stationed in Maryland and are not establishing residency do not need to register their passenger vehicle in Maryland if the vehicle is currently registered in their state of residence.

Nonresident Active-duty Service members that establish residency within one year of moving to Maryland are eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid to another state when titling and registering a vehicle in Maryland.

Resident Service Member Stationed Outside of Maryland Inspection Waiver

Resident Service members that are stationed outside of Maryland receive a waiver of state inspection requirements when registering a used vehicle.

This waiver allows Service members to title and temporarily register a used vehicle in Maryland without having a Maryland vehicle safety inspection. Service members are required to have their vehicle inspected immediately after returning to Maryland. The inspection waiver is valid for two years and may be renewed if necessary (if still stationed out-of-state

Maryland Military and Veterans Special Vehicle License Plates

107 distinctive license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of Service members, Veterans, retired Service members and eligible Family members. A complete list of military and Veteran License Plates can be found on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Military Related License Plate webpage.

Maryland Medal of Honor License Plate

Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for the Medal Honor license plate. Applicants must submit proof that they received the medal, a completed application and appropriate fee.

Maryland Purple Heart License Plate

 Purple recipients are eligible for the purple Heart license plate. Applicants must submit documentation that they received the medal, a completed application and appropriate fee.

Maryland Honorable Discharged Veteran License plate

Honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for the Maryland Honorably Discharged Veteran license plate. Veterans must submit proof that they received an honorable discharge, a completed application and appropriate fee.

Maryland Disabled Veteran License Plates

Disabled Veterans that have 100% total disability rating from the VA are eligible for the Disabled Veterans License plate. Veterans that meet these eligibility requirements can choose any plate design, including the Disabled Veteran license plate and it will display the universal wheelchair symbol. 100% Disabled Veterans receive free registration for all license plate types. When applying Veterans must submit the following:

Maryland Gold Star Family License Plate

Immediate Family members of a Service member who dies while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for the Gold Star Family license plate. Immediate Family members is defined as:

  • Surviving Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child
  • Sibling

Maryland Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Skills Test Waiver for Veterans

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers a waiver of the CDL skills test requirements for eligible Veterans and Service members.

Maryland National Guard Service Members Covered Under Worker’s Compensation Laws for Injury, Illness, Disability or Death

Maryland National Guard Service members are eligible for compensation through worker’s compensation laws for injury, illness, disability, or death that occurs while conducting authorized training or serving on state active duty.

TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

(Reserve and National Guard) and their Families who meet the following qualifications:

  • Not on active-duty orders
  • Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
  • Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a Family member.

The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when you are not activated and covered by active-duty TRICARE benefits.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component Service members, and their Families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

  • Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
  • Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
  • Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
  • Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
  • Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
  • Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).

Free Maryland Hunting Licenses for Former Prisoner of Wars and Disabled Veterans

Maryland residents Veterans that are former prisoners of war or a have a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime hunting license.

This license is only available at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Centers and includes lifetime archery stamps, muzzleloader stamps, and furbearer permits. It does not include the annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. Veterans are required to provide official documentation proving their eligibility when they apply.

Discounted Maryland Hunting Licenses for Purple Heart Recipients

Maryland residents who are Purple Heart recipients are eligible to purchase Maryland hunting licenses for half price.

This license is only available at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Centers. Veterans are required to provide official documentation that they received the Purple Heart when they apply.

Maryland Hunting Licenses for Nonresident Active-Duty Service Members for Resident Price

 Nonresident active duty Service members in the U.S. Armed Forces that are stationed in Maryland are charged resident prices when purchasing hunting licenses.

Hunting in Maryland without a License for Resident Service Members and Retired Service Members

Service members and retired Service members do not need a hunting license if they meet the following requirements:

  • Resident Service member in the U.S. Armed Forces that is on leave in Maryland (whether stationed in Maryland or outside Maryland), must have leave form with them when hunting
  • Service member in the U.S. Armed Forces who has a service-connected disability, must have a valid military ID with them while hunting
  • Retired Service member of the U.S. Armed Forces that is hunting on farmland that is in an active farming status and owned by their Child, Child’s Spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, niece or nephew, must have a retired military ID card and written permission from the owner that specifies their Family relationship.

Free Maryland Fishing Licenses for Former Prisoner of Wars and Disabled Veterans

Maryland residents Veterans that are former prisoners of war or a have a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for a free lifetime fishing license.

This license is only available at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Centers and includes the Non-tidal Angler’s license, the Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing license and trout stamp. Veterans are required to provide official documentation proving their eligibility when they apply.

Discounted Maryland Fishing Licenses for Purple Heart Recipients

Maryland residents who are Purple Heart recipients are eligible to purchase Maryland fishing licenses for half price.

This license is only available at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Centers. Veterans are required to provide official documentation that they received the Purple Heart when they apply.

Maryland Resident Service Members May Fish without a License when on Leave

Resident Service members on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may fish without a license when on leave. Service members must have a copy of their leave form with them when fishing.

Maryland State Parks Military and Veterans Benefits

Service members in the Maryland National Guard and all active-duty Service members receive a waiver of day-use charges at Maryland State Parks. Service members must show their military ID when entering the park to be eligible. This waiver is only offered to the Service member.

Day-Use Fee Waiver for Veterans

Resident and nonresident Veterans receive a waiver of day-use charges at Maryland State Parks. This waiver only applies to the Veteran and not to others in the same vehicle unless there is a per-vehicle charge, in which case, the per-vehicle fee is waived.

Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) offers grants and loans to Veterans and their Family members who are in dire financial situations, or to private organizations that help Veterans (homeless programs, substance abuse programs, etc.).

The Maryland Veterans Trust fund is a non-emergency, temporary financial assistance program that helps those that will be self-reliant after receiving the loan or grant. Financial assistance cannot be used to address chronic issues.

The trust fund is mostly used for assistance with rent, mortgage, and utilities. They will not assist with:

  • Taxes
  • Child support
  • Speeding tickets
  • Legal fees
  • Payday and interpersonal loans
  • Credit card debt
  • Home repairs
  • Food
  • Appliances
  • Vehicle purchases

Death Benefit to Survivors or Estate of Maryland Resident Service Members Killed in Action

Maryland offers a death benefit of up to $125,000 to the beneficiaries of any resident Service member who is killed in action or as a direct result of a wound suffered in action in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

Free Copies of Vital Records for Maryland Service Members, Veterans, and their Survivors

No fee will be charged for copies of documents needed by Service members, Veterans or their Survivors when applying for federal benefits. 

Maryland National Guard Service Members Exempt from Tolls

Maryland National Guard Service members are allowed free passage through toll gates on roads, bridges, and ferries while traveling to or returning from their place of duty

Jury Duty Exemption for Maryland National Guard Service Members

Members of the Maryland National Guard are exempt from state jury service that would unreasonably interfere with the performance of their military duties

Maryland Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary’s County is a 444-bed facility that offers 318 skilled-nursing beds and 216 assisted-living beds to provide a continuum of care to Veterans and their eligible Spouses.

The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home strives to deliver a safe, dignified and compassionate health care system that provides a nurturing and engaging home environment for Maryland Veterans.

Maryland’s State Cemetery and Memorial Program

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has five state cemeteries that offer Veterans and their eligible dependents a dignified final resting place.

Maryland Military Funeral Honors

The Maryland National Guard Honor Guard provides Military Funeral Honors to Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces that received a discharge other than dishonorable.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Reduced Fare Program for Veterans with Disabilities (Metro Disability ID/Smart rip Card)

Metrobus, Metrorail and participating transit agencies offer discounted fares for disabled Veterans. Eligible Veterans receive the following discounts:

  • 50% off peak fare on Metrorail
  • $1 fare on regular Metrobus routes using cash or SmarTrip
  • $2.10 on Express Metrobus routes
  • $3.75 on Airport Express Metrobus routes
  • Receive a discounted fare on the following participating bus service providers:
  • Alexandria Transit Company – DASH
  • Arlington Transit – ART
  • CUE Bus System (Fairfax)
  • Fairfax Connector
  • Loudon County Commuter Bus Service
  • OmniRide/ PRTC
  • Ride On – Montgomery County
  • TheBus – Prince George’s County
  • MTA Bus – Montgomery County.