State / Territory Benefits - Maine
State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Compensation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Related Benefits
Health Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
Resource Locator
Wounded Warrior Benefits
Survivor Benefits
Army National Guard Benefits
US Army Reserve Benefits
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities
Resources
Summary: Maine offers special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including a Homestead Exemption, Tax Exemptions, Employment Assistance, Employment Preference, Tuition Aid Grant, State Parks and Campground, Special Vehicle License Plates, as well as Hunting and Fishing Privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Tax Benefit: None.
Retired Military Pay: You and your spouse (if married) may each deduct up to $6,000 of eligible pension income that is included in your federal adjusted gross income. Except for military pension benefits, the $6,000 cap must be reduced by any Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits received, whether taxable or not. Deductible pension income includes state, federal and military pension benefits, as well as retirement benefits received from employee retirement plans. A new law amends the income tax subtraction modification for certain retirement benefits to raise the $6,000 limit to $10,000. The subtraction modification is expanded to include all federally taxable pension income, annuity income and individual retirement account distributions, except pick-up contributions for which a deduction has been allowed. The law applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before September 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Homestead Exemption: This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least twelve months and make the property they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of $10,000. Homestead Application
Veterans Exemption: A Veteran who served during a recognized war period and is 62 years or older; or, is receiving 100% disability as a Veteran; or, became 100% disabled while serving, is eligible for a $6,000 property tax exemption. To apply the Veteran Exemption Application must be submitted.
Eligibility: Veteran or unremarried surviving spouse
Paraplegic Veteran Exemption: Estates of paraplegic Veterans, including property held in joint tenancy with the Veteran's spouse or held in a revocable living trust for the benefit of that Veteran, are exempt up to $50,000 of just valuation, for a specially adapted housing unit, and only in the place where the Veteran is a legal resident (Veteran Exemption Application), provided the Veteran:
- is a resident of the State of Maine; and
- has notified in writing the assessors of the municipality in which he or she resides of his or her claim for exemption and furnished proof of his or her entitlement on or before April 1 (such notification once made need not be repeated in subsequent years); and
- is a paraplegic Veteran, so-called, within the meaning of 38 United States Code, Chapter 21, Section 2101; and
- has received a grant from the United States Government for such specially adapted housing.
Eligibility: Veteran or unremarried surviving spouse
Blind Exemption: A Veteran who is determined to be legally blind receives a $4,000.00 exemption. The Blind Exemption Application must be submitted.
Veterans Dependents Education Benefits Program: This program is administered by the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services under the provisions of MRSA 37-B, Chapter 7, Section 505(2). Benefits under this program include waiver of tuition and related fees for qualified dependents of certain disabled or deceased Veterans. Schools covered under this program include the University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges and Maine Maritime Academy.
Eligibility: Veteran must have been a resident of Maine at the time of entry into the service, or if not must have been a resident of Maine for five years preceding application for benefits. " Child" means a child whose mother or father is or was a Veteran and the child is at least 16 years of age; has graduated from high school; and enrolled in a degree program prior to turning age 22 and has not reached the age of 26 at the time of application. "Child" also means a stepchild who is a member of a Veteran's household either at the time of application or, in the event of the Veteran's death, was a member of the household, and who continues to be a member of the Veteran's household after the death of the Veteran. "Child" also means a legally adopted child whose natural parent is or was a Veteran. "Spouse" means the person currently legally married to a living Veteran or the widow or widower of a deceased Veteran, not previously divorced from that Veteran. "Veteran" means any person who served in the military or Naval forces of the United States and entered the service from the State or resided in this State for 5 years immediately preceding application for aid and who:
- Is living and is determined to have a total permanent disability resulting from service-connected disability as a result of service;
- Was killed in action;
- Died from a service-connected disability as a result of service;
- At the time of death was totally and permanently disabled due to service-connected disability, but whose death was not related to the service-connected disability; or
- Is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
Maine National Guard Education Assistance: Provides eligible Soldiers direct tuition assistance to help with college up to 100% tuition at all state colleges and universities, limited to the tuition cost for the state university. The program is subject to funding availability, individual eligibility criteria, and application guidelines & deadlines published to units.
Eligibility: Maine National Guard member must satisfy all four of the following conditions:
- Be a member of the Maine National Guard on or before the first day of class for the semester, trimester, quarter, or term.
- Have successfully completed basic training or received a commission on or before the first day of class for the semester, trimester, quarter, or term.
- Be a satisfactory participant in the Maine National Guard. An "unsatisfactory participant" is a member of the Maine National Guard who has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences from unit training assemblies within a 12-month period, or who, without proper authority, fails to attend or complete the entire period of annual training.
- Enter into a written contractual commitment with the Maine National Guard to serve in the Maine National Guard for at least one year beyond the end of the term for which Education Assistance is granted.
Veterans Employment Assistance: State employee receives 17 work days paid military leave per calendar year and unlimited leave without pay
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Training or active duty.
Compensation for State Active Duty: State active duty pay is 12 times the Federal minimum wage, as the minimum; otherwise is equal to Federal pay rate.
Eligibility: Army National Guard Service member on state active duty.
Veterans Preference for Retention: In making appointments to and retention in any position on an open competitive basis in the classified service, preference shall be given to Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States
Eligibility: Veterans who have been honorably separated, or to their wives, husbands, widows, widowers, mothers or fathers.
Reemployment: State employees who enter military service retain reemployment rights under both the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 and Maine law. The state employee who enters military service on a short-term basis would generally be returned to the position that he or she left. Employees who enter military service on a long-term basis would be returned to the position that he or she left or be returned to a position of like status and pay for which he or she is qualified. Agency human resource representatives should be consulted if denial of reemployment for any reason is contemplated.
Upon the completion of service (less than 31 days, including weekend drills) employees are also entitled to reasonable time for return travel, and an eight-hour period of rest, before returning to work. The allotted time to apply for reemployment increases incrementally, depending upon the length of service.
Eligibility: Army National Guard and Reserve Service members
Veterans Preference for Examination: Preference points shall be added to the earned qualifying rating in examinations, provided that a passing grade is attained, of Veterans applying for positions in the state service in accordance with the following, provided that they have not been previously employed in the classified service after obtaining preference points. A Veteran who is receiving a disability pension shall be entitled to preference points under this subsection, notwithstanding his previous employment in the classified service after obtaining preference points.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 days consecutively and who was honorably separated must be accorded a 5-point preference.
- The widow or widower of a Veteran, who has never remarried, shall be granted a 5-point preference.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 consecutive days, at any time, was honorably separated, and who has a service-connected disability of 10% or more and receives compensation, pension or disability retirement under public laws administered by the Veterans Administration or by a branch of the Armed Forces shall be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The spouse of a disabled Veteran is entitled to a 10-point preference in lieu of the Veteran when his or her service-connected disability disqualifies him or her for appointment in the classified service along the general lines of his or her usual occupation.
- The widow or widower, who has never remarried, of a who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces or who died as the result of service-connected disability must be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The natural mother or father of a Veteran deceased who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces and who is or was married to the father or mother of the Veteran on whose service he or she bases his or her claim; and who is widowed, divorced or separated; or who lives with him or her totally and permanently disabled husband or wife, either the Veteran's father or mother or the husband or wife of his or her remarriage, is entitled to a 10-point preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the " Armed Forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, " Honorable separation" means discharge or release from a continuous tour of active duty in any of the Armed Forces, the official records of which show the character of service or type of discharge to have been honorable, and " Veteran " means a person who served on full-time active duty, exclusive of active duty for training, in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
You can file a Maine Internet claim if:
- You have worked in the state of Maine or served in the military within the past 18 months.
- You have not filed a claim for unemployment benefits against another state in the past 12 months.
You will need the following information to complete your claim:
- Your Social Security Number;
- Alien Registration Number, if applicable;
- The business name, address and telephone number of each place you worked at during the past 18 months;
- The jobs you held and the dates you worked for each employer within the past 18-month period.
To reach the Unemployment Claims Center by phone, call 1-800-593-7660 between 8:00 AM and 4:45 PM Monday through Friday.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV):
Special Vehicle License Plates:
Purple Heart Plate: A Veteran who is a recipient of the Purple Heart medal can obtain up to two set s of Purple Heart Plates. The registration fee is exempt on a vehicle with a registered weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
Purple Heart Motorcycle Plate: A qualified Veteran may obtain the Purple Heart motorcycle plate upon proof of receipt of the award. Registration fee is exempt.
Purple Heart Souvenir Plate: A qualified Veteran may obtain the Purple Heart souvenir plate. This plate is available as a standard passenger plate or a motorcycle plate. There is no fee to obtain this souvenir plate.
Disabled Veteran Plate: A disabled Veteran that has been rated as 100% service-connected (permanent and total) and in receipt of 100% benefits. The registration fee is exempt on a vehicle with a registered weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs. Any Veteran who has the loss of both lower extremities or has the loss of use of both lower extremities is exempt from all motor vehicle related fees including excise and sales tax.
Medal of Honor Plate: A Veteran who is in receipt of the Medal of Honor. The registration fee is exempt on a vehicle with a registered weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
Former Prisoner of War (POW): A Veteran who was a prisoner of war at any time during tenure of service. The registration fee is exempt on a vehicle with a registered weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate: Issued to any Veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces and was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack on December 7, 1941. Registration fee is exempt.
Special Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces may obtain up to 3 sets of Special Veteran Plates. There are 33 Commemorative Veteran decals available for display on Veteran plate Registration fee is required.
Disability Special Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces qualifies for the plates. The Veteran must show proof of an honorable discharge by producing a DD-214 or a letter from the Veterans Administration or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces. And Disabled Veterans may apply for the Disability Special Veteran Plate. An Application for Disability Plates/Placards must be on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or submitted at time of issuance.
Special Veteran Motorcycle Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces qualifies for the plates. The Veteran must show proof of an honorable discharge by producing a DD-214 or a letter from the Veterans Administration or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces. 3 sets of Veteran motorcycle plates may be issued to the registrant.
Gold Star Family Recognition Plate: Any person who is eligible for a Gold Star lapel button, or a grandparent of a member of the United States Armed Forces, if that member dies after March 28, 1973 as a result of an international terrorist attack recognized by the Department of Defense, or as a result of military operations while serving outside the United States.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
Medical Benefits: Hospital and domicile care compensation determined and fixed by Worker's Compensation Board.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member on State active duty.
Worker's Compensation: After Federal benefits cease.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member on State active duty.
Group Insurance: National Guard Association offers Guard member's group life insurance.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member.
Injury/Death Benefits: Paid by Worker's Compensation benefits.
Eligibility: Disease, Injury or Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Parks and Recreational Benefits:
State Parks and Historic Sites: Veterans are issued a free day use pass to Maine state parks and historic sites operated by the Maine Department of Conservation. This pass is not valid for the following locations: Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Penobscot Corridor, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, and Maine Wildlife Park. The pass issued does not expire and is valid for the lifetime of the holder.
Eligibility: The Veteran must be a resident of Maine and received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.
*Please note that Maine Veterans age 65 years or older will not be issued a park pass as they are automatically entitled to free admission as a Maine senior citizen
Hunting and Fishing Licenses:
Complimentary Hunting and Fishing Military License: A resident disabled Veteran may obtain a complimentary license to fish, trap, hunt, including archery, muzzle load, bear, migratory bird, pheasant, spring/fall wild turkey, including additional spring turkey, coyote night hunt, crossbow, one expanded archery antlerless deer permit, and upon meeting the qualifications, a license to guide.
A "resident disabled Veteran" means a person who:
a. is a Maine resident;
b. is a Veteran; and
c. has a service-connected disability evaluated at:
•1. 100%, or
•2. is a Veteran with a service-connected disability evaluated at 70% who has served in a combat zone during any armed conflict in which participants were exposed to war risk hazards.
Maine Military Family Relief Fund: The Maine Military Family Relief Fund provides emergency assistance to qualified military members and dependants. The Fund is established to provide emergency assistance grants to Families of person who are members of the Maine National Guard or residents of the State who are members of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been called to military duty. The Fund will be administered as best practicable to fully utilize the available funds.
Eligibility: Any member of the Maine National Guard or a resident of the state who is a member of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been called to military duty; and members of the immediate Family and dependants of those personnel identified in the above paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "immediate Family" means spouse and each child of the member of the military, and "dependant" means the parents, grandparents, siblings, stepchildren and adult children of the member of the military provided they have been determined to be "dependants" by the military as demonstrated by having a military identification card identifying the Service members as the sponsor.
Confidentiality of Military Service Records: A certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued by the United States Government and filed for safekeeping with any state, county or local government authority is confidential for a period of 75 years following its filing. During that 75-year period, it is unlawful for a person to permit inspection of the record, to disclose information contained in the record or to issue a copy of all or any part of the record except as authorized by this section or by court order.
Custodian to Provide Copies of Public Record: When a copy of any public record is required by the United States Veterans' Administration to be used in determining the eligibility of any person to participate in benefits made available by the United States Veterans' Administration, the official custodian of that public record shall, without charge, provide the applicant for these benefits, or any person acting on his behalf or the authorized representative of the United States Veterans' Administration, with a certified copy of that record.
Honoring a Veteran: The State of Maine has established the "Honoring a Veteran" recognition program to honor our Veterans for their honorable military service. The program honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of freedom, those Former POW's as well as those who are still POW's and/or missing, those who were wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, and all of our Veterans who honorably served our great nation and state.
Eligibility: The Gold Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the families of those Service members that have given their lives in defense of freedom since 2001 in support of combat operations while deployed, the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to Veterans that were Former POW's as well as to those Veterans that received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the Families of those Service members that lost their lives in the line of duty while not in support of combat operations, and the Honorable Service Certificate - Awarded to Veterans that served honorably.
Maine Veterans' Home: A system of six nursing home facilities located throughout the State, which were established by public vote in 1977 to provide support and care for honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period. A director and a board of trustees administer the Maines' Homes. Each Veteran admitted to the home shall pay to the State, as prescribed by the board, the share of the costs of his maintenance, which he/she can afford. Qualified Veterans may be eligible to receive a Stipend. The current Stipend rates are $97.07 per day for nursing home care and $41.90 per day for residential care. The facilities are located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris
Eligibility: To qualify for admission, the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran Eligible Veterans must have served one or more days on active duty other than for training purposes in the United States Armed Forces including the Reserve and National Guard components. Eligible Veterans must either be residents of Maine at the time of application, or have resided in Maine at the time of entry into the United States Armed Forces. Spouses, widows, widowers, and gold star parents of eligible Veterans may also be eligible for admission. Gold star parents are parents of a son or a daughter killed in the line of duty.
Maine's Memorial Cemetery System: The Maine's Memorial Cemetery System consists of three cemeteries that offer free burials to Veterans and their eligible dependents. Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery are located in Caribou, Augusta and Springvale. The three cemeteries are contemporary parks of memorial design with all grave markers placed flush with the ground level. By law, the State of Maine holds title to all grave lots. The State will, without charge, open and close the grave and furnish perpetual care.
Eligibility: An eligible Veteran must have:
- Served in the active United States Armed Forces and who: if discharged, received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, provided that the discharge was not upgraded through a program of general amnesty;
- Served in the Maine National Guard and died as a result of injury, disease or illness sustained while serving on active state service as provided in chapter 3, subchapter III, section 101-A (1), or
- Served in the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces and was entitled to retired pay under 10 United States Code, chapter 1223 or would have been entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 except that the person was less than 60 years of age.
An eligible dependent must be the wife, husband, surviving spouse, unmarried minor child, unmarried dependent child enrolled in secondary school or unmarried adult child who became incapable of self-support before reaching 18 years of age on account of mental or physical disabilities.
Veterans Small Business Loan Program: Eligible Veterans may obtain business loans through local lending institutions, a percentage of which will be guaranteed by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before September 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
Homestead Exemption: This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least twelve months and make the property they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of $10,000. Homestead Application
Veterans Exemption: A Veteran who served during a recognized war period and is 62 years or older; or, is receiving 100% disability as a Veteran; or, became 100% disabled while serving, is eligible for a $6,000 property tax exemption. To apply the Veteran Exemption Application must be submitted.
Eligibility: Veteran or unremarried surviving spouse
Paraplegic Veteran Exemption: Estates of paraplegic Veterans, including property held in joint tenancy with the Veteran's spouse or held in a revocable living trust for the benefit of that Veteran, are exempt up to $50,000 of just valuation, for a specially adapted housing unit, and only in the place where the Veteran is a legal resident (Veteran Exemption Application), provided the Veteran:
- is a resident of the State of Maine; and
- has notified in writing the assessors of the municipality in which he or she resides of his or her claim for exemption and furnished proof of his or her entitlement on or before April 1 (such notification once made need not be repeated in subsequent years); and
- is a paraplegic Veteran, so-called, within the meaning of 38 United States Code, Chapter 21, Section 2101; and
- has received a grant from the United States Government for such specially adapted housing.
Eligibility: Veteran or unremarried surviving spouse
Blind Exemption: A Veteran who is determined to be legally blind receives a $4,000.00 exemption. The Blind Exemption Application must be submitted.
Veterans Dependents Education Benefits Program: This program is administered by the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services under the provisions of MRSA 37-B, Chapter 7, Section 505(2). Benefits under this program include waiver of tuition and related fees for qualified dependents of certain disabled or deceased Veterans. Schools covered under this program include the University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges and Maine Maritime Academy.
Eligibility: Veteran must have been a resident of Maine at the time of entry into the service, or if not must have been a resident of Maine for five years preceding application for benefits. " Child" means a child whose mother or father is or was a Veteran and the child is at least 16 years of age; has graduated from high school; and enrolled in a degree program prior to turning age 22 and has not reached the age of 26 at the time of application. "Child" also means a stepchild who is a member of a Veteran's household either at the time of application or, in the event of the Veteran's death, was a member of the household, and who continues to be a member of the Veteran's household after the death of the Veteran. "Child" also means a legally adopted child whose natural parent is or was a Veteran. "Spouse" means the person currently legally married to a living Veteran or the widow or widower of a deceased Veteran, not previously divorced from that Veteran. "Veteran" means any person who served in the military or Naval forces of the United States and entered the service from the State or resided in this State for 5 years immediately preceding application for aid and who:
- Is living and is determined to have a total permanent disability resulting from service-connected disability as a result of service;
- Was killed in action;
- Died from a service-connected disability as a result of service;
- At the time of death was totally and permanently disabled due to service-connected disability, but whose death was not related to the service-connected disability; or
- Is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
Veterans Preference for Retention: In making appointments to and retention in any position on an open competitive basis in the classified service, preference shall be given to Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States
Eligibility: Veterans who have been honorably separated, or to their wives, husbands, widows, widowers, mothers or fathers.
Veterans Preference for Examination: Preference points shall be added to the earned qualifying rating in examinations, provided that a passing grade is attained, of Veterans applying for positions in the state service in accordance with the following, provided that they have not been previously employed in the classified service after obtaining preference points. A Veteran who is receiving a disability pension shall be entitled to preference points under this subsection, notwithstanding his previous employment in the classified service after obtaining preference points.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 days consecutively and who was honorably separated must be accorded a 5-point preference.
- The widow or widower of a Veteran, who has never remarried, shall be granted a 5-point preference.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 consecutive days, at any time, was honorably separated, and who has a service-connected disability of 10% or more and receives compensation, pension or disability retirement under public laws administered by the Veterans Administration or by a branch of the Armed Forces shall be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The spouse of a disabled Veteran is entitled to a 10-point preference in lieu of the Veteran when his or her service-connected disability disqualifies him or her for appointment in the classified service along the general lines of his or her usual occupation.
- The widow or widower, who has never remarried, of a who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces or who died as the result of service-connected disability must be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The natural mother or father of a Veteran deceased who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces and who is or was married to the father or mother of the Veteran on whose service he or she bases his or her claim; and who is widowed, divorced or separated; or who lives with him or her totally and permanently disabled husband or wife, either the Veteran's father or mother or the husband or wife of his or her remarriage, is entitled to a 10-point preference
Eligibility: A Veteran of the " Armed Forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, " Honorable separation" means discharge or release from a continuous tour of active duty in any of the Armed Forces, the official records of which show the character of service or type of discharge to have been honorable, and " Veteran " means a person who served on full-time active duty, exclusive of active duty for training, in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Purple Heart Plate: A Veteran who is a recipient of the Purple Heart medal can obtain up to two set s of Purple Heart Plates. The registration fee is exempt on a vehicle with a registered weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
Purple Heart Motorcycle Plate: A qualified Veteran may obtain the Purple Heart motorcycle plate upon proof of receipt of the award. Registration fee is exempt.
Purple Heart Souvenir Plate: A qualified Veteran may obtain the Purple Heart souvenir plate. This plate is available as a standard passenger plate or a motorcycle plate. There is no fee to obtain this souvenir plate.
Disabled Veteran Plate: A disabled Veteran that has been rated as 100% service-connected (permanent and total) and in receipt of 100% benefits. The registration fee is exempt on a vehicle with a registered weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs. Any Veteran who has the loss of both lower extremities or has the loss of use of both lower extremities is exempt from all motor vehicle related fees including excise and sales tax.
Special Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces may obtain up to 3 sets of Special Veteran Plates. There are 33 Commemorative Veteran decals available for display on Veteran plate Registration fee is required.
Disability Special Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces qualifies for the plates. The Veteran must show proof of an honorable discharge by producing a DD-214 or a letter from the Veterans Administration or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces. And Disabled Veterans may apply for the Disability Special Veteran Plate. An Application for Disability Plates/Placards must be on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or submitted at time of issuance.
Special Veteran Motorcycle Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces qualifies for the plates. The Veteran must show proof of an honorable discharge by producing a DD-214 or a letter from the Veterans Administration or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces. 3 sets of Veteran motorcycle plates may be issued to the registrant.
Gold Star Family Recognition Plate: Any person who is eligible for a Gold Star lapel button, or a grandparent of a member of the United States Armed Forces, if that member dies after March 28, 1973 as a result of an international terrorist attack recognized by the Department of Defense, or as a result of military operations while serving outside the United States.
Complimentary Hunting and Fishing Military License: A resident disabled Veteran may obtain a complimentary license to fish, trap, hunt, including archery, muzzle load, bear, migratory bird, pheasant, spring/fall wild turkey, including additional spring turkey, coyote night hunt, crossbow, one expanded archery antlerless deer permit, and upon meeting the qualifications, a license to guide.
A "resident disabled Veteran" means a person who:
a. is a Maine resident;
b. is a Veteran; and
c. has a service-connected disability evaluated at:
•1. 100%, or
•2. is a Veteran with a service-connected disability evaluated at 70% who has served in a combat zone during any armed conflict in which participants were exposed to war risk hazards.
Custodian to Provide Copies of Public Record: When a copy of any public record is required by the United States Veterans' Administration to be used in determining the eligibility of any person to participate in benefits made available by the United States Veterans' Administration, the official custodian of that public record shall, without charge, provide the applicant for these benefits, or any person acting on his behalf or the authorized representative of the United States Veterans' Administration, with a certified copy of that record.
Honoring a Veteran: The State of Maine has established the "Honoring a Veteran" recognition program to honor our Veterans for their honorable military service. The program honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of freedom, those Former POW's as well as those who are still POW's and/or missing, those who were wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, and all of our Veterans who honorably served our great nation and state.
Eligibility: The Gold Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the families of those Service members that have given their lives in defense of freedom since 2001 in support of combat operations while deployed, the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to Veterans that were Former POW's as well as to those Veterans that received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the Families of those Service members that lost their lives in the line of duty while not in support of combat operations, and the Honorable Service Certificate - Awarded to Veterans that served honorably.
Maine Veterans' Home: A system of six nursing home facilities located throughout the State, which were established by public vote in 1977 to provide support and care for honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period. A director and a board of trustees administer the Maines' Homes. Each Veteran admitted to the home shall pay to the State, as prescribed by the board, the share of the costs of his maintenance, which he/she can afford. Qualified Veterans may be eligible to receive a Stipend. The current Stipend rates are $97.07 per day for nursing home care and $41.90 per day for residential care. The facilities are located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris
Eligibility: To qualify for admission, the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran Eligible Veterans must have served one or more days on active duty other than for training purposes in the United States Armed Forces including the Reserve and National Guard components. Eligible Veterans must either be residents of Maine at the time of application, or have resided in Maine at the time of entry into the United States Armed Forces. Spouses, widows, widowers, and gold star parents of eligible Veterans may also be eligible for admission. Gold star parents are parents of a son or a daughter killed in the line of duty.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Homestead Exemption: This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least twelve months and make the property they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of $10,000. Homestead Application
Veterans Exemption: A Veteran who served during a recognized war period and is 62 years or older; or, is receiving 100% disability as a Veteran; or, became 100% disabled while serving, is eligible for a $6,000 property tax exemption. To apply the Veteran Exemption Application must be submitted.
Eligibility: Veteran or unremarried surviving spouse
Paraplegic Veteran Exemption: Estates of paraplegic Veterans, including property held in joint tenancy with the Veteran's spouse or held in a revocable living trust for the benefit of that Veteran, are exempt up to $50,000 of just valuation, for a specially adapted housing unit, and only in the place where the Veteran is a legal resident (Veteran Exemption Application), provided the Veteran:
- is a resident of the State of Maine; and
- has notified in writing the assessors of the municipality in which he or she resides of his or her claim for exemption and furnished proof of his or her entitlement on or before April 1 (such notification once made need not be repeated in subsequent years); and
- is a paraplegic Veteran, so-called, within the meaning of 38 United States Code, Chapter 21, Section 2101; and
- has received a grant from the United States Government for such specially adapted housing.
Eligibility: Veteran or unremarried surviving spouse
Veterans Dependents Education Benefits Program: This program is administered by the Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services under the provisions of MRSA 37-B, Chapter 7, Section 505(2). Benefits under this program include waiver of tuition and related fees for qualified dependents of certain disabled or deceased Veterans. Schools covered under this program include the University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges and Maine Maritime Academy.
Eligibility: Veteran must have been a resident of Maine at the time of entry into the service, or if not must have been a resident of Maine for five years preceding application for benefits. " Child" means a child whose mother or father is or was a Veteran and the child is at least 16 years of age; has graduated from high school; and enrolled in a degree program prior to turning age 22 and has not reached the age of 26 at the time of application. "Child" also means a stepchild who is a member of a Veteran's household either at the time of application or, in the event of the Veteran's death, was a member of the household, and who continues to be a member of the Veteran's household after the death of the Veteran. "Child" also means a legally adopted child whose natural parent is or was a Veteran. "Spouse" means the person currently legally married to a living Veteran or the widow or widower of a deceased Veteran, not previously divorced from that Veteran. "Veteran" means any person who served in the military or Naval forces of the United States and entered the service from the State or resided in this State for 5 years immediately preceding application for aid and who:
•· Is living and is determined to have a total permanent disability resulting from service-connected disability as a result of service;
•· Was killed in action;
•· Died from a service-connected disability as a result of service;
•· At the time of death was totally and permanently disabled due to service-connected disability, but whose death was not related to the service-connected disability; or
•· Is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
Veterans Preference for Retention: In making appointments to and retention in any position on an open competitive basis in the classified service, preference shall be given to Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States
Eligibility: Veterans who have been honorably separated, or to their wives, husbands, widows, widowers, mothers or fathers.
Veterans Preference for Examination: Preference points shall be added to the earned qualifying rating in examinations, provided that a passing grade is attained, of Veterans applying for positions in the state service in accordance with the following, provided that they have not been previously employed in the classified service after obtaining preference points. A Veteran who is receiving a disability pension shall be entitled to preference points under this subsection, notwithstanding his previous employment in the classified service after obtaining preference points.
•· A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 days consecutively and who was honorably separated must be accorded a 5-point preference.
•· The widow or widower of a Veteran, who has never remarried, shall be granted a 5-point preference.
•· A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 consecutive days, at any time, was honorably separated, and who has a service-connected disability of 10% or more and receives compensation, pension or disability retirement under public laws administered by the Veterans Administration or by a branch of the Armed Forces shall be accorded a 10-point preference.
•· The spouse of a disabled Veteran is entitled to a 10-point preference in lieu of the Veteran when his or her service-connected disability disqualifies him or her for appointment in the classified service along the general lines of his or her usual occupation.
•· The widow or widower, who has never remarried, of a who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces or who died as the result of service-connected disability must be accorded a 10-point preference.
•· The natural mother or father of a Veteran deceased who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces and who is or was married to the father or mother of the Veteran on whose service he or she bases his or her claim; and who is widowed, divorced or separated; or who lives with him or her totally and permanently disabled husband or wife, either the Veteran's father or mother or the husband or wife of his or her remarriage, is entitled to a 10-point preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the " Armed Forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, " Honorable separation" means discharge or release from a continuous tour of active duty in any of the Armed Forces, the official records of which show the character of service or type of discharge to have been honorable, and " Veteran " means a person who served on full-time active duty, exclusive of active duty for training, in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Gold Star Family Recognition Plate: Any person who is eligible for a Gold Star lapel button, or a grandparent of a member of the United States Armed Forces, if that member dies after March 28, 1973 as a result of an international terrorist attack recognized by the Department of Defense, or as a result of military operations while serving outside the United States.
Custodian to Provide Copies of Public Record: When a copy of any public record is required by the United States Veterans' Administration to be used in determining the eligibility of any person to participate in benefits made available by the United States Veterans' Administration, the official custodian of that public record shall, without charge, provide the applicant for these benefits, or any person acting on his behalf or the authorized representative of the United States Veterans' Administration, with a certified copy of that record.
Honoring a Veteran: The State of Maine has established the "Honoring a Veteran" recognition program to honor our Veterans for their honorable military service. The program honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of freedom, those Former POW's as well as those who are still POW's and/or missing, those who were wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, and all of our Veterans who honorably served our great nation and state.
Eligibility: The Gold Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the families of those Service members that have given their lives in defense of freedom since 2001 in support of combat operations while deployed, the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to Veterans that were Former POW's as well as to those Veterans that received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the Families of those Service members that lost their lives in the line of duty while not in support of combat operations, and the Honorable Service Certificate - Awarded to Veterans that served honorably.
Maine Veterans' Home: A system of six nursing home facilities located throughout the State, which were established by public vote in 1977 to provide support and care for honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period. A director and a board of trustees administer the Maines' Homes. Each Veteran admitted to the home shall pay to the State, as prescribed by the board, the share of the costs of his maintenance, which he/she can afford. Qualified Veterans may be eligible to receive a Stipend. The current Stipend rates are $97.07 per day for nursing home care and $41.90 per day for residential care.The facilities are located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris
Eligibility: To qualify for admission, the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran Eligible Veterans must have served one or more days on active duty other than for training purposes in the United States Armed Forces including the Reserve and National Guard components. Eligible Veterans must either be residents of Maine at the time of application, or have resided in Maine at the time of entry into the United States Armed Forces. Spouses, widows, widowers, and gold star parents of eligible Veterans may also be eligible for admission. Gold star parents are parents of a son or a daughter killed in the line of duty.
Maine's Memorial Cemetery System: The Maine's Memorial Cemetery System consists of three cemeteries that offer free burials to Veterans and their eligible dependents. Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery are located in Caribou, Augusta and Springvale. The three cemeteries are contemporary parks of memorial design with all grave markers placed flush with the ground level. By law, the State of Maine holds title to all grave lots. The State will, without charge, open and close the grave and furnish perpetual care.
Eligibility: An eligible Veteran must have:
- Served in the active United States Armed Forces and who: if discharged, received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, provided that the discharge was not upgraded through a program of general amnesty;
- Served in the Maine National Guard and died as a result of injury, disease or illness sustained while serving on active state service as provided in chapter 3, subchapter III, section 101-A (1), or
- Served in the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces and was entitled to retired pay under 10 United States Code, chapter 1223 or would have been entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 except that the person was less than 60 years of age.
An eligible dependent must be the wife, husband, surviving spouse, unmarried minor child, unmarried dependent child enrolled in secondary school or unmarried adult child who became incapable of self-support before reaching 18 years of age on account of mental or physical disabilities.
Army National Guard Benefits
Homestead Exemption: This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least twelve months and make the property they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of $10,000. Homestead Application
Maine National Guard Education Assistance: Provides eligible Soldiers direct tuition assistance to help with college up to 100% tuition at all state colleges and universities, limited to the tuition cost for the state university. The program is subject to funding availability, individual eligibility criteria, and application guidelines & deadlines published to units.
Eligibility: Maine National Guard member must satisfy all four of the following conditions:
- Be a member of the Maine National Guard on or before the first day of class for the semester, trimester, quarter, or term.
- Have successfully completed basic training or received a commission on or before the first day of class for the semester, trimester, quarter, or term.
- Be a satisfactory participant in the Maine National Guard. An "unsatisfactory participant" is a member of the Maine National Guard who has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences from unit training assemblies within a 12 month period, or who, without proper authority, fails to attend or complete the entire period of annual training.
- Enter into a written contractual commitment with the Maine National Guard to serve in the Maine National Guard for at least one year beyond the end of the term for which Education Assistance is granted.
Veterans Employment Assistance: State employee receives 17 work days paid military leave per calendar year and unlimited leave without pay
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Training or active duty.
Compensation for State Active Duty: State active duty pay is 12 times the Federal minimum wage, as the minimum; otherwise is equal to Federal pay rate.
Eligibility: Army National Guard Service member on state active duty.
Veterans Preference for Retention: In making appointments to and retention in any position on an open competitive basis in the classified service, preference shall be given to Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States
Eligibility: Veterans who have been honorably separated, or to their wives, husbands, widows, widowers, mothers or fathers.
Reemployment: State employees who enter military service retain reemployment rights under both the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 and Maine law. The state employee who enters military service on a short-term basis would generally be returned to the position that he or she left. Employees who enter military service on a long-term basis would be returned to the position that he or she left or be returned to a position of like status and pay for which he or she is qualified. Agency human resource representatives should be consulted if denial of reemployment for any reason is contemplated.
Upon the completion of service (less than 31 days, including weekend drills) employees are also entitled to reasonable time for return travel, and an eight-hour period of rest, before returning to work. The allotted time to apply for reemployment increases incrementally, depending upon the length of service.
Eligibility: Army National Guard and Reserve Service members
Veterans Preference for Examination: Preference points shall be added to the earned qualifying rating in examinations, provided that a passing grade is attained, of Veterans applying for positions in the state service in accordance with the following, provided that they have not been previously employed in the classified service after obtaining preference points. A Veteran who is receiving a disability pension shall be entitled to preference points under this subsection, notwithstanding his previous employment in the classified service after obtaining preference points.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 days consecutively and who was honorably separated must be accorded a 5-point preference.
- The widow or widower of a Veteran, who has never remarried, shall be granted a 5-point preference.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 consecutive days, at any time, was honorably separated, and who has a service-connected disability of 10% or more and receives compensation, pension or disability retirement under public laws administered by the Veterans Administration or by a branch of the Armed Forces shall be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The spouse of a disabled Veteran is entitled to a 10-point preference in lieu of the Veteran when his or her service-connected disability disqualifies him or her for appointment in the classified service along the general lines of his or her usual occupation.
- The widow or widower, who has never remarried, of a who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces or who died as the result of service-connected disability must be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The natural mother or father of a Veteran deceased who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces and who is or was married to the father or mother of the Veteran on whose service he or she bases his or her claim; and who is widowed, divorced or separated; or who lives with him or her totally and permanently disabled husband or wife, either the Veteran's father or mother or the husband or wife of his or her remarriage, is entitled to a 10-point preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the " Armed Forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, " Honorable separation" means discharge or release from a continuous tour of active duty in any of the Armed Forces, the official records of which show the character of service or type of discharge to have been honorable, and " Veteran " means a person who served on full-time active duty, exclusive of active duty for training, in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Special Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces may obtain up to 3 sets of Special Veteran Plates. There are 33 Commemorative Veteran decals available for display on Veteran plate Registration fee is required.
Special Veteran Motorcycle Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces qualifies for the plates. The Veteran must show proof of an honorable discharge by producing a DD-214 or a letter from the Veterans Administration or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces. 3 sets of Veteran motorcycle plates may be issued to the registrant.
Maine Military Family Relief Fund: The Maine Military Family Relief Fund provides emergency assistance to qualified military members and dependants. The Fund is established to provide emergency assistance grants to Families of person who are members of the Maine National Guard or residents of the State who are members of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been called to military duty. The Fund will be administered as best practicable to fully utilize the available funds.
Eligibility: Any member of the Maine National Guard or a resident of the state who is a member of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been called to military duty; and members of the immediate Family and dependants of those personnel identified in the above paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "immediate Family" means spouse and each child of the member of the military, and "dependant" means the parents, grandparents, siblings, stepchildren and adult children of the member of the military provided they have been determined to be "dependants" by the military as demonstrated by having a military identification card identifying the Service members as the sponsor.
Medical Benefits: Hospital and domicile care compensation determined and fixed by Worker's Compensation Board.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member on State active duty.
Worker's Compensation: After Federal benefits cease.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member on State active duty.
Group Insurance: National Guard Association offers Guard member's group life insurance.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member.
Injury/Death Benefits: Paid by Worker's Compensation benefits.
Eligibility: Disease, Injury or Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Honoring a Veteran: The State of Maine has established the "Honoring a Veteran" recognition program to honor our Veterans for their honorable military service. The program honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of freedom, those Former POW's as well as those who are still POW's and/or missing, those who were wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, and all of our Veterans who honorably served our great nation and state.
Eligibility: The Gold Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the families of those Service members that have given their lives in defense of freedom since 2001 in support of combat operations while deployed, the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to Veterans that were Former POW's as well as to those Veterans that received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the Families of those Service members that lost their lives in the line of duty while not in support of combat operations, and the Honorable Service Certificate - Awarded to Veterans that served honorably.
Maine Veterans' Home: A system of six nursing home facilities located throughout the State, which were established by public vote in 1977 to provide support and care for honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period. A director and a board of trustees administer the Maines' Homes. Each Veteran admitted to the home shall pay to the State, as prescribed by the board, the share of the costs of his maintenance, which he/she can afford. Qualified Veterans may be eligible to receive a Stipend. The current Stipend rates are $97.07 per day for nursing home care and $41.90 per day for residential care.The facilities are located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris
Eligibility: To qualify for admission, the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran Eligible Veterans must have served one or more days on active duty other than for training purposes in the United States Armed Forces including the Reserve and National Guard components. Eligible Veterans must either be residents of Maine at the time of application, or have resided in Maine at the time of entry into the United States Armed Forces. Spouses, widows, widowers, and gold star parents of eligible Veterans may also be eligible for admission. Gold star parents are parents of a son or a daughter killed in the line of duty.
Maine's Memorial Cemetery System: The Maine's Memorial Cemetery System consists of three cemeteries that offer free burials to Veterans and their eligible dependents. Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery are located in Caribou, Augusta and Springvale. The three cemeteries are contemporary parks of memorial design with all grave markers placed flush with the ground level. By law, the State of Maine holds title to all grave lots. The State will, without charge, open and close the grave and furnish perpetual care.
Eligibility: An eligible Veteran must have:
- Served in the active United States Armed Forces and who: if discharged, received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, provided that the discharge was not upgraded through a program of general amnesty;
- Served in the Maine National Guard and died as a result of injury, disease or illness sustained while serving on active state service as provided in chapter 3, subchapter III, section 101-A (1), or
- Served in the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces and was entitled to retired pay under 10 United States Code, chapter 1223 or would have been entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 except that the person was less than 60 years of age.
An eligible dependent must be the wife, husband, surviving spouse, unmarried minor child, unmarried dependent child enrolled in secondary school or unmarried adult child who became incapable of self-support before reaching 18 years of age on account of mental or physical disabilities.
Homestead Exemption: This program provides a measure of property tax relief for certain individuals that have owned homestead property in Maine for at least twelve months and make the property they occupy on April 1 their permanent residence. Property owners would receive an exemption of $10,000.
Veterans Employment Assistance: State employee receives 17 work days paid military leave per calendar year and unlimited leave without pay
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Training or active duty.
Veterans Preference for Retention: In making appointments to and retention in any position on an open competitive basis in the classified service, preference shall be given to Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States
Eligibility: Veterans who have been honorably separated, or to their wives, husbands, widows, widowers, mothers or fathers.
Reemployment: State employees who enter military service retain reemployment rights under both the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 and Maine law. The state employee who enters military service on a short-term basis would generally be returned to the position that he or she left. Employees who enter military service on a long-term basis would be returned to the position that he or she left or be returned to a position of like status and pay for which he or she is qualified. Agency human resource representatives should be consulted if denial of reemployment for any reason is contemplated.
Upon the completion of service (less than 31 days, including weekend drills) employees are also entitled to reasonable time for return travel, and an eight-hour period of rest, before returning to work. The allotted time to apply for reemployment increases incrementally, depending upon the length of service.
Eligibility: Army National Guard and Reserve Service members
Veterans Preference for Examination: Preference points shall be added to the earned qualifying rating in examinations, provided that a passing grade is attained, of Veterans applying for positions in the state service in accordance with the following, provided that they have not been previously employed in the classified service after obtaining preference points. A Veteran who is receiving a disability pension shall be entitled to preference points under this subsection, notwithstanding his previous employment in the classified service after obtaining preference points.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 days consecutively and who was honorably separated must be accorded a 5-point preference.
- The widow or widower of a Veteran, who has never remarried, shall be granted a 5-point preference.
- A Veteran who served on active duty in any of the Armed Forces for at least 90 consecutive days, at any time, was honorably separated, and who has a service-connected disability of 10% or more and receives compensation, pension or disability retirement under public laws administered by the Veterans Administration or by a branch of the Armed Forces shall be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The spouse of a disabled Veteran is entitled to a 10-point preference in lieu of the Veteran when his or her service-connected disability disqualifies him or her for appointment in the classified service along the general lines of his or her usual occupation.
- The widow or widower, who has never remarried, of a who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces or who died as the result of service-connected disability must be accorded a 10-point preference.
- The natural mother or father of a Veteran deceased who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving on active duty in any of the Armed Forces and who is or was married to the father or mother of the Veteran on whose service he or she bases his or her claim; and who is widowed, divorced or separated; or who lives with him or her totally and permanently disabled husband or wife, either the Veteran's father or mother or the husband or wife of his or her remarriage, is entitled to a 10-point preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the " Armed Forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, " Honorable separation" means discharge or release from a continuous tour of active duty in any of the Armed Forces, the official records of which show the character of service or type of discharge to have been honorable, and " Veteran " means a person who served on full-time active duty, exclusive of active duty for training, in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Special Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces may obtain up to 3 sets of Special Veteran Plates. There are 33 Commemorative Veteran decals available for display on Veteran plate Registration fee is required.
Special Veteran Motorcycle Plate: Any Veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces qualifies for the plates. The Veteran must show proof of an honorable discharge by producing a DD-214 or a letter from the Veterans Administration or appropriate branch of the Armed Forces. 3 sets of Veteran motorcycle plates may be issued to the registrant.
Maine Military Family Relief Fund: The Maine Military Family Relief Fund provides emergency assistance to qualified military members and dependants. The Fund is established to provide emergency assistance grants to Families of person who are members of the Maine National Guard or residents of the State who are members of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been called to military duty. The Fund will be administered as best practicable to fully utilize the available funds.
Eligibility: Any member of the Maine National Guard or a resident of the state who is a member of the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been called to military duty; and members of the immediate Family and dependants of those personnel identified in the above paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "immediate Family" means spouse and each child of the member of the military, and "dependant" means the parents, grandparents, siblings, stepchildren and adult children of the member of the military provided they have been determined to be "dependants" by the military as demonstrated by having a military identification card identifying the Service members as the sponsor.
Honoring a Veteran: The State of Maine has established the "Honoring a Veteran" recognition program to honor our Veterans for their honorable military service. The program honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in defense of freedom, those Former POW's as well as those who are still POW's and/or missing, those who were wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, and all of our Veterans who honorably served our great nation and state.
Eligibility: The Gold Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the families of those Service members that have given their lives in defense of freedom since 2001 in support of combat operations while deployed, the Silver Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to Veterans that were Former POW's as well as to those Veterans that received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Honorable Service Medal - Awarded to the Families of those Service members that lost their lives in the line of duty while not in support of combat operations, and the Honorable Service Certificate - Awarded to Veterans that served honorably.
Maine Veterans' Home: A system of six nursing home facilities located throughout the State, which were established by public vote in 1977 to provide support and care for honorably discharged Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period. A director and a board of trustees administer the Maines' Homes. Each Veteran admitted to the home shall pay to the State, as prescribed by the board, the share of the costs of his maintenance, which he/she can afford. Qualified Veterans may be eligible to receive a Stipend. The current Stipend rates are $97.07 per day for nursing home care and $41.90 per day for residential care. The facilities are located in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris
Eligibility: To qualify for admission, the applicant must be an honorably discharged Veteran Eligible Veterans must have served one or more days on active duty other than for training purposes in the United States Armed Forces including the Reserve and National Guard components. Eligible Veterans must either be residents of Maine at the time of application, or have resided in Maine at the time of entry into the United States Armed Forces. Spouses, widows, widowers, and gold star parents of eligible Veterans may also be eligible for admission. Gold star parents are parents of a son or a daughter killed in the line of duty.
Maine's Memorial Cemetery System: The Maine's Memorial Cemetery System consists of three cemeteries that offer free burials to Veterans and their eligible dependents. Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery are located in Caribou, Augusta and Springvale. The three cemeteries are contemporary parks of memorial design with all grave markers placed flush with the ground level. By law, the State of Maine holds title to all grave lots. The State will, without charge, open and close the grave and furnish perpetual care.
Eligibility: An eligible Veteran must have:
- Served in the active United States Armed Forces and who: if discharged, received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, provided that the discharge was not upgraded through a program of general amnesty;
- Served in the Maine National Guard and died as a result of injury, disease or illness sustained while serving on active state service as provided in chapter 3, subchapter III, section 101-A (1), or
- Served in the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces and was entitled to retired pay under 10 United States Code, chapter 1223 or would have been entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 except that the person was less than 60 years of age.
An eligible dependent must be the wife, husband, surviving spouse, unmarried minor child, unmarried dependent child enrolled in secondary school or unmarried adult child who became incapable of self-support before reaching 18 years of age on account of mental or physical disabilities.
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Maine:
VA Medical Center
Augusta: VA Maine Healthcare System - Togus, 1 VA Center, 877-421-8263 / 207-623-8411
Outpatient Clinic
Houlton: Houlton Satellite Clinic, 20 Hartford St, 1-877-421-8263, ext. 2000
Portland: Portland Mental Health Clinic, 144 Fore St, 207-771-3500 / 1-877-421-8263, ext. 3500
Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Bangor: Bangor Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 35 State Hospital St, 207-561-3600 / 1-877-421-8263 ext. 3600
Calais: Calais Outpatient Clinic, 50 Union St, 207-904-3700 / 1-877-421-8263, ext. 3700
Caribou: Aroostook County (Caribou) Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 163 Van Buren Rd, Suite 6, 207-493-3800 / 1-877-421-8263, ext. 3800
Lewiston: Lewiston/ Auburn Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 15 Challenger Dr, Lewiston, 207-753-4601 / 1-877-421-8263 ext. 4601
Lincoln: Lincoln Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 99 River Rd, 207-403-2000 / 1-877-421-8263 ext. 2000
Portland: Portland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), 144 Fore St, 207-771-3500
Rumford: Rumford Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 431 Franklin St, 207-369-3200 / 1-877-421-8263 ext. 3200
Saco: Saco Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 655 Main St, 1-877-421-8263
Vet Center
Bangor: Bangor Vet Center, 368 Harlow St, In-Town Plaza, 207-947-3391 / 877-927-8387
Caribou: Caribou Vet Center, 456 York Street York St Complex, 207-496-3900 / 877-927-8387
Lewiston: Lewiston Vet Center, Parkway Complex 35 Westminster St, 207-783-0068 / 877-927-8387
Portland: Portland Vet Center, 475 Stevens Ave, 207-780-3584 / 877-927-8387
Springvale: Sanford Vet Center, 628 Main St, 207-490-1513 / 877-927-8387
Veterans Benefits
Regional Office
Augusta: Togus VA Medical/Regional Office Center, 1 VA Center, Augusta, 1-800-827-1000
Intake Site
Brunswick: Brunswick Naval Air Station, Fleet & Family Support Services, Brunswick
http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/index.html
http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/
http://www.nationalguard.com/http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1
http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/outreachpublic/me.html
http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/reservations/faq.html#disabilities
http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/benefits.htm
http://www.maineveteranshomes.org/http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/cemeteries.htm
http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/military_funeral_honors.htm
http://www.maine.gov/revenue/propertytax/homepage.html
http://www.maine.gov/revenue/propertytax/sidebar/exemptions.htm
http://www.maine.gov/revenue/forms/property/pubs/bull7text.htm
http://www.state.me.us/doc/parks/askranger/ask_fees.html#veterans
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/complimentary.htm
http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/registration/specialvetdisable.htm
http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/registration/vetdecals.htm
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-kansas-new-mexico#MAINE
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/realifelines/stateinfo.htm?state=ME
Document Review Date: 21 February 2013