State / Territory Benefits - Maryland
State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Health and Insurance Benefits
Special Vehicle License Plates
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Miscellaneous Benefits
Military Installations: Active Duty
Military Installations: National Guard
Military Installations: Army Reserve
VA Medical Facilities
Resources
Summary: The State of Maryland offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including retired military pay exemptions, education and tuition assistance, employment services, special military vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Tax Advantage: None
Retired Military Pay: Military retirees are exempt from Maryland income tax on the first $5000 of their retirement income. In addition, military retirees who are over the age of 65, totally disabled, or who have a spouse who is totally disabled receive an additional subtraction. (Effective July 31, 2006, for all taxable years after December 31, 2005)
Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Property Tax Exemption: A property tax exemption is available to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes, for their primary residence located in the State of Maryland. The exemption passes to the veteran's spouse upon his or her death. The surviving spouse of active duty military personnel who died in the line of duty as well as the surviving spouse of a totally disabled veteran, or a spouse who receives the dependency and indemnity compensation (effective June 30, 2006) may also receive an exemption. Contact your county's tax assessor's office or 800-944-7403.
Vessel Excise Tax: Active duty military personnel are exempt from the 5% vessel excise tax levied on the sale, resale or transfer of a vessel. The exemption is for not more than one year to current owners of vessels who are members of the armed services and who are serving on active duty.
Vehicle Registration: Active duty military members establishing residency in Maryland are eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state when titling and registering a vehicle within one year of moving to Maryland.
Education Benefits:
MTA Veterans Workforce Training Program: Many MTA training classes are open to qualified U.S. military veterans who are Maryland residents. The primary goal of the program is to assist U.S. military veterans living in Maryland, regardless of age or length of service, with preparation for a meaningful career by providing the skills and training opportunities necessary to succeed in today's workforce. Once MTA employees have had the opportunity to register, eligible U.S. veterans will be able to apply for remaining open seats in many MTA training classes, with preference given to those veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility: U.S. military veterans, National Guard and Reserves who are Maryland residents.
State Tuition Waiver (STW): Provides an "up front" waiver of up to 50% for tuition cost for members of the MD Army National Guard attending Maryland State colleges and universities.
Eligibility: Maryland Army National Guard members.
State Tuition Assistance (STA): Reimburses soldiers up to 50% of tuition and related fees after verification of grade of "C" or better for undergraduate courses. Not available if receiving reimbursement from any other source. Both programs may be used in conjunction with Federal Tuition Assistance and the MGIB.
Eligibility: Maryland Army National Guard members.
State Tuition Waiver (Air National Guard): 50% tuition waived for all partner schools through graduate programs. 50% off tuition and related fees for undergraduate programs at partner schools.
Eligibility: Maryland Air National Guard members.
Tuition Assistance (Air National Guard): Up to 100% tuition assistance. 50% tuition waived for all partner schools through graduate programs. 50% off tuition and related fees for undergraduate programs at partner schools. Tuition assistance for vocational-technical courses at MD public colleges, universities and private institutions if the latter provides a 50% tuition waiver.
Eligibility: Maryland Air National Guard members.
- A veteran or active duty military member who served in the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan (Effective June 1, 2006)
- The son or daughter of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died or was 100 percent disabled as a direct result of military service;
- A veteran who suffers, as a direct result of military service, a disability of 25 percent or greater and has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans' educational benefits;
- The son, daughter or surviving spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack who died as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the attack on the Pentagon in Virginia, or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania;
- A POW/MIA of the Vietnam Conflict or his/her son or daughter; the son, daughter or surviving spouse (who has not remarried) of a state or local public safety employee or volunteer who died in the line of duty;
- Or a state or local public safety employee or volunteer who was 100 percent disabled in the line of duty. Call 800-974-1024 for more information.
Students applying for renewal rewards are given first priority. The amount must be used for tuition and mandatory fees at any eligible institution, but may not exceed the equivalent resident undergraduate annual tuition and mandatory fees of the University of Maryland, College Park. APPLICATION: Must complete the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship application. Mail to: Maryland Higher Education Commission Office of Student Financial Assistance 839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400 Annapolis, MD 21401-3013 (410) 260-4565; (800) 974-1024 TTY for the Deaf - (800) 735-2258 http://www.mhec.state.md.us/
Veterans of the Afghanistan & Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program: This program is designed to provide financial assistance to United States armed forces personnel who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, and their sons, daughters, or spouses who are current high school seniors, and full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution.
Eligibility: Uniformed Services Members of the United States who served in Afghanistan, or contiguous air space as defined in federal regulations, on or after October 24, 2001, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Defense; or in Iraq, or contiguous waters or air space as defined in federal regulations, on or after March 19, 2003, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Defense, may apply for a scholarship if they are:
-- A veteran, active duty member of the Armed Forces, a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or the Maryland National Guard who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts and who served at least 60 days in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, as defined above;
-- a son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran or active duty member of the Armed Forces who is serving or has served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts at least 60 days, as defined above; or
-- a son, daughter, or spouse of a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of Maryland National Guard who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts and served at least 60 days, as defined above.
Hodson Trust Star Scholarship - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: The Hodson Trust and four Maryland colleges (Hood College, Johns Hopkins University, St. John's College [Annapolis campus] and Washington College) are awarding annual undergraduate and graduate scholarships to eligible veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Each of the four schools will award up to a total of three scholarships a year beginning with academic year 2007-08 until academic year 2012. The scholarships will meet 100 percent of each participating institution's published annual tuition, room, board, books and mandatory student fees, not otherwise covered by federal, state and outside assistance.
Eligibility: Candidates for the Hodson Trust Scholarship must:
-- Provide proof of deployment of at least 60 days in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001. Eligible applicants include veterans who did not meet the 60-day active service period as a result of a service-related injury or condition.
-- Provide proof of Maryland residency at the time of deployment and Maryland residency following return to the U.S.
-- Apply for and accept all federal and state need-based grants, all available military educational benefits and any special scholarship programs designed for veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts.
-- Meet all requirements for admission at a participating institution, and maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing in order to continue the scholarship through graduation. A recipient's individual scholarship term will not extend beyond four years.
Contact the Office of Admissions at one of the participating institutions to apply for the Hodson Trust Star Scholarship:
http://www.mdva.state.md.us/state/scholarships.html
High School Diplomas: County Boards of Education award high school diplomas to Korea and World War II veterans who left high school early to enter the Armed Forces. Diplomas are also issued to any veteran upon successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test. Call 410-767-0538 for information.
Employment Assistance: The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation offers valuable information on career advancement and education to veterans. Maryland's One Stop Career Centers are part of a nationwide system that provides information to job seekers and employers. The Career Centers are located in 23 counties and Baltimore City. Go to http://www.dllr.state.md.us/.
Employment Preference: Eligible veterans honorably released from active service may receive a 10-point veterans' preference in State employment testing. The preference also includes the spouses of disabled or deceased eligible veterans. Call the Maryland Department of Budget and Management Office of Personnel Services and Benefits at 410-767-4850.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
Medical and Healthcare Personnel: Veterans, individuals who are preparing to separate from the military and their spouses who are healthcare professionals are eligible for assistance with certification and job placement with Maryland's healthcare industry. Go to www.dllr.state.md.us/provets/ or call 410-767-2091
Medical Benefits: Medical benefits provided for State Active Duty members under Worker's compensation.
Eligibility: Maryland Air and Army National Guard members.
Group Insurance: Through ReliaStar the Maryland National Guard offers active Guard members $1,000 no cost fd coverage; $10,000/$3.66; 15,000/$5.33; $20,000/ $7; $25,000/$8.67; $30,000/$10.34; $50,000/ $17. Family plan of $5,000/ $3.33 spouse & child. Spouse only $5,000/$2; $10,000/ $3,66; $25,000/ $8.67. MD NGA offers SGLI alternative, through AFBA/5Star.
Eligibility: Maryland Air and Army National Guard members.
Workers Compensation: State Active Duty National Guard members receive worker's compensation benefits.
Eligibility: Maryland Air and Army National Guard members.
Injury/Death Benefits: Provided for State Active Duty through Worker's Compensation. If Guard member is killed while on State Active Duty or Title 32 duty, $100,000 death benefit to family if not eligible for Death Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Eligibility: Maryland Army National Guard members.
Special Vehicle License Plates:
Special Vehicle License Plates: Maryland offers the following Military related plates for a $25.00 fee: * Asiatic Pacific Medal * Asiatic Pacific Medal (motorcycle) * Bronze Star Medal * Bronze Star Medal (motorcycle) * Combat Infantry Badge * Combat Infantry Badge (motorcycle) * Congressional Medal of Honor * Congressional Medal of Honor (motorcycle) * Distinguished Flying Cross Medal * Distinguished Flying Cross Medal (motorcycle) * Distinguished Service Cross Medal * Distinguished Service Cross Medal (motorcycle) * Honorably Discharged Veteran * Honorably Discharged Veteran (motorcycle) * Korean Service Medal* Korean Service Medal (motorcycle)* National Guard Plates * Purple Heart Medal * Purple Heart Medal (motorcycle) * Silver Star Medal * Silver Star Medal (motorcycle) * Southwest Asia Service Medal * Southwest Asia Service Medal (motorcycle) * Vietnam Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal (motorcycle) * World War II veteran
Eligibility: Vehicles must be passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, motorcycles or trucks (10,000 lbs. or less). Applicant must submit:* Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120) * Applicable fee and one of the following: * Discharge papers (Form DD-214) * Medal Certification * Written proof from National Personnel Records Center
Disabled Veteran License Plates: Disabled veteran license plates are issued in recognition of a customer's military service-related injuries. They can only be issued gratis (free of charge) to a veteran who is 100% disabled. The license plates are printed in two formats: with or without the universal symbol for disability. Paid DAV plates are considered organization plates. You can apply for the plates in person at any of the MVA's full service branch offices. You also can mail your application to the MVA's Specialty Tag Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying.
Eligibility: Proof of 100% disability from the Veterans Administration; Application for Maryland Parking Placard/ License Plates for Individuals with a Disability - this form is only required when license plates with the universal symbol fro a disability are requested. Be sure to include the vehicle's information.
http://www.marylandmva.com/index.html
http://www.mdva.state.md.us/license.html
Combat-related License Plates: These plates are issued in recognition of a customer's military achievements. They can only be issued to a veteran or active member of the military who furnishes documentation proving receipt of the military award or honor recognized on the plates. Samples of combat-related license plates are available for you to view. You can apply for the plates in person at any of the MVA's full service branch offices. You also can mail your application to the MVA's specialty Tag Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying.
Eligibility: Typically, the application documents needed include:
-- Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120) - Be sure to include the vehicle's information.
-- Proof of combat-related award: Copy of military discharge papers (form #DD214); or Copy of document verifying award (e.g. Purple Heart Certificate); or Written proof from the National Personnel Records Center that the applicant received the award.
http://www.mva.maryland.gov/index.html
http://www.mdva.state.md.us/state/licensePlates.html
Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Complimentary (no fee) hunting and fishing licenses for Disabled American veterans (DAV) and ex-Prisoners of War (POWs) in the State of Maryland.
Eligibility: Disabled veterans with 100% service connected disability rating and proper paperwork from the veterans Administration. POWs and Disabled Veterans must be Maryland residents.
Eligibility: Maryland National Guard members.
Transportation Benefits: Free passage through toll gates on roads to and from duty.
Eligibility: Maryland National Guard members.
Jury Duty Exemption: National Guard members are exempt from jury duty.
Eligibility: Maryland National Guard members.
Loan Benefits: Interest free emergency loans through relief fund. SSCRA & USERRA for MD NG members mobilized under Article 65 (Militia Law), Title 10 or 502(f) of Title 32.
Eligibility: Maryland National Guard members.
Maryland's State Cemetery Program: The State of Maryland and the Maryland Department of veterans Affairs is pleased to offer veterans, and their eligible dependents, a final resting place at one of five State veterans' cemeteries throughout Maryland. Maryland's program is the largest of its kind in the nation. The following facilities provide interment services during the normal business week (Monday through Friday) and are open to the public 365 days of the year. * Cheltenham veterans Cemetery * Crownsville veterans Cemetery * Eastern Shore veterans Cemetery * Garrison Forest veterans Cemetery * Rocky Gap veterans Cemetery
Eligibility: Veteran must have been a legal resident in Maryland either (1) at time of entry into active service, (2) at time of death, or (3) for a period of at least two years; honorably discharged. Certain members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who meet the legal residence requirements are also eligible. Public Law H.R. 821, enacted May 4, 1994, extends burial eligibility to persons who have 20 years of service creditable for retired pay as members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or who would have been entitled to retired pay but for the fact that the person was under 60 years of age.* Eligibility extends to the spouse, widow or widower of an eligible veteran or service member, including the widow or widower of an Armed Forces member lost or buried at sea, or officially determined to be permanently absent in a status of " missing" or " missing in action" who met the legal residence requirements at the time the eligible veteran or service member was last known to have been alive. * Eligibility extends to the children of an eligible veteran. A child is an unmarried person who is a legitimate or illegitimate child, a child legally adopted before the age of 21, a stepchild who acquired that status before the age of 21 and who is a member of the veteran's household at the time of the veteran's death and: who is under the age of 21 years; or who, before reaching the age of 21 years, became permanently incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical disability; or o who is up to 23 years of age and is pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution.The veteran should be aware that his dependent's burial eligibility is based solely on the veteran's military service and Maryland residency. If the spouse, dependent minor children, or disabled adult children precede the eligible veteran in death, the veteran is required to execute an agreement electing to be buried in the same grave site before the spouse or child may be interred in a State veterans Cemetery. If the veteran changes his/her mind or his/her legal representative fails to abide by that agreement, for any reason other than the remains are unrecoverable, then the remains of the family member interred in the State veterans Cemetery must be removed without cost to the state.
Non-veteran Spousal Admission to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home: The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs will provide Domiciliary (Assisted Living) and Comprehensive Nursing Care to honorably discharged Maryland veterans given that the admission of non-veteran and surviving (widow/widower) spouses will enhance the quality of life of the veteran resident and create a family-like environment within Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. [U.S. Code Title 38, Part VI, Chapter 81, Subchapter III, Section 8135(A)(4)]
Eligibility: 1. A qualifying spouse must meet the qualifying admission criteria and produce proof of marriage to an eligible veteran; 2. A qualifying spouse may not be admitted once the Charlotte Hall veterans Home's census reaches 90%, unless otherwise determined by the Maryland veterans Home Commission and Maryland Department of veterans Affairs; 3. A qualifying spouse is not eligible for a federal veterans' Affairs per diem provided for veteran residents, nor for the additional State subsidy provided veteran residents in Assisted Living; 4. The admission of a qualifying spouse must be at no cost to the State of Maryland, except under the State's Medicaid program; 5. A qualifying spouse is to receive the same quality of care, appropriate to his or her needs; 6. A qualifying spouse may remain a resident of Charlotte Hall veterans Home if the veteran spouse, who is also a resident, either dies or is discharged; and 7. A qualifying spouse who is discharged for medical reasons may be eligible for readmission, provided an admission application is filed within 60 days of the preceding discharge. A qualifying spouse who is discharged for non-medical reasons may not be eligible for readmission.
Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in Maryland
Army
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: http://www.apg.army.mil/apghome/sites/local/
Fort Detrick, MD: http://www.detrick.army.mil/
Fort Meade, MD: http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/
Navy
Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, MD: http://www.benefits.military.com/misc/installations/Base_Content.jsp?id=3115
Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA), Ft. Meade, MD: http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/
U.S. Naval Academy, MD: http://www.usna.edu/homepage.php
National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD: http://www.bethesda.med.navy.mil/
Air Force
Andrews Air Force Base (AFB), MD: http://www.andrews.af.mil/
Bolling Air Force Base (AFB), MD: http://www.bolling.af.mil/
Maryland National Guard Joint Force Headquarters: http://www.md.ngb.army.mil
Maryland Army National Guard: http://www.md.ngb.army.mil/
Maryland Air National Guard: http://www.175wg.ang.af.mil/
U.S. Army Reserve (USAR):
Installations in the Military District of Washington: http://www.mdw.army.mil/
Army
Fort Belvoir, VA: http://www.belvoir.army.mil/
Fort Myer, VA; Fort McNair, Washington, DC: http://www.fmmc.army.mil/sites/local/
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.: http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/
Navy
Naval District Washington: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw/index.htm
Marines
Henderson Hall, Washington, D.C.: http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/hqbat/Pages/default2.aspx
Quantico Marine Corps Base, VA: http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Maryland:
VA Medical Centers
Baltimore: Baltimore VAMC - VA Maryland Health Care System
Perry Point: Perry Point VAMC - VA Maryland Health Care System
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Baltimore: Loch Raven VA Outpatient Clinic
Cambridge: Cambridge Outpatient Clinic
Charlotte Hall: Southern Maryland VA Outpatient Clinic
Cumberland: Cumberland Outpatient Clinic
Fort Howard: Fort Howard VA Outpatient Clinic
Glen Burnie: Glen Burnie Outpatient Clinic
Greenbelt: Community Clinic-Greenbelt
Hagerstown: Hagerstown Outpatient Clinic
Pocomoke: Pocomoke City Outpatient Clinic
Regional Office
Baltimore: Baltimore Regional Office
Veterans Health Administration
VISN Linthicum: VISN 5: VA Capitol Health Care Network
VA Health Care System
Baltimore: Baltimore VA Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center (BRECC)
Resources
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate2.html#MARYLAND
http://www.military.com/Education/Content?file=midatlnt.htm#Maryland
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/download/dnrforms.asp
http://www.mdva.state.md.us/state/education.html
http://www.1800goguard.com/benefits/state.php
http://www.goang.com/benefits/state/default.aspx?stateprovince=Maryland
Document Review Date: 30 March 2011