State / Territory Benefits - Ohio
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Related Benefits
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities
Summary: Ohio offers special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including Veterans' Burial Expenses, Employment Assistance, Public Employment Preference, Compensation for State Active Duty, MIA/POW Orphans Scholarship, Civil Service Preference, Special Vehicle License Plates, as well as Hunting, Fishing license and State Park privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
State Tax Benefit: Beginning on or after January 1, 2007, military pay and allowances received while stationed outside of Ohio can be deducted (to the extent that these amounts are included in federal adjusted gross income). However, the military pay and allowances of Service members who are residents of the state of Ohio and are stationed inside Ohio are subject to Ohio individual income tax and school district income tax.
The military pay and allowances that qualify for deduction (for those stationed outside Ohio) include:
- Active Component of the U.S. Armed Forces-
- Military pay and allowances received while assigned to a permanent duty station outside Ohio
Military pay and allowances that DO NOT qualify for this deduction include:
- Active Component of the U.S. Armed Forces-
- Military pay and allowances received while assigned to a permanent duty station inside Ohio during which they depart Ohio for a period of temporary duty for unit or individual training (e.g., training exercises, basic and advanced training courses, and additional skill training courses)
- An Ohio resident who accompanies his/her military Service member spouse to a duty station in another state remains subject to Ohio income tax and school district income tax.
- National Guard and Reserve Components of the U.S. Armed Forces-
- Military pay and allowances received while in an "Active Duty for Training" status during which they depart Ohio for a period of temporary duty for unit or individual training (e.g., basic and advanced individual training, unit annual training, training exercises, basic and advanced training courses, and additional skill training courses)
- Any Service member on active duty-
- Pay for service in a combat zone (this pay has already been excluded in computing federal adjusted gross income)
Military Retirement Pay State Tax Exemption: For taxable years beginning 1 January 2008 military retirement pay received for service on military active duty or the National Guard or Reserves is exempt from State of Ohio tax and school district income tax.
Survivor Benefit Income:For taxable years beginning January 1, 2008, Survivor Benefits are treated as retirement income and is exempt from State of Ohio tax and school district income tax.
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:Provides additional property tax relief to qualified senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans. The new exemption offers eligible homeowners, regardless of income, the opportunity to shield up to $25,000 of the market value of their homestead (the dwelling and up to one acre of land) from property taxation. Senior and disabled Ohioans who were not previously eligible must apply with their local county auditor in order to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption, which will save the typical homeowner about $400 per year.
Eligibility: The new Homestead Exemption is available to all homeowners 65 years and older; or is certified totally and permanently disabled as of 1 Jan of the current tax year, regardless of age; or is the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, and who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse's death. The Homestead Exemption Application for Senior Citizens, Disabled Person, and Surviving Spouses must be filed with the county auditor after the first Monday in January and on or before the first Monday in June.
Ohio Veterans Bonus: The Ohio Veterans Bonus is not taxable as part of either federal or Ohio adjusted gross income. Bonus recipients also do not need to report it as income on either their federal or Ohio income tax return. The Ohio Veterans Bonus applies to any Ohio resident Veteran of an armed military service who served on active duty for purposes other than training between Aug. 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991 or at any time since Oct. 7, 2001. Eligible Veterans will receive $100 for each month spent on active duty service in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq during these times, up to a maximum of $1,000. Veterans who served in other areas are eligible for $50 for each month of active duty service, up to a maximum of $500. Family members of Service members who lost their lives in these conflicts are eligible for a benefit of $5,000 plus the benefit the deceased Veteran would have received up to a maximum of $1,500. Families of missing or prisoner of war Service members may be eligible for a bonus of $5,000. Click here for complete details, and how to apply.
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship: The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Program awards tuition assistance to the children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio Veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict. Click herefor application. The application deadline is July 1 of each year.
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study at an eligible Ohio college or university; be an Ohio resident; and must be under the age of 25.
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP): The ONGSP will pay 100% of the tuition charges of state-assisted colleges and universities. For approved private or proprietary degree-granting institutions of higher education, the program will pay 100% of the average tuition charges of all state universities. The scholarship is available for up to twelve (12) full-time quarters or eight (8) full-time semesters. ONGSP is not available for courses not applicable to or leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree. Scholarship program recipients must maintain good attendance at their unit drills; excessive absenteeism is cause for discharge from the Ohio National Guard. In such cases, Ohio law provides for recoupment of a pro-rated amount of the tuition paid plus interest.
Eligibility: The only individuals eligible for this program are Ohio residents who have a high school diploma or GED certificate and who enlist, re-enlist, or extend their current enlistment for a total commitment of six years in the Ohio National Guard.
MIA/POW Orphans Scholarship: Benefits: Payment of instructional and general fees and reasonable and necessary expenses for room and board, books, and lab fees to maximum of four academic years of undergraduate education.
Eligibility: Applicants must be between the age of 16-21; attending Ohio public assisted institutions of higher education, eligible non-profit private institution of higher education or proprietary school, Ohio resident for 12 months prior to application or, if parent does not meet residence requirements, five years prior to application.
Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund: This program provides tuition assistance to the children and spouses of peace officers, fire fighters and certain other safety officers who are killed in the line-of-duty, anywhere in the United States. It also provides assistance to the children and spouses of a member of the armed services of the US, who has been killed in the line of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or a combat zone designated by the President of the United States. The child is only eligible for this program if he/she is not eligible for the Ohio War Orphans Scholarship.
Eligibility: Must be Ohio resident. Funding is for ten semesters or 15 quarters (up to five years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained).
Employment Benefits:
Compensation for State Active Duty:Pay and Allowances: $75.00 per day minimum, plus allowance for rations and quarters.
Eligibility: Army National Guard Service member on state active duty.
The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission: The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is a state agency serving Ohioans with disabilities. The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) help people with disabilities get or keep a job. For those unable to work, the Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) determines eligibility for Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income.
Employment Assistance:State employee receives 22 workdays (176 hours) military leave per year. If state employee will make less on active duty than what they would make working for the state, Ohio will pay the difference.
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty 1-30 days, employees on duty may use any combination of the below:
- Military leave with pay (176 hours).
- While on paid military leave, employees accrue all forms of leave - sick, vacation, and personal. After the 176 hours of paid military leave expires, employees do not accrue any form of leave.
- Can be leave without pay not to exceed 2 full pay periods.
- Can use personal, vacation and compensatory leave.
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty 1-180 days, if military leave with pay (176 hours per year) is already exhausted and vacation, personal and compensatory leave are not available, or the employee does not desire to use any portion of their available leave balances, employee may use:
(Note: Employees called to Federal Duty are eligible for the benefits provided in Amended Substitute Senate Bill 164 (Pay Differential and Health Care), while employees called to State Active Duty are not.)
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty of unknown duration that will obviously exceed 180 days with no known date of return:
- Employee has full reinstatement rights after release from active duty if the individual submits a written request for reinstatement within 90 days.
- Employee may retain health care insurance by paying their share of the premium. The State of Ohio will continue to pay the employer's share.
While on paid military leave, employees accrue all forms of leave - sick, vacation, and personal. After the 176 hours of paid military leave expires, employees do not accrue any form of leave
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Training or active duty.
Public Employment Preference:Veteran's are entitled to 20% added credit on Ohio civil service exam.
Eligibility: Veterans honorably discharged from active service or transfer to a Reserve Component.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Benefits:
Special Vehicle License Plates:
Honorably Discharged Veteran Plate: Any Veteran who is an honorably discharged Veteran of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States may apply. The Veteran must submit documentation showing an honorable discharge. Veterans must submit a copy of his/her DD 214 showing an honorable discharge or a copy of the Certificate of Honorable Discharge. No Plate fee, however the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Veteran Motorcycle Plate:Any Veteran who is an honorably discharged or retired Veteran of any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States may apply. The Veteran must present documentation showing an honorable discharge or retirement. Veterans must submit a copy of his/her DD 214 showing an honorable discharge or a copy of the Certificate of Honorable Discharge or evidence of disability retirement, or a copy of the Certificate of Retirement, or any equivalent documentation such as a military I.D. card marked "retired." No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
U.S. Armed Forces Retired Plate: Any Veteran who is retired from any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States may apply. The Veteran must submit proof of retirement from the specific branch of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans must submit a copy of his/her DD 214 showing an honorable discharge and be retired from a specific branch of the United States Armed Forces or evidence of a disability retirement, or a copy of the Certificate of Retirement, or any equivalent documentation such as a military I.D. card marked "retired." No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
National Defense Plate:Any branch of service personnel may apply. Applicant must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 showing receipt of the award or a copy of the award certificate with the applicant's name identified as the recipient of the specific military medal or proof of active duty status either with an ID card that specifically states " active duty" (cards issued after April 1, 2005, will not indicate status so applicant must provide a letter) or a letter from a commanding office indicating that the applicant is in active duty status, as the award has been given to all Service members since September 11, 2001, and will continue until further determined. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
U.S Armed Forces Active Duty Plate: Applicant must submit a letter from the individual's commanding officer (on letterhead) certifying that the applicant is on active duty status or a copy of the applicant's Armed Forces identification card that shows active duty status (cards issued after April 1, 2005, will not indicate status so these applicants will have to provide a letter proving their active duty status). No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
National Guard Member Plate:These plates may be issued to any person who is an active member of the Ohio Air or Army National Guard. An Ohio Guard member must submit a written certificate from the commanding officer on company letterhead, verifying their status as an active member in good standing with the Ohio National Guard. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Purple Heart Plate:Any Veteran who received a Purple Heart medal may apply for these plates. The Veteran's DD 214 must show that a Purple Heart was awarded. Veterans must submit a copy of his/her DD 214 showing award of a Purple Heart. There is no initial plate, license tax, or renewal charge.
Military Reserve Member Plate: Any person who is a member of the reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States may apply. Reservists must submit a written certificate from the commanding officer on company letterhead, verifying the reservist's status as an active member in good standing. No additional cost for this license plate, however, The License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Persian Gulf Plate:Any honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield during the dates set by Congress may apply for combat plates. An honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member must submit either a copy of the DD 214 or a statement from the commanding officer verifying date of in country service either in Saudi Arabia or in Kuwait between August 2, 1990 and a date to be set by law or presidential proclamation. Medals on DD 214 proving in country service: Southwest Asia Service (SWA, SWASM); Kuwait Liberation Medal (KLM). If no medal(s) indicated on DD 214, the DD 214 must show the established in country dates set by Congress. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Grenada Plate: Any honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in Grenada during the invasion between the dates set by Congress may apply for combat plates. An honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member must submit either a copy of the DD 214 or a statement from the commanding officer verifying date of in country service in Grenada during October 23, 1983 - November 23, 1983. The DD 214 must show the established in country dates as set by Congress. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Korea Plate: Any honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in Korea during the conflict between the dates set by Congress may apply for combat plates. An honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member must submit either a copy of the DD 214 or a statement from the commanding officer verifying date of in country service in Korea from June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955. The DD 214 must show the established in country dates as set by Congress. No additional cost for this license plate, however, The License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Vietnam Plate: Any honorably discharged Veteran and/or active duty Service member of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in Vietnam during the conflict between the dates set by Congress may apply for combat plates. An honorably discharged Veteran must submit either a copy of the DD 214 or a statement from the commanding officer verifying date of in country service in Vietnam between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. Medals on DD 214 proving in country service: Vietnam Service Medal (VSM, VNSM, Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM, RVCM RVNCM). If no medal(s) are indicated on the DD 214, the DD 214 must show the established in country dates set by Congress. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate: Any Veteran who served during specific time within a specific area of Pearl Harbor, which is determined by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, may apply for these plates. Veterans must submit a copy of certification from the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
World War II Plate: Any honorably discharged Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States who served during World War II between the dates set by Congress may apply for combat plates.
Registrant Eligibility A honorably discharged Veteran must submit either a copy of the DD 214 or a statement from the commanding officer verifying date of service between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. The DD 214 must show the established WW II dates set by Congress. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Gold Star Family Plate: Any member of the immediate Family of a person who died in a combat zone while a member of any branch of the armed forces may apply. Registrant Eligibility BMV 4635 Affidavit form verifying the relationship to the military Family member. No additional fees are charged for system assigned plate number Gold Star Family plates; however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Click here for other Military License Plates that are available.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
OHIOCARESis a collaboration of state and local agencies supporting the behavioral health of returning OIF/OEF Veterans and their Families. Although the VA is the primary source of services for Veterans, this partnership identifies community-based resources also available to Veterans and their Families.
Worker's Compensation:Same as State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member on State active duty.
Group Insurance: The Ohio National Guard offers $1,000 free life insurance to all active members. $10,000 free first year for all new members. Premium based "term" coverage available for all active members, spouses and children through Ohio National Guard Officer and Enlisted Associations.
Eligibility: Ohio National Guard Service member.
Injury/Death Benefits:$100,000 death benefit while on active status; Reimbursement for SGLA premiums while on active status.
Eligibility: Injury/Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Parks and Recreation Benefits:
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: You may apply for hunting and fishing licenses through the Division of Wildlife. Free licenses are available to eligible former Prisoners of War or Veterans who are 100% service connected or receiving VA disability pensions. If you are granted this benefit, you can only use this license in the State of Ohio.
Eligibility: Veterans who are 100% service connected or receiving VA disability pensions as verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Hunting and Fishing License Exemptions: Hunting and fishing licenses are not required of members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough.
Free Registration of Watercraft: Veterans who are 100% service connected or receiving VA disability pensions, former Prisoner of War and Medal of Honor Recipients are eligible for free registration of watercraft.
Camping Discounts at Ohio State Parks: Ohio residents who are former Prisoners of War or who are honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total disability as determined by the Veterans Administration are entitled to camp free of charge in Ohio's state parks.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Ohio Veterans First Time Homebuyer Program: The Ohio Housing Finance Agency Veterans Program provides fixed rate financing for households in which at least one member served in the military. To qualify, homebuyers must also meet established income limits and home purchase prices limits. Purchase price limits vary according to whether a home is new or existing, or if it is in a target or non-target area.
Ohio Heroes Product: Through OHFA's Ohio Heroes product Ohio's heroes can receive all the benefits of our First-Time Homebuyer program at a .25% lower interest rate. The Ohio Heroes product is available to Active Military, Active Reserve, or a Veteran. Qualified Veterans include military members honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet OHFA’s, be creditworthy, and have qualified for the loan being requested. Military Veterans are exempt from the three-year Primary Residence Ownership Interest requirement.
Reimbursement of Federal Life Insurance Premiums: If an active duty member of the Ohio National Guard chooses to purchase life insurance pursuant to the " Service members' Group Life Insurance Act," 79 Stat. 880 et seq. (1965), 38 U.S.C. 1965 et seq., the Adjutant General shall reimburse the member in an amount equal to the monthly premium paid for each month or part of a month by the member pursuant to the act while being an active duty member.
Eligibility: Active duty member of the Ohio National Guard. Ohio Revised Code 5919.31
Ohio Veterans Homes: The Ohio Veterans Home Agency is a State of Ohio establishment comprised of two facilities, a home located in Sandusky, Ohio (approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland) and a home located in Georgetown, Ohio (approximately 45 miles east of Cincinnati). The Georgetown Home is a licensed nursing home providing two levels of nursing care - standard care and special care (Alzheimer/ Dementia). The Sandusky Home, in addition to offering standard care and special care in its licensed nursing home, also offers Veterans Hall (DOM), a domiciliary for those who are able to function in an independent living situation and DOM+ for those requiring very limited assistance (supervised care) but who do not require the level of care provided to nursing home residents. Regardless of which level of care required all residents have the freedom and convenience of a small community as well as the comforts of a home-like setting. The Ohio Veterans Home Agency offers a quality of life, which emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets social needs.
Eligibility: To be eligible for admission, an applicant must:
- Have been an Ohio resident for one year.
- Have served on active duty during a time of war or armed conflict or be the recipient of the Purple Heart, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, or Southwest Asia Service Medal.
- Have received their most recent discharge under honorable conditions.
- Be disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise and, by reason of such disability, incapable of earning a living.
- Individuals who are current drug and alcohol abusers, psychotics, or have active tuberculosis are not eligible for immediate admission.
Veterans' Burial Expenses: Burial benefits for Veterans may include a gravesite in any of our 120 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a grave liner for casketed remains, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the Family. VA can pay a burial allowance of $2000 for Veterans who died of service-related causes. For other Veterans receiving VA benefits, VA can pay $300 for burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot allowance.
Disability Compensation:Disability Compensation is a benefit paid to a Veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain Veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free.
Disability Pension Benefits: Disability Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled.
Wounded Warrior Benefits
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:Provides additional property tax relief to qualified senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans. The new exemption offers eligible homeowners, regardless of income, the opportunity to shield up to $25,000 of the market value of their homestead (the dwelling and up to one acre of land) from property taxation. Senior and disabled Ohioans who were not previously eligible must apply with their local county auditor in order to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption, which will save the typical homeowner about $400 per year.
Eligibility: The new Homestead Exemption is available to all homeowners 65 years and older; or is certified totally and permanently disabled as of 1 Jan of the current tax year, regardless of age; or is the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, and who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse's death. The Homestead Exemption Application for Senior Citizens, Disabled Person, and Surviving Spouses must be filed with the county auditor after the first Monday in January and on or before the first Monday in June.
Ohio Veterans Bonus: The Ohio Veterans Bonus is not taxable as part of either federal or Ohio adjusted gross income. Bonus recipients also do not need to report it as income on either their federal or Ohio income tax return. The Ohio Veterans Bonus applies to any Ohio resident Veteran of an armed military service who served on active duty for purposes other than training between Aug. 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991 or at any time since Oct. 7, 2001. Eligible Veterans will receive $100 for each month spent on active duty service in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq during these times, up to a maximum of $1,000. Veterans who served in other areas are eligible for $50 for each month of active duty service, up to a maximum of $500. Family members of Service members who lost their lives in these conflicts are eligible for a benefit of $5,000 plus the benefit the deceased Veteran would have received up to a maximum of $1,500. Families of missing or prisoner of war Service members may be eligible for a bonus of $5,000. Click here for complete details, and how to apply.
The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission: The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is a state agency serving Ohioans with disabilities. The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) help people with disabilities get or keep a job. For those unable to work, the Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD) determines eligibility for Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income.
Purple Heart Plate:Any Veteran who received a Purple Heart medal may apply for these plates. The Veteran's DD 214 must show that a Purple Heart was awarded. Veterans must submit a copy of his/her DD 214 showing award of a Purple Heart. There is no initial plate, license tax, or renewal charge.
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: You may apply for hunting and fishing licenses through the Division of Wildlife. Free licenses are available to eligible former Prisoners of War or Veterans who are 100% service connected or receiving VA disability pensions. If you are granted this benefit, you can only use this license in the State of Ohio.
Eligibility: Veterans who are 100% service connected or receiving VA disability pensions as verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Free Registration of Watercraft: Veterans who are 100% service connected or receiving VA disability pensions, former Prisoner of War and Medal of Honor Recipients are eligible for free registration of watercraft.
Camping Discounts at Ohio State Parks: Ohio residents who are former Prisoners of War or who are honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total disability as determined by the Veterans Administration are entitled to camp free of charge in Ohio's state parks.
Ohio Veterans First Time Homebuyer Program: The Ohio Housing Finance Agency Veterans Program provides fixed rate financing for households in which at least one member served in the military. To qualify, homebuyers must also meet established income limits and home purchase prices limits. Purchase price limits vary according to whether a home is new or existing, or if it is in a target or non-target area.
Ohio Heroes Product: Through OHFA's Ohio Heroes product Ohio's heroes can receive all the benefits of our First-Time Homebuyer program at a .25% lower interest rate. The Ohio Heroes product is available to Active Military, Active Reserve, or a Veteran. Qualified Veterans include military members honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet OHFA’s, be creditworthy, and have qualified for the loan being requested. Military Veterans are exempt from the three-year Primary Residence Ownership Interest requirement.
Ohio Veterans Homes: The Ohio Veterans Home Agency is a State of Ohio establishment comprised of two facilities, a home located in Sandusky, Ohio (approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland) and a home located in Georgetown, Ohio (approximately 45 miles east of Cincinnati). The Georgetown Home is a licensed nursing home providing two levels of nursing care - standard care and special care (Alzheimer/ Dementia). The Sandusky Home, in addition to offering standard care and special care in its licensed nursing home, also offers Veterans Hall (DOM), a domiciliary for those who are able to function in an independent living situation and DOM+ for those requiring very limited assistance (supervised care) but who do not require the level of care provided to nursing home residents. Regardless of which level of care required all residents have the freedom and convenience of a small community as well as the comforts of a home-like setting. The Ohio Veterans Home Agency offers a quality of life, which emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets social needs.
Eligibility: To be eligible for admission, an applicant must:
- Have been an Ohio resident for one year.
- Have served on active duty during a time of war or armed conflict or be the recipient of the Purple Heart, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, or Southwest Asia Service Medal.
- Have received their most recent discharge under honorable conditions.
- Be disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise and, by reason of such disability, incapable of earning a living.
- Individuals who are current drug and alcohol abusers, psychotics, or have active tuberculosis are not eligible for immediate admission.
Disability Compensation:Disability Compensation is a benefit paid to a Veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain Veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free.
Disability Pension Benefits: Disability Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled.
Survivor Benefits
Survivor Benefit Income:Survivor Benefit Plan benefits are exempt from state income tax and school district income tax for taxable years beginning Jan 1, 2008.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Ohio Veterans Bonus: The Ohio Veterans Bonus is not taxable as part of either federal or Ohio adjusted gross income. Bonus recipients also do not need to report it as income on either their federal or Ohio income tax return. The Ohio Veterans Bonus applies to any Ohio resident Veteran of an armed military service who served on active duty for purposes other than training between Aug. 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991 or at any time since Oct. 7, 2001. Eligible Veterans will receive $100 for each month spent on active duty service in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq during these times, up to a maximum of $1,000. Veterans who served in other areas are eligible for $50 for each month of active duty service, up to a maximum of $500. Family members of Service members who lost their lives in these conflicts are eligible for a benefit of $5,000 plus the benefit the deceased Veteran would have received up to a maximum of $1,500. Families of missing or prisoner of war Service members may be eligible for a bonus of $5,000. Click here for complete details, and how to apply.
Homestead Exemption:Provides additional property tax relief to qualified senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans. The new exemption offers eligible homeowners, regardless of income, the opportunity to shield up to $25,000 of the market value of their homestead (the dwelling and up to one acre of land) from property taxation. Senior and disabled Ohioans who were not previously eligible must apply with their local county auditor in order to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption, which will save the typical homeowner about $400 per year.
Eligibility: The new Homestead Exemption is available to all homeowners 65 years and older; or is certified totally and permanently disabled as of 1 Jan of the current tax year, regardless of age; or is the surviving spouse of a qualified homeowner, and who was at least 59 years old on the date of their spouse's death. The Homestead Exemption Application for Senior Citizens, Disabled Person, and Surviving Spouses must be filed with the county auditor after the first Monday in January and on or before the first Monday in June.
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship:The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Program awards tuition assistance to the children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio Veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict.
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study at an eligible Ohio college or university; be an Ohio resident; and must be under the age of 25. Click here for the application.
Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund: This program provides tuition assistance to the children and spouses of peace officers, fire fighters and certain other safety officers who are killed in the line-of-duty, anywhere in the United States. It also provides assistance to the children and spouses of a member of the armed services of the US, who has been killed in the line of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or a combat zone designated by the President of the United States. The child is only eligible for this program if he/she is not eligible for the Ohio War Orphans Scholarship.
Eligibility: Must be Ohio resident. Funding is for ten semesters or 15 quarters (up to five years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained).
Gold Star Family Plate: Any member of the immediate Family of a person who died in a combat zone while a member of any branch of the armed forces may apply. Registrant Eligibility BMV 4635 Affidavit form verifying the relationship to the military Family member. No additional fees are charged for system assigned plate number Gold Star Family plates; however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Army National Guard Benefits
Ohio Veterans Bonus: The Ohio Veterans Bonus is not taxable as part of either federal or Ohio adjusted gross income. Bonus recipients also do not need to report it as income on either their federal or Ohio income tax return. The Ohio Veterans Bonus applies to any Ohio resident Veteran of an armed military service who served on active duty for purposes other than training between Aug. 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991 or at any time since Oct. 7, 2001. Eligible Veterans will receive $100 for each month spent on active duty service in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq during these times, up to a maximum of $1,000. Veterans who served in other areas are eligible for $50 for each month of active duty service, up to a maximum of $500. Family members of Service members who lost their lives in these conflicts are eligible for a benefit of $5,000 plus the benefit the deceased Veteran would have received up to a maximum of $1,500. Families of missing or prisoner of war Service members may be eligible for a bonus of $5,000. Click here for complete details, and how to apply.
Compensation for State Active Duty:Pay and Allowances: $75.00 per day minimum, plus allowance for rations and quarters.
Eligibility: Army National Guard Service member on state active duty.
Employment Assistance:State employee receives 22 workdays (176 hours) military leave per year. If state employee will make less on active duty than what they would make working for the state, Ohio will pay the difference.
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty 1-30 days, employees on duty may use any combination of the below:
- Military leave with pay (176 hours).
- While on paid military leave, employees accrue all forms of leave - sick, vacation, and personal. After the 176 hours of paid military leave expires, employees do not accrue any form of leave.
- Can be leave without pay not to exceed 2 full pay periods.
- Can use personal, vacation and compensatory leave.
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty 1-180 days, if military leave with pay (176 hours per year) is already exhausted and vacation, personal and compensatory leave are not available, or the employee does not desire to use any portion of their available leave balances, employees may use:
(Note: Employees called to Federal Duty are eligible for the benefits provided in Amended Substitute Senate Bill 164 (Pay Differential and Health Care), while employees called to State Active Duty are not.)
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty of unknown duration that will obviously exceed 180 days with no known date of return:
- Employee has full reinstatement rights after release from active duty if the individual submits a written request for reinstatement within 90 days.
- Employee may retain health care insurance by paying their share of the premium. The State of Ohio will continue to pay the employer's share.
While on paid military leave, employees accrue all forms of leave - sick, vacation, and personal. After the 176 hours of paid military leave expires, employees do not accrue any form of leave
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Drill or active duty.
Public Employment Preference:Veteran's are entitled to 20% added credit on Ohio civil service exam.
Eligibility: Veterans honorably discharged from active service or transfer to a Reserve Component.
National Guard Member Plate:These plates may be issued to any person who is an active member of the Ohio Air or Army National Guard. An Ohio Guard member must submit a written certificate from the commanding officer on company letterhead, verifying their status as an active member in good standing with the Ohio National Guard. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Worker's Compensation:Same as State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member on State active duty.
Group Insurance: The Ohio National Guard offers $1,000 free life insurance to all active members. $10,000 free first year for all new members. Premium based "term" coverage available for all active members, spouses, and children through Ohio National Guard Officer and Enlisted Associations.
Eligibility: Ohio National Guard Service member.
Injury/Death Benefits:$100,000 death benefit while on active status; Reimbursement for SGLA premiums while on active status.
Eligibility: Injury/Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Ohio Veterans First Time Homebuyer Program: The Ohio Housing Finance Agency Veterans Program provides fixed rate financing for households in which at least one member served in the military. To qualify, homebuyers must also meet established income limits and home purchase prices limits. Purchase price limits vary according to whether a home is new or existing, or if it is in a target or non-target area.
Ohio Heroes Product: Through OHFA's Ohio Heroes product Ohio's heroes can receive all the benefits of our First-Time Homebuyer program at a .25% lower interest rate. The Ohio Heroes product is available to Active Military, Active Reserve, or a Veteran. Qualified Veterans include military members honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet OHFA’s, be creditworthy, and have qualified for the loan being requested. Military Veterans are exempt from the three-year Primary Residence Ownership Interest requirement.
Reimbursement of Federal Life Insurance Premiums: If an active duty member of the Ohio National Guard chooses to purchase life insurance pursuant to the " Service members' Group Life Insurance Act," 79 Stat. 880 et seq. (1965), 38 U.S.C. 1965 et seq., the Adjutant General shall reimburse the member in an amount equal to the monthly premium paid for each month or part of a month by the member pursuant to the act while being an active duty member.
Eligibility: Active duty member of the Ohio National Guard. Ohio Revised Code 5919.31
Ohio Veterans Homes: The Ohio Veterans Home Agency is a State of Ohio establishment comprised of two facilities, a home located in Sandusky, Ohio (approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland) and a home located in Georgetown, Ohio (approximately 45 miles east of Cincinnati). The Georgetown Homeis a licensed nursing home providing two levels of nursing care - standard care and special care (Alzheimer/ Dementia). The Sandusky Home, in addition to offering standard care and special care in its licensed nursing home, also offers Veterans Hall (DOM), a domiciliary for those who are able to function in an independent living situation and DOM+ for those requiring very limited assistance (supervised care) but who do not require the level of care provided to nursing home residents. Regardless of which level of care required all residents have the freedom and convenience of a small community as well as the comforts of a home-like setting. The Ohio Veterans Home Agency offers a quality of life, which emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets social needs.
Eligibility: To be eligible for admission, an applicant must:
- Have been an Ohio resident for one year.
- Have served on active duty during a time of war or armed conflict or be the recipient of the Purple Heart, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, or Southwest Asia Service Medal.
- Have received their most recent discharge under honorable conditions.
- Be disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise and, by reason of such disability, incapable of earning a living. Individuals who are current drug and alcohol abusers, psychotics, or have active tuberculosis are not eligible for immediate admission.
Veterans' Burial Expenses:Burial benefits for Veterans may include a gravesite in any of our 120 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a grave liner for casketed remains, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the Family. VA can pay a burial allowance of $2000 for Veterans who died of service-related causes. For other Veterans receiving VA benefits, VA can pay $300 for burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot allowance.
US Army Reserve Benefits
Employment Assistance:State employee receives 22 workdays (176 hours) military leave per year. If state employee will make less on active duty than what they would make working for the state, Ohio will pay the difference.
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty 1-30 days, employees on duty may use any combination of the below:
- Military leave with pay (176 hours).
- While on paid military leave, employees accrue all forms of leave - sick, vacation, and personal. After the 176 hours of paid military leave expires, employees do not accrue any form of leave.
- Can be leave without pay not to exceed 2 full pay periods.
- Can use personal, vacation and compensatory leave.
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty 1-180 days, if military leave with pay (176 hours per year) is already exhausted and vacation, personal and compensatory leave are not available, or the employee does not desire to use any portion of their available leave balances, employee may use:
(Note: Employees called to Federal Duty are eligible for the benefits provided in Amended Substitute Senate Bill 164 (Pay Differential and Health Care), while employees called to State Active Duty are not.)
For periods of voluntary or involuntary active duty of unknown duration that will obviously exceed 180 days with no known date of return:
- Employee has full reinstatement rights after release from active duty if the individual submits a written request for reinstatement within 90 days.
- Employee may retain health care insurance by paying their share of the premium. The State of Ohio will continue to pay the employer's share.
While on paid military leave, employees accrue all forms of leave - sick, vacation, and personal. After the 176 hours of paid military leave expires, employees do not accrue any form of leave
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Drill or active duty.
Public Employment Preference:Veteran's are entitled to 20% added credit on Ohio civil service exam.
Eligibility: Veterans honorably discharged from active service or transfer to a Reserve Component.
Military Reserve Member Plate: Any person who is a member of the reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States may apply. Reservists must submit a written certificate from the commanding officer on company letterhead, verifying the reservist's status as an active member in good standing. No additional cost for this license plate, however, the License Tax for a Passenger Car is $31.00. Click here for additional fees.
Ohio Veterans First Time Homebuyer Program: The Ohio Housing Finance Agency Veterans Program provides fixed rate financing for households in which at least one member served in the military. To qualify, homebuyers must also meet established income limits and home purchase prices limits. Purchase price limits vary according to whether a home is new or existing, or if it is in a target or non-target area.
Ohio Heroes Product: Through OHFA's Ohio Heroes product Ohio's heroes can receive all the benefits of our First-Time Homebuyer program at a .25% lower interest rate. The Ohio Heroes product is available to Active Military, Active Reserve, or a Veteran. Qualified Veterans include military members honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet OHFA’s, be creditworthy, and have qualified for the loan being requested. Military Veterans are exempt from the three-year Primary Residence Ownership Interest requirement.
Ohio Veterans Homes: The Ohio Veterans Home Agency is a State of Ohio establishment comprised of two facilities, a home located in Sandusky, Ohio (approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland) and a home located in Georgetown, Ohio (approximately 45 miles east of Cincinnati). The Georgetown Homeis a licensed nursing home providing two levels of nursing care - standard care and special care (Alzheimer/ Dementia). The Sandusky Home, in addition to offering standard care and special care in its licensed nursing home, also offers Veterans Hall (DOM), a domiciliary for those who are able to function in an independent living situation and DOM+ for those requiring very limited assistance (supervised care) but who do not require the level of care provided to nursing home residents. Regardless of which level of care required all residents have the freedom and convenience of a small community as well as the comforts of a home-like setting. The Ohio Veterans Home Agency offers a quality of life, which emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets social needs.
Eligibility: To be eligible for admission, an applicant must:
- Have been an Ohio resident for one year.
- Have served on active duty during a time of war or armed conflict or be the recipient of the Purple Heart, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, or Southwest Asia Service Medal.
- Have received their most recent discharge under honorable conditions.
- Be disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise and, by reason of such disability, incapable of earning a living. Individuals who are current drug and alcohol abusers, psychotics, or have active tuberculosis are not eligible for immediate admission.
Veterans' Burial Expenses:Burial benefits for Veterans may include a gravesite in any of our 120 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a grave liner for casketed remains, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the Family. VA can pay a burial allowance of $2000 for Veterans who died of service-related causes. For other Veterans receiving VA benefits, VA can pay $300 for burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot allowance.
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Ohio
Veterans Health Administration
VA Medical Centers
Chillicothe: Chillicothe VA Medical Center, 17273 State Route 104, 740-773-1141 / 800-358-8262
Cincinnati: Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 3200 Vine St, 513-861-3100
Cleveland: Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd, 216-791-3800
Columbus: Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center, 420 N. James Rd, 614-257-5200 / 888-615-9448
Dayton: Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St, 937-268-6511 / 800-368-8262
Outpatient Clinics
Canton: Canton Outpatient Clinic, 733 Market Ave (South), 330-489-4600
Youngstown: Youngstown Outpatient Clinic, 2031 Belmont Ave, 330-740-9200
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Akron: Akron Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 55 West Waterloo Rd, 330-724-7715
Ashtabula: Ashtabula County VA Clinic, 1230 Lake Ave, 866-463-0912
Athens: Athens Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 510 West Union St, 740-593-7314
Calcutta: East Liverpool/Calcutta Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 15655 State Route 170, 330- 386-4303
Cambridge: Cambridge Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 2146 Southgate Pkwy, 740-432-1963
Cincinnati: Clermont County Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 4600 Beechwood Rd, 513-943-3680
Cleveland: McCafferty Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 4242 Lorain Ave, 216-939-0699 /
Georgetown: Georgetown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 4903 State Route 125, 937-378-3413
Grove City: Grove City Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1955 Ohio Dr, 614-257-5800, 888- 615-9448 ext. 5800
Hamilton: Hamilton VA Healthcare Associates - Butler County, 1750 South Erie Highway, 513-870-9444
Lancaster: Lancaster Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1550 Sheridan Dr, Ste 100, 740-653-6145
Lima: Lima Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1303 Bellefontaine Ave, 419-222-5788
Lorain: Lorain Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 205 West 20th St, 440-244-3833
Mansfield: Mansfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1456 Park Ave West, 419-529-4602,
Marietta: Marietta Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 418 Colegate Dr, 740-568-0412
Marion: Marion Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1203 Delaware Ave, 740-223-8809 / 888-615-9448 ext. 5920
Middletown: Middletown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 4337 N. Union Rd, 513-423-8387
New Philadelphia: New Philadelphia Clinic, 1260 Monroe Ave, 330-602-5339
Newark: Newark CBOC, 1855 W Main St, 740-788-8329 / Toll Free 888-615-9448 ext. 5900Painesville: Painesville Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 7 West Jackson St, 440-357-6740
Parma: Parma Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 8787 Brookpark Rd, 216-739-7000
Portsmouth: Portsmouth Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 840 Gallia St, 740-353-3236
Ravenna: Ravenna Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 6751 North Chestnut St, 330-296-3641
Sandusky: Sandusky Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 3416 Columbus Ave, 419-625-7350
Springfield: Springfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 512 South Burnett Rd, 937-328-3385
St. Clairsville: Belmont County Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 103 Plaza Dr, Suite A, 740-695-9321 / 1-877-434-2721
Toledo: Toledo VA Outpatient Clinic, 1200 S. Detroit, 419-259-2000
Warren: Warren Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1460 Tod Ave NW, 330-392-0311
Zanesville: Zanesville Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 2800 Maple Ave, 740-453-7725, 888- 615-9448 ext. 5751
Vet Center
Canton: Stark County Vet Center, 601 Cleveland Ave N, Suite C, 330-454-3120 / 877-927-8387
Cincinnati: Cincinnati Vet Center, 801B W. 8th St. Suite 126, 513-763-3500 / 877-927-8387
Cleveland: McCafferty Vet Center Outstation, 4242 Lorain Ave, Suite 203, 216-939-0784 / 877-927-8387
Columbus: Columbus Vet Center, 30 Spruce St, 614-257-5550 / 877-927-8387
Dayton: Dayton Vet Center, 627 Edwin C. Moses Blvd, 6th Floor, East Medical Plaza, Phone: 937-461-9150 / 877-927-8387
Maple Heights: Cleveland Maple Heights Vet Center, 5310½ Warrensville Center Rd, 216-707-7901 / 877-927-8387
Parma: Parma Vet Center, 5700 Pearl Rd, Suite 102, 440-845-5023 / 877-927-8387
Toledo: Toledo Vet Center, 1565 S. Byrne Rd, Suite 104, 419-213-7533 / 877-927-8387
Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN)
Cincinnati: VISN 10: VA Healthcare System of Ohio
Veterans Benefits Administration
Regional Office
Cleveland: Cleveland Regional Office, 1240 East Ninth St, 800-827-1000
Intake Site
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 4881 Sugar Maple Dr
https://www.ohiohighered.org/veterans
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate_flsh.asp?isflash=&dum=ALL
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-new-york-wyoming#OHIO
http://www.defense.gov/specials/outreachpublic/oh.html
http://ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/exemptions.aspx
Document Review Date: 26 March 2013