State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Compensation
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities
Delaware Military Resource Locator
Resources

Summary of Delaware Military and Veterans Benefits: Delaware offers special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including state employment preferences and assistance, education and tuition assistance, special vehicle tags, Veterans homes, burial benefits as well as hunting and fishing licenses. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.

Delaware Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

What are my Delaware Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?

Delaware State Sales Tax: Delaware does not impose a state or local sales tax but does impose a gross receipts tax on the seller of goods (tangible or otherwise) or provider of services in the state.

Learn more about Delaware State Sales Tax

Delaware Military Retired Pay Income Taxes: Person’s 60 years of age or older are entitled to a pension exclusion of up to $12,500 or the amount of the pension and eligible retirement income (whichever is less). Eligible retirement income includes dividends, interest, capital gains, net rental income from real property and qualified retirement plans (IRS Sec. 4974), such as IRA, 401 (K), and Keough plans, and government deferred compensation plans (IRS Sec. 457). The combined total of pension and eligible retirement income may not exceed $12,500 per person age 60 or over. If you are under age 60 and receiving a pension, the exclusion amount is limited to $2,000.

In Addition, the amount of $2,000 may be excluded by any person who has a total and permanent disability or by a person who is over 60 years of age, and whose earned income in the taxable year is less than $2,500 and whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $10,000.

Learn more about Delaware Military Retired Pay Income Taxes

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

• Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families

• Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living

• Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or

• Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.

If you are a retired Service member and receive disability benefits from the VA, see IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Learn more about Delaware State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay

Delaware State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.

Learn more about Delaware State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Delaware State Tax Benefits: As a resident of Delaware, the amount of your pension and 401K income that is taxable for federal purposes is also taxable in Delaware. However, person’s 60 years of age or older are entitled to a pension exclusion of up to $12,500 or the amount of the pension and eligible retirement income (whichever is less). Eligible retirement income includes dividends, interest, capital gains, net rental income from real property and qualified retirement plans (IRS Sec. 4974), such as IRA, 401 (K), and Keough plans, and government deferred compensation plans (IRS Sec. 457). The combined total of pension and eligible retirement income may not exceed $12,500 per person age 60 or over. If you are under age 60 and receiving a pension, the exclusion amount is limited to $2,000.

Learn more about Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Delaware State Tax Benefits

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Education Benefits?

Delaware National Guard Tuition Assistance: Up to 100% tuition at state college/university or average of in-state tuition at private college or university in Delaware.
Who is eligible for Delaware National Guard Tuition Assistance? Any active member of a federally recognized unit of the Delaware National Guard, who meets the requirements for satisfactory membership as defined by the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard, shall be eligible for funding support by the Delaware National Guard for certain post-secondary education tuition and fees.

Learn more about Delaware National Guard Tuition Assistance

Delaware Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans Prisoners of War and Service Members Declared Missing in Action: Delaware provides educational benefits for the Children of deceased Veterans, POWs (Prisoners of War) and MIAs (Missing in Action). The per student benefits may include funds for the payment of tuition and required institutional fees for an academic year. Benefits shall be limited to four years of training or education. The amount of benefit per student cannot exceed the amount of tuition and fees per academic year. Benefits are administered by the Delaware Postsecondary Education Commission.
Who is eligible for Delaware Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans Prisoners of War and Service Members Declared Missing in Action? To qualify for this entitlement an applicant must be:

• The Child of

  • A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was killed while on active duty or who died from disease, wounds, injuries or disabilities arising or resulting from performance of duty

  • A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is being held, or who was held prisoner of war

  • A member of the U.S. Armed Forces officially declared missing in action

• A person who at the time of application for benefits is at least 16 years of age, but not more than 24 years of age, and who has been a resident of the State for at least three years prior to the date of application, and

• Attending or admitted for attendance at an educational institution beyond the high school level in a program not to exceed four years in duration

• No Child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive educational benefits in accordance with this subchapter unless such Child qualifies above, and:

  • A parent of such Child Is a resident of the State and is or was missing in action or held as a prisoner of war, or

  • Was a resident of the State at the time such parent was killed or later died from disease, wounds, injuries or disabilities arising or resulting from performance of duty.

Learn more about Delaware Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans, Prisoners of War and Service Members Declared Missing in Action

Delaware High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans: Chapter 90 provides a High School Diploma to those Veteran who did not graduate from high school due to their military service during times of war or conflict.
Who is eligible for Delaware High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans? A Veteran who served during any of the following periods: World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 11, 1946, and also during occupation of defeated territories up to September 8, 1951; Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955; and Vietnam: May 1, 1961 through April 30, 1975. Veterans interested in receiving a diploma may contact the Delaware Office of Veterans Services at 800-344-9900 or 302-739-2792.

Learn more about Delaware High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans

Delaware Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children of military Families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

• Facilitating the prompt enrollment of Children of military Families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements

• Facilitating the student placement process through which Children of military Families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities

• Facilitating the on-time graduation of Children of military Families

• Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact

• Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military Families under this compact

• Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military Children.

• Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.

MIC3 Assistance Request

Primary Point of Contact
Phone: 302-857-3356

Learn more about Delaware Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?

Delaware State Employee Leave for Military Duty: State Merit Employees, (employees that have completed their initial probationary period for full time employment), who enter active military service are entitled to a leave of absence for the period of time of their tour of duty, extended for 90 calendar days beyond the date on which their active duty terminates.

In addition, Merit employees who are ordered to attend training camp or to special duty training during scheduled work hours are entitled to paid military leave of 112.5 hours (based on a 37.5 hour workweek) or 120 hours (based on a 40 hour workweek). This leave accrues at the beginning of each calendar year. If the active duty tour extends beyond the number of hours for which employees are eligible to be paid, the portion of the leave beyond that time period shall be without pay or employees may request to use annual leave. Military leave is pro-rated for part-time employees.
Who is eligible for Delaware State Employee Leave for Military Duty? Delaware National Guard and Reserve members that are state Merit Employees are eligible for leave for military duty.

Learn more about Delaware State Employee Leave for Military Duty

Delaware State Employee Continuation Pay During Military Duty: Delaware state employees called to active military service for any operational mission to augment active forces as ordered are eligible for a continuation of their State salary, less any military compensation received in accordance with Senate Bill 169. The amount of salary continuation will include the amount of employees' salary funded by State appropriation, Special Funds, or Federal funds. State compensation is limited to base salary only and does not include hazardous duty pay, shift differential or any other special pays.

Learn more about Delaware State Employee Continuation Pay During Military Duty

Delaware Professional License Services for Military Personnel: The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation offers a number of benefits for Services members, Veterans and Spouses. A short description of these services is below. All those interested in these benefits must use the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation Online Portal (DELPROS).

Continuation of Delaware Professional License/ Permit for Active Military Personnel: For Service members that are qualified, you may apply to have your Delaware professional license remain active while you are on military deployment. Protection from a license or permit expiration under this provision does not void or limit your obligations as a licensee to meet all licensure requirements of applicable laws and regulations.

Delaware Provisional License/ Permit for Service Members and Spouses: If you are a qualified military member or the Spouse of a qualified member, you may apply for a provisional professional license to practice in Delaware for up to six months while your application for a Delaware professional license is pending.

Military Education, Training or Experience: Delaware law allows professional licensing boards to consider your military education, training, or experience (METE) when determining whether you qualify for a professional license. To give credit for the METE, the Board must determine, based on the proof you submit, that your education, training, or experience is substantially equivalent to the licensure requirements in the law and regulations for your profession. In addition, you must meet all other licensure requirements, such as passing an examination.

Applicants must meet all the following requirements

• You are an active or reserve component Service member in the U.S. Armed Forces, retired Service member or a military Veteran

• You are filing a license application at the same time as this request, or you have already filed the application and it is still pending

• You believe you can meet the education and/or experience requirements of licensure only if given credit for METE.

Learn more about Delaware Professional License Services for Military Personnel

Delaware State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference: State employment preference will be given to Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who served as an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces and were honorably discharged. The rules will also provide for preference to be given to active and honorably discharged members with at least 20 years of service in either the Delaware National Guard or a Reserve unit located within Delaware.

These rules provide that:

• Preference will be confined to original entrance and will not be applied to promotion within the classified service or to retention in case of reduction in force

• Preference is granted only in the form of credits to be added to earned ratings in examinations, with disabled Veterans receiving no more than 10 points and other Veterans no more than five points

• All Veterans or members will be required to meet job requirements before receiving preference credits

• Employees in state employment, that leave the state service to engage in military service will be given credit for seniority purposes for the time served in the U.S. Armed Forces not to exceed three years, and

• Five preference points may be claimed by the Spouse of any of the following, so long as the Spouse achieves a passing examination grade:

  • Any Veteran or member who has died, so long as the Surviving Spouse has not remarried

  • Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces serving on active duty who, at the time of application for the preference, is listed in 1 or more of the following categories for a total of more than 90 days:

    • Missing in action

    • Captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or

    • Forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power, or

  • Any Veteran or member who has a disability resulting from a service-connected disability.

Learn more about Delaware State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference

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

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

• During a war, or

• During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955, or

• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or

• During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or

• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or

• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any U.S. Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.

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

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

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

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

• A Veteran who received a Purple Heart.

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

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

• Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or

• Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or

• Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability.

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

Learn more about Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences

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

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

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

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning Service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning Service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for Service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act? Veterans, Reservists, or National Guard members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides assistance to all having claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations

Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act VETS Regional Office Locations

Learn more about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

Delaware State Retirement Credited for Military Service: If you were hired before July 1, 1976, you may receive service credit for up to five years, for full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, you must have become an employee within five years after completion of your tour of duty or within five years after completion of a course of professional or vocational training (if such course was begun within five years of completion of your tour of duty). The course of professional or vocational training is defined as one leading to a certificate, diploma or degree and offered by a public or private non-profit or proprietary institution approved by the Department of Education. You must have enrolled on a continuous, full-time basis and completed the course of instruction.

If you are called into active service or volunteer for active service in the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard of the State while you are an active member within the plan and you return to your covered employment with the State within 90 days of the discharge, you will receive full creditable service for such full-time continuous active military service.

If you do not qualify for the above, you may purchase up to five years of credit for full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces by paying into the plan an amount equal to the actuarial value of the credits purchased as determined by the Board of Pension Trustees. The credits so purchased cannot be used to determine eligibility for a pension; however, it will be used in the calculation of the benefit.

Learn more about Delaware State Retirement Credited for Military Service

Compensation for Delaware National Guard Duty: For every day of service while on State duty on account of an emergency or impending emergency, each enlisted member, officer or warrant officer of the Delaware National Guard shall receive a sum equal to twice the per diem, pay and allowances that military personnel of like grade and length of service in the U.S. Armed Forces would be entitled to receive for a similar period of service. For state duty outside of emergency or impending emergency responses, including training or other nonemergency response authorized by the Adjutant General, members of the Delaware National Guard shall receive a sum equal to the per diem, pay, and allowances that military personnel of like grade and length of service in the U.S. Armed Forces receive for a similar period of service, with the exception of radiological emergency preparedness (REP) events. For REP events, members of the Delaware National Guard shall receive a sum equal to allowances and twice the base pay.

Learn more about Compensation for Delaware National Guard Duty

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Unemployment Compensation Benefits?

Delaware Unemployment Insurance (UI): The Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance administers the UI program. UI benefits are made available through taxes paid by former employer(s) to partially replace regular earnings and help applicants meet expenses while they look for another job. These benefits are intended to assist workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are not based on financial need.
Delaware Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook

Before filing a claim, applicants will need the following information:

• Social Security Number

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers for the last 18 months

• Name and local number of union hall, if applicable

• Telephone number

• State issued driver's license, or ID Card

• Non U.S. citizens, must provide their alien registration number and expiration date.

Complete list of Questions asked when applying for UI

Who is eligible for Delaware UI? To be eligible an applicant must:

• Have earned a minimum amount of wages

• Unemployed through no fault of your own

Be able to work, available for work, actively seeking work, and willing to accept work they are qualified for.

https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/unemployment-benefits-faqs/

Applicants can file a new or reopened claim for UI benefits at the Delaware UI Online Claimant Portal.

Applicants may use this option if they:

• Are an unemployed Delaware worker

• Have reduced hours

• Are filing against a former military employer

• Are filing against a former federal civilian employer

• Are not a U.S. citizen.

Applicants may not use this option if they:

• Are filing a partial claim through use of partial/low earnings slips

• Were employed in another state during the preceding 18 months

• Are residing outside the U.S.

If any of these exceptions apply applicants must contact the UI office to file a claim at 302-761-8446 or by email to dol dui wilmington claims@delaware.gov.

Unemployment Insurance Information Hotline:

New Castle County residents: 302-761-6576

Residents outside New Castle County: 800-794-3032

Delaware Department of Labor, Unemployment Insurance Office Directory

Learn more about Delaware Unemployment Insurance (UI)

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits?

Veteran Designation on Delaware ID Cards: Veteran Identification (ID) Cards are being issued by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. This card is available to any Delaware Veteran that served in the U.S. military and was honorably discharged. The cards are free of charge.

To obtain the card, Veterans must have a valid Delaware driver license or ID card and provide proof of military service, such as:

• Military ID

• DD214

• Deployment Orders

• Honorable Discharge Certificate.

The Veteran ID cards can be obtained at all Division of Motor Vehicle locations. To schedule an appointment, please call

• Dover DMV at 302-744-2515

• Georgetown at 302-853-1003

• Wilmington DMV at 302-434-3220 or

• Delaware City DMV at 302-832-5176

Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday from noon to 8:00 p.m.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle Office Locations

Learn more about Veteran Designation on Delaware Driver Licenses and ID Cards

Delaware Military and Veteran License Plates: Delaware offers 37 license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible Service members, Veterans, retired Service members and Family members.

Learn more about Delaware Military and Veteran License Plates

Delaware Disabled American Veterans License Plates: Delaware offers distinctive Disabled American Veterans License Plates to eligible Veterans for use on private passenger vehicles and trucks with a ¾ ton or smaller manufacturer rated capacity. There is no fee in addition to the annual registration fee required for this license plate; however, the original application is subject to a $10 administrative fee.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Disabled American Veterans License Plates? Veterans with a disability of any war (the Korean conflict, the Vietnam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil) in which U.S. Armed Forces were formally engaged in battle are eligible. Surviving Spouses may retain this license plate upon the death of the Veteran.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, Application for Special Disabled American Veteran License Plates

Learn more about the Delaware Disabled American Veterans License Plates

Delaware Purple Heart License Plates: Delaware offers distinctive Purple Heart License Plates to eligible Veterans for use on private passenger vehicles and trucks with a ¾ ton or smaller manufacturer rated capacity. There is no fee in addition to the annual registration fee required for this license plate; however, the original application is subject to a $10 administrative fee.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Purple Heart License Plates? To be eligible an applicant must possess official documentation which indicates that they are the recipient of the Purple Heart medal. In addition, the applicant must be a Veteran of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which U.S. Armed Forces were formally engaged in battle. Surviving Spouses may retain this license plate upon the death of the Veteran.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, Application for Purple Heart License Plates

Learn more about the Delaware Purple Heart License Plates

Delaware Retired Military Plates: Delaware offers distinctive Retired Military License Plates to eligible Veterans for use on private passenger vehicles and trucks with a ¾ ton or smaller manufacturer rated capacity. There is no fee in addition to the annual registration fee required for this license plate; however, the original application is subject to a $10 administrative fee.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Retired Military Plates? To be eligible an applicant must be a Veteran that has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces after having served an aggregate minimum of 20 years in 1 or more of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Surviving Spouses may retain this license plate upon the death of the Veteran.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, Application for Retired Military Specialty License Plates

Learn more about the Delaware Retired Military Plates

Delaware Gold Star Family License Plates: Delaware offers distinctive Gold Star Family License Plates to eligible close relatives of deceased Service members for use on private passenger vehicles and trucks with a ¾ ton or smaller manufacturer rated capacity. There is no fee in addition to the annual registration fee required for this license plate.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Gold Star Family License Plates? Applicant must provide sufficient official documentation of being awarded a Gold Star lapel button by the U.S. Department of Defense in recognition of a close relative's death while serving in the military. A close relative is defined as a Surviving Spouse, mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, adoptive mother, adoptive father, foster mother, foster father, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, adoptive son, adoptive daughter, brother, sister, half-brother and half-sister.
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, Application for Gold Star Family License Plate

Learn more about the Delaware Gold Star Family License Plates

Delaware Registration and Inspection of Motor Vehicles Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Any motor vehicle owned by a disabled Veteran will be registered but will not have to pay any registration fees. This payment exemption is limited to one automobile per eligible Veteran at any one time. The Division of Motor Vehicles will also provide number and registration plates free of charge to eligible applicants and vehicles.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Registration and Inspection of Motor Vehicles Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans? Any Veteran who is eligible for "adaptive equipment" benefits under Title 38 U.S.C. (which includes, but is not limited to power steering, power brakes, power window lifts, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the automobile or other conveyance).

Learn more about the Delaware Registration and Inspection of Motor Vehicles Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?

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

• Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

• Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

• Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)

• Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)

• Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)

• Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (Reserve and National Guard) and their Families who meet the following qualifications:

• Not on active duty orders

• Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program

• Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a Family member.

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

Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

Delaware National Guard Compensation for Illness, Injury or Death While on State Active Duty: If any Service member belonging to any regiment, company, or detachment of the Delaware National Guard is wounded or disabled in the service of the State when called into active service, the member will receive compensation from the State at the rate provided in Delaware Workers' Compensation laws for the type of injuries sustained.

Learn more about Delaware National Guard Compensation for Illness, Injury or Death While on State Active Duty

Veterans Preference - Admission to the Delaware, Governor Bacon Health Center: The Department of Health and Social Services will give Veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam era who are eligible for admission to the Health Center a preference over other applicants.

Learn more about Veterans Preference - Admission to the Delaware, Governor Bacon Health Center

Delaware National Guard, Line of Duty Death Benefit: Delaware will provide $200,000 to the beneficiary of a National Guard Service member who dies while on State Active Duty and will also provide tuition assistance for surviving Children at State Colleges.

Learn more about the Delaware National Guard, Line of Duty Death Benefit

Delaware Pension Benefits for Paraplegic Veterans: Each eligible paraplegic Veteran will receive a pension from the State, of $3,000 per year, payable in equal monthly installments at the end of each month.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Pension Benefits for Paraplegic Veterans? The Veteran must file evidence with the Pension Office that:

• The Veteran is paraplegic and fully disabled to the extent that the Veteran has no voluntary control over either leg, and

• The Veteran is rated by the VA as totally disabled, and

• The disability is a direct result of wartime service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and

• The Veteran is a resident of Delaware.

Title 20, Chapter 10, Section 1001

Learn more about the Delaware Pension Benefits for Paraplegic Veterans

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?

Delaware Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans: Free Delaware hunting Trapping and fishing licenses are available for qualifying disabled Veterans.
Who is eligible for Delaware Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans? Any Veteran having at least a 60% service-connected disability (certified by the Veterans Administration), is exempt from the licensing requirements. Title 7, Chapter 5, Section 502

Applications and documentation can be mailed, emailed or faxed to:

Division of Fish and Wildlife
Attn: Recreational Licensing
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19001
Email: DFWreclic@delaware.gov
Fax: 302-736-7925

Delaware Disabled Veterans Hunting/ Trapping/ Fishing Exempt Application

Learn more about Delaware Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

Delaware Resident Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Privileges for Members of the U.S. Armed Forces Stationed in Delaware: Active duty military personnel stationed in Delaware are eligible to purchase recreational licenses at the resident price.

Qualified applicants can only purchase the licenses from Dover Airforce Base Outdoor Recreation Center or they must complete the Military Non-Resident License Application and submit it directly to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Title 7, Chapter 5, Section 505

Applications and documentation can be mailed, emailed or faxed to:

Division of Fish and Wildlife
Attn: Recreational Licensing
89 Kings Highway,
Dover, DE 19001
Email: DFWreclic@delaware.gov
Fax: 302-736-7925

Delaware Military Non-Resident Hunting/ Trapping/ Fishing/ Conservation Access Pass Application

Learn more about Delaware Resident Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Privileges for Members of the U.S. Armed Forces Stationed in Delaware

One Time Free Delaware Hunting/Fishing License for Wartime Veterans: Delaware residents who served 90 or more days in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom are eligible for a one-time license exemption for the first 12 months following the date they were honorably discharged or removed from active status.

Qualified applicants must complete the Delaware Resident Military One Time License Application and submit it directly to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Title 7, Chapter 5, Section 502l

Applications and documentation can be mailed, emailed or faxed to:

Division of Fish and Wildlife
Attn: Recreational Licensing
89 Kings Highway,
Dover, DE 19001
Email: DFWreclic@delaware.gov
Fax: 302-736-7925

Delaware Resident Military One Time Hunting/ Fishing Application

Learn more about One Time Free Delaware Hunting/Fishing License for Wartime Veterans

Delaware Hunting, Trap and Fishing License for Hospitalized Service Members: A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is a patient in a military hospital may be issued a license to hunt, trap and fish in this State without charge. The Service member must provide a written statement signed by the applicant's commanding officer certifying the nature of their disability and place of duty. Title 7, Chapter 5, Section 502f

Learn more about Delaware Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License for Hospitalized Service Members

“Delaware Military Pass” Reduced Fee State Park Passes: State law authorizes the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation to reduce the cost of an annual pass by 50% for military members who are permanent residents of Delaware.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Military Pass? A permanent resident of Delaware and one of the following:

• An active-duty Service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or in the Delaware National Guard, or

• A Veteran who was honorably discharged, or

• A military retiree who served honorably for 20 or more years.

Learn more about the “Delaware Military Pass” Reduced Fee State Park Passes

Delaware Operation Iraqi Freedom / Enduring Freedom Park Pass: The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation offers a free pass to Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. This pass is available for the first 12 months following the date the resident was honorably discharged or removed from active status. This pass is issued only at the 89 King's Highway location in Dover, by the Office of Business Services.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Operation Iraqi Freedom / Enduring Freedom Park Pass? Applicants must be resident Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and served honorably for 90 or more consecutive days in Southwest Asia associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operations Enduring Freedom. Veteran must provide a copy of their DD214.
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Resident Military One Time Hunting/ Fishing / Park Pass Application

Learn more about the Delaware Operation Iraqi Freedom / Enduring Freedom Park Pass

Out of State Military Vehicle Pass for Active Duty Service Members Stationed in Delaware: Active duty Service members stationed in Delaware, but vehicle registration or driver’s license is from another state are eligible for an out-of-state Military Vehicle Pass. At half the cost of the civilian out-of-state vehicle pass, it represents substantial savings for military personnel stationed in Delaware.

Learn more about the Out of State Military Vehicle Pass for Active Duty Service Members Stationed in Delaware

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What are my Delaware Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?

Delaware Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): SSVF is a program that addresses both housing stability and ending homelessness among very low-income Veteran Families. SSVF provides a wide range of services including case management, assistance with obtaining benefits, and other supportive services. A few of the supportive services include rental assistance, security deposit assistance, utility assistance, and access to benefit enrollment.

If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who could benefit from the SSVF program, please contact the Outreach Coordinator for your county.

• New Castle County: 302-250-5868

• Kent County: 302-518-5338

• Sussex County: 302-332-0913

Learn more about the Delaware Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Delaware People's Place Veteran's Outreach Program: Supported by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Outreach program offers a wide range of services for Veterans who reside in areas from lower New Castle County to the Delaware-Maryland line. Services range from career counseling; guidance to access state and federal VA benefits, such as medical care and treatment; psychotherapy referrals; mental health counseling; and door-to-door transportation to medical facilities in the region.

For more information contact:

Veterans Outreach Program
Address: 1129 Airport Road
Milford, DE 19963
Phone: 302-236-5301
Email: VO@peoplesplace2.com

Learn more about the Delaware People's Place Veteran's Outreach Program

Delaware Office of Veterans Services, “The Centurion" (Newsletter): The Delaware Office of Veterans Services publishes a free quarterly newsletter, The Centurion. The Centurion is a newsletter that provides subscribers and Veterans organizations with current developments in benefits, legislative initiatives, community services and local events. To receive the most current copy of The Centurion by email you may subscribe by emailing join-dcva_mail@lists.state.de.us and send a blank email and you will be added to the subscriber list.

Learn more about the Delaware Office of Veterans Services, "The Centurion" (Newsletter)

Delaware Certificate of Appreciation for Honorably Discharged Resident Service Members: Delaware provides a "Certificate of Appreciation" signed by the Governor to honorably discharged Veterans.
Who is eligible for the Delaware Certificate of Appreciation for Honorably Discharged Resident Service Members? A current resident of Delaware or resident when they entered the U.S. Armed Forces and was honorably discharged. Applicants may download the application located below and mail to the address on the application or the Veteran or Family member may contact the Delaware Office of Veterans Services at 800-344-9900 or 302-739-2792.
Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, Certificate of Appreciation Application

Learn more about the Delaware Certificate of Appreciation for Honorably Discharged Resident Service Members

Delaware Repository of Resident Military Records: The Delaware Office of Veterans Services has established a repository for Veterans' "Statement of Service" or similar documentary verification of active armed service. If you were a Delaware resident at the time of entry into the service or had a Delaware address at the time of discharge, you may contact the Office of Veterans Services office at 800-344-9900 or 302-739-2792, to inquire if a copy is on file. Title 29, Chapter 87, Section 8721

Learn more about the Delaware Repository of Resident Military Records

Free Marriage and Death Certificates Provided for Delaware Resident Veterans: The State Registrar will provide a certified copy of the Veteran's certificate of death free of charge to the relative of a Veteran, one time, providing that the certified copy is essential to the settlement of a claim involving the settlement of the Veteran's affairs. All other copies will be issued at the statutory fee.

In addition, Service members and their Spouses can receive certified copies of marriage certificates free of charge. Title 16, Chapter 31, Section 3132

Learn more about Free Marriage and Death Certificates Provided for Delaware Resident Veterans

No Charge for Notary Services for Delaware Veterans: Notaries may not charge for the notarization of any documents for a Veteran or a Veteran’s Family members, that is used to file a claim with the VA or for the documentation of the Veterans Service. Title 29, Chapter 43, Sections 4312

Learn more about No Charge for Notary Services for Delaware Veterans

Auctioneer and Book Agent License Exemption for Delaware Veterans: No honorably discharged Service member shall be required to procure any license to follow the occupation of canvassing for the sale of books or for the occupation commonly known as that of "book agent" or for the occupation of auctioneer, Veterans need only to provide documentation proving that they received an honorable characterization of service.

Learn more about the Auctioneer and Book Agent License Exemption for Delaware Veterans

Delaware Veterans Home: The Delaware Veterans Home is a long-term care facility located on 24 acres in Milford, Delaware. The Home offers skilled nursing care on four units with a total of 150 beds.

The Delaware Veterans Home’s mission is to provide outstanding long-term care services to Delaware Veterans that uphold dignity and respect while sustaining and improving their quality of life.

The Delaware Veterans Home provides:

• 24-hour professional nursing care

• Medical services available daily

• Physical, occupational and speech therapies

• Social services

• Library, computer with internet/Skype access

• Gift shop

• Barbershop

• Multi-denominational chapel services

Who is eligible for care at the Delaware Veterans Home? Admission to the Delaware Veterans Home is open to Veterans that meet the following criteria:

• Military Service:

  • Honorably discharged from active service (peacetime or wartime) or Any National Guard Service or Reservist who is eligible for retirement pay at age 60 or has served on active duty at least 180 days (does not have to be consecutive)

• Residency:

  • Applicant must have resided in Delaware for three years or more prior to application

• Level of Care:

  • Must meet federal and state requirement for having a skilled nursing home level of care.

The Delaware Veterans Home

100 Delaware Veterans Boulevard
Milford, DE 19963
Main Phone: 302-424-6000
Fax: 302-424-6003

Admissions
Phone: 302-424-8572
Email: dosdvh_admissions@delaware.gov

Learn more about the Delaware Veterans Home

Delaware State Veterans Home Fund: The Veterans Home Fund is used for the operation of the Veterans Home in the Delaware. The Division of Revenue has provided a space on the Delaware State Income Tax Return form so that an individual may voluntarily designate a contribution to the Delaware Veterans Home Fund. Other individual contributions can be mailed to the following address: Delaware Veterans Home Fund, Department of State, 401 Federal St, Suite 3, Dover, DE 19901.

Learn more about the Delaware State Veterans Home Fund

Delaware Veterans Trust Fund: The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides assistance to Delaware’s Veterans in financial crisis that need help with reintegration, housing, utilities, and incidental expenses for health and welfare. For more information on the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund, or to obtain an application for assistance, you can call your Veterans Service Officer or the main office at 800-344-9900 or 302-739-2792.
Delaware Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Service Officer Directory

Learn more about the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Delaware operates two state Veterans Cemeteries: the New Castle County Cemetery in Bear, Delaware and the Sussex County Cemetery in Millsboro, Delaware. All eligible Veterans and Service members in the U.S. Armed Forces can be buried in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
Who is eligible for interment at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries? Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, their Spouses and dependent Children (under 21 years of age and not married or having a verifiable life-long dependency on eligible Veteran) may be interred at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Eligibility requirements are prescribed by the National Cemetery Administration and the following criteria constitute eligibility:

• Any Delaware resident who was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, other than active duty for training (ADT), or Reservist who have served more than 180 days of active federal service. Federal active military service does not have to be consecutive

• The Veteran’s Spouse, upon pre-qualification of eligible Veteran

• Legal resident of Delaware means the Veteran must have been a:

  • Legal resident of Delaware at the time of death, or

  • Legal resident for a period of three or more years (does not have to be consecutive); any cumulative period of three or more years, regardless of residency at time of death, or

  • Legal resident of Delaware when they entered the U.S. Armed Forces

  • Any Delaware National Guard or Reserve Service member:

    • Eligible for retirement pay at age 60 regardless of residency

    • Served on active duty (other than for training) for 180 days or more (does not have to be consecutive).

Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, Burial Application

Learn more about the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

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Veterans Administration Facilities in Delaware

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Delaware: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and Family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Delaware

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Delaware: VA National Cemetery Administration does not maintain any cemeteries in Delaware, they do however have two state operated Veterans cemeteries. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Delaware

Delaware Office of Veterans Services
802 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-739-2792 / In State Toll Free: 800-344-9900
Fax: 302-739-2794
Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs Facebook Page

Learn more about the Delaware Office of Veterans Services

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Military Installations in Delaware

Please see the Delaware Military Resource Locator for additional information.

Active Duty

Air Force
Dover Air Force Base

National Guard
Delaware National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters

Delaware Air National Guard
166^th Airlift Wing

U.S. Army Reserve (USAR)
99th Readiness Division

Resources

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Facility Directory Delaware

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Find Locations Search Engine

Army National Guard Benefits

Air National Guard Benefits

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware State Parks

Delaware State Government Website

Delaware Code

Delaware Office of Veterans Services

Delaware Veterans Home

FEDSHIREVETS, Veterans Preference

Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, Delaware

Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Resource Guide

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