Veteran Benefits in Connecticut

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in Connecticut

Introduction

Connecticut is home to more than 170,000 military veterans and offers a strong network of support through state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations. With a focus on tax relief, healthcare access, and education benefits, Connecticut provides a range of support for veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Connecticut so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Connecticut

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Connecticut offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, with exemption amounts increasing based on disability rating and income eligibility. Additional local exemptions may also apply depending on the municipality.

Source:
https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/IGPP-MAIN/Property-Tax-Relief-for-Veterans

Connecticut Veterans Tuition Waiver

Provides tuition waivers for eligible veterans attending Connecticut public colleges and universities.

Source:
https://portal.ct.gov/DVA

Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in Connecticut state hiring, improving access to public sector employment.

Source:
https://portal.ct.gov/DAS

Veteran Designation on Connecticut Driver License

Veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID.

Source:
https://portal.ct.gov/DMV

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs

Provides assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and access to veteran support programs.

Source:
https://portal.ct.gov/DVA

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Connecticut

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits is especially important in Connecticut, where state and local tax exemptions can provide meaningful financial relief.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the highest level of support.

In Connecticut, this includes:

• Expanded Property Tax Exemptions (state + possible local exemptions)
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Access to additional state-level support programs

Connecticut provides layered tax relief, especially when combining state and municipal benefits.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and some state-level tax relief.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Potential eligibility for partial property tax exemptions

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important healthcare threshold.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Limited eligibility for certain state or municipal benefits

No matter your rating, working with a Connecticut Veterans Service Officer can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.