Veteran Benefits in Maine

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in Maine

Introduction

Maine is home to more than 110,000 military veterans and has one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the country. With a strong commitment to those who served, Maine offers a range of benefits through state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations focused on tax relief, healthcare, and community support.

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

Key Veteran Benefits in Maine

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Maine offers a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, with higher exemption amounts available for those with a 100% disability rating or who are permanently and totally disabled.

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/property-tax-relief

Maine Veterans Education Benefits

Maine provides education assistance programs for veterans and their dependents, including tuition benefits and scholarships through state institutions.

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/veterans

Veteran Employment Preference

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

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/bhr

Veteran Designation on Maine Driver License

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

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv

Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services

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

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/veterans

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Maine

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits is especially important in Maine, where state-level property tax exemptions increase with higher disability ratings.

100% Disabled Veterans

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

In Maine, this includes:

• Increased Property Tax Exemption on your primary residence (higher exemption amount for 100% disabled veterans)
• 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

Maine provides meaningful tax relief, though typically structured as exemptions rather than full property tax elimination.

70% Disabled Veterans

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

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

State-level tax benefits may increase depending on disability status.

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

This level significantly improves access to care.

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 state-level tax benefits at lower ratings

These ratings provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a Maine 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.