Veteran Benefits & Resources in North Carolina

Introduction

North Carolina is home to more than 700,000 military veterans, making it one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. The state’s strong military presence—including installations such as Fort Liberty and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune—has helped create a large network of services supporting veterans and their families.

Veterans in North Carolina can access assistance through state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations that help with housing, employment, education, and healthcare. This guide highlights key resources available across the state.

Key Veteran Benefits in North Carolina

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion

North Carolina provides a property tax exclusion for disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses. Eligible veterans may exclude a portion of the value of their primary residence from property taxes.

Source:
https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes/property-tax/property-tax-relief/disabled-veteran-exclusion

North Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans

North Carolina offers college scholarships for eligible children of wartime veterans, helping cover tuition and other educational expenses at approved institutions.

Source:
https://www.milvets.nc.gov/benefits-services/scholarships

Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in North Carolina state government hiring, which can improve opportunities for employment in public service.

Source:
https://oshr.nc.gov/work-nc/veterans

Veteran Designation on North Carolina Driver License

North Carolina veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card, making it easier to verify veteran status when accessing services or discounts.

Source:
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/veteran-designation

North Carolina State Veterans Homes

North Carolina operates several state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care and long-term services for eligible veterans.

Source:
https://www.milvets.nc.gov/services/state-veterans-homes

VA & Healthcare Resources

North Carolina veterans have access to several major VA healthcare systems across the state.

VA Medical Centers

• Durham VA Medical Center
• W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center
• Fayetteville VA Medical Center
• Charles George VA Medical Center

These facilities provide comprehensive care including primary care, specialty services, mental health treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

VA outpatient clinics are located throughout North Carolina in communities such as Charlotte, Greenville, Jacksonville, and Wilmington.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and support services for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

North Carolina veterans can receive assistance from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Apply for federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local veteran services

Directory of North Carolina County Veteran Service Offices:

https://www.milvets.nc.gov/services/veteran-service-officers

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

North Carolina State Veterans Homes

North Carolina operates several state veterans homes providing long-term care services.

Locations include:

• North Carolina State Veterans Home – Fayetteville
• North Carolina State Veterans Home – Kinston
• North Carolina State Veterans Home – Salisbury
• North Carolina State Veterans Home – Black Mountain

Source:
https://www.milvets.nc.gov/services/state-veterans-homes

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing programs throughout North Carolina.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Veterans Bridge Home

A North Carolina nonprofit that connects veterans and their families with employment opportunities, benefits assistance, and community resources.

https://veteransbridgehome.org

Hope For The Warriors

Provides programs supporting veterans and military families including career services, wellness programs, and financial assistance.

https://hopeforthewarriors.org

Purple Heart Homes

A North Carolina-based nonprofit that helps veterans remain safely in their homes through accessibility modifications and housing assistance.

https://purplehearthomesusa.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

North Carolina provides several programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center

Provides counseling, training, and business development resources for veterans starting or expanding businesses.

https://sbtdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers mentorship, training, and resources for veteran entrepreneurs.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Veterans can pursue federal certification allowing veteran-owned businesses to compete for government contracting opportunities.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

North Carolina hosts many veteran-focused events throughout the year that help connect veterans with support services and employment opportunities.

These include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Veteran networking groups and community programs

These events help veterans connect with employers, service providers, and fellow veterans throughout the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in North Carolina can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs.

4. Connect with nonprofit organizations that provide housing, employment, and community support.

North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
https://www.milvets.nc.gov

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a North Carolina veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.