Veteran Benefits in Rhode Island

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in Rhode Island

Introduction

Rhode Island is home to more than 60,000 military veterans and offers a strong network of support through state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations. Despite its size, the state provides a range of benefits focused on tax relief, healthcare access, and community-based support.

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

Key Veteran Benefits in Rhode Island

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions

Rhode Island offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, with exemption amounts determined at the local (municipal) level. Veterans with higher disability ratings typically qualify for larger exemptions.

Source:
https://tax.ri.gov/property-tax

Rhode Island Veterans Education Benefits

Rhode Island provides education support for veterans and dependents through tuition assistance and scholarship programs.

Source:
https://vets.ri.gov

Veteran Employment Preference

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

Source:
https://dlt.ri.gov

Veteran Designation on Rhode Island Driver License

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

Source:
https://dmv.ri.gov

Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services

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

Source:
https://vets.ri.gov

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Rhode Island

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits can help you take full advantage of both federal VA programs and Rhode Island-specific benefits.

100% Disabled Veterans

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

In Rhode Island, this includes:

• Eligibility for property tax exemptions based on local municipality rules
• 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

Rhode Island provides meaningful support, though property tax benefits vary locally rather than being standardized statewide.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.

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 benefits are limited at this level.

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
• Access to local and state veteran support services

These ratings provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a Rhode Island 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.