Veteran Benefits in South Dakota

Veteran Benefits & Resources

Veteran Benefits & Resources in South Dakota

Introduction

South Dakota is home to more than 60,000 military veterans and maintains a strong commitment to supporting those who served. With a combination of state programs, VA healthcare systems, and local veteran service organizations, South Dakota provides a range of benefits focused on tax relief, education, and long-term care support.

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

Key Veteran Benefits in South Dakota

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

South Dakota offers a full property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans on their primary residence.

Source:
https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax-relief/

South Dakota Veterans Education Benefits

South Dakota provides education benefits for veterans and their dependents, including tuition assistance programs at state institutions.

Source:
https://vetaffairs.sd.gov

Veteran Employment Preference

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

Source:
https://bhr.sd.gov

Veteran Designation on South Dakota Driver License

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

Source:
https://dps.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

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

Source:
https://vetaffairs.sd.gov

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in South Dakota

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits is especially important in South Dakota, where state-level tax benefits provide strong relief at higher disability ratings.

100% Disabled Veterans

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

In South Dakota, this includes:

• Full Property Tax Exemption on your primary residence
• 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

South Dakota is considered a tax-friendly state for 100% disabled veterans.

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 more 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 programs

These ratings provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a South Dakota 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.