State-level veterans benefits vary widely – even a quick look at MOAA’s Military State Report Card and Tax Guide shows some of the differences, and that’s just when it comes to finances.

Whether it’s tax breaks, home loan help, discounted hunting licenses, or any one of dozens more programs, all uniformed servicemembers, past and present, should take a look at what their state offers. And a new VA blog series is making it easier to do just that.

The first entry in the five-part series looks at the most popular state-level benefits across the nation. More importantly, it provides links to those benefits as well as state-run websites connecting veterans to a range of programs. It’s worth bookmarking your state’s website as a resource, even if you aren’t curious about benefits offered to fellow veterans in other time zones.

[RELATED: COVID Stalls Efforts to End State Taxes on Military Pensions, But Push Continues]

If you’re a little curious, here’s a quick recap of the best bets, chosen by representatives of various state veterans programs and reported in VAntage Point, the VA’s official blog:

• Tax Time: Many states list tax benefits for veterans (and currently serving) as their top offering, though the benefit types vary, from property tax help to income tax exemptions.
  
  
• Show Your Pride: State offerings for license plates vary almost as much as their tax programs. Some have plates honoring disabled veterans, recipients of valor medals, eras of service (Vietnam, Korea, etc.), or service branch.
  
  
• Grants and Loans: From emergency aid to home loan benefits beyond VA’s offerings, your state’s financial programs for veterans likely don’t stop with tax exemptions.
  
  
• Did You Know … New York offers $20 vouchers for veterans to use at farmers markets? Or that Rhode Island National Guard members are eligible for free college tuition? Or that South Dakota has a veterans bonus program?

Other VAntage Point articles on state benefits cover underused and unique state benefits.

Have a question about your federal benefits as a veteran or military retiree? MOAA members can reach out to our Member Service Center via email at MSC@moaa.org or by calling (800) 234-MOAA (6622).