OHIO STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
Ohio offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Ohio Veterans Homes
Ohio operates veterans homes in Georgetown and Sandusky. Eligible for admission are honorably discharged Ohio resident wartime veterans who are disabled and unable to earn a living. Costs for admission are determined by income. The Ohio Veterans Home Sandusky offers the Domiciliary, which caters to veterans requiring some medical care or supervision while maintaining independent living.
Ohio Veteran Financial Benefits
Ohio Veterans Bonus Program
Typically, individuals who served honorably for over 90 days on or after Oct. 7, 2001, are eligible. They must have been Ohio residents when entering active duty and maintain current residency. The bonus amounts to $100 monthly for service in Afghanistan and $50 monthly for service elsewhere, capped at $1,500.
Income Tax
Active-duty compensation remains tax-exempt when stationed out-of-state. Similarly, retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are also tax-free.
Homestead Exemption
Veterans rated by the VA as 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability, along with surviving spouses residing in the same household, qualify for an extended homestead exemption. The specific rate varies depending on the location.
Military Injury Relief Fund
The fund provides a tax-free, one-time payment to service members injured during active duty on or after Oct. 7, 2001, as well as to individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder while serving after the same date.
Ohio Home Loan Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides home loans to first-time buyers at an interest rate about a quarter of a percentage point below the current market rate.
Financial Assistance
Every one of Ohio’s 88 counties operates a County Veterans Service Office, offering direct financial aid to veterans in need upon submission of a completed application. For further information, reach out to your county office.
Ohio Veteran Employment Benefits
State Employment
Veterans receive a 20% credit boost on Ohio civil service exams. Additionally, current Reserve and National Guard members who complete their initial entry-level training earn a 15% credit increase.
Employment Assistance
Veterans are eligible for complimentary individual job search guidance from a state employment specialist. Moreover, veterans and their spouses can access support from their local employment center for services such as resume writing, interview strategies, and more.
Ohio Educator License Fee Elimination
The Ohio Department of Education no longer charges fees for educator licenses, permits, or certificates for veterans or current active-duty members, whether it’s for an initial application or a renewal. Spouses of active-duty service members are also eligible for a free license.
Ohio Veteran Education Benefits
Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program
Qualifying Ohio National Guard members can receive up to 96 educational credits, equivalent to 12 full-time quarters or 8 full-time semesters, of tuition assistance for an undergraduate degree at a participating Ohio institution during their enlistment. Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree are ineligible; however, eligibility remains unaffected by prior college credits or possession of an associate degree.
Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship
The scholarship is open to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio wartime veterans. To qualify, the student must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree at an eligible Ohio college or university, with Ohio residency being a prerequisite. Applicants must also be under the age of 25 and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point average.
This scholarship aids with a portion of tuition and fees at both two- and four-year public institutions, as well as eligible private colleges and universities. The specific amount varies annually.
Ohio Veteran Recreation Benefits
Active-Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Ohio residents on active duty are exempt from purchasing hunting licenses, fishing licenses, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamps, or fur taker permits while on leave.
Non-resident active-duty members stationed in Ohio have the option to purchase hunting licenses, fishing licenses, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamps, or fur taker permits at the resident rate.
Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Permanently and totally disabled veterans and former prisoners of war (POWs) who are Ohio residents are eligible to receive complimentary hunting and fishing licenses.
Camping at Ohio State Parks
Active military personnel and veterans qualify for a 10% discount, applicable to one campsite, getaway rental unit, cottage, or lodge room per visit. To avail of the discount, presentation of a military ID or veteran identification is required.
Ohio resident former prisoners of war (POWs) or permanently and totally disabled veterans can camp free of charge at state parks.
Watercraft Registration
Permanently and totally disabled Ohio resident veterans, recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and former prisoners of war (POWs) are entitled to complimentary registration for personal watercraft.
Veterans Cemetery
The Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery is situated in Sandusky. Veterans who reside in the Ohio Veterans Home have the option to request burial in this cemetery.
