The state of Ohio provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits. Visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.

Ohio Veterans Homes

Ohio has two veterans homes in Georgetown and Sandusky.

Honorably discharged Ohio resident wartime veterans who are disabled and unable to earn a living are eligible for admission. Costs are based on monthly income and assets. Maximum cost is approximately 1/3 the cost of private care.

Ohio Veteran Financial Benefits

Ohio Veterans Bonus Program

Generally, anyone who served honorably for more than 90 days on or after Oct. 7, 2001 is eligible. Applicants must have been Ohio residents at the time of entry onto active duty, and be current Ohio residents. It pays $100 per month for service in Afghanistan, and $50 per month for service elsewhere, up to a maximum of $1,500.

Income Tax

Active duty pay is tax-free if stationed out-of-state.

Retirement pay and SBP payments are tax-free.

Homestead Exemption

Veterans rated by the VA as 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability and surviving spouses who occupy the same home are eligible for the expanded Homestead Exemption, the rate varies by location.

Military Injury Relief Fund 

The fund grants a one-time, tax-exempt payment to service members injured on active duty after Oct. 7, 2001, and to individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress while serving after Oct. 7, 2001.

Ohio Home Loan Program

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers first time home buyers home loans at an interest rate approximately 1/4% lower than the going interest rate.

Financial Assistance

Each of Ohio’s 88 counties operates a Veterans Services Commission which provides direct financial assistance to needy veterans upon receipt of a completed application. Contact your county office for details.

Ohio Veteran Employment Benefits

State Employment

Veterans are entitled to 20% added credit on an Ohio civil service exam. Current reserve and guard members who successfully complete initial entry-level training get a 15% added credit.

Ohio Educator License Fee Elimination

The Ohio Department of Education has eliminated fees for educator licenses for any initial (or a renewal of an) Ohio educator license, permit, or certificate for veterans or current active duty members free of charge. Spouses of active-duty service members also may receive a license free of charge.

Ohio Veteran Education Benefits

Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program

Eligible Ohio National Guard members can get up to 96 educational credits (12 full-time quarters or 8 full-time semesters) of tuition assistance toward an undergraduate degree at a participating Ohio school during their enlistment. Members with a Bachelor’s degree aren’t eligible; however, possessing prior college credits or possession of an Associate’s degree does not affect eligibility. 

Ohio War Orphans Scholarship

Available to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio wartime veterans. The student must be enrolled as a fulltime time undergraduate  pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at an eligible Ohio college or university. Ohio residency is required. Applicants must be under the age of 25 and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees at two and four-year public schools and at eligible private colleges and universities, the amount changes every year.

Ohio Veteran Recreation Benefits

Active Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Ohio active duty residents don’t have to buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit while on leave.

Non-resident active duty members stationed in Ohio can buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit for the resident rate.

Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Ohio resident permanently and totally disabled veterans and former POWs may receive free hunting and fishing licenses.

Camping at Ohio State Parks

Active military and veterans are entitled to 10% discount. The discount may be used for one campsite, getaway rental unit, cottage, or lodge room per visit. Military ID or veteran identification must be presented to receive discount.

Ohio resident former POWs or permanent and totally disabled veterans camp for free at state parks.

Watercraft Registration

Permanently and totally disabled Ohio state veterans receive free registration for personal watercraft. 

Veterans Cemetery

The Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Cemetery is located in Sandusky. 

Veterans residing in the Ohio Veterans Home can request burial in the cemetery.

Visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.