Veteran Benefits for Alabama

Alabama provides a variety of benefits to service members, Veterans, and their families. These include exemptions from certain state and property taxes, educational support through the Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program, tuition assistance, distinctive military license plates, hiring preferences for state jobs, and special hunting and fishing privileges. Eligibility may depend on residency, branch of service, and disability status.

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Alabama Veteran Financial Benefits

• Retired Military Pay Income Tax Exemption: Military retired pay is exempt from Alabama income tax.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

• Income Tax Exemption for Military Combat Pay: Pay received in a designated combat zone is exempt from Alabama income tax.
• Who is eligible for the Alabama Income Tax Exemption for Military Combat Pay?  Service members receiving pay for service in a combat zone that has been designated by the President of the U.S. are eligible for the exemption.
• Alabama Income Taxes on Military Pay: Resident service members must pay state taxes on military pay except for allowances paid for quarters, subsistence, uniforms, and travel.
• Alabama State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay:  Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments that are considered disability benefits include:
  • Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to veterans or their families
  • Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
  • Grants for motor vehicles of veterans who lost their sign or use of limbs, or
  • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program
• Alabama State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):  DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
• Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Alabama State Tax Benefits:  SBP, RCSBP, and RSFPP are exempt from Alabama income tax.
• Alabama Homestead Tax Exemption for Residents over age 65, Blind or Totally Disabled:  Alabama offers a homestead exemption for all state, county and city property taxes for residents who meet the following requirements:
  • Alabama resident
  • Over age 65 whose adjusted gross income is less than $12,000, or
  • Has a total and permanent disability, regardless of age or income

  A homestead is defined as the single-family owner-occupied home and the land it is on, not exceeding 160 acres. The property owner must own and occupy it as their primary residence on the first day of the tax year they are applying for an exemption. For more information, please contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, County Offices where the property is located for more information and to apply.

A homestead defined as the single-family owner-occupied home and the land it is on, not exceeding 160 acres. The property owner must own and occupy it as their primary residence on the first day of the tax year they are applying for an exemption. For more information, please contact the Alabama Department of Revenue County Offices where the property is located for more information and to apply.

• Homes of Veterans or Unremarried Surviving Spouses Acquired under a Special Adapted Housing Grant are Exempt for Ad Valorem Taxes: The home of a Veteran, or their surviving spouse, that is acquired through a VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant, regardless of its value, is exempt from all Alabama property taxes.
• Vehicles Paid for by a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Grant is Exempt from all License Fees and Property Taxes: Vehicles owned by disabled Veterans that are all or partly paid for by the VA are exempt from all license fees and property taxes. The vehicle must only be used for the private use of Veteran.
  • Who is eligible for License Fees and Property Tax Exemptions for Vehicles Paid for by VA Grant?Any vehicle owned by a Veteran who was disabled during any U.S. war, conflict, or period of hostilities against a foreign nation, and that was fully or partially paid for with VA funds to accommodate the Veteran’s disability, is exempt from certain taxes. For details and to apply, please contact the Alabama Department of Revenue or the County Office where the vehicle is registered.

SALES TAX:

• Statewide: 4.0%
• Counties: can levy a sales tax of no more than 7.5%
• Current average sales tax (with local taxes included): 9.14%

Alabama Military and Veteran Motor Vehicle Division Benefits

• Veteran Designation on Alabama Driver License: Alabama Veterans have the option to display proof of military service on their driver’s license. There is no charge for the Veteran designation for a first-time driver’s license applicant or when renewing a license. Veterans who add the designation before their renewal date must pay the standard fee for a duplicate license.
  • Who is eligible for a Veteran Designation on Alabama Driver’s License? Veterans who received an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge are eligible.
• Alabama Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for Reserve Component Service Members, Retired Service Members, and Gold Star Families: Alabama offers a Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for eligible reserve component Service members, Disabled Veterans, retired Service members, and Gold Star Families.
  • Who is eligible for Alabama Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption for Reserve Component Service Members, Retired Service Members, and Gold Star Families? The following resident individuals are eligible for the exemptions:
    • Active and retired Alabama National Guard Service Members
    • Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve
    • Gold Star Families
    • Disabled Veterans (applies not only to the Disabled Veteran license plate but may be applied to any license plate the Veteran qualifies for)
• Alabama Disabled U.S. Army Veteran License Plate: The Alabama U.S. Army Disabled Veteran license plate is available for Veterans who meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
  • 10% to 50% disability rating – first license plate is exempt from registration fees.  For subsequent license plates, registrant must pay all applicable registration fees and license plate issuance fees.
  • 51% or higher disability rating or their vehicle has special mechanical control devices – first license plate is exempt from registration fees.  Annual fee of $5 for subsequent plates (may be used on pleasure vehicles greater than 12,000 lbs.)
  • Vehicle is all or partly paid for by the VA – All license plates are exempt from registration fees and taxes.
• Alabama Commercial Driver License (CDL), Military Skills Test Waiver: Service members who are currently licensed or were employed within the past year in a U.S. Armed Forces transportation unit requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle are eligible for a military skills waiver when applying for a CDL. Service members must take the knowledge portion(s) of the CDL test, but the skills test will be waived. The form to have the skills portion waived is available at an Alabama Driver License Office and should be requested at the time the knowledge test(s) are being taken.

Recreation

• Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active-Duty Service Members and their Dependents at Resident Rates: Nonresident service members and their dependents can purchase Alabama hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices.
• Who is eligible for Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Nonresident Active-Duty Service Members and their Dependents at Resident Rates? To be eligible, nonresident service members must meet the following requirements:
  • Stationed in Alabama for 30 days or more
  • Assigned in a state bordering Alabama and currently living in Alabama for at least 90 days.
• Applicants must go to the local probate office or license commissioner and provide the following:
  • Copy of orders assigning them to Alabama for 30 days or more
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license
  • Military ID
• Service members assigned to Fort Benning, who have a Fort Benning hunting or fishing license, when hunting or fishing on baseare not required to purchase an Alabama license. Hunters are required to carry a Harvest Record and report any deer or turkey killed on base to the Alabama Game Check and Harvest Record.
• Alabama Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation, Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Alabama resident disabled Veterans may qualify for reduced price lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. The cost of the licenses varies based on the Veteran’s disability percentage and age. For a complete list of prices see the Lifetime License Application below.
  Who is eligible for Alabama Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation, Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses? Veterans must be Alabama residents and meet the following requirements to be eligible:
  • Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Licenses – Veterans must have a 20% or greater disability rating from the VA
  • Hunting License– Veterans who have a 40% or greater disability rating from the VA
  • Veterans must provide proof they are an Alabama resident and a VA Benefit Summary Letter as verification of their disability rating. Veterans can apply at the local Probate Office or License Commissioner, in person at the Montgomery Office of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,64 N Union Street, Ste. 567, Montgomery, AL 36104, or by mail.
• Alabama 50% Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation Hunting License: Alabama resident Veterans who have a 50% greater disability rating from the VA can purchase a reduced price annual hunting license for $17.30. Veterans can apply at the local Probate Office or License Commissioner, in person at the Montgomery Office of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,64 N Union Street, Ste. 567, Montgomery, AL 36104, or by mail.
  • Veterans must provide proof they are an Alabama resident and a VA Benefit Summary Letter as verification they have a 50% or greater disability rating.
• Alabama 100% Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation Hunting License: Alabama resident Veterans who have a 100% service-connected, total and permanent disability rating from the VA can purchase a reduced price annual hunting license for $3.55. Veterans can apply at the local Probate Office or License Commissioner, in person at the Montgomery Office of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,64 N Union Street, Ste. 567, Montgomery, AL 36104, or by mail.
  • Veterans must provide proof they are an Alabama resident and a VA Benefit Summary Letter as verification they have a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability rating.
• Alabama Disabled Veteran’s Appreciation Three-day Event Hunting License: Organizations that sponsor hunting events in Alabama for disabled Veterans can purchase a three-day hunting license for up to 10 Veterans for $169.55. To be eligible Veterans must have a 50% or more disability rating from the VA. Completed applications, fees and required documentation (listed on the application) must be mailed.
• Alabama 20% or more Disabled Military Veteran’s Appreciation Fishing Licenses: Alabama resident Veterans who have a 20% or more disability rating from the VA can purchase an annual freshwater fishing license for $3.55, or saltwater fishing license for $3.50 each. Veterans can apply at the local Probate Office or License Commissioner, in person atthe Montgomery Office of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N Union Street, Ste. 567, Montgomery, AL 36104, or by mail.
  • Veterans must provide proof they are an Alabama residence and a VA Benefit Summary Letter as verification they have a 20% or greater disability rating.
• Alabama Parks for Patriots Program for Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members: The Alabama Parks for Patriots Program offers free admission to Alabama State Parks for resident Veterans and active-duty service members.
  • Nonresident service members and Veterans are authorized free admission only on state and federal holidays.
  • Veterans and service members must show their active or retired military ID card, an Alabama driver’s license with a Veteran designation, or their DD214 to be granted free admission.

Alabama Parks Admission Waiver Information

Education Programs

• Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP): ANGEAP provides financial educational assistance to Alabama National Guard service members who are enrolled in an Alabama State Supported School.
  • The current award amounts are $6,017.50 per semester, or $4,011.67 per quarter. ANGEAP covers tuition and fees that are not covered by any VA education benefits.
    Who is eligible for the ANGEAP? To be eligible for an ANGEAP award students must meet the following requirements:
  • 17 years of age or older
  • Service member in good standing serving in the Alabama National Guard
  • Completed basic training
  • Pursuing first undergraduate or postgraduate degree (can only receive assistance for one degree)
  • Enrolled in a certificate or degree program at an accredited community college, technical college, college, or university in Alabama
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.00 GPA for undergraduate degrees, 3.00 GPA for graduate degrees at the end of each semester
  • Must have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file
  • Must demonstrate a financial need of at least $100

ANGEAP Application

• Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program: Alabama offers varying duration scholarships for eligible dependents of resident disabled Veterans. These scholarships are available for use at an Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program Eligible School for undergraduate courses at the in-state tuition rate. The scholarship will pay $250 per semester hour and up to $1,000 for textbooks and applicable fees for each semester. Schools may waive any overages of these charges at their discretion.
  • Children and stepchildren of qualified Veterans receive five standard academic years (10 semesters) of financial assistance.
  • Spouses or unremarried surviving spouses of a Veteran who is 100% totally and permanently disabled are eligible for five standard academic years (10 semesters).
  • Spouses or unremarried surviving spouses of a Veteran rated 40-90% disabled are eligible for three standard academic years (six semesters).

All scholarships and grants must be applied to education expenses first and the Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program will be applied for any remaining charges.

• Who is eligible for the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program? A dependent is defined as a child, stepchild, spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran. The Veteran must meet the qualifications listed below to establish eligibility of their dependents.
• Military Service: The Veteran must have been honorably discharged after at least 90 days of continuous active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces or was honorably discharged after serving less than 90 days due to a service-connected disability.
• Disability Requirements: Veterans must meet one of the following requirements:
  • 40% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA
  • Former prisoner of war
  • Declared missing in action
  • Died as the result of a service-connected disability, or
  • Died in the line of duty while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Veteran Residency Requirements: Veterans must meet one of the following residency requirements:
  • Permanent resident for at least one year immediately prior to initial entry onto active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or any later entry into federal active military service after a 12-month break in service, and one of the following:
  • Resident for at least two years immediately prior to the date of application or date of Veteran’s death, or
  • Was discharged within the last 12 months, or
  • Filed a resident Alabama income tax return for the past 10 consecutive years
  • Resident for at least five years immediately prior to the date of application or the date of the Veteran’s death (applies to 100% total and permanent disability ratings only)
• Student Requirements: Students applying for benefits for the first time must meet all the following requirements:
  • Alabama resident
  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each academic year
  • Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (as defined by their education institution)
  • Complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act release form for the school they are attending
• Age Deadline: The child or stepchild must start school before their 26 ^th birthday. In certain situations, a child or stepchild may be eligible for the program up to age 30. If the applicant is a stepchild, the Veteran and stepchild’s parent must be legally married before the child’s 19 ^th birthday.
  • Students must use the ADVA Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program online application to apply. For more information or assistance please contact the nearest Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), Veterans Service Office. For more information or assistance please contact the nearest Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA), Veterans Service Office.
• Alabama Tuition Waiver for Purple Heart Medal Recipients: Alabama State SupportedSchools offer a waiver of tuition and fees for Purple Heart recipients who are pursuing an undergraduate degree.
  • This waiver is for up to 125% of the required credit hours for the degree or certificate program the Veteran is enrolled in.
  • Who is eligible for the Alabama Tuition Waiver for Purple Heart Medal Recipients? To be eligible, the Veteran must be an Alabama resident, enrolled as a full time, part time, or summer school student in an undergraduate program that results in a degree or certificate and was an Alabama resident at the time they were awarded the Purple Heart.
  • This waiver is only available after all other educational benefits are used, except for benefits that are partially funded by the Veteran, such as the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill.
  • Veterans should contact the public institution they plan to attend for more information.
• Alabama Operation Recognition, High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Veterans who left high school before graduating to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces can receive high school diplomas. The Veteran must have served at any time between the following dates:
  • December 7, 1941, through January 1, 1946
  • June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955
  • November 15, 1961, through March 28, 1973

Veterans must have been a resident of Alabama when they entered the U.S. Armed Forces and must have received an honorable discharge.

Veterans or their family members can apply by contacting the high school principal’s office of the Veteran’s former high school, or the County Superintendent of Education.

• Alabama Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
  • Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
  • Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
  • Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
  • Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
  • Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
  • Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
  • Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student
• Alabama Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: The Alabama Purple Star School Program recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces. Schools that earn the award receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on campus.

For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Program they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison ensures that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families. For more information, please email PurpleStarSchools@alsde.edu.

Housing: The following are the sites for VETERAN’S Homes

Alabama State Veterans Home at Alexander City

Alabama State Veterans Home at Huntsville

Alabama State Veterans Home at Bay Minette

Alabama State Veterans Home at Pell City

Alabama State Veterans Home at Enterprise

 

Eligibility for admission:

• Served at least 90 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge
• Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, and those commissioned after October 16, 1981, must have served a minimum of 24 continuous months or the full period of their service obligation and received an honorable discharge
• Meets VA requirements for skilled nursing care or domiciliary/assisted living
• Alabama resident for 12 months prior to application
• Must have had a medical examination by a physician that indicates the Veteran does not have:
  • Care needs the Veterans Home cannot provide
  • Behavioral traits considered dangerous
  • Diagnosis or confirmed history of mental illness or mental retardation that outweighs their medical condition
• Meets Alabama immigration law requirements

Employment and Job Training: Veteran’s Preference

• Alabama Department of Labor Veteran Employment, Training and Services: The Alabama Department of Labor offers personalized employment assistance to Veterans. This assistance includes:
  • Resume
  • Interview skills
  • Job searches
  • Apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities
  • Referrals to additional resources
  • Priority of service
  • Training programs
• Alabama State Employee Leave of Absence for Military Service: State employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive 168 working hours paid leave per calendar year for military service. This paid leave is without loss of pay, time, annual vacation, or sick leave.
  • Who is eligible for Alabama State Employee Leave of Absence for Military Service? State employees who are serving in the Alabama National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves, on orders for training or active duty are eligible.
• Alabama State Employee Job Status and Reemployment Rights: When called into or entering military service, state employees in the unclassified service, have the same rights and privileges to reemployment as employees in the classified service.

State employees who are called to active service during a war or national emergency have protection of job status and reemployment rights.

• Alabama State Employee Veterans’ Hiring Preference: Alabama offers state employment hiring preference to eligible Veterans, disabled Veterans, spouses and surviving spouses. Preference is given by adding points to passing examination scores when applying for state employment.
  Who is eligible for Alabama State Employee Veterans’ Hiring Preference?
  • Honorably discharged Veterans receive five points
  • Veterans who are receiving disability compensation from the VA receive 10 points
  • Spouses of disabled Veterans who are unable to work due to their disability receive 10 points
  • Surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty receive 10 points

When reductions in force are being made, employees eligible for Veterans’ preference must be the last to be discharged, dropped, reduced in rank or salary. The employee must have a good record, and their efficiency rating must be equal to or greater than other employees in competition.

• Alabama Private Employment Veterans’ Preference: Private employers are authorized to have a written Veterans hiring preference policy.
• Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
• 5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
  • During a war, or
  • During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
  • During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
  • In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference
• 10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.
• 10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
• 10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
  • A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
  • A Veteran who received a Purple Heart
• 10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran’s service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:

• Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
• Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
• Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

• Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) Benefits for Service Members: State employees and teachers who enter the U.S. Armed Forces and return to state employment can keep their RSA benefits and may receive credit for up to four years of military service. Former Service members receiving military retired pay are not eligible.
  • Who is eligible for RSA Benefits for Service Members? A member of the RSA who enters the U.S. Armed Forces and continues to make contributions and then returns to state employment within one year after being honorably discharged is eligible to keep their RSA benefits. The required contributions must be made within the time equal to the length of service in the U.S. Armed Forces or before reaching age 60.

Additionally, the Veteran can purchase service credit for each full year of military service. Service credit may increase state retired pay or allow RSA members to receive retired pay sooner. The cost to purchase military service credit is 4% of the average salary paid to a state employee during each claimed year, plus 8% interest, compounded from the last date of service to the date of payment.

• Alabama Peace Officers Credit for Military Service: Any peace officer who is a member of the Alabama Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, who enters the U.S. Armed Forces and returns to work as a peace officer within six months after discharge can receive service credit for their military service for up to five years. Service credit may increase retired pay or allow Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund members to receive retired pay sooner.
• Alabama Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses for Disabled Veterans: Eligible disabled Veterans are charged a reduced fee of $25 for state/county/municipal business or occupational license taxes.
  • Who is eligible for Alabama Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses for Disabled Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must meet the following requirements:
    • Alabama resident
    • Served during a wartime period
    • 25% or more disability rating from the VA (the disability does not need to be service connected)
    • Self-employed and have no more than one employee

Veterans whose property (both real estate and personal property) is valued at $5,000 or more or whose net annual income is $2,500 or more are not eligible.

• Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
• Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active-duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual’s service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.
• Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
• Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
• Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
  
  • Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

The Department of Labor, through the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.

Burials and Memorials

Please note that your preference regarding burial in a national cemetery and using a headstone provided by VA should be documented and kept with your paperwork and medical records. Eligibility for interment in the State Veterans Cemetery follows National Cemetery Administration eligibility requirements. In general, Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and their spouses and dependent children are eligible (residency requirements exist). A fee for spouses or dependent children will be charged on the day of interment. For Veterans, there is no cost. Spouses remain eligible even if they remarry.

• National Cemeteries include:
  • Ft. Mitchell: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery
  • Mobile: Mobile National Cemetery
  • Montevallo: Alabama National Cemetery
• Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort: The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort provides a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members. The cemetery can provide in-ground casket or cremated remains burials, columbarium niches for the placement of cremated remains, and a scattering garden.

For Veterans, the cemetery provides the following at no cost:

• Use of committal shelter for service (cemetery does not offer graveside services)
• Burial plot or columbarium niche
• Opening and closing of the grave
• Perpetual care of the gravesite
• Inscribed gravestone

The fee for the burial of a Veteran’s dependent is $375, in addition to all other funeral expenses paid by the Veteran’s family or estate.

• Who is eligible for Burial in the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort? Eligibility requirements for the burial at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort are the same as for VA National Cemeteries except for an Alabama residency requirement. Exact eligibility requirements can be viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
  • Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
  • Died while serving on active duty, or
  • Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and qualified for military retired pay (or would have qualified except death occurred before age 60), or
  • Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
  • Spouses and dependents (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)
  • Alabama resident:
    • At the time of death, or
    • At time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, or
    • For 10 years (does not have to be consecutive)

Alabama VA Benefit Resources

Alabama provides Veterans with a Regional Benefits Office and VA Medical Centers.

Alabama VA Regional Benefits Office

• Montgomery: Montgomery Regional Benefit Office

Alabama VA Medical Centers

• Birmingham: Birmingham VA Medical Center
• Montgomery: Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System West Campus
• Tuscaloosa: Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center
• Tuskegee: Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System East Campus

Important information for Alabama Veteran Benefits:

For Veterans applying for VA benefits for the first time, you must submit a copy of your DD 214 (discharge paperwork). This will provide your discharge status, full name, social security number, branch of service, and dates you served. Honorable and general discharges qualify a Veteran for most VA benefits.

You should always keep your paperwork and medical records in a safe place where you and your family can access them. It is imperative to have it in a location where it cannot be destroyed or tampered with, which includes a safe.

Your eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

• Any Veteran discharged from the military under the conditions of “Dishonorable” due to bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits. VA regional offices can clarify the eligibility of prisoners, parolees, and individuals with multiple discharges issued under differing conditions.

Alabama Veteran Benefits

• If you are a disabled Veteran in Alabama and are VA-rated 90% or less, you may be eligible for additional benefits. Contact Veterans Guardian to sign up for a free consultation with no obligation. Let us review your claim to determine whether you qualify for additional benefits.

*This information is accurate as of June 2025