Ar - Arkansas Veterans Benefits

[jason]

State of Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

STATE BENEFITS:

A. Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Arkansas Veterans who have been rated, by the VA, as 100% service connected (Permanent and Total) or awarded Special Monthly Compensation for loss or loss of use of one or more limbs total blindness in one or both eyes are entitled to exemption of Homestead and Personal Property Tax. Widows, so long as they do not remarry, dependent children, during their minority, continue this entitlement. Widows, so long as they do not remarry, dependent children, during their minority, are also eligible for this entitlement if the veteran was killed or died in the scope of his military duties, is missing in action, or died from service connected causes as certified by the Veterans Administration.

B. Gross Receipt of Tax Exemption: or gross proceeds derived from the sale of motor vehicles and adaptive equipment to disabled veterans who have purchased the vehicles or equipment with the financial assistance of the Veterans Administration as provided under 38 U.S.C. 1901-1905 (AR Code 26-52-401 (7) et. seq.) Gross receipts or proceeds derived from the sale of a new automobile to a veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury. Registration will require an entitlement letter form the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two (2) years. This exemption defines automobile as a passenger vehicle or pick up truck but does not include trucks with a maximum goes load in excess of three-quarter (3/40 ton and does not include any trailer. (AR Code 26-52-415 et.seq)

C. Income Tax Exemption: provides an exemption of the first $6,000.00 of service pay or retired pay for members of the Armed Forces to include Reserve Components or for retired members who are residents of the State of Arkansas.

D. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism: Arkansas resident veterans permanently service connected at a 100% disability rate may camp for half price in Arkansas State Parks. Proof of 100% status is required.

E. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Resident 3- year Disability Fishing License- RDC ($10.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A Trout permit must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran's Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year's Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for renewal. These two licenses are only available from the Commission's Little Rock office. If you wish to purchase a license, bring proof of one year Arkansas residency, such as driver's licenses, state ID, property assessments, Arkansas state income tax forms and acceptable proof of disability. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6349 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 3-Year Disability licenses are not available by phone order or online.

F. Educational Benefits: Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) has the authority to provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school, or vocational school; to the wife and children of any Arkansan who has been declared to be Prisoner of War or placed in a missing-in-action status since January 1, 1960. The same provisions apply to the surviving spouse and children of any Arkansas resident killed in action since 1960.

G. License Plates: The Revenue Division will provide (upon receipt of proper certification letters) a number of special privileges and benefits for Arkansas residents, including special license plates for Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled Veterans, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Armed Forces Retired, and Military Reserve.

[danang_1969]

State of Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

STATE BENEFITS:

A. Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Arkansas Veterans who have been rated, by the VA, as 100% service connected (Permanent and Total) or awarded Special Monthly Compensation for loss or loss of use of one or more limbs total blindness in one or both eyes are entitled to exemption of Homestead and Personal Property Tax. Widows, so long as they do not remarry, dependent children, during their minority, continue this entitlement. Widows, so long as they do not remarry, dependent children, during their minority, are also eligible for this entitlement if the veteran was killed or died in the scope of his military duties, is missing in action, or died from service connected causes as certified by the Veterans Administration.

B. Gross Receipt of Tax Exemption: or gross proceeds derived from the sale of motor vehicles and adaptive equipment to disabled veterans who have purchased the vehicles or equipment with the financial assistance of the Veterans Administration as provided under 38 U.S.C. 1901-1905 (AR Code 26-52-401 (7) et. seq.) Gross receipts or proceeds derived from the sale of a new automobile to a veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury. Registration will require an entitlement letter form the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two (2) years. This exemption defines automobile as a passenger vehicle or pick up truck but does not include trucks with a maximum goes load in excess of three-quarter (3/40 ton and does not include any trailer. (AR Code 26-52-415 et.seq)

C. Income Tax Exemption: provides an exemption of the first $6,000.00 of service pay or retired pay for members of the Armed Forces to include Reserve Components or for retired members who are residents of the State of Arkansas.

D. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism: Arkansas resident veterans permanently service connected at a 100% disability rate may camp for half price in Arkansas State Parks. Proof of 100% status is required.

E. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Resident 3- year Disability Fishing License- RDC ($10.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A Trout permit must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran's Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year's Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for renewal. These two licenses are only available from the Commission's Little Rock office. If you wish to purchase a license, bring proof of one year Arkansas residency, such as driver's licenses, state ID, property assessments, Arkansas state income tax forms and acceptable proof of disability. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6349 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 3-Year Disability licenses are not available by phone order or online.

F. Educational Benefits: Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) has the authority to provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school, or vocational school; to the wife and children of any Arkansan who has been declared to be Prisoner of War or placed in a missing-in-action status since January 1, 1960. The same provisions apply to the surviving spouse and children of any Arkansas resident killed in action since 1960.

G. License Plates: The Revenue Division will provide (upon receipt of proper certification letters) a number of special privileges and benefits for Arkansas residents, including special license plates for Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled Veterans, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Armed Forces Retired, and Military Reserve.

Does anyone know what % SC disability a veteran is required to be in order to be eligible for free DAV or DV plates in Arkansas and how you go about getting the certification letter from the VA to present to the revenue office to get the DAV plates if you qualify in Arkansas. I made quiet a few phone calls and searched hadit.com, the Arkansas State Website and have not found the qualification info yet. It gives the info on the State benefits but fails to say what percent and how to go about it.

[robert51]

State of Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

STATE BENEFITS:

A. Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Arkansas Veterans who have been rated, by the VA, as 100% service connected (Permanent and Total) or awarded Special Monthly Compensation for loss or loss of use of one or more limbs total blindness in one or both eyes are entitled to exemption of Homestead and Personal Property Tax. Widows, so long as they do not remarry, dependent children, during their minority, continue this entitlement. Widows, so long as they do not remarry, dependent children, during their minority, are also eligible for this entitlement if the veteran was killed or died in the scope of his military duties, is missing in action, or died from service connected causes as certified by the Veterans Administration.

B. Gross Receipt of Tax Exemption: or gross proceeds derived from the sale of motor vehicles and adaptive equipment to disabled veterans who have purchased the vehicles or equipment with the financial assistance of the Veterans Administration as provided under 38 U.S.C. 1901-1905 (AR Code 26-52-401 (7) et. seq.) Gross receipts or proceeds derived from the sale of a new automobile to a veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury. Registration will require an entitlement letter form the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two (2) years. This exemption defines automobile as a passenger vehicle or pick up truck but does not include trucks with a maximum goes load in excess of three-quarter (3/40 ton and does not include any trailer. (AR Code 26-52-415 et.seq)

C. Income Tax Exemption: provides an exemption of the first $6,000.00 of service pay or retired pay for members of the Armed Forces to include Reserve Components or for retired members who are residents of the State of Arkansas.

D. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism: Arkansas resident veterans permanently service connected at a 100% disability rate may camp for half price in Arkansas State Parks. Proof of 100% status is required.

E. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Resident 3- year Disability Fishing License- RDC ($10.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A Trout permit must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran's Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year's Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for renewal. These two licenses are only available from the Commission's Little Rock office. If you wish to purchase a license, bring proof of one year Arkansas residency, such as driver's licenses, state ID, property assessments, Arkansas state income tax forms and acceptable proof of disability. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6349 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 3-Year Disability licenses are not available by phone order or online.

F. Educational Benefits: Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) has the authority to provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school, or vocational school; to the wife and children of any Arkansan who has been declared to be Prisoner of War or placed in a missing-in-action status since January 1, 1960. The same provisions apply to the surviving spouse and children of any Arkansas resident killed in action since 1960.

G. License Plates: The Revenue Division will provide (upon receipt of proper certification letters) a number of special privileges and benefits for Arkansas residents, including special license plates for Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled Veterans, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Armed Forces Retired, and Military Reserve.

some states say 100% and that is what they mean ... not 70% and IU PT... so what does this state mean by 100% is IU included

[danang_1969]

some states say 100% and that is what they mean ... not 70% and IU PT... so what does this state mean by 100% is IU included

I did a little research on the free DAV plates. A disabled vet gets them through act 7 of 1949 and act 30 of 1979 of which I have not found to read exactly what it says.. Do not know if that is a state act or Federal because I could not find the law in a search. After talking to the revenue office, they informed me that the VA regulated that matter and a certificate form the VA was neccasary for issue of the DAV tag. It appears that if you qualify for the licence, either DA or DAV, the certificate should be in your award and benefit letter and the percentage must be 100% but it don't say that anywhere I have found. It stills seems like the percentages of qualification for each state benefit should be spelled out in the each states online information in the same manner as the exemption on personal property tax being 100%. On the tags, there are unanswered questions. Example below of state info.

Description:Specialty license plate for disabled veterans. White background with red lettering. Eligibility:Disabled veterans may qualify for these plates under Act 7 of 1949, or Act 30 of 1979 as certified by the Veterans Administration (VA). The surviving spouse of a disabled veteran may also be issued a disabled veteran license plate. Requirements:A letter from the Veterans Administration verifying the disabled veteran's eligibility under Act 7 of 1949 or Act 30 of 1979. A surviving spouse, who is not already joint owner of the vehicle, must also present a marriage license and the death certificate of the disabled veteran.

An eligible veteran may receive one (1) additional plate at the fee of $3.75. One (1) plate issued to the eligible veteran may be reissued to his or her surviving spouse at the regular registration fee for the vehicle.

[USArmy98J]

As for Arkansas. The DAV plates are available if one is 100% SC or TDIU.

I got the form on this when I received my decision from the RO granting IU

Bill

[danang_1969]

As far as I can see Arkansas practically has no benefits unless the vet is 100%.

Danang_1969

[bubblehead80]

Special License Plates

Available For Veterans

In 2005, the Arkansas Legislature passed legislation that allows veterans to purchase special license plates for vehicles at a cost of $3.75.

This legislation went into effect in April 2006 and was sent to all revenue offices in the state. The eligibility requirements for the special military license plates are as follows:

Veterans who served during World War II, Dec. 7, 1941, to Dec. 31, 1946; Korean War, June 27, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955; Vietnam War, July 1, 1958 to May 7, 1975; and the Persian Gulf War, Aug. 2, 1990, to Nov. 30, 1995.

The veteran must present a copy of his or her DD214 to the revenue office at the time of renewal. If the license plate has already been renewed for this year, a refund may be obtained by presenting the 2008 plate, vehicle registration and DD214 to the local revenue office.

The special license plate will be presented to the veteran for $1.25 and a refund for the price difference will be mailed to the veteran from the state auditor. The plates may also be reissued to the surviving spouse of a deceased war veteran to whom the plate was issued at the regular fee for the vehicle.

In order to obtain a refund for license plates purchased since April 2006, call the Claims Commission at 501-682-1619.

The Office of Motor Vehicles in Little Rock is researching this legislation to determine whether it pertains to reservists and National Guard members who served during these campaign periods.

A copy of a lost DD214 may be obtained by emailing the Office of Veteran Records at http://vetrecs.archives.gov.

[danang_1969]

Thanks to you bubblehead80 I just got my new tag 1.25 tag and also have a refund coming in the mail. They ripped me two years and say they will only refund one year. I had not heard a word about this vet license discount tag or no one else know has. I was the first pain in the butt vet to come into the hometown revenue office and ask for a refund and a new tag since the law took effect. The revenue office lady said she just got the memo on this new law Sept 07, 2008, just last week and it went into effect in April of 06. I believe we have some VA employees that transfered to the state license office in Little Rock. Thanks again for posting.

[danang_1969]

It will be interesting to find out unless it is covered up as to what they were doing with these vet plate fees as they were not giving the special plate discounts to vets for since 2006.

http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1008/561122.html

[Stretch]

This is the Veterans Benefits Pamphlet for Arkansas.

Vet_Benefits_Ark_pub.pdf

[Stretch]

Educational Benefits U of A.

http://www.uark.edu/admin/regrinfo/records/Veterans.html

[Stretch]

University of Arkansas salute to Veterans

Friday Oct. 23, 2009 at the University of Arkansas, Arkansas Union Theater

http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov/Salute%20to%20Veterans.pdf

[Stretch]

License Tags and Property exemptions. TDIU seems to be considered Permanent and Total disability in Arkasas for property tax purposes.

Opinion May 11, 2009 by Dustin McDaniel, Arkansas Attorney General

Ark_TDIU_2009_054.pdf

[Commander Bob]

I walked through Arkansas once, with a group of vets. Beautiful State.

[Stretch]

My Great-Great Grand dad and two of his brother walked through Arkansas when they were in the Alabama 18th. Reg. I mean literally walk all the way from Alabama to a place called Pee Ridge up here in NW Arkansas. One of the brothers ended up in a place called Andersonville as a POW.

I have lived here for the last 5 years. It ain't too bad. You are right it is very beautiful here. I am just now getting use to what Winters are. I lived in California from birth to 55 years old.

[Commander Bob]

My Great-Great Grand dad and two of his brother walked through Arkansas when they were in the Alabama 18th. Reg. I mean literally walk all the way from Alabama to a place called Pee Ridge up here in NW Arkansas. One of the brothers ended up in a place called Andersonville as a POW.

I have lived here for the last 5 years. It ain't too bad. You are right it is very beautiful here. I am just now getting use to what Winters are. I lived in California from birth to 55 years old.

You moved a long way from the ocean, Stretch...

Arkansas, during the Civil War... That boggles the mind. Although I have never been to Andersonville. It's on my list. I understand they have an interesting State park, site, memorial and museum there... I have always been interested in family history. I had heard stories when I was a child, however it wasn't until the advent of the Internet, could I attempt to truly trace my family tree. I learned that I had family members, who fought for the North and others that fought for the South. I believe that I have traced my ancestors back to our beginnings in Europe.

I enjoyed my walk through Arkansas. I really got to appreciate the state and the people. I was involved in a walk-a-thon type project. We crossed south west to north east, Thru Texarkanna to the Wall in D.C., about 22 years ago.

Edited October 19, 2009 by Commander Bob (see edit history)

[Stretch]

Yep, a long way from the Ocean. Land locked here that is for sure, but the Arkansas does honor Navy Vets as well as all other services.

The hardest thing to get use too here is when a young man opens a door for you. I look around to see if someone important is there before I figure out he is opening the door for me.

It just isn't this way in California, were neighborhood dogs eat dogs.

It is great to find out family information now-a-days.

There was a prison right here in Fayetteville Arkansas, that was for Civil War women. Seems that feading there husbands and family men was agains the law and a serious crime. Many of these women died in prison. You can imagine the rest.

This new internet age is one of the reasons that there are so many Vets claims, now. I found people through the internet, that were with me in service that were able to testify about my claims, that I had given up hope for finding years ago.

These guys are scattered all over the country, and many of the state have a multitude of names that are the same. I did cold calling on each an everyone of them until I found them. I could have never done this years ago.

[LarryJ]

Yep, a long way from the Ocean. Land locked here that is for sure, but the Arkansas does honor Navy Vets as well as all other services.

The hardest thing to get use too here is when a young man opens a door for you. I look around to see if someone important is there before I figure out he is opening the door for me.

It just isn't this way in California, were neighborhood dogs eat dogs.

It is great to find out family information now-a-days.

There was a prison right here in Fayetteville Arkansas, that was for Civil War women. Seems that feading there husbands and family men was agains the law and a serious crime. Many of these women died in prison. You can imagine the rest.

This new internet age is one of the reasons that there are so many Vets claims, now. I found people through the internet, that were with me in service that were able to testify about my claims, that I had given up hope for finding years ago.

These guys are scattered all over the country, and many of the state have a multitude of names that are the same. I did cold calling on each an everyone of them until I found them. I could have never done this years ago.

All my folks that were here in this country (some came over from the old country since the Civil War), but, the ones that were here during the Civil War were ALL Confederates (to the point to where, one of my Grandaddy's brothers was named General Joe Shelby M****** (GreatGrandpappy was enthralled with lots of names fer his kids, they all had FOUR names, i.e., James Robert Marion M*****, etc.). Anyway, GreatGrandpappy, who served under General Joe Shelby (who was the LAST general officer of the Confederacy to surrender) always said that, when the War of Northern Aggression was over, that the State of Arkansas gave all their returning soldiers a reward for their service, and a way in which to make a living...................they gave 'em a shovel. :D

[Pete53]

Opening the door for you. A couple of days ago a young man walked past me and opened the door for me. Gave me a real nice smile and I smiled back and thanked him. I have always felt that when someone shows you a courtesy you should honor them.

Later on when my son took me to the Framers Market Store a young lady, very pretty by the way,opened and held the door open for me. I was so thrilled I almost wet myself.

I was brought up old school and I always open and close doors when allowed to do so.

[LarryJ]

Opening the door for you. A couple of days ago a young man walked past me and opened the door for me. Gave me a real nice smile and I smiled back and thanked him. I have always felt that when someone shows you a courtesy you should honor them.

Later on when my son took me to the Framers Market Store a young lady, very pretty by the way,opened and held the door open for me. I was so thrilled I almost wet myself.

I was brought up old school and I always open and close doors when allowed to do so.

Pete, not only was I brought up "old school", I was brought up "old world", as in we didn't speak English at home. Now, can you imagine such a thing? But, seriously, English is not my "first" language, it's not even my "second" language........I didn't even learn to speak English until I started school. But, I was taught that, first of ALL, you honored your Father and Mother, you OBEYED (with OUT questions), and you loved your GOD, your FAMILY, your COUNTRY, and your NEIGHBORS. In that order.

I have a 40 year old son, a 37 year old daughter and a 26 year old son. They ALL call me "sir" when answering me (like in "YES, SIR" or "NO, SIR" and their mothers are Yes Mam and No Mam. And I do not know nor do I care if any of them even know my first name. If I'd ever have called my Father by his first name, I would have had to try and figger out what the license plate on that truck that just hit me, was (BTW, he was Golden Glove middleweight champ of the Pacific Fleet 1938 '39 and '40.....OUCH!).

Thank You, I Beg Your Pardon, By You Leave.........good words to know, in any language.

Oh, and one other, "Thank You G-d and Bless You". :D