Rhode Island Veteran Benefits
State-level benefits Rhode Island gives its veterans, retirees, and military families. Federal benefits aren't listed here — see Browse by Category for the federal side.
16 benefits
Disabled Veterans Tuition
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% to 100% from the VA receive free tuition at Rhode Island's public colleges and universities (Community College of Rhode…free
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State Tuition Assistance Program
Current Rhode Island Army or Air National Guard members get a waiver for up to five tuition-free classes per fall or spring semester at CCRI, Rhode Island College, or the University of Rhode Island.free
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State Tuition Exemption Program
National Guard members in Rhode Island can take one free tuition course per summer semester (up to two per year) at CCRI, Rhode Island College, or URI.free
Active DutyVeteran
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In-State Tuition for Active Duty, Veterans
Active duty service members, their spouses and dependents, and veterans who establish Rhode Island residency are entitled to in-state tuition at URI, CCRI, and Rhode Island…VeteranActive DutyDependent
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State of RI Veterans' Hiring Preference
When veterans apply for competitive state government jobs in Rhode Island, they receive a 5-point credit added to their civil service entrance exam score after achieving a passing score.VeteranActive DutyRetiree
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Veteran Business Enterprise
Rhode Island's Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion certifies veteran-owned businesses as Veteran Business Enterprises, giving them preferred status in state procurement and contracting.Veteran
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Rhode Island Veterans Home
Rhode Island operates a state veterans' home in Bristol providing skilled nursing and long-term care to eligible veterans.Veteran
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Military Service Pension
Starting January 1, 2023, Rhode Island fully exempts military retirement pay from state personal income tax.RetireeVeteran
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Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Rhode Island's 2021 law extending local property tax exemptions to Cold War veterans was strengthened in 2023 to explicitly include National Guard members who served during the Cold War (through 1991).VeteranActive Duty
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Veterans Treatment Court
Rhode Island operates a Veterans Treatment Court that diverts eligible veterans involved in the criminal justice system into treatment and rehabilitation programs instead of traditional prosecution.Veteran
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Property Tax Exemption
Rhode Island law (RI General Law 44-3-4) gives property tax exemptions on real estate or motor vehicle tax bills to veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharges who served…VeteranDependent
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Rhode Island Legal Services
Rhode Island Legal Services provides free, high-quality legal assistance and representation to low-income veterans and military families.free
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RI Veteran Designation on Driver's License or State ID
Rhode Island veterans can add a free "Veteran" designation to an existing Rhode Island driver's license or state ID.free
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Veteran and Military License Plates
Rhode Island offers special license plates for veterans and military members including: Disabled Veteran (free plates and registration for 100% service-connected disabled…free
VeteranActive DutyDependent
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Vet Pass Transportation
Rhode Island provides dedicated state funding for the Vet Pass Transportation program, which gives injured, ill, and disabled veterans access to reliable transportation including…Veteran
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RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery
The Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services operates a 280-acre state military cemetery in Exeter, RI, providing free burial to eligible veterans and their spouses or dependents.free
VeteranDependent
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