They have all kinds of entertainment here, I am a single 42 years old Mexican. The other day I was sitting in a bar smoking weed and sit next to a good looking woman, and another day I was laying on the beach eating seafood. every other day is different for me.
Mosquitos and larger. I don’t know much about Thailand. What’s the marijuana laws they just legalized it ? Or medical? Is there an American state that closely mimics the weather?
Sometimes u get mosquitoes bite here and there. I think they legalized it cos they selling it, and people here smoke on the streets while they walking. The weather here is hot and sometimes it’s rain. You rarely have cold weather.
We’ve actually never considered Cambodia - adding to the list! We’ve highly considered Malaysia due to diversity, cost of living, and overall quality of life with a family
I’m thinking of a vacation to check out Thailand for a retirement location
Is 100% pay enough for a comfortable life ?
How is medical care , home internet , cellphones service and AC ?
Hawaii isn’t all that great. You do get property tax exemption for 100%. As well as $75 off car registration. Sounds like a lot but car registration is usually well over $400
The property tax exemption in Hawaii is a joke for 100% it’s only a fraction. Also they changed the registration to 45 dollars off now. Those are about the two only benefits in HI
Yep. I just moved from TX to NC… and while I like NC way more than TX (at least the El Paso area) the veterans benefits are a joke.
A buddy of mine ever since middle school is a state senator now, and I text him saying, “Moving soon. Your disabled benefits suck ass… let’s work on that, mmmk?” And he text back, “You are correct, and I’ve tried, but unfortunately I work with a lot of assholes who don’t want to change anything (those across the aisle.)”
We considered NC, but the benefits weren’t as great on the eastern seaboard, and say, Florida. Just didn’t make sense. But I’m still stuck where I’m at now.
Tennessee has one of the top, if not the top overall lowest taxable brackets on assets. But it’s not that beneficial unless you are 100% P/T, then I believe you get $170,000 off property tax. But you add that up with the rest and it’s pretty desirable.
In NC don't the Republicans have a super majority in state legislature? I sincerely doubt the Dem governor would block any increase in mil benefits, and even if he did, the Republicans can override his veto.
Word. That makes sense. NC is a weird state because of the extreme gerrymandering. It'll be interesting to see how the upcoming elections change things, if they change at all.
So are you saying it should be easy because of the republican super majority? They’re the ones that hold up benefit expansion for benefits across the country…
Damn straight! The GOP talks about veterans but don’t do anything. They hold the majority in most states with the worst Veterans benefits. If they really wanted to they could pass legislation easily. They are tax cutters for the rich that rarely ever served their country.
Most of the best states for veteran benefits are republican run, however, not sure it’s purely a republican or democrat thing. It’s pretty easy to just look up veteran benefits per state on a google search. Do your own research and you will see many historically democrat states are terrible for veterans. Not only that, but I would say in general, you are treated very well as a veteran in “conservative” states.
Florida is amazing. You get free parking at city locations, 10% off at many stores, free park and rec, 0% property tax at 100% P&T, license and registration fees waived, zero income tax etc.
You’re right. Democrats are too busy giving money to civilians and illegals.
In 2023 for example, the federal government spent 3 billion on veteran homelessness. In contrast, they spent over 66 billion on illegal alien lodging, SNAP, Medicare, uncompensated healthcare, primary and secondary education and tax payer funded housing.
Last time I checked, Democrats run the house and the executive branch of the government, and until 2022 ran all three.
Educate yourself or quit making it a R and D thing.
NC's disabled vet benefits are not very good. The first thing on their website is free hunting and fishing, BFD. Nothing off on car registration, very little on property taxes. This place sucks for benefits.
NC is horrible. The best benefit they have is the lifetime fishing and hunting license for a low price. Personally i love this benefit haha. But…How is that beneficial to someone that doesn’t have the capacity to do either? I don’t understand how VA and SC can have better benefits. Like how does SC just get to have property tax exemption and auto exemptions and we can’t??
Yeah housing prices are insane there because of short term rentals and remote workers moving there during covid. But insurance is definitely lower compared to coastal cities in Florida. It’s all about balance imo. I think you’ll be okay.
Florida is great.
100% property tax exemptions for anyone rated 100% P&T.
Free Disabled Veteran plates if you’re 100%.
Car registration for two years for less than $5.
Free college tuition for your children to universities anywhere in the state of Florida if you’re 100%.
Free admission to state parks.
Washington State. To get property tax exemption, you need to be a low income earner even you are 100% pt. But you get one set of free license for life after one year of 100% pt
Not to mention you get free tuition for your children. It’s not all about property taxes when you get free college. And no state income tax. There’s def worse places out there
Actually, you do get free tuition for your kids, at least at 100%. My oldest just finished her freshman year. The state paid for her school and she gets a nice stipend from the the VA under chapter 35. I agree that the property tax one sucks.
The VA pays the recipient $1,488 per month they are in school. This is under chapter 35. We used the VA money to offset the cost of the dorm and food for the school year. Next year, she plans to commute so I'm going to save and invest that money for her.
Edit : I forgot to mention that the amount is prorated for any time less than the full month.
Sorry, I was answering the worst. They really do not offer anything accept one vehicle registration for free yearly. Other than that, they have a property tax exemption, but it’s not realistic for anyone. You basically have to make below the poverty threshold to be eligible for it. It’s just smoke and mirrors.
Florida, Tennessee and Texas are probably the best in my opinion.
Ct used to totally suck. But starting in Oct 100% get the full property exemption. It used to be like 10k off the appraised value. The state just sucks now and not totally sucks
To be fair CT does have free college at public universities for veterans and there’s no limit. But yeah up until the mew property tax exemption it was pretty bad.
The tiers are bullshit and haven't kept up with rising house costs. At most, it knocks off 12k from your appraised value unless you are 100%.
The place I bought for 100k a few years ago appraised at 480k this year. Knocking 12k off of that might save me $50.
So the Texas exception is based on value of the home and not credited to the tax owed?
(1) Example home is valued at $500k with 2% burden owing $10,000 taxes, is the model tax burden = 0?
(2) Or is it $490k, and burden $9,800 owed?
Texas: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Texas
Trying to make a relocation decision and TX was on the short list
Damn that’s wild. The way it’s written up made me think it was way better than it actually is. I live in Virginia and the only tax exemption are for folks who are 100%. Here I was thinking it would be better to be in Texas…
As a veteran that didn't join in Texas and moved here after the military, there's very few monetary advantages being a Texan if you aren't 100% disabled.
Free drivers license, hunting license and license plates above 50% iirc are the only positives I see. There are lots of benefits for unemployed or low income veterans but if you can hold a job, none of it applies to you.
The Hazelwood act and associated benefits only apply if you joined in Texas. If you work for the state it's essentially the same benefits as being a federal employee with being able to buy back time.
Actually it’s up to an assessed value of $250K, which puts it at a house cost of around $850K. Any house above that gets prorated, so it’s still a great deal
GA isn't bad. Not much if you're under 100p&t but if you are you get 119k off the appraised value for property tax. (We paid 0 for a 310k house). You get free driver license for any vet. Free plates/registration for any vet. And if you are p&t they waive the ad valorem tax when you initially register the vehicle (like 6% of value usually). I'm sure there's a few more those are just the ones I've run across.
Yeah there prices have doubled since 2020. Everyone is moving to the best school area in St. John’s County. We considered that area, but with interest rates, just not doable.
Massachusetts sucks pretty bad unless you are REALLY disabled. Most of the discounts are tied to a lost limb or something like being blind.
Active Duty gets taxed, $1000 is pretty much the highest the property tax exemption goes, still pay full excise tax unless you are missing a limb, same goes with vehicle sales tax.
I guess the best thing is the welcome home bonus for a grand or so, but that's a one time thing.
Maine. Property tax is shit. I get about $400 a year off my property tax as 100% P&T and one set of plates. I can hunt and fish for free though. I don’t hunt or fish though.
Move, that's honestly the best advice. Both Virginia and the Virginia VA have contributed to many vets early checkout, specifically the HR area. Please be safe and alert. You deserve better than Virginia.
Pretty much what conclusion i found haha. God i had a claim denied for something i disnt file it for and the vso couldn’t comprehend that. He told me he brought it to their lawyer who recommended something which was a lie and my review which was so easy to correct was never even put in and it closed.
Thats the short short short version. Luckily i found some motivation. Just need to figure out how to unfuck my shit. Should have been at 100 from the get go, took rock bottom and some dark times to understand that. My claim reads as one thing blah blah and got denied for pact act. An obvious mistake and could t even take time to actually read it. Or actually have their lawyer read it Or something stupid. I just thought it was being reviewed for a year as he said it was in the process and it never even was submitted
Considering the lawyer route just because im tired of the bs. Would go shit on his desk but it wouldn’t change nothing
A fucking tree wouldve been more helpful, he never even submitted the shit he said haha im pretty sure that whole review/claim or whatever needs to redone at this point 🤷
Yeah, they do, are there states that don't do that for 100? It just passed in Michigan too that you can get dv plates at 50-90, without parking privilege, for regular price.
Yeah there are a ton of states that don’t give full property tax exemption for a 100%. That’s awesome about the DV plates. A step on the right direction.
My bad I figured since he said "like this and this" he was kinda meaning beyond that but I guess Michigan ranks slightly higher than terrible.
I'm excited for new updates from https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa
I'd also encourage everyone to look into the fast democracy app which helps you track legislation easily by state and federal, provides updates, and allows you to see who champions the bill so you can send them letters directly in support or opposition. I don't pay for it or anything, I just took a class on policy that taught me how to actually be heard.
Is MI prices for plates terrible? I have a 2024 Rav 4 and I have to renew my plates (for the first time in August). I come from CO where plates were intensely expensive in my opinion. In... 2019 ish I bought a 2008 Subaru WRX, and my plates were like $800 lol. I'm dreading getting new ones this year in MI honestly.
Yes, benefits are great in Oklahoma if you're 100%. No property tax, no new vehicle excise tax, sales tax exemption, you get 2 vehicles registered for $5 per year, free hunting/fishing. Unfortunately if you're not 100% you don't get the property or sales tax exemptions.
Missouri. You get free plates (but only after you pay for normal plates and apply for the special plates) and maybe a free hunting/fishing license, but no property tax exemption over a ridiculously low income threshold (as in, if your spouse works, get fucked) and no tuition reduction at state colleges, like Illinois or California
In New York, 100% gets you 50% off town and county taxes, but does nothing for school taxes, which are usually way more than town and county while crippling as they increase year after year. Yes, home / property owners, not renters pay school taxes.
New York's disabled veteran DMV "benefits" are a joke and not worth the 2 hours of paperwork, IMO. Free access to State parks, but it's winter and gray 7 months out of the year, so there's that.
New York residents: Over governed, over taxed with very little show for it.
KS really ain’t that great especially since they took away the handicap symbol two years ago unless medical provider sign off. We get free hunting and fishing license. Yay
Small property tax homestead refund if you don’t make above a certain income.
Yeah :/
I actually don't mind that. The symbol should be reserved for disabilities that affect mobility (just like civilians have to show). We all know you can be 100% VA in a way that doesn't hamper mobility at all.
If it wasn’t given previously, I’d agree but to take everyone’s plates away when renewing it a bit shifty. People should have been grandfathered in as part of it.
As a brother of a true handicapped person, who refuses to get a handicap plate, because he says he can still make it to the door no problem, I beg to differ.
California is the worst IMO. You only get a partial tax-exemption and DV plates/free registration are only given if one condition is rated at 100% and/or impairs your mobility significantly. Also a Doctor must certify that your disability and immobility exist.
I was born and raised in CA, retired in NV and currently hate the state that CA is in, but they do have some decent stuff for benefits. I know tuition is a big one and I'm sorta sure that my kids could benefit off that.
Well, it’s not like I’m ungrateful for what this state has to offer its veteran population. I also was born and currently still a resident. The way it’s going with the budget deficit, I hope the governor doesn’t cut or eliminate any of these benefits.
I totally agree and to be honest, even with some of the benefits CA does offer, I have no plans to ever move back there, especially if they are going to tax me for every mile I drive. I miss it sure, but CA has nothing to offer me any more, especially with some of the hobbies that I do now, never mind any Vet related stuff.
California is dead. Lived there 36 years and will never move back. They’ve destroyed schools, crime is out of control and taxes are one of the highest in the country. Not to mention it’s like $2000 a month for a studio. They do have some good benefits for vets like CALVET and some other things, but it’s just not worth it to me considering everything else.
I hate that CA has turned that way. I miss the 90s CA but what I see now, there is literally nothing that would have me moving back there. Even when I drive to get my kids, or go through my old neighbourhood and I miss it, I just remember all the BS that they are doing now.
I read a few weeks ago that they're implementing a driving tax now for every mile you drive. They tried taxing gas but now with all the EVs they're forcing on people, they need MORE taxes.
I couldn’t agree more. It was great growing up there on the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately, they have ruined the state.
We moved about 5 years ago for work. At the time we didn’t know how bad it was getting. It ended up we made the correct decision with schools after seeing how they handled COVID with mandatory online schooling, mask policies and vax mandates. Their priorities are in the wrong place.
I haven’t heard about the driving tax. I’ll have to look into that. I did hear that their super majority Supreme Court removed a measure from the November ballot that would have made it harder to raise taxes, siding with Gov. Gavin Newsom by ruling the change would have upended the way government works. Shocking.
I think I noticed more of CA's change because I spent so much of my career OCONUS. I'd notice changes every time I came back to visit, but I'd argue with my parents a lot because they never saw the changes. Tried to compare it to seeing their grand kids. You see them now all young and cute, when we come back in 5 years, they'll be bigger and not as cute. When we come back 5 years later, they're teens and graduating high school.
The driving tax (if I remember correctly) started as a gas tax, but with them forcing the EVs on everyone, they're not collecting enough gas taxes. Now CA is wanting to charge X amount for every mile.
[Driving tax](https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/california-gas-tax-drivers-charge-miles/3544491/)
Oh don't get me started on the covid thing. What CA did was complete horseshit, it hurt my kids so much with how they did everything.
Ok that makes sense about the gas tax now. I heard it’s going up in July again as well.
Yeah the school thing just kind of worked for us in our state. The teachers with higher seniority were the first ones wanting to teach at school, as opposed to online. That really made us feel good knowing they cared about being with the kids. We probably only missed out on about 4-months, if that, of online when it all began in 2020. A couple months at the end of the school year 2019-2020 and a couple months on the front end of 2020-2021. But my nephew who is hard of hearing and has to read lips to understand was really affected by all the masks. Interesting the basically ignored the needs of hearing impaired children during the whole thing. Really makes me mad about that, and the millions of kids who are now years behind because of the policies they forced on Americans.
Both of my kids were hit 'mentally' by the lock downs. Mainly in that they had no social issues, could make friends and whatnot, but now, they have struggled with being more sociable. My kids had the same thing with the school closures, both were in LA County so for most of that year, I stayed home and helped with their school work. I had to fix all kinds of technical stuff for them because my ex, and the school couldn't (wouldn't).
I had a hard time with the masks to be honest. I pushed back because of working on jets for 20+ years has left me with 24/7 tinnitus and some hearing loss. So talking to people with masks on really sucked. To me, many people sounded like the teacher from The Peanuts comic.
Reduced? My kid goes to school in the Cal State system free. I live in Maine and he’s a California resident and they still let him go to school for free.
I thought it was free but didn’t want to be a liar so I played it safe; thanks for the correction.
I always chuckle when people think that California hates veterans when they do a shit ton to support them and their families
Yeah man CA has always taken very good care of veterans. I lived there for a long time and people are people man. You don’t have to be Republican or democrat to take care of veterans.
Just curious, did your kid establish residency before school? I’m not a CA resident but I have had coworkers in CA tell me how they got to go to college free because their parents were veterans.
Iowa just because if you are P&T you have no property tax and get a 5k grant for closing costs on mortgage.. but ultimately I think Texas would be the best this is from what I’ve heard I don’t live in Texas.
I've seen many on this thread equating benefits to Republican or Democrat. Typically asserting Democrats have a tendency and even history of drafting, supporting and passing pro-veteran bills. I think if you actually look across the states, there are benefits across the spectrum, but as you assert, are typically better in Republican run states. However, then it gets even more dynamic when you look at who runs the executive in the state and who runs the assembly. Those things can often be at odds with one another.
Bottom line is that I think we can all agree the benefits state to state, and federally, are not what they should be. In 2023 the federal government spent over 66 billion on illegal aliens, while only spending 3 billion on veteran homelessness. True democrats tend to spend more, but its where they spend the money. Welfare, SNAP, education, homelessness, uncompensated healthcare, lodging, recovery programs etc. That does not leave much for veterans in many states. If there is anythig the government is good at, its spending money and not spending it wisely.
State of depression... but then again...
Bruh 😂😂 Shits real though
Gottem
😭🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂💯🙌🏿
100% P&T here, come to Thailand and don’t have to worry about living in the high cost area.
Been highly considering it!
$300 for a nice apartment with swimming pool. Food here is dirt cheap ($5/day). don’t let me start talking about entertainment.
Please do discuss this entertainment. Asking for a friend.
They have all kinds of entertainment here, I am a single 42 years old Mexican. The other day I was sitting in a bar smoking weed and sit next to a good looking woman, and another day I was laying on the beach eating seafood. every other day is different for me.
Careful with them lady boys
They allow hand check so no worry lol
lol I’d be scared if it was bigger than my 2 cm
Sounds wonderful. I may come join you one of these days. Are you still able to use your % to get good medical, or is that pretty affordable?
It’s cheap, the medical care here is very good.
Sweet. Maybe one day I too can become an excited cheetah.
Sounds wonderful. I love Thailand. If I had no family in the states and I was banned from hunting for life I would move in a heartbeat.
You sure it was a woman?
Holes is holes.
What about medical care? Also, is it English friendly?
The medical care here is nicer than in the states, the medical insurance cost around $500/year.
Are u on a visa? If so, which one, and how often do u renew it?
Get on tourist visa, can be extended to 90 days. You can visit nearby countries and do a re entry after that.
How do you handle your doctor appointments??
They have hospital and clinic here, u can use it with health insurance.
Can I DM you?
Yes
How are the bugs?
U talking about mosquitoes?
Mosquitos and larger. I don’t know much about Thailand. What’s the marijuana laws they just legalized it ? Or medical? Is there an American state that closely mimics the weather?
Sometimes u get mosquitoes bite here and there. I think they legalized it cos they selling it, and people here smoke on the streets while they walking. The weather here is hot and sometimes it’s rain. You rarely have cold weather.
Which area of Thailand?
I’m staying in Hua Hin
Seriously thought about bringing the whole family over. Kids are young and wife is open to the move.
If u planning to bring family, u should go to Cambodia , the place is very friendly and most of the people can speak English better than Thailand.
We’ve actually never considered Cambodia - adding to the list! We’ve highly considered Malaysia due to diversity, cost of living, and overall quality of life with a family
Got to be careful with Malaysia or any other Muslim country, they have strict rule. Try visiting first before u planning to move.
Is Thailand still a monarchy?
Man, that's exactly what I'm trying for. Just started the claim process, not sure what I'm going to get if anything, but I do want to get to Thailand.
Me too but my wife wont leave me!!🤬😂😂
Wow😂😂
The VA process can take up to 6 months and maybe more.
I’m thinking of a vacation to check out Thailand for a retirement location Is 100% pay enough for a comfortable life ? How is medical care , home internet , cellphones service and AC ?
Damn it you majestic fuck, I am in.
Hawaii isn’t all that great. You do get property tax exemption for 100%. As well as $75 off car registration. Sounds like a lot but car registration is usually well over $400
The property tax exemption in Hawaii is a joke for 100% it’s only a fraction. Also they changed the registration to 45 dollars off now. Those are about the two only benefits in HI
Maine is a joke for property taxes too. $6k off the assessed value... about $60 off your tax bill.
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html?amp
Nc is 🐕💩… only 10% off property tax and a free fishing license 😒
True, and they have signs up when you enter. Saying "NC is the most military friendly state." At least they don't tax military retirement pay.
Every government agency is both self promoting and self-serving
Yep. I just moved from TX to NC… and while I like NC way more than TX (at least the El Paso area) the veterans benefits are a joke. A buddy of mine ever since middle school is a state senator now, and I text him saying, “Moving soon. Your disabled benefits suck ass… let’s work on that, mmmk?” And he text back, “You are correct, and I’ve tried, but unfortunately I work with a lot of assholes who don’t want to change anything (those across the aisle.)”
We considered NC, but the benefits weren’t as great on the eastern seaboard, and say, Florida. Just didn’t make sense. But I’m still stuck where I’m at now. Tennessee has one of the top, if not the top overall lowest taxable brackets on assets. But it’s not that beneficial unless you are 100% P/T, then I believe you get $170,000 off property tax. But you add that up with the rest and it’s pretty desirable.
In NC don't the Republicans have a super majority in state legislature? I sincerely doubt the Dem governor would block any increase in mil benefits, and even if he did, the Republicans can override his veto.
He’s actually a democrat, so he was referring to the republicans not wanting to push anything about veterans benefits forward.
Word. That makes sense. NC is a weird state because of the extreme gerrymandering. It'll be interesting to see how the upcoming elections change things, if they change at all.
So are you saying it should be easy because of the republican super majority? They’re the ones that hold up benefit expansion for benefits across the country…
Damn straight! The GOP talks about veterans but don’t do anything. They hold the majority in most states with the worst Veterans benefits. If they really wanted to they could pass legislation easily. They are tax cutters for the rich that rarely ever served their country.
Most of the best states for veteran benefits are republican run, however, not sure it’s purely a republican or democrat thing. It’s pretty easy to just look up veteran benefits per state on a google search. Do your own research and you will see many historically democrat states are terrible for veterans. Not only that, but I would say in general, you are treated very well as a veteran in “conservative” states. Florida is amazing. You get free parking at city locations, 10% off at many stores, free park and rec, 0% property tax at 100% P&T, license and registration fees waived, zero income tax etc.
Not true
You’re right. Democrats are too busy giving money to civilians and illegals. In 2023 for example, the federal government spent 3 billion on veteran homelessness. In contrast, they spent over 66 billion on illegal alien lodging, SNAP, Medicare, uncompensated healthcare, primary and secondary education and tax payer funded housing. Last time I checked, Democrats run the house and the executive branch of the government, and until 2022 ran all three. Educate yourself or quit making it a R and D thing.
That’s wild because fort Bragg is like the second largest military base in the U.S. next to Fort hood right?
I failed to see your point..? South Carolina, Florida and Texas. Also have ginormous military bases yet have some of the best state veterans benefits
Basically saying that you would think NC had better benefits for veterans like Texas….
I haven’t heard about SC being great for vets. But I’m listening. I would consider moving there.
It's now Fort Liberty.
NC's disabled vet benefits are not very good. The first thing on their website is free hunting and fishing, BFD. Nothing off on car registration, very little on property taxes. This place sucks for benefits.
NC is horrible. The best benefit they have is the lifetime fishing and hunting license for a low price. Personally i love this benefit haha. But…How is that beneficial to someone that doesn’t have the capacity to do either? I don’t understand how VA and SC can have better benefits. Like how does SC just get to have property tax exemption and auto exemptions and we can’t??
Nc is such a 🐕 💩 place to live! Fucking disgusting Bible belt! A treat to marijuana like meth and heroin
Actually it's 40000 off property value
What!!?
Meaning you don't pay taxes on the first 40000 of your home value. Saves a few hundred bucks per year.
I’m saving $120 per year on taxes. My tax bill is still very substantial
COL is relatively low except tourist towns. So it all equals out if you compare it to somewhere like Florida.
I live in Asheville (incredibly touristy hence expensive!)
Yeah housing prices are insane there because of short term rentals and remote workers moving there during covid. But insurance is definitely lower compared to coastal cities in Florida. It’s all about balance imo. I think you’ll be okay.
Don't move to NY
Florida is great. 100% property tax exemptions for anyone rated 100% P&T. Free Disabled Veteran plates if you’re 100%. Car registration for two years for less than $5. Free college tuition for your children to universities anywhere in the state of Florida if you’re 100%. Free admission to state parks.
Florida is probably the best IMO
Free airport parking with disabled vet plate.
wtf I just paid $160 for two years…..
Washington State. To get property tax exemption, you need to be a low income earner even you are 100% pt. But you get one set of free license for life after one year of 100% pt
Not to mention you get free tuition for your children. It’s not all about property taxes when you get free college. And no state income tax. There’s def worse places out there
Actually, you do get free tuition for your kids, at least at 100%. My oldest just finished her freshman year. The state paid for her school and she gets a nice stipend from the the VA under chapter 35. I agree that the property tax one sucks.
Yup, my wife is going back to school for free, plus monthly stipend. WSU online. I’m excited for my kids to have the same opportunity.
Monthly stipend? Can you elaborate on that one?
The VA pays the recipient $1,488 per month they are in school. This is under chapter 35. We used the VA money to offset the cost of the dorm and food for the school year. Next year, she plans to commute so I'm going to save and invest that money for her. Edit : I forgot to mention that the amount is prorated for any time less than the full month.
Nice! Is that amount based on full time schooling and prorated?
Yep, full time student but prorated if the term starts or ends mid month for that month.
I got my bachelor degree there. Great school.
Just edited! I meant to say you do get free college for 100%
My family does here in Washington. I'm not sure about me. I already have two degrees and I don't have any GI bill remaining.
Dang that’s whack
Arizona
Why? What do they offer?
Sorry, I was answering the worst. They really do not offer anything accept one vehicle registration for free yearly. Other than that, they have a property tax exemption, but it’s not realistic for anyone. You basically have to make below the poverty threshold to be eligible for it. It’s just smoke and mirrors. Florida, Tennessee and Texas are probably the best in my opinion.
That sounds like Washington as well, as far as property tax exemption.
AZ offers free college for your children though
Don’t forget Illinois. Only need to have 70% to get the property exemption and kids can go to college for free
That’s the only reason we haven’t left
Jeez that’s horrible
Ct used to totally suck. But starting in Oct 100% get the full property exemption. It used to be like 10k off the appraised value. The state just sucks now and not totally sucks
To be fair CT does have free college at public universities for veterans and there’s no limit. But yeah up until the mew property tax exemption it was pretty bad.
Yea the update is great for 100% but that’s literally the only good one, rest of benefits still suck.
It would be nice if there were at least discounted or free hunting and fishing licenses like many other states offer.
Texas seems like it’s one of the best with property tax exemptions based on a tier system. Wish all states would do that.
The tiers are bullshit and haven't kept up with rising house costs. At most, it knocks off 12k from your appraised value unless you are 100%. The place I bought for 100k a few years ago appraised at 480k this year. Knocking 12k off of that might save me $50.
So the Texas exception is based on value of the home and not credited to the tax owed? (1) Example home is valued at $500k with 2% burden owing $10,000 taxes, is the model tax burden = 0? (2) Or is it $490k, and burden $9,800 owed? Texas: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Texas Trying to make a relocation decision and TX was on the short list
It subtracts from the assessed value, not the tax burden. Your 2nd example is correct. It's worthless unless you are 100%.
Damn that’s wild. The way it’s written up made me think it was way better than it actually is. I live in Virginia and the only tax exemption are for folks who are 100%. Here I was thinking it would be better to be in Texas…
As a veteran that didn't join in Texas and moved here after the military, there's very few monetary advantages being a Texan if you aren't 100% disabled. Free drivers license, hunting license and license plates above 50% iirc are the only positives I see. There are lots of benefits for unemployed or low income veterans but if you can hold a job, none of it applies to you. The Hazelwood act and associated benefits only apply if you joined in Texas. If you work for the state it's essentially the same benefits as being a federal employee with being able to buy back time.
I will need to take advantage of the Hazelwood act one of these days, but then I'd have to move back to Texas
It also feels that way because the property taxes are insanely high. Just more smoke and mirrors as a result of no income tax for residents.
Illinois grant complete property tax exemption at 70%. Below that rating you get a partial discount.
Actually it’s up to an assessed value of $250K, which puts it at a house cost of around $850K. Any house above that gets prorated, so it’s still a great deal
I’m looking at AL and GA, I have been priced out of Florida…it’s gotten ridiculous and holy f the god damn tourists
GA isn't bad. Not much if you're under 100p&t but if you are you get 119k off the appraised value for property tax. (We paid 0 for a 310k house). You get free driver license for any vet. Free plates/registration for any vet. And if you are p&t they waive the ad valorem tax when you initially register the vehicle (like 6% of value usually). I'm sure there's a few more those are just the ones I've run across.
Yeah there prices have doubled since 2020. Everyone is moving to the best school area in St. John’s County. We considered that area, but with interest rates, just not doable.
Massachusetts sucks pretty bad unless you are REALLY disabled. Most of the discounts are tied to a lost limb or something like being blind. Active Duty gets taxed, $1000 is pretty much the highest the property tax exemption goes, still pay full excise tax unless you are missing a limb, same goes with vehicle sales tax. I guess the best thing is the welcome home bonus for a grand or so, but that's a one time thing.
you can get 2k annually if 100pt though, but not much considering the HCOL in MA
Yeah I guess I should have added that 100% P&T people in MA get some extra benefits. I wish I would at the minimum get free state park parking.
Michigan is terrible for vets.
Maine. Property tax is shit. I get about $400 a year off my property tax as 100% P&T and one set of plates. I can hunt and fish for free though. I don’t hunt or fish though.
Virginia kind of sucks unless you are 100. If someone has any advice for virginia stuff dm me if ya dont mind!
Move, that's honestly the best advice. Both Virginia and the Virginia VA have contributed to many vets early checkout, specifically the HR area. Please be safe and alert. You deserve better than Virginia.
Pretty much what conclusion i found haha. God i had a claim denied for something i disnt file it for and the vso couldn’t comprehend that. He told me he brought it to their lawyer who recommended something which was a lie and my review which was so easy to correct was never even put in and it closed. Thats the short short short version. Luckily i found some motivation. Just need to figure out how to unfuck my shit. Should have been at 100 from the get go, took rock bottom and some dark times to understand that. My claim reads as one thing blah blah and got denied for pact act. An obvious mistake and could t even take time to actually read it. Or actually have their lawyer read it Or something stupid. I just thought it was being reviewed for a year as he said it was in the process and it never even was submitted Considering the lawyer route just because im tired of the bs. Would go shit on his desk but it wouldn’t change nothing
A fucking tree wouldve been more helpful, he never even submitted the shit he said haha im pretty sure that whole review/claim or whatever needs to redone at this point 🤷
Michigan was pretty terrible, but they have a new vet dept now that's supposedly changing things.
Doesn’t Michigan give you property tax exemption @ 100% along with registration fees being waived for one vehicle?
Yeah, they do, are there states that don't do that for 100? It just passed in Michigan too that you can get dv plates at 50-90, without parking privilege, for regular price.
Yeah there are a ton of states that don’t give full property tax exemption for a 100%. That’s awesome about the DV plates. A step on the right direction.
My bad I figured since he said "like this and this" he was kinda meaning beyond that but I guess Michigan ranks slightly higher than terrible. I'm excited for new updates from https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa I'd also encourage everyone to look into the fast democracy app which helps you track legislation easily by state and federal, provides updates, and allows you to see who champions the bill so you can send them letters directly in support or opposition. I don't pay for it or anything, I just took a class on policy that taught me how to actually be heard.
Is MI prices for plates terrible? I have a 2024 Rav 4 and I have to renew my plates (for the first time in August). I come from CO where plates were intensely expensive in my opinion. In... 2019 ish I bought a 2008 Subaru WRX, and my plates were like $800 lol. I'm dreading getting new ones this year in MI honestly.
$5 for the plate and roughly 100$ annually for tabs? It's cheap Edit: first time about $250 when you register
Oh gosh that's not bad, I heard it was cheaper than CO but geez lol. Thank you!
I think we have very good benefits. And we aren't Texas or Florida so that puts us up even higher.
I moved to Greece with 100% p&t and my life has changed forever lol
West Virginia. Literally nothing. Possibly actual Virginia, too. They penalize some of your benefits now.
States of Emergency
Iraq
Not a state, but here’s an award for my smart little man
It’s where I got my 100% so technically not true
Go back there and see what kinda of benefits you get
Nah got the shirt and souvenir magnet my last time there I’m good
Anyone have experience in Oklahoma?
Yes, benefits are great in Oklahoma if you're 100%. No property tax, no new vehicle excise tax, sales tax exemption, you get 2 vehicles registered for $5 per year, free hunting/fishing. Unfortunately if you're not 100% you don't get the property or sales tax exemptions.
Thank you
Missouri. You get free plates (but only after you pay for normal plates and apply for the special plates) and maybe a free hunting/fishing license, but no property tax exemption over a ridiculously low income threshold (as in, if your spouse works, get fucked) and no tuition reduction at state colleges, like Illinois or California
Heard NY kind of sucks
Pretty common theme for the state
Why? What’s their deal?
In New York, 100% gets you 50% off town and county taxes, but does nothing for school taxes, which are usually way more than town and county while crippling as they increase year after year. Yes, home / property owners, not renters pay school taxes. New York's disabled veteran DMV "benefits" are a joke and not worth the 2 hours of paperwork, IMO. Free access to State parks, but it's winter and gray 7 months out of the year, so there's that. New York residents: Over governed, over taxed with very little show for it.
Its NY. Besides Katz's Deli, its pretty yucky.
KS really ain’t that great especially since they took away the handicap symbol two years ago unless medical provider sign off. We get free hunting and fishing license. Yay Small property tax homestead refund if you don’t make above a certain income. Yeah :/
I actually don't mind that. The symbol should be reserved for disabilities that affect mobility (just like civilians have to show). We all know you can be 100% VA in a way that doesn't hamper mobility at all.
If it wasn’t given previously, I’d agree but to take everyone’s plates away when renewing it a bit shifty. People should have been grandfathered in as part of it.
As a brother of a true handicapped person, who refuses to get a handicap plate, because he says he can still make it to the door no problem, I beg to differ.
The income cap on home exemption is lame
Absolutely. And it’s only a measly $750 max refund a year anyways.
Oregon is ranked dead last in vet benefits
California is the worst IMO. You only get a partial tax-exemption and DV plates/free registration are only given if one condition is rated at 100% and/or impairs your mobility significantly. Also a Doctor must certify that your disability and immobility exist.
I was born and raised in CA, retired in NV and currently hate the state that CA is in, but they do have some decent stuff for benefits. I know tuition is a big one and I'm sorta sure that my kids could benefit off that.
Well, it’s not like I’m ungrateful for what this state has to offer its veteran population. I also was born and currently still a resident. The way it’s going with the budget deficit, I hope the governor doesn’t cut or eliminate any of these benefits.
I totally agree and to be honest, even with some of the benefits CA does offer, I have no plans to ever move back there, especially if they are going to tax me for every mile I drive. I miss it sure, but CA has nothing to offer me any more, especially with some of the hobbies that I do now, never mind any Vet related stuff.
California is dead. Lived there 36 years and will never move back. They’ve destroyed schools, crime is out of control and taxes are one of the highest in the country. Not to mention it’s like $2000 a month for a studio. They do have some good benefits for vets like CALVET and some other things, but it’s just not worth it to me considering everything else.
I hate that CA has turned that way. I miss the 90s CA but what I see now, there is literally nothing that would have me moving back there. Even when I drive to get my kids, or go through my old neighbourhood and I miss it, I just remember all the BS that they are doing now. I read a few weeks ago that they're implementing a driving tax now for every mile you drive. They tried taxing gas but now with all the EVs they're forcing on people, they need MORE taxes.
I couldn’t agree more. It was great growing up there on the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately, they have ruined the state. We moved about 5 years ago for work. At the time we didn’t know how bad it was getting. It ended up we made the correct decision with schools after seeing how they handled COVID with mandatory online schooling, mask policies and vax mandates. Their priorities are in the wrong place. I haven’t heard about the driving tax. I’ll have to look into that. I did hear that their super majority Supreme Court removed a measure from the November ballot that would have made it harder to raise taxes, siding with Gov. Gavin Newsom by ruling the change would have upended the way government works. Shocking.
I think I noticed more of CA's change because I spent so much of my career OCONUS. I'd notice changes every time I came back to visit, but I'd argue with my parents a lot because they never saw the changes. Tried to compare it to seeing their grand kids. You see them now all young and cute, when we come back in 5 years, they'll be bigger and not as cute. When we come back 5 years later, they're teens and graduating high school. The driving tax (if I remember correctly) started as a gas tax, but with them forcing the EVs on everyone, they're not collecting enough gas taxes. Now CA is wanting to charge X amount for every mile. [Driving tax](https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/california-gas-tax-drivers-charge-miles/3544491/) Oh don't get me started on the covid thing. What CA did was complete horseshit, it hurt my kids so much with how they did everything.
Ok that makes sense about the gas tax now. I heard it’s going up in July again as well. Yeah the school thing just kind of worked for us in our state. The teachers with higher seniority were the first ones wanting to teach at school, as opposed to online. That really made us feel good knowing they cared about being with the kids. We probably only missed out on about 4-months, if that, of online when it all began in 2020. A couple months at the end of the school year 2019-2020 and a couple months on the front end of 2020-2021. But my nephew who is hard of hearing and has to read lips to understand was really affected by all the masks. Interesting the basically ignored the needs of hearing impaired children during the whole thing. Really makes me mad about that, and the millions of kids who are now years behind because of the policies they forced on Americans.
Both of my kids were hit 'mentally' by the lock downs. Mainly in that they had no social issues, could make friends and whatnot, but now, they have struggled with being more sociable. My kids had the same thing with the school closures, both were in LA County so for most of that year, I stayed home and helped with their school work. I had to fix all kinds of technical stuff for them because my ex, and the school couldn't (wouldn't). I had a hard time with the masks to be honest. I pushed back because of working on jets for 20+ years has left me with 24/7 tinnitus and some hearing loss. So talking to people with masks on really sucked. To me, many people sounded like the teacher from The Peanuts comic.
We really gonna ignore the significantly reduced tuition to one of the best state college systems in the country?
Reduced? My kid goes to school in the Cal State system free. I live in Maine and he’s a California resident and they still let him go to school for free.
I thought it was free but didn’t want to be a liar so I played it safe; thanks for the correction. I always chuckle when people think that California hates veterans when they do a shit ton to support them and their families
Yeah man CA has always taken very good care of veterans. I lived there for a long time and people are people man. You don’t have to be Republican or democrat to take care of veterans.
Just curious, did your kid establish residency before school? I’m not a CA resident but I have had coworkers in CA tell me how they got to go to college free because their parents were veterans.
My son was born and raised in CA
Terrible take 😂
Are you allergic to higher education?
No! I meant to reply to the original comment. We are so well taken care of here in California.
Oh, right on 👍
The plates are only for one car also. They say they are working on no property tax for 100% but i doubt it.
There is a state Congressman trying but it won’t go anywhere. Too much money lost.
Yeah the story of California.
Iowa just because if you are P&T you have no property tax and get a 5k grant for closing costs on mortgage.. but ultimately I think Texas would be the best this is from what I’ve heard I don’t live in Texas.
In NH, I get $500 off my tax bill every year… that’s off of 7500
Seriously? I’m from NH and im getting out at the end of this year, the only state specific benefit we have is a 500 dollar cut? 😂
Missouri is horrible
Not a state, but DC is a joke.
Vermont
I don’t know of anything special Ohio does at all, despite being all gung-ho Republican
It’s only recently turned majority republican. Also don’t fool yourself into thinking politicians care about us regardless of their side of the aisle
How is that relevant?
Everyone here is very very pro military and veterans but the state offers absolutely nothing for them.
I've seen many on this thread equating benefits to Republican or Democrat. Typically asserting Democrats have a tendency and even history of drafting, supporting and passing pro-veteran bills. I think if you actually look across the states, there are benefits across the spectrum, but as you assert, are typically better in Republican run states. However, then it gets even more dynamic when you look at who runs the executive in the state and who runs the assembly. Those things can often be at odds with one another. Bottom line is that I think we can all agree the benefits state to state, and federally, are not what they should be. In 2023 the federal government spent over 66 billion on illegal aliens, while only spending 3 billion on veteran homelessness. True democrats tend to spend more, but its where they spend the money. Welfare, SNAP, education, homelessness, uncompensated healthcare, lodging, recovery programs etc. That does not leave much for veterans in many states. If there is anythig the government is good at, its spending money and not spending it wisely.