Alaska

Alaska's Veteran Benefits

Alaska has very good benefits for veterans and current servicemembers. If you live or are stationed in the Last Frontier, these benefits can help you purchase a home, pursue your education, find employment, and simply enjoy the beauty Alaska has to offer.

Alaska Residents Save

$150/mth

Savings based on 2015 active loan data

18 Lunches

*Based on an average lunch price of $8.08

Veteran Home Loans

Many veterans and servicemembers fall in love with the great state of Alaska after being stationed there. If you're one of them, you could buy a home here so you'll always have somewhere to return to.

You could even find a home near one of Alaska's Air Force, Army, or Coast Guard bases.


One of the benefits of Alaska veteran loans is that they can be used to help you buy a home, regardless of whether you've moved to Alaska permanently or are just stationed here temporarily.

In addition, because these loans are backed by a guarantee from the VA, the private lenders who offer VA loans often provide:

  • Easier qualifications compared to other mortgage types
  • No down payment requirement
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments
  • Lower interest rates


Low VA Rates
is an expert, and we're licensed to create loans in Alaska. We hope you consider us as one of your options when you start looking for a VA loan. Please give us a call at 866-569-8272 or apply online for a no-obligation quote.

We'll do our best to give you a competitive veteran loan rate in Alaska. If you're interested in getting a VA loan in Alaska, we recommend that you compare quotes from several trustworthy lenders. Just make sure that the lenders you get quotes from are experts on the unique aspects of VA loans.

California State Home Loans

California offers direct loans to residents who are either veterans or current servicemembers. Because these loans are offered through the state government, they have highly competitive rates. They also require as little as 0-2% down.

For more information or to apply for a loan, call 866-653-2510 or visit the CalVet Home Loans website.

VA Loans & California’s County Limits

VA loans are available to qualifying veterans across the US. This type of loan is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and offered through VA-approved lenders.

Some of its major benefits include:

  • 0% down payment option
  • More lenient with requirements (like credit score) than other loans
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI) required
  • Lower rates, on average, than conventional loans

The amount you can borrow with a VA loan is based on how much of your loan the VA is willing to guarantee. Limits vary across the country and can even vary between neighboring counties.

To see your loan limit, find your county in the graphic below:

For more information on VA loans, visit our VA Loan webpage or give us a call at 866-569-8272.

Veterans Housing and Residential Loans

In addition to the loan options from private lenders, Alaska also has its own housing loan program through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). This program provides low-interest home mortgages to eligible veterans, current military personnel, and those serving in the Public Health Service or NOAA.

AHFC's Veterans Mortgage Program offers loans with attractive terms such as:

  • Small or no down payment required
  • Lower interest rates than many conventional mortgage types
  • A 1% lower interest rate on the first $50,000 of the mortgage (for veterans below a certain income level)
  • Fast processing of the loan

In order to be eligible, you must have been discharged under conditions that weren't dishonorable or, if you're still active duty, you must have already met your initial obligation to the military.

Veteran Housing Benefits

Veterans Land Discount and Purchase Preference

In Alaska, veterans receive preference to purchase unoccupied residential land. Essentially, this means that they are offered the option to purchase land going on auction first, before it is offered to others. Land plots are five acres or less and can only be for residential use.

Alternatively, eligible veterans can also receive a 25% discount on state residential or recreational land. This discount can be used once, but it cannot not be combined with the veterans land sale preference.

Property Tax Exemptions

If you're a veteran with a disability of at least 50%, you can be exempt from paying property taxes on the first $150,000 of your home's value. To be eligible:

  • You must have become disabled during or because of your military service
  • You must own and live in the property as your main and permanent residence
  • Your disability must have been rated by the military or the VA

This tax exemption is transferred from a veteran who dies to a surviving spouse, if the surviving spouse is 60 or older.

Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home

The Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home is an assisted living facility with 79 beds, 75% of which are set aside for veterans. The other 25% of the beds are for non-veterans.

The facility has a mission to give residents a high quality of life through assisted living, while providing meaningful activities, relationships, and independence, as well as emotional, spiritual, and physical growth.

Eligible veterans can receive per diem payments from the VA to help pay for their care. To learn how to qualify, call the Veteran's Liaison at 888-355-3117 if you have an Alaska number. If your number is from out of state, you will need to call 907-745-4241.

Veteran Education & Employment Benefits

Education Benefits

Whether you need your high school diploma or you're hoping to further your education by attending college in Alaska, the Last Frontier offers a variety of options to help you meet your education goals.

University of Alaska Benefits

The University of Alaska (UA) school system offers many benefits to Alaska's veterans, including the transfer of education credits, tuition assistance, scholarships, and consideration of your past military training. They also accept your GI Bill benefits.

If you're an active-duty military servicemember or a National Guard member, you can receive resident tuition in the University of Alaska system.

Similarly, if you're a US veteran and eligible for an education benefits from the VA, you can also receive resident tuition—and so can your spouse and dependent children. However, you must live in Alaska during your university attendance.

Another UA school system benefit for military spouses and dependents of a servicemember who died in action or were listed as POWs is that they can receive a waiver of fees and tuition for their undergraduate studies. However, the veteran must have been an Alaskan resident.

Finally, members of the National Guard can get up to 100% tuition assistance through the University of Alaska.

Operation Recognition: Diplomas for WWII Veterans

Did you fight in World War II? Did your service interrupt your high school education so that you never were awarded a diploma? If so, Operation Recognition can award you a diploma now.

To be eligible, you must have served in the US Armed Forces or as an Alaska Territorial Guard Member sometime between the dates of August 7, 1940 and July 25, 1947. You can apply even if you have already received your GED.

In order to apply, you will need to fill out the online form on Alaska's Operation Recognition web page. You will also need to submit your affidavit of service or your discharge papers using the information below the form. Family members of a deceased or incapacitated veteran can also apply on their behalf.

Employment Benefits

If you decide to stay in Alaska after you leave the service, you can receive help with your transition into civilian employment. Alaska offers benefits such as assistance from specialized veteran representatives at Alaska's job centers, employment referrals, credit for state retirement, and more.

Job Centers

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development has more than 20 job centers located throughout the state. All centers give priority service to eligible veterans and eligible spouses.

These job centers can help you through services that include the following:

  • Help creating a resume
  • Assessments of your education
  • Career counseling
  • Referrals to employers
  • Assessments of your employability
  • Trainings on how to find jobs
  • Referrals to educational programs
  • Information on labor markets

Find out more about these services by contacting the job center nearest to you.

Translating Military Skills to Civilian Employment

Alaska's Division of Employment & Training Services recognizes the difficulty many veterans face when trying to figure out how their skills and military experience can work in civilian employment. To help veterans through this transition, they offer links to resources you might find useful.

Military Credit for State Retirement

If you work for Alaska's state government, you can increase the amount of your retirement benefits. You can buy additional credits in your retirement plan for up to five years of your military service. If you're a surviving spouse of a military veteran, you may also qualify for this benefit.

Waiver of Commercial Driving Skills Test

Do you need a CDL once you reenter civilian work? You may be able to get your civilian CDL without taking a skills test, if you had recent commercial motor vehicle driving experience in your military service. The DMV may only require you to take a knowledge test. However, please note that this benefit doesn't apply to passenger or school bus endorsements.

To be eligible for this waiver, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a non-commercial driver's license
  • Be a US citizen or a valid permanent resident
  • Have at least two years of commercial driving experience at the time you're discharged
  • Have a good driving record of at least two years right before you apply for your CDL
  • Pass any knowledge test required by the DMV
  • Have a certification from your commanding officer that specifies:
    • The number of years you operated a commercial motor vehicle
    • The type of vehicle

To apply, you'll need to fill out Form 416, which is also called the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver. Note that the second page is the certification from your commanding officer. Once completed, you will take the form with you when you apply for your CDL at the DMV.

Troops to Teachers

If you've ever been interested in working as an educator, Alaska has a special need for teachers. As part of the Troops to Teachers program, veterans can be hired to teach in the more rural areas of Alaska, called the Bush.

If you're interested in this program, you can contact the Alaska Troops to Teachers Program Office by calling 360-725-6412 or emailing tttalaska@j2tinfo.com.

Alaska Coalition for Veterans & Military Families (AKCVMF)

Though not run by the state government, the Alaska Coalition for Veterans & Military Families (AKCVMF) helps veterans in a variety of areas, including employment.

Their website lists a variety of employment resources for veterans at both the state and federal level. To access these resources, visit the link and then click on "Employment."

Helmets to Hardhats

The Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) program is run by the Alaska Works Partnership, which offers education and training options for construction careers.

The H2H program is exclusive transitioning servicemembers and retired veterans who may be interested in working construction. Through this program, you could receive paid training to kickstart your career. You can apply for the program online.

Other Veteran Benefits

Healthcare Benefits

Veterans in Alaska can use the Alaska VA Healthcare System to receive many healthcare services. This network of healthcare providers includes the Anchorage VA Outpatient Clinic and the VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Juneau, Kenai, and Fairbanks, as well as the Mat-Su valley.

Also included in the Alaska VA Healthcare System are Alaska Veterans Centers. These centers give veterans caring counseling services to help them adjust to their return from their service. Counselors truly understand veterans' experiences and help them and their families re-join their communities.

Alaska Railroad Discount

The Alaska Railroad offers a great way to travel with a route that stretches from Seward in the south to Fairbanks in the north. Active duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents can enjoy a 20% discount on Alaska Railroad tickets. You'll need to show an ID that proves your military status when you board the train.

Alaska Marine Highway System

The route the ferries take in the Alaska Marine Highway System is a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. Veterans with a service-related disability can receive a pass for half price. This price is also extended to any necessary attendant, as required by a doctor.

The pass can be used for travel between any of the ports on the route and can be used at any time of year. However, it doesn't include the use of the stateroom or transport of a motor vehicle.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active Duty Servicemembers

There are several benefits available to members of the military interested in getting a hunting and fishing licenses. Which one you qualify for will depend on your residency circumstances.

One of these benefits is available for members of the military who are on active duty and have been stationed in Alaska for less than 12 months. Even though you and your family are not officially Alaska residents, you will qualify for the resident rate when purchasing a hunting or fishing license for yourself or your dependents.

Another benefit is for Alaskan residents serving in the National Guard or the Reserves. If you qualify, you can get free fishing and hunting licenses.

Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License

Disabled veterans who have served in other branches of the US military may also qualify to get free hunting and fishing licenses. To be eligible, you must:

  • Have a disability of 50% or more
  • Have an honorable discharge
  • Have been a resident of Alaska for the 12 months before you apply for the license(s)

State Camping Pass for Disabled Veterans

If you're a disabled veteran, you can get a free Alaska State Park Camping Pass. You can use this pass to stay at any developed Alaska State Park campground. The pass is valid for two years. You can get a free pass just one time.

To apply for your pass, you'll need to travel to either the Fairbanks or Anchorage Department of Natural Resources Public Information Center. It's important that you call them ahead of time to make sure you have all the documents you'll need.

To be eligible, you'll need evidence of your disability, which can be either:

  • Your VA Patient Data Card, which states "service connected disability" under your photo, OR
  • A letter from the VA dated the current year, which states that you have a service-related disability and has a signature from a Veteran Services Officer, plus a valid photo ID

Vehicle License Plates

Free of charge, veterans and current servicemembers in Alaska can choose from among many different military license plate designs, which can showcase an important aspect of your military service.

You can pick up your plates at your nearest DMV with your proof of military service or a proof of family loss. Your proof of service may be one of the following, or something similar:

  • Your DD-214 form
  • A verification letter from the VA
  • Your military ID card

Disabled Veteran Plates

If you're a veteran with a disability of at least 50%, you can get one set of Disabled Veteran license plates without paying a registration fee or tax. Please note, however, that this type of plate doesn't give you the privilege of parking closer to a building.

You can only request these plates in person at a DMV office, unless you live somewhere in Alaska where there's no DMV office.

Disabled Veteran Plates with Parking Privileges

As a disabled veteran, you can receive a set of license plates that give you special parking privileges. To apply for these plates, you'll need to present proof of your service-connected disability and mobility impairment to your DMV. Proof should include:

  • A completed Application for Disabled Parking Identification, which must be filled out by you and a physician who is licensed to practice in Alaska
  • Certification from a US agency, such as the VA, that states you have a service-connected disability

Alaska Driver's License

You can pay $5 to get a "Veteran" designation on your Alaska driver's license or on a non-driver identification card. You can apply for this designation at your nearest Alaska DMV office. You'll need to have documentation of your honorable discharge, such as:

  • Retired Military ID Card
  • DD-214 or DD-215
  • NAVPERS 553
  • NAVMC 78PD
  • NAVCG 553
  • NGB22 OR NGB22A
  • WD AGO 53, 55, 53-55

Driver's License Extensions

The expiration date of your non-commercial driver's license can be extended for 90 days after you return to Alaska or after your discharge, whichever comes first. This means that even if the date on your license has expired, your license will still be valid if you meet all conditions. Your spouse can also enjoy this benefit.

Copies of Death Certificates

If you need a veteran's death certificate, you can get up to four free copies from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Bureau will release them to:

  • A person who needs a death certificate for benefit eligibility requirements related to the death of that veteran
  • A representative of the veteran's estate
  • A trustee of a revocable trust if the veteran was a settler of that trust

The Bureau can only release the records if the event happened in Alaska. If the event happened in a different state, you can contact the National Center for Health Statistics for assistance.

Recording DD Form 214/215/NGB22

Do you want to safely save a copy of your Armed Forces Report of Separation? You can take your original or a certified copy to your nearest Department of Natural Resources Recorder's Office. They'll record your these forms free of charge so they are secure and accessible for your later use.

Obtaining Copies of DD-214 & Other Personnel Records

If you specified Alaska as your home of record when you were discharged from service, a copy of your discharge form should have been sent to Alaska's Veterans Affairs Office. If you need a copy of these records, they should have them on file, as long as you were discharged in 1985 or later.

To request a copy, simply contact the State of Alaska Veterans Affairs Office. If, by chance, your records are not there, you can contact the National Archives.

Death Gratuity

The personal representative or surviving spouse of a deceased veteran can receive a $750 death gratuity from Alaska's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. To qualify, the veteran must have been a resident of Alaska when he or she died, and they must have received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge.

The spouse or representative needs to apply for this benefit by contacting Alaska's Office of Veterans Affairs.

Veteran Benefits Assistance

Whenever you need help with your Alaska military benefits, contact Alaska's Office of Veterans Affairs. Their mission is to be the main advocate for veterans and their families who live in Alaska. They work to improve veterans' lives. They can help you:

  • File claims for benefits
  • Get any military awards you've earned
  • Understand the benefits you're entitled to
  • Find out about new benefits as they're enacted

And more!

When you visit one of their offices, you will likely work with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). VSOs are specially trained to understand the problems you might be facing and the laws that can help you.

Women Veterans

Female veterans in Alaska can receive special assistance for the unique needs they face. The Alaska Veterans' Organization for Women (AVOW) is offered through Alaska's YWCA program. AVOW offers a variety of resources and opportunities to Alaska's female veterans, which can be found through their website as well as their Facebook page.

About Low VA Rates

Since we were founded, Low VA Rates has focused on helping our veterans and military personnel with VA loans. Alaska veteran loans are not always easy to understand, but we'll help you get the mortgage you need.

If you're shopping around for VA loans in Alaska, we encourage you to contact us for a quick and easy quote. One of our professional loan officers will work with you to find competitive veteran loan rates in Alaska. To begin the process, you can either call us at 866-569-8272 or apply for a quote online.