Rhode Island

Rhode Island Veteran Benefits

If you're stationed in Rhode Island or are a Rhode Island resident veteran, you could be eligible for many different military benefits. These benefits can provide assistance with your education, employment, housing, and other needs. Check out the descriptions below to learn more about some of the benefits you've earned.

Veteran Home Loans

Some of Rhode Island's military personnel live near the military bases shown in the following graphic:

Whether you're stationed at one of the Ocean State's bases or have made Rhode Island your permanent home as a veteran, you may qualify for Rhode Island veteran loans to help you buy or refinance a home.

VA Loans

Veterans and current military personnel may be eligible to use VA loans in Rhode Island. Because they're government-backed, VA loans include some major advantages over conventional mortgages, with benefits such as:

Lower interest rates and no private mortgage insurance (PMI)
No required minimum credit score
Down payment is optional (no required amount down)

You'll want to get quotes from multiple VA-approved lenders—who base some of the loan details off of the VA's rule book but vary in their offers—and compare the different interest rates and terms of each quote.

Certain financial considerations will change the individual loan amount and other loan details offered to you from a VA-approved lender. Influencing factors can include things like income and your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

If you'd like to get an idea of how much you qualify for or have any questions about how to get started, contact us at Low VA Rates. You can also apply for Rhode Island veteran loans using our online system. We began our business with a sole focus on VA loans and have helped veterans access these benefits ever since, so we understand how to help veterans.

Veteran Housing Benefits

Veterans' Preference with City Housing Authorities

When space opens up in the state's public housing projects for people who are elderly, Rhode Island law says that wartime-disabled veterans are given the first spot. These veterans must also qualify for the housing and have a discharge that was not dishonorable.

In addition, various cities in Rhode Island help veterans and their families find housing, giving them a first-in-line preference over others for housing programs. Depending on the city, this preference is given to one or more specific categories of veterans, including:

Veterans
Service-disabled veterans
Homeless veterans
Families of deceased veterans
Or others

To be eligible for the preference, you should have a discharge that was not dishonorable and meet the other eligibility requirements in your city. Contact a Rhode Island public housing authority in your area to learn more.

Foreclosure Protection for Active Duty Military

If you've been called to active service (including federal active duty in the National Guard), you are protected from your lender foreclosing on your home. By law, your mortgage lender cannot foreclose on your property without a court's approval while you're serving in the military. The protection can last up to nine months after your discharge date.

To be eligible, you must have gotten your mortgage before you entered the military or were called to duty. Before the foreclosure sale occurs, you should send a written notice to your loan servicer or their foreclosure attorney informing them of your military service or recent discharge.

Homelessness Assistance

If you're a veteran facing or at risk of homelessness in Rhode Island, there are several resources available to help. Some will provide housing for a percentage of your income, others will provide immediate food and shelter, and others will help you remain sober or work through other challenges.

Some of the available programs include:

Contact the Homeless Outreach Coordinator at the Providence VA Medical Center for help managing your case, finding housing, or accessing your veteran benefits.

Property Tax Exemption

Veterans, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents can qualify for a Rhode Island property tax exemption. Veterans who can use this benefit should have a discharge that was not dishonorable as well as eligible wartime service.

You can apply for an exemption through the tax assessor in your municipality, and you'll need to present a copy of your DD-214 or another discharge document.

Rhode Island Veterans Home

At the Rhode Island Veterans Home, you can enjoy medical care, physical therapy, nursing care, rehabilitation, and other services among your fellow veterans.

Eligibility requirements include:

An honorable discharge
At least 90 days of active duty service during wartime
Rhode Island residency either when you joined the military or for at least two consecutive years before applying
No addictions, active psychosis, or diseases that could endanger others

The application form is included on the Rhode Island Veterans Home web page.

Veteran Employment & Education Benefits

Education Benefits

If you're hoping to pursue more education or training, it's a good idea to start by checking out Rhode Island's veteran education benefits. The benefits you may be qualified for can help you save time, frustration, and money as you get started with the process.

Disabled Veterans Tuition Waiver

You can get tuition costs waived at public universities and colleges in Rhode Island if you:

Apply for and use other student financial aid before receiving the waiver
Are a veteran rated by the VA to have a service-related disability of at least 10%
Are a permanent Rhode Island resident

Contact your university for more information.

In-State Tuition

Veterans and active duty military members can enjoy the lower in-state tuition rates available at certain universities and colleges. This applies to active duty military personnel or veterans who:

Have served for at least 30 days (or less than 30 days because of an injury sustained on active duty)
Live in Rhode Island and have federal GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits

To apply, you'll need a mailing address in Rhode Island and a GI Bill certificate of eligibility. Spouses or dependents of veterans and servicemembers may also be eligible, as long as they are eligible for transferred benefits of the veteran relation.

National Guard Tuition Assistance

If you're a member of the National Guard in Rhode Island, there are a few benefits that may apply to you:

Rhode Island National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) – This program allows eligible National Guard members to receive up to five tuition-free courses per semester. This can be used along with GI Bill benefits and applies to courses at public universities and colleges. You'll need to be in good military standing, meet the program's requirements for commitment, use the benefit for spring or fall semester classes, and have terms or service that extend beyond the end of the semester.
State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP) – This program covers one summer course for National Guard members. For more information on this program, visit the University of Rhode Island website and see the STEP section.

Contact your university or college for more on what you may qualify for.

Tuition Coverage for Surviving Spouses or Children

Spouses and children of a servicemember who died as a result of his or her service may be eligible to have their tuition covered by the state for up to four years. Children of the servicemember must enter the institution between the ages of 16 and 21. The benefit can be applied to state colleges and universities.

Rhode Island Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

This compact works to make sure that military children have as many educational opportunities as other children, despite moving around or having a parent deployed.

They do things like:

Make sure military children graduate on time
Working to make sure educational institutions are flexible with military families
Facilitating the placement of students and ensuring that military children are not disadvantaged because of their parent's military service

Contact the compact or read Rhode Island law for more information.

Military and Veterans Resource Centers on RI Campuses

Many Rhode Island colleges and universities have a resource center, representative, or webpage to help support student veterans. Staff at these centers can do things like help you navigate your benefits, work with you to create an education plan, or provide resources to help you adjust to life outside of the military.

Some examples of universities that offer veteran support resources include:

Contact your institution to find out more about their resources for veterans.

Employment Benefits

There are several resources in Rhode Island that can help you move from military life into civilian employment. Whether you're applying for jobs, planning for your future career, or looking for unemployment assistance, you'll want to know about the benefits that are available to you.

Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)

Rhode Island offers multiple resources to help veterans find jobs.

There are One-Stop netWORKri Career Centers across Rhode Island that can help you on the journey to employment. Free services include:

Coaching and workshops to help you with job hunting
Career counseling
Use of resume software, reference materials, and more
Opportunities to network
Additional services specifically for veterans, disabled workers, and other groups

You can also use the online system, EmployRI.org, to post your resume, apply to positions, and look for trainings. Veterans are given preference over other job seekers when using these resources.

Hiring Preference for Veterans Applying to State Positions

If you apply for a state job and are eligible, Rhode Island law requires that you receive a hiring preference, which helps with competitive positions. If you pass a civil service entrance examination, you should get 10 points added to your score if you're a veteran with disabilities or 5 points if you're not disabled.

Additionally, veterans should have a "V" and disabled veterans a "DV" placed next to their name if they are put on employment lists.

To be eligible, you must have:

A discharge that was not dishonorable
At least 30 days of active duty service outside of training (or fewer if you were discharged for a service-related disability) OR, if you're a retiree of the Guard or Reserves, at least 20 years of service

To be eligible as a disabled veteran, you must have:

Wartime experience
An honorable or general discharge
A service-related disability rated by the VA

If you've had an experience where you don't think you were given the preference you should have received, you can file a VA disability claim.

Military Leave with Pay

If you're in the National Guard, the reserves, or the military and are assigned to participate in a training, you should receive 15 days of leave with pay. Days required beyond the 15 should be granted as unpaid leave. For more information, read Article 20 of the Master Agreement between State of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Council 94 (p.55).

Additionally, family members of military personnel are, by law, allowed to take unpaid time off during the servicemember's leave. The required time is between 15 and 30 days, depending on the size of the company. As well, you'll be required to use some of your company's allotted time off before taking advantage of this benefit.

Unemployment Benefits for Servicemembers Separating from Active Duty

When you're separating from active duty, you can apply for unemployment insurance benefits during the week you are discharged to start receiving income while you're searching for a job. You must have an honorable discharge to qualify.

Discrimination Protections for Servicemembers

If you're a military servicemember or thinking of enlisting, your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you because of your military status or dissuade you from joining the military. If they do, they may be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Other Veteran Benefits

Health and Insurance Benefits

Rhode Island offers some health and insurance benefits for its military members. The following are a couple of them:

State-Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) – A program offered through the National Guard Association of Rhode Island (NGARI) to support members of the National Guard and their families. SSLI is made up of six voluntary group life policies and continues even after you separate from service. Each National Guard member has $1,000 of free coverage through the program.
Workers' Compensation – If you're injured during duty, you should be considered an employee of the state, receiving the appropriate benefits under Workers' Compensation.

Rhode Island Family Relief Fund

The Rhode Island Family Relief Fund can help military personnel and their immediate families when they need support with a financial crisis. A grant from the fund could cover a medical bill, rent or mortgage payments, vehicle or insurance payments, utilities, or other emergency costs.

To be eligible, the applicant must have an emergency need for funds and have been deployed recently, be currently deployed, or be scheduled for deployment (or have a servicemember family member who meets those qualifications).

You may also qualify for a casualty grant, which is a grant awarded to military members or family members based on a casualty, Purple Heart injury, or status as a POW or MIA.

Veteran Tax Benefits

Disability Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

Military Disability Retirement Pay given to a Rhode Island veteran as an allowance should be exempt from being taxed, if you:

Qualified for a disability payment before September 25, 1975
Were in the active military or reserves or officially committed to being a member before September 24, 1975
Are receiving, or are eligible to receive, disability payments for a service-related disability

Surviving Spouse Tax Credit

Additionally, though the state taxes survivor benefits, some surviving spouses qualify for a 2% tax credit (up to $500). You may qualify if you:

Receive an official "Surviving Spouse" designation under the Internal Revenue Code
Are 65 or older
Lived in Rhode Island during the entire tax year
Are below a $25,000 adjusted gross income

Non-Resident Military Tax Exemption

Military servicemembers who are stationed in Rhode Island but are not residents of the state and their spouses may qualify for certain tax exemptions.

Personnel in the state who aren't residents are not subject to state income tax (unless they have non-military revenue taxable in the state). Additionally, those in the state to reside with their military spouse may not be subject to state income tax.

Veterans Treatment Court

The Veterans Treatment Court in Kent County can help you if you're in criminal proceedings that could lead to sentencing. The program strives to get veterans and servicemembers reduced charges, help them stay out of jail, and find alternatives to sentencing—all while treating their underlying problems.

To be eligible, you must:

Comply with treatment programs and contract terms
Have service-related trauma
Have an eligible number of past charges and criminal history

Be sure to tell your lawyer or court staff that you are a veteran and ask if you're eligible.

Bus Pass Program for Veterans with Disabilities

You may get a free or half-fare bus pass if you're a Rhode Island disabled veteran. To be eligible for either pass, you must have a VA disability rating of at least 70%, and for the no-fare program, you'll also need to have an income that is within 200% of Federal Poverty levels.

A no-fare pass allows you to use fixed route services for free, and the half-fare pass allows you to pay half fare during off-peak times. A personal aide may be able to travel for free with individuals who qualify for an assistant.

You can apply for a bus pass at Kennedy Plaza using a disability award letter from the VA.

Free Vehicle Registration and License Fees for Disabled Veterans

By law, if you are a veteran with a 100% disability rating from the VA or meet certain disability qualifications, you should get free vehicle registration in the state. You should also be exempt from license fees.

Military-Themed License Plates

You can get specialty license plates in Rhode Island to show your status as a:

Former POW
Disabled Veteran
Purple Heart Recipient
Gold Star Family
National Guard member
Veteran

To apply, complete an application and take it and other required documentation to a DMV office.

Veteran Designation on Driver's License or ID

You can get a veteran designation on your Rhode Island driver's license or identification card to be able to show your veteran status at businesses or in other situations. You must have an honorable discharge and required documentation. Apply by bringing the required form to your local DMV.

Free Admission to State Recreational Areas

Rhode Island veterans with disabilities can get a pass to exempt them from admission, parking, and golf user fees in recreational areas owned by the state. You can apply using the instructions on the Rhode Island Parks and Recreation website under Disability Passes.

To qualify, you must:

Be receiving VA benefits due to a 100% service-related disability
Have a copy of your VA disability letter
Go in person to the designated office to get your pass

Hunting and Fishing Benefits

Military personnel and disabled veterans can enjoy hunting and fishing benefits in Rhode Island, depending on what category they fall under:

Current License – If you have a Rhode Island hunting/fishing license when you join the Armed Services or merchant marine of the US, that license is automatically extended until six months after the end of your service.
Current Servicemembers – If you're a current servicemember stationed in Rhode Island, you can buy a state hunting and fishing license at the same rate charged to civilian residents.
Veterans with Disabilities – Veterans rated to be 100% disabled may be eligible to get a free permanent hunting and fishing combination license. You must show your original disability decision letter from the VA and/or other required documents.

Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Veterans and their spouses and dependent children can be laid to rest at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. There's no charge for veterans, but there may be a fee for other eligible family members. Several types of interment sites are available, as well as committal services with military honors.

To be eligible, a veteran must have:

Served with honor
Been a resident of Rhode Island for at least two years in a row before his or her death OR have been a Rhode Island resident when joining the military
Served on active duty and received an expeditionary medal or campaign medal, served at least 2 years during peacetime, OR served at least 20 years with the Guard or Reserves

To apply, you'll need to provide proof of both residency and service.

Veteran Benefits Assistance

Rhode Island's Office of Veterans Affairs can help veterans and their family members apply for various military benefits. Staff there have an understanding of issues veterans face and work to help them access the resources they need.

Contact them to ask questions or get benefits assistance.

Women Veterans

Women veterans in Rhode Island have access to health care, education and career resources, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other mental health treatment, and other needs specific to you. For more information about what's available, visit, contact, or explore the webpage for the Providence VA Medical Center.

About Low VA Rates

We at Low VA Rates specialize in helping veterans and servicemembers access their hard-earned VA home loan benefits. Our company was created to work with veterans, and we've done so ever since we were founded.

If you need a quote on VA loans in Rhode Island, please contact us at 866-569-8272. We love to serve those who have served us, so feel free to ask us anything about Rhode Island veteran loans. You can also use our simple online application to get quick feedback on your eligibility.