Tennessee Veteran Benefits

As a military servicemember or veteran, you may qualify for a wide range of Tennessee benefits that can help with taxes, housing, employment, education, and more. Find out more about the major benefits that could save you time and money.

Tennessee Veteran Home Loans

If you're stationed in The Volunteer State at one of the military bases shown on the map below, you might have thought about buying nearby property so you can start building equity:



If you're looking to purchase or refinance a home near a base—or anywhere in Tennessee—you won't want to overlook the great potential of using the mortgage benefits you've earned through your service.

The VA loan is a great choice for many eligible folks. You can qualify for VA loans in Tennessee as a veteran, active servicemember, or surviving spouse. If you're not sure of your eligibility, you can contact a private VA-approved lender, such as Low VA Rates, that can get your eligibility status from the VA in minutes.

A VA loan can often help you buy your home more easily than a conventional loan. It's usually more accessible because it:

  • Doesn't require a down payment on a home
  • Has lower average interest rates than many other types of mortgages
  • Doesn't require you to have a certain minimum credit score to qualify
  • Has no requirement for private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments

How much money you can receive for your VA mortgage loan depends, at least in part, on which lender you choose. You should compare quotes from a few lenders who have worked with VA loans extensively. It's a good idea to ask lenders how many VA loans they have done in the last few months to get an idea of how well they really understand the process.

And if you're ready to speak with a lender, feel free to contact us. At Low VA Rates, we specialize in helping veterans and servicemembers improve their lives through VA loan benefits. We can answer your questions and help you get started when you call 866-569-8272. You can also use our simple online application.

Tennessee Residents Save

$141/mth

Savings based on 2015 active loan data

17Lunches

*Based on an average lunch price of $8.08

Pre-Qualify Now

Veteran Housing Benefits

Tennessee State Veterans Homes

There are several homes for veterans in Tennessee that offer long-term skilled nursing care for our nation's heroes and their spouses.

You may be eligible if you are one of the following:

  • A Tennessee-born veteran
  • A veteran who is a resident of Tennessee when you move into the home
  • A veteran who entered military service from Tennessee
  • A veteran with an immediate family member who lives in Tennessee and would be the primary caregiver
  • The spouse of a veteran or a Gold Star Parent (depending on space available)
  • A veteran with an official military home of record in Tennessee

Get in touch with one of the State Veterans Homes to talk further about eligibility and applying for the program.

Property Tax Relief

You could qualify for property tax relief on a home you own if you're a veteran with certain service-related disabilities, including any from time spent as a POW. The property must be your main residence to qualify.

If you're the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, you may also qualify for property tax relief if:

  • Your veteran spouse met the qualifications for tax relief before he or she died
  • You use the property as your primary residence (and solely as a residence)
  • You have not remarried
  • You own the property

You can contact a local County Veterans Service Officer or the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs (TDVS) field office to learn more or apply for this benefit.

Veteran Education & Employment Benefits

Education Benefits

There are a number of benefits created specifically to support veterans and their eligible family members in education and training. Learn more about what may be available to you, including tuition assistance for you and your dependents, resources for finding a veteran-friendly institution, and high school diplomas for veterans.

Helping Heroes Grant

Every year, Tennessee gives an education grant to a certain number of eligible veterans who apply for it. The grant amount depends on the number of credits you take per semester.

To qualify, you are required to:

  • Have earned a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or an Iraq Campaign Medal
  • Be enrolled in at least 6-12 semester hours per term at a qualified institution and receive non-failing grades
  • Be honorably discharged
  • Have been a Tennessee resident for at least a year before you apply
  • Be among the first to apply, up to the limit of the number of grants available

Further eligibility details and application information are available on the Helping Heroes Grant web page.

Tuition Exemption for Dependents of Veterans

Students who are dependents or spouses of deceased veterans may be eligible to attend Tennessee state colleges and universities without paying tuition or certain fees. The veteran must have died in the service or been declared a POW or MIA during wartime.

To qualify, the student must have documentation of eligibility from the US government and must not currently receive other similar educational benefits. Visit a TDVS field office with any questions or for help getting started.

In-State Tuition for Veterans

You may be able to enjoy the in-state tuition rate offered to eligible students of Tennessee institutions of higher education. You'll need to be:

  • Qualified to get VA education benefits as a veteran or another qualified person
  • Enrolled in a Tennessee public university or college and using your VA education benefits there
  • Currently living in Tennessee

For more information, you can discuss this benefit with the financial aid office at your institution or contact the TDVS.

Choosing a Veteran-Friendly College or University

The TDVS has a list of colleges and universities in Tennessee that have programs and services for veterans. This could offer a good starting point in your search for an institution.

If you notice an institution designated as a Yellow Ribbon School, that means it provides benefits to students who are at the 100% benefit level for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Institutions designated as a VETS Campus participate in a veteran-friendly Tennessee program to support students transitioning back into school after their military service. VETS Campuses do things like:

  • Help orient new students who are veterans
  • Do research on the experience of veterans at their school
  • Educate staff on the unique culture of the military and veteran world
  • Create a system that transfers military experience into academic credit
  • Do outreach to veterans and provide them with a helpful web page

Speak with the school you're interested in or the TDVS for more information.

High School Diplomas for Veterans

A veteran can receive a high school diploma if he or she wasn't able to finish high school because of service in World War I or II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Diplomas can also be issued to a close family member or surviving spouse after a veteran's death.

To apply for an honorary diploma, TDVS recommends that you contact your school system or county, but you can also work with the Tennessee Department of Education. You'll need to supply the following with the request:

  • Veteran's name and address
  • Proof of honorable discharge
  • Name, city, and county of high school
  • Year the veteran would have graduated

Employment Benefits

Certain Tennessee benefits and organizations can help you on your journey to a meaningful career. You can get help finding a job, getting certifications quickly, being hired for state jobs, and achieve other employment goals.

Tennessee Department of Labor Career Centers

Tennessee Department of Labor Career Centers can help you translate your military experience into civilian language. Job Center staff can help you write a resume that will help you communicate your workplace value. Find your nearest Job Center here.

Other Tennessee job hunting resources include:

Veterans Preference in State Job Applications

Tennessee state agencies employ many veterans, and they value having veteran employees. If you have at least the minimum qualifications for a state agency position and are a veteran, the TEAM Act guarantees that you'll be granted an interview. A spouse or surviving, unremarried spouse of a veteran may be granted the same preference if he or she:

  • Meets the qualifications for a job
  • Is eligible to vote in Tennessee or has been a resident of Tennessee for at least two years before applying
  • Is/was married to a veteran who is/was 100% service-related disabled, completely and permanently disabled, or killed in the line of duty

Visit the State Recruiting Departments web page, the State Jobs web page, or the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services web page for information, job postings, and links related to applying for state jobs in Tennessee.

Commercial Driver License Application Skills Test Waiver

You may be able to get a Tennessee Commercial Driver License (CDL) without taking the CDL skills test, although you'll still need to pass the written test. To qualify for the waiver, you must:

  • Have had a commercial vehicle operator's permit—and driven a vehicle similar to the one you plan to drive with your CDL—for at least two years during your military service
  • Be a veteran who was discharged less than a year ago OR a member of the Guard or Reserve
  • Turn in a certification from your commanding officer
  • Be a resident of Tennessee with a Tennessee driver's license (or eligibility for one) and a safe driving record

Check out further eligibility information and the current application for this program on the Highways for Heroes web page.

Other Veteran Benefits

Women Veterans' Services

Tennessee's women veterans have services available that can help meet their unique healthcare needs. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System has programs for women that offer services from help with homelessness to gynecology care.

These programs are available at the system's Nashville and Murfreesboro locations. You can contact the Women Veteran's Program Manager (contact details located on the Women Veterans page linked in the previous paragraph) for more information.

Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax Exemption

You may be exempt from the county motor vehicle privilege tax if you're a veteran with:

  • A service-related disability that has a VA rating of 100% and has been designated complete and permanent OR
  • Former POW status

You'll need to turn in evidence of your disability or former POW status to the tax collection employee in your county.

Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption

You may not be required to pay sales tax when you buy a motor vehicle in Tennessee if you:

  • Are a member of the Guard or Reserve
  • Have been called to active duty stationed beyond US borders
  • Participate in combat

Tennessee Veteran-Related License Plates

Tennessee offers more than 20 specialty military license plates for veterans and family members. You can choose from license plates such as:

  • Former POW
  • Vietnam War Veteran
  • Bronze Star Recipient
  • Gold Star Family
  • Women Veterans
  • Many more

The plate you choose will determine the associated costs (if applicable) and the documentation you'll need to apply. Learn the requirements and fees for each plate on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.

Disability Plate and Decal for Veterans with Disabilities

If you're a veteran with disabilities, you can apply for a free disabled veteran memorial license plate that allows you to park in designated spaces. You can also get a free disabled driver decal that can be added to certain specialty license plates.

To receive the disabled veteran plate, you must:

  • Be a Tennessee resident and veteran
  • Be entitled to VA disability compensation because of a service-related disability
  • Obtain a VA letter certifying you have a qualifying disability

Contact TDVS or your local DMV for more information on applying for the veteran-specific plate.

Veteran Designation on Driver's License or ID Card

You can get a veteran designation on your Tennessee driver's license or identification card. With this indicator, you can prove your veteran status in some places without having to bring your discharge document. Adding the veteran designation is free if you're doing a standard renewal of your driver's license or ID card.

To request the veteran designation, visit a Driver Services Center, which you can find by using the "Driver Services Location" menu on the Locations web page. You'll need to show a certified copy of your discharge document or the original document.

You can also visit a county clerk partner of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security if you're renewing your card or getting a duplicate.

Recreation Benefits

Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

You may qualify for a discounted Tennessee fishing and hunting license if you're a:

  • Tennessee resident
  • Veteran with a service-related, 100%, complete and permanent disability OR a veteran with a disability from service in any war rated at 30% or more

The application is found on the Hunting and Fishing Licenses web page.

State Parks Discounts

When you visit state parks in Tennessee, you may be able to get fee discounts on certain activities if you're a veteran and resident of Tennessee.

For example, from November to March, you can camp and pay only the fee that senior citizens pay. You can reserve a campsite or learn more about state park activities on the Tennessee State Parks website.

Veterans Day Discounts

On Veterans Day each year, Tennessee veterans can get a variety of services free of charge, which may include:

  • Free greens fees at golf courses
  • A free night of camping
  • Free admission to state parks

To take advantage of this benefit, you'll need to show proof that you're a veteran and a resident of Tennessee.

License to Ship Wine from Overseas

If you've been stationed overseas as an active member of the US Armed Forces or the Guard or Reserve and bought wine, you may be able to apply for a one-time license to ship wine back to Tennessee. The wine cannot be resold if you brought it to Tennessee with this license.

You'll need to pay applicable taxes and fees. You can find a link to the application on the Armed Forces Import Permit web page.

State Cemetery Benefits

Eligible veterans can be interred for free at one of the Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries, which are maintained by the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Qualified dependents of veterans can also be interred there for a fee.

For pre-registration information and contact details for each location, visit the cemeteries page.

Veteran Benefits Assistance

If you need any help applying for or understanding benefits, you can meet with a Veterans Benefits Representative at a TDVS field office. Officers can help veterans, servicemembers, and military family members, and they're trained and experienced with filing for benefits.

About Low VA Rates

Low VA Rates is a unique mortgage company. We began with a mission to serve veterans and servicemembers and have been doing so for many years, so you can trust our ability to understand Tennessee veteran loans. Other lenders, even if they're VA-approved to offer veteran loans, can't often say the same thing.

Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about VA loans in Tennessee. If you'd like, we can check on your VA loan eligibility and give you a quick quote. Go through our user-friendly online application, or call a helpful, professional loan officer at 866-569-8272 to get started.