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Summary of Connecticut Military and Veteran Benefits: Connecticut offers special benefits for Service members, Veterans and their Families including a Soldiers, Sailors' and Marines' Fund, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance, Veterans Service Officers: The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance has trained Veteran Service Officers who can assist Veterans, and their Families find and apply for benefits under federal, state and local laws.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
What are my Connecticut Military and Veteran State Taxes Benefits?
Connecticut Income Tax on Military Pay: Connecticut resident Service members are required to pay state taxes on their military pay unless they meet all the following requirements:
Service members who do not meet all the conditions above but lived outside the U.S. for an extended period may qualify to be treated as nonresidents under the "Group B Exception". See the Connecticut Nonresident and Part-Year Resident Income Tax Information for the Group B Exception rules.
In addition, Connecticut offers the same benefits offered for federal taxes to Service members serving in a combat zone or during a contingency operation. These benefits in general include:
Connecticut State Tax Exemption for Military Retired Pay: Retired Service members do not have to pay Connecticut income taxes on military retired pay if their military retired pay is taxed on their federal income tax return.
Former Spouses of retired Service members who receive part of the Service member’s military retired pay under a final decree of divorce, dissolution, annulment, legal separation, or a court ordered property settlement do not qualify for the 100% military retired pay tax exemption.
Connecticut State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces is not taxed in Connecticut. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:
Connecticut State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Connecticut Income Tax information for Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans
Connecticut Taxes on Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not subject to Connecticut income taxes.
Connecticut Military Spouse Residency Relief Act: A nonresident military Spouse who has the same state of residence as a nonresident Service member, who is stationed in Connecticut under military orders, is exempt from Connecticut income taxes on wages earned in Connecticut. The nonresident Spouse must pay taxes (if required) to their state of residence.
Connecticut Veteran Property Tax Exemptions: *New* Recent legislation signed by the governorauthorizes a complete property tax exemption for Veterans who have a total and permanent service-connected disability rating from the VA. Eligible Veterans who do not own a home will be authorized a complete property tax exemption on one motor vehicle. This exemption will take effect 1 October 2024 and will apply to the Veteran’s 2025 tax bill.
Connecticut Governor's Press Release
Connecticut property tax is administered by local municipalities. These municipalities have the option to interpret and apply exemptions at their discretion, within the framework established by state law. For specific eligibility and exemption amounts Veterans should contact their local municipality.
Connecticut property tax exemptions are the reduction of the assessed value of a property for tax purposes and can be applied toward either real estate or automobile property taxes. In general exemptions are available for:
In addition, Veterans who have income below threshold levels, (set by local municipalities), or Veterans who have a 100% disability may claim an exemption up to twice the amount of the exemptions listed above. For more information and to apply please contact the local tax assessor.
Connecticut General Statutes, Title 12, Chapter 203, 12-81
Connecticut Municipal Assessor Directory
Reduced Connecticut Vehicle Purchase Sales Tax for Nonresident Service Members: Nonresident Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and stationed in Connecticut may purchase motor vehicles (including leased vehicles) with a reduced sales tax rate of 4.5%. Purchases can be made individually or jointly with the Service member’s Spouse. To receive the reduced tax rate the Service member must complete the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Form CERT-135 and submit to the Connecticut licensed dealer with any other required documents.
Connecticut Tax Relief for Service Members Killed in a Combat Zone or as a Result of Injuries: Resident Service members who die while serving on active duty in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, are exempt from Connecticut Income taxes in the year of their death. Any taxes already paid for that year are refunded and any unpaid assessments will be canceled.
What are my Connecticut Military and Veteran Education Benefits?
Connecticut Veterans, National Guard Service Members, and Dependent Tuition Waiver: Tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities is waived for eligible Veterans, Connecticut National Guard Service members and certain dependents. This waiver will cover tuition costs that exceeds VA tuition assistance This waiver does not cover other fees such as books, student activities, course fees, parking, or room and board.
Veterans in an undergraduate or graduate program at a Connecticut State University campus receive a 100% tuition waiver for fall and spring semesters and a 50% tuition waiver during summer or intersession courses.
Connecticut Community Colleges will waive tuition for full or part-time study but cannot be applied toward summer, intercession or extension fund courses.
Charter Oak State College offers a 50% course fee waiver for eligible Veterans.
Who is eligible for Connecticut Military Service Member, Veteran and Dependent Tuition Waivers? To be eligible for a tuition waiver Veterans must meet the following requirements:
Dependents are eligible if they meet the following requirements:
For more information students should contact their educational institution’s financial aid office.
Connecticut Public Colleges and Universities Information
Connecticut High School Diplomas for Veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam: Connecticut local boards of education will award diplomas to honorably discharged Veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Korea or Vietnam. Those interested should contact their local board of education in their school district for more information.
Connecticut General Statutes, Title 10, Chapter 170, 10-221a
Connecticut Public School Directory
Connecticut Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3):The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children of military Families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
Points of Contact
Phone: 860-713-6512, 860-807-2058
Connecticut Purple Star School Program for Military-Friendly Schools: The Connecticut Purple Star School program recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and Families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.
For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Award they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military Families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military Families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military Families.
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program
What are my Connecticut Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?
Connecticut Department of Labor Veteran Services: Veterans can receive employment servicesfrom trained Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVER) at American Job Centers (AJCs) located in Connecticut. Connecticut has five comprehensive AJCs and several smaller affiliate locations.
DVOPs provide intensive services and help meet the employment needs of Veterans who have significant barriers to employment as well as eligible Spouses and Family caregivers.
Those eligible include:
DVOPs services includes:
LVERs conduct outreach with area employers to help Veterans get hired. They facilitate employment, training, and placement services provided to Veterans in AJCs. LVERs are available to:
Connecticut Veteran Preference when Bidding for State Contracts: Veteran owned small businesses in Connecticut can receive a 15% price preference when determining lowest bid for state contracts. Veterans must receive a Connecticut Veteran-Owned Micro Business Certification to be eligible. To receive certification the business must be at least 51% owned by one or more Veterans and have gross revenues not exceeding $3,000,000.
To apply for certification a business must submit a completed application and required documentation (listed on the application) to:
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: Veteran-Owned Micro Business Certification
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
For more information regarding the certification process, please call 860-616-3683. For questions regarding state contract bidding please call 860-616-3685.
Connecticut Veteran-Owned Micro Business Certification Information
Leave for Connecticut State Employees for Military Duty: State employees who are Service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized 30 days per year of military leave with pay for military duty.
Service members on military leave cannot lose leave, holidays, promotion potential or continued employment.
Who is eligible for Leave for Connecticut State Employees for Military Duty Leave for Military Duty? State employees who are Service members serving in the National Guard, or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves are eligible for military leave.
Connecticut State Employment Reinstatement after Military Leave: Any state employee who leaves their job to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces must be reinstated to their former position when they leave the military.
Who is eligible for Connecticut State Employment Reinstatement after Military Leave? To be eligible for reinstatement state employees who use military leave must receive an honorable discharge from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and reapply within 90 days of discharge.
Connecticut State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference: Connecticut offers a Veterans hiring preference when hiring for state employment to eligible Veterans and Spouses. Preference is provided by adding points to passing scores on competitive hiring examinations.
Federal Employment Veteran's Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled orwho served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of Spouses, Surviving Spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a Spouse (including Surviving Spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the Spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects Service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that anindividual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service as long as the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning Service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning Service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for Service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, or National Guard Service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
Connecticut Hilton Honors Military Program: The Connecticut Hilton Honors Military Program helps make the career transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former Service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program will provide hotel accommodations for required travel while they are looking for a new job, training for a new job, or finding housing. Those eligible can receive up to a total of 100,000 hotel points for verifiable employment-related activities. Each state sets its own eligibility and residency requirements. Recipients must have a Hilton Honors account to receive the points. For more information, please email HiltonHonors@naswa.org or contact the nearest American Job Center.
What are my Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Connecticut Unemployment Insurance (UI): The Connecticut UI program provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need. Employers pay all costs of the UI program.
A claim should be filed as soon as possible after being separated from employment. Applicants may file a new claim online by going to the ReEmployCT, Unemployment System. For assistance filing, please visit a Connecticut American Job Centers, or contact the Consumer Contact Center.
Consumer Contact Center:
Phone: 203-941-6868, 860-967-0493, 800-956-3294
TTY: 711 or 800-842-9710
Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Who is eligible for Connecticut UI? To be eligible for UI applicants must meet the following requirements:
What are my Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits?
Veteran Flag Identifier for Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card: Connecticut offers a Veteran Flag identifier on driver’s licenses and ID card for eligible Veterans.
Who is eligible for Veteran Flag Identifier on Connecticut Driver’s Licenses or ID Cards? To be eligible for the Veteran flag identifier the Veteran must meet the following requirements:
To apply Veterans must provide a completed Application for Veterans Flag on Connecticut Driver’s License or Identity Card and a copy of their DD214 (discharge documents) as proof they received an honorable discharge to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs at:
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
Attn: Veteran’s Flag on Connecticut Driver’s License or ID Card
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Fax: 860-616-3562
For more information, please call the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs at 866-9CT-VETS (866-928-8387).
Connecticut Military and Veteran License Plates:The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles offers 16 distinctive license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of Service members, Veterans, retired Service members and Family members. These license plates are only available for vehicles that are currently registered in Connecticut, out-of-state or temporary registrations are not eligible.
Connecticut Military Order of the Purple Heart License Plate: Current and former Service members who are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization are eligible for the Connecticut Military Order of the Purple Heart license plate.
To become a member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart please visit to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Application webpage or call 860-485-1321.
Connecticut Disabled American Veterans License Plate: Disabled Veterans who are members of the Disabled American Veterans organization are eligible for the Connecticut Disabled American Veteran license plate.
To become a member of the Disabled American Veterans organization please visit the Disabled American Veterans organization application webpage, or call 203-440-4440.
Connecticut Military Veteran License Plate: Eligible Veterans can request the Connecticut Flag-Style Veteran license plate for passenger, commercial, combination, camper, camp trailer and motorcycle registration classifications. Applicants can also choose from 10 wartime periods to be displayed on their license plate:
Who is eligible for the Connecticut Military Veteran License Plate? This plate is available to honorably discharged Veterans, active duty Service members, or their Surviving Spouse.
Applicants must provide:
Applicants must mail a completed Connecticut Special Order Veteran Plate Application, required fee (listed on the application), and documentation to:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Customized Plates Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Connecticut Gold Star Family License Plate: The immediate Family members of a Service member who was killed in the line of duty are eligible for free Connecticut Gold Star Family license plates.
Who is eligible for the Connecticut Gold Star Family License Plate? The following Family members are eligible for Connecticut Gold Star license plate:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Special Plates Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Free Connecticut License Plates and Special Registration Certificate for Medal of Honor and Former Prisoners of War (POWs): Recipients of the Medal Honor and Former POWs are authorized two sets of free license plates and a special registration certificates for passenger motor vehicles, campers or commercial motor vehicles.
The unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient or former POW may keep these plates and registration certificates without charge for their lifetime or until they remarry.
For more information and to apply for these license plates please contact the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs at 866-9CT-VETS (866-928-8387).
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Benefits Fact Sheet
Connecticut Waiver of License and Vehicle Registration Fees for Military and Veterans: Connecticut will waive certain registration fees for eligible U.S. Armed Forces Service members and Veterans. Fees that are waived include:
Who is eligible for Connecticut Military and Veteran Waiver of License and Vehicle Registration Fees? To be eligible applicants must have been a Connecticut resident at time of entrance into the U.S. Armed Forces. Active Duty Service members must show their valid military ID card, or if discharged their DD214 that indicates they received an honorable discharge.
National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members are eligible if they have been called to federal active duty for any length of time, (must show active duty orders).
Application for Waiver of Registration Fee - Active Service in U.S. Armed Forces
Connecticut Motorcycle Endorsement Examination Waiver for Service Members: Active duty Service members, who have a Connecticut driver's license, are stationed out of state, and have successfully completed an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Education Course can receive a waiver of the Connecticut motorcycle endorsement examination.
To apply for a waiver Service members must submit a completed Request for a Connecticut Driver's License/ID Card by Mail, a copy of their military ID, an approved MSF Basic Rider Education course certificate and a $30 fee to:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Mail-in License Transaction Unit, Room 331
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Fax: 860-263-5591
Email: dmv.ciu@ct.gov
Connecticut Commercial Driver License (CDL) Skills Test Exemption for Military Applicants: Active duty Service members, recently separated Service members (within one year of application), and reserve component Service members who are licensed on a military vehicle similar to a commercial vehicle can receive an exemption of the CDL driving skills test. This option only allows a waiver of the skills testing and does not include any knowledge testing requirements. This exemption does not include testing requirements for public transportation, school bus, or hazardous materials.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
All applicants must provide the following:
What are My Connecticut Health and Insurance Benefits?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component Service members and their Families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard Service members) and their Families who meet the following qualifications:
The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a Service member is not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
Medical Benefits and Workers Compensation for Connecticut National Guard Service Members on State Active Duty: Under the Connecticut Worker’s Compensation Laws, National Guard Service members full coverage for injuries that occur in the line of duty and are eligible for workers compensation if temporarily or permanently disabled.
What are My Connecticut Parks and Recreation Benefits?
Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Disabled Veterans: Connecticut offers the following hunting and fishing benefits for Service members, Veterans and disabled persons.
Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Nonresident Service Members: Active duty, nonresident Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can purchase Connecticut hunting, fishing or trapping license for the resident prices. Service members must carry proof of active duty status while hunting, fishing or trapping.
Connecticut Free Fishing, Marine Waters Fishing and Small Game Hunting Licenses for Disabled Persons: Connecticut residents who lost a limb or the use of a limb are eligible for free inland fishing and small game hunting licenses. Applicants must provide certification of their disability from a doctor. Nonresidents who are residents of states which allow Connecticut residents the same privileges are also eligible.
Connecticut Group Fishing License for Organizations Hosting Disabled Veteran Fishing Programs: Connecticut offers group fishing licenses for non-profit organizations that host fishing programs for disabled Veterans. Organizations can host up to 50 events per year for 50 Veterans at each event. The cost for the license for each event is $125. For more information or to request an application, please email deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov, or call 860-424-3474
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Hunting and Trapping Guide
Free Connecticut State Park Lifetime Pass for Disabled Veterans: The Connecticut State ParkLifetime Disabled Veteran Pass offers access to Connecticut State Parks and Forests and is available free to resident Veterans who have a service-connected disability.
Please note that each pass is issued to a specific person and can only be used by the disabled Veteran. They are not valid for camping or special events having separate admission charges and may not be used for commercial purposes.
Veterans can apply at one of the state park locations listed at the “Learn more…” link below or by mail. To apply by mail applicants must send copies of their CT driver’s license (or other legal proof of residency), and a VA card or VA Benefit Summary Letter indicating they have a service-connected disability to:
DEEP Disabled Veteran Pass
State Parks Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
For more information, please call 860-424-3200.
What are my Miscellaneous Connecticut Military and Veteran Benefits?
Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus: The Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus is a financial grant tocurrent and former Connecticut National Guard Service members for their service on active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Service members are eligible to receive a grant of $50 for every month they served on active duty, up to $500 for non-combat service and up to $1,200 for service in a combat zone.
Who is eligible for the Connecticut Wartime Service Bonus? To be eligible a Service member must meet the following requirements:
*Service members who were called to active duty as a member of a reserve component other than the Connecticut National Guard must be a current active member of the Connecticut National Guard.
A DD214 normally satisfies all documentation requirements. Other proof of documentation may be accepted if it provides the required information.
Application must be received within three years of the end of the military operation the service
member participated in. To apply, applicants must submit a completed Connecticut Military Department, Wartime Service Bonus Application and required documentation to:
Connecticut Military Department
ATTN: Wartime Service Bonus
360 Broad Street – Room #113
Hartford, CT 06105
Fax:860-493-2721
For more information, please call 860-524-3239 or 860-548-4968.
Connecticut Military Relief Fund: The Connecticut Military Relief Fund provides financial grants to Service members and their Families who are experiencing a financial hardship due to military service.
The amount of the grant is dependent on the unique circumstances of each case but may not exceed $5,000.
Who is eligible for the Connecticut Military Relief Fund? To be eligible for assistance under the Military Relief Fund, applicants must meet the following requirements:
To apply, applicants must submit a completed Connecticut Military Relief Fund Application and required documentation (listed on the application) to:
Connecticut Military Department
Attn: Military Relief Fund
360 Broad Street – Room 113
Hartford, CT 06105
Fax:860-493-2721
Connecticut Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund (SSMF): SSMF is a state fund administered by the American Legion that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible Veterans and their Families. SSMF can provide financial assistance for:
Who is eligible for the Connecticut SSMF? Veterans must be residents of Connecticut at the time of application and while they are receiving assistance. If the request for assistance includes the Veteran’s Spouse, they must be living together. If the request includes Children, they must be natural or adopted Children, under the age of eighteen, and living with the Veteran. All applicants for assistance must be able to demonstrate a financial need.
Veterans must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces after serving a minimum of 90 days on active duty during a statutory wartime period, unless discharged earlier due to a service-connected disability (as determined by the VA). Veterans also qualify if they served for the full duration of a conflict in a combat or combat-support role if the conflict lasted fewer than 90 days. Active duty service for training does not qualify.
To apply Veterans must contact a Designated Fund Representative or Veterans Aid Investigator in the community where they live.
SSMF Designated Fund Representative Directory
Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center: The Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center provides both short-term and long-term care to Veterans with medical conditions requiring daily medical management.
These conditions include but are not limited to:
The program also provides palliative and respite care.
Who is eligible for care at the Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center? To be eligible for admission to the Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center the Veteran must meet the following requirements:
For more information please contact:
Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center
Admissions Office
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: 860-616-3708
Fax: 860-616-3548
Email: HCC.DVA@ct.gov
Connecticut Veteran Residential Facility at Rocky Hill: The Connecticut Veteran ResidentialFacility at Rocky Hill provides Veterans with a variety of wrap around rehabilitation services and programs, within a community living environment. Residential Staff works with each resident to develop an individualized plan, to outline the Veteran’s goals and objectives to successfully return to independent living.
Some of the services offered includes:
Who is eligible for admission to the Connecticut Veteran Residential Facility at Rocky Hill? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
For more information, please contact:
Connecticut Veteran Residential Facility at Rocky Hill Admissions Office
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: 860-616-3802
Fax: 860-616-3556
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), VeteransRecovery Center (VRC): The DMHAS VRC is co-located with the Connecticut Veteran Residential Facility at Rocky Hill and offers individualized outpatient recovery services for Connecticut Veterans with substance use disorders. Participation in this program is voluntary. National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Service members are welcome.
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Patriots’ Landing: Connecticut’s Patriots’ Landing, located at Rocky Hill, has five separate single-Family, three bedroom homes for homeless Veterans, their Spouse, and Children. All homes are completely furnished; equipped with kitchen supplies, bedding, furniture, washers and dryers, and full kitchens.
A case manager is assigned to assist couples and Families with individual recovery plans to return them to independent living in the community. Case managers will also offer career and educational assistance as well as resume writing, networking and interviewing skills.
Who is eligible to stay at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Patriots Landing? A Veteran must meet the following requirements:
For more information, please contact:
Patriots' Landing Admissions Office
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: 860-616-3803
Fax: 860-616-3556
Connecticut Military Support Program (MSP): MSP is a partnership between the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Connecticut National Guard to provide confidential behavioral health services to Veterans, Connecticut National Guard Service members and their Families.
In addition, MSP provides:
For more information, please call 866-251-2913.
Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery: The Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery provides adignified final resting place for eligible Veterans and their eligible Family members.
The cemetery offers free of charge a burial plot, opening and closing the grave, a government provided headstone (including placement), perpetual care for casketed and cremated remains.
Who is eligible for Burial at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery? Eligibility requirements for burial in the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries except for a state residency requirement. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:
Connecticut also has the Colonel Raymond F. Gates Memorial Cemetery located at Rocky Hill that is reserved for residents of a Connecticut Veterans residential program. All Veterans are encouraged to complete the Pre-Certification Application for State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown to establish eligibility prior to need. Veterans must include a copy of their DD214 or discharge papers as proof of eligibility. Completed applications and required documentation can be sent to:
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
Cemetery and Memorial Services
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Fax: 860-616-3561
For more information, please call the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Cemetery and Memorial Services at 860-616-3688.
Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery Brochure
Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal: The Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal is offered to Connecticut Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a statutory wartime period. State law authorizes posthumous awards to Veterans who died on or after November 12, 1918.
Who is eligible for the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal? To be eligible for the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal, the Veteran must meet the following requirements:
To apply for the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal applicants must send a completed application, proof of service during a qualifying time period (DD214 or other official documentation) and proof of residency. Completed applications and required documents can be sent to:
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: Wartime Medal and Registry
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Fax: 860-616-3562
For more information, please call 860-616-3685.
Connecticut Supervised Diversionary Program for Veterans: The Connecticut Supervised Diversionary Program allows Veterans to avoid prosecution and incarceration for minor offenses by successfully completing a court-sanctioned, community-based treatment program.
The Supervised Diversionary Program is offered to Veterans who have a mental condition that is responsive to treatment and have been charged with a minor crime or violation that is not serious in nature.
If the court grants the Veteran’s application for the Supervised Diversionary Program, they are released to the custody of the Connecticut Court Support Services Division to be placed in a program that provides supervision, treatment and the services the Veteran needs. If the Veteran finishes the program successfully, the charges against them are dismissed by the court.
Connecticut General Statutes Title 54, Chapter 960, 54-56l
Who is eligible for Connecticut Veteran Pretrial Diversionary Programs? To be eligible Veterans must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge.
Connecticut National Guard Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP): The Connecticut National Guard JEEP offers a $1,000 financial incentive to Service members and retired Service members who provide leads to recruiters that results in an enlistment. Those referring potential recruits will be expected to guide, motivate, and encourage recruits all the way up to the point of enlistment.
Who is eligible for the Connecticut National Guard JEEP?Service members serving in the Connecticut National Guard in pay grade O-6 and below, and all retired Service members can participate in JEEP.
For more information, please use the “Contact Us” box at the bottom of the page at the “Learn more…” link below.
JEEP for the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard, General Order 2023-01
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Connecticut
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Connecticut: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and Family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Connecticut: The VA National Cemetery Administration does not maintain a National Cemetery in Connecticut, they do however have a State Cemetery located in Middletown, Connecticut. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Military Installations in Connecticut
Active Duty
