Sales Tax Exemption

Effective 1 July 2026, 100% service connected disabled Veterans will not pay Kansas sales tax not to exceed $24,000 in purchases per year.  Purchases of tobacco, alcohol, and motor vehicle are not included.  More to follow as the Kansas Department of Revenue implements the new law.

Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans Homestead Refund

Disabled Veterans or surviving spouses eligible for a Homestead refund?

Veterans or surviving spouses must meet the following eligibility criteria -

1. Kansas resident for the entire previous year,
2. honorably discharged,
3. 65 years old or older OR certified to have 50% or greater Service Connected permanent disability rating (for the entire previous year),
4. surviving spouse until remarried,
5. homestead appraised value is $350,000 or less, and
6. annual income of $53,600 or less.

Veteran or surviving spouses must submit the Kansas Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans Homestead Refund Claim (K-40SVR). For more information visit the Kansas Department of Revenue.

1. State Income Tax - Military retirement not taxed in Kansas

2. Additional Personal Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Effective tax year 2023 and all tax years thereafter 100% Service Connected Veterans are eligable for an additional Kansas exemption of $2,250 for disabled Veterans.

To be eligable you must meet the following criteria:

(a), any individual who has been honorably discharged from active service in any branch of the armed forces of the United States, and

(b) who is certified by the United States department of veterans affairs or its successor to be in receipt of disability compensation at the 100% rate, if the disability is permanent and total.

The additional exemption will be claimed when filing the individual’s Kansas income tax return, beginning with tax year 2023. The Kansas individual income tax return, Form K-40, has been updated to reflect this change.

Taxpayer Assistance

Additional information can be found on Kansas Department of Revenue.

If you have questions, please contact:

Taxpayer Assistance Center
Kansas Department of Revenue
120 SE 10^th Ave, 1^st Floor
Topeka, KS 66601-3506
Phone: 785-368-8222
Hearing Impaired TTY: 785-296-6461

Scholarship Opportunities

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Kansas Hero's Scholarship
The Kansas Hero’s Scholarship Act (KSA 75-4364) establishes a waiver which provides an opportunity for eligible dependents and spouses of certain deceased/disabled public safety officers and military personnel to attend an eligible public Kansas postsecondary educational institution without payment of tuition and required fees. The student will be responsible for all other charges associated with the student’s academic program. This waiver is only available for undergraduate coursework.

NEW UPDATE: Recent 2024 legislative changes of this scholarship program's eligibility requirements and required documentation has resulted in a new application and revised application due dates. Please review all instructions on the application to determine eligibility requirements.

This scholarship is awarded on a first come, first served basis and funding is limited.  Applicants are encouraged to submit the completed application and required documentation as soon as they know which eligible school they will be attending. Waivers are guaranteed only up to the amount of funding appropriated by the KS legislature each year.  Students are encouraged to have a backup plan incase the waiver can not be processed by the institution.

Deadline: Spring 2025 semester - March 1, 2025

• Application - Military Service members dependents or spouses
• Application - Prisoners of War

Kansas Military Service Scholarship
The Kansas Military Service Scholarship is available for the payment of tuition and fees at a public Kansas institution for students who are a resident of Kansas and has:

• served in military service in international waters or on foreign soil in support of military operations for which the person received hostile fire pay for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, or served less than such 90 days because of injuries during such military service;
• has received an honorable discharge or under honorable conditions (general) discharge from military service or is still in military service; and
• has provided copies of military discharge papers (DD-214 form) or active duty orders whichever such paper or order indicate the location of such person’s deployment and indicate the person has served after September 11, 2001, in any military operation for which the person received hostile fire pay.

Because financial need is a priority in awarding this scholarship, students will need to file a FAFSA form. Once your school considers you as a graduate status student, you are not eligible for this scholarship.

Please Note: Individuals who are also using Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or Ch. 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment benefits should carefully consider how the Kansas Military Service Scholarship may affect those benefits. Generally, when a Ch. 33 or Ch. 31 user receives other aid that is designated solely for tuition and fees (known as restricted aid), the VA’s last payer clause states that VA will only pay any remaining tuition/required fees after restricted aid is applied. Because the Kanas Military Service Scholarship is restricted aid pays towards an individual’s undergraduate tuition and required fees for up to 8 semesters of undergraduate coursework, there is no tuition for the VA to pay when a student receives the Kansas Military Service Scholarship. Students can still receive their Ch. 33/Ch.31 monthly housing allowance and book stipend; however, we encourage students to talk with their school’s military-affiliated centers/staff about how to maximize all of their entitlements.

Priority Date: May 1.

• Online Form 
• Information (pdf)
• Eligible Schools for KS Military Service Scholarship

Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance provides a percentage of tuition and fees paid; up to a maximum rate not to exceed the maximum rate that would be charged by the state educational institutions for enrollment.  The percentage is determined by the number of eligible students and available appropriations. Students may be pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree program and must be an enlisted member of a Kansas Air/Army National Guard unit. Full-time enrollment not required. Students must have a GED or high school diploma to qualify for this assistance. The member must not already have obtained a bachelor’s degree.  The National Guard Educational Assistance is only available for fall and spring semesters.

              Spring 2025 semester deadline - January 31, 2025

• Online Form 
• Information (pdf)
• Eligible Schools for KS National Guard Educational Assistance

Kansas National Guard Educational Master's for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE)

The  EMERGE program provides tuition and fees paid up to 15 credit hours; up to a maximum rate not to exceed the maximum rate that would be charged by the state educational institutions for enrollment.  Students have to be pursuing a Master's degree at a Kansas post secondary institution and must be a member of a Kansas Air/Army National Guard unit. A service obligation is required after receiving the assistance. In order to apply, please click on the link below (link to application to apply).

Closed for school year 2024.

• Information (pdf)
• Link to application to apply 

Kansas ROTC Service Scholarship

Student agrees to accept a commission as a Second Lieutenant and serve for not less than four years as a commissioned officer in the Kansas Army National Guard.  This program is only available at Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, Washburn University and some community colleges.  Contact the ROTC program at one of the participating schools for more information.

Visit https://www.kansasregents.org/scholarships_and_grants for more information and opportunities. 

Did you serve during the Vietnam War Era (February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975)?

You may be eligible for the State of Kansas Vietnam War Medallion.

Who may apply?

a. Any Veteran who meets the eligibility requirements listed below is entitled to a medallion, medal, and certificate.

b. Any spouse or eldest living survivor of a Veteran who meets the eligibility requirements listed below but died prior to having made application is entitled to a medallion, medal, and certificate.

c. This award is recognition of the Veteran’s service. Only one award will be issued in the name of each Veteran.

2. Eligibility Requirements:

a. The Veteran must have served on active duty in the United States military at any time during the period of February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975.

b. The Veteran was a legal resident of Kansas at the time he or she entered or when he or she was discharged from military service or at the time of his or her death.

c. The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge, or still be in active service in an honorable status, or have active service in an honorable status at the time of his or her death.

d. The Vietnam War medallion, medal, and certificate shall be awarded regardless of whether or not such Veteran served within the United States or in a foreign country. 

Click here to download the application and instructions to complete and submit.  

Operation Recognition

The State of Kansas sponsors "Operation Recognition" to honor World War II and Korean era Veterans who left school to join the military and never received a high school diploma.

In recognition of their outstanding contribution, The KOVS through a program called "Operation Recognition" for WWII and Korean War Veterans, is working with schools, cities, and service organizations to award Honorary High School Diplomas to qualifying WWII and Korean War Veterans. This is a small, overdue gesture of our society's gratitude for the sacrifice these individuals made in the name of freedom.

Eligibility

• All "Honorably" Discharged Veterans who served in WWII between September 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946, and Korean War Veterans who served between June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955, who did not graduate from High School are eligible.
• Those who have obtained their diploma, but entered service before they could participate in their graduation ceremonies, are also encouraged to apply.
• Diplomas can be awarded posthumously.

Required Paperwork

• Application for "WWII and Korean War Veterans" High School Diploma (Operation Recognition Form)
• Copy of "Honorable" Discharge papers attached to application
• Discharge papers may be requested through the local County Registrar Office or through Military Archives, 2722 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611. Requests submitted on Standard Form 180 (1 MB PDF) only. (KANSAS ONLY)

Disabled Veterans Hunting/Fishing Licenses

Free hunting and fishing licenses are made available and issued based on state funding.  Applicant must provide a copy of current disabled veterans entitlement papers showing proof of at least 30% disability and honorable discharge.

To apply to visit Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) at Veteran Application.

Military Distinctive License Plates

You may make application for a Kansas distinctive military license plate by meeting the qualifications outlined in the Kansas Statutes Annotated listed below. Applications should be presented to your local County Treasurer's office

• Combat Wounded Purple Heart
• Gold Star Mother
• Congressional Medal of Honor
• Disabled Veteran (See also Form TR-103)
• Ex-Prisoner of War
• Korean War Veteran
• National Guard (See also Form TR-129)
• Pearl Harbor Survivor
• Operation Desert Storm
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• U.S. Veteran
• Vietnam Veteran
• Families of the Fallen
• Branches of Service
• Bronze Star Medal
• Silver Star Medal
• First Infantry Division (Coming soon)
• Support the Troops (Coming Soon)
• Armed Service Occupation Medal (coming soon)

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC)

Veterans Treatment Courts ensure that Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces and who have a substance abuse disorder or mental health concern receive treatment to help them interrupt a cycle that could lead to incarceration.  Since 2008, the number of Veterans Treatment Courts operating in the U.S. has grown to 334. These courts help save our Veterans' lives, families, and futures, while also saving tax dollars.

The mission of the Veterans Treatment Court is to identify Veterans in the criminal justice system and, when eligible, get them into treatment and court supervision as an alternative to incarceration.

VTC offers two alternatives to jail time: a probation track through the District Court and supervised by Court Services and a diversion track through the District Attorney's office.

These programs allow eligible Veterans to voluntarily participate in a structured 5 phase, 12-18 month program of frequent court appearances, drug and alcohol testing two times per week minimum, treatment, recovery support meetings, and a mentor program with another Veteran.

Unfortunately, not every Veteran is eligible for Veterans' Court. Veterans that have cases in a courthouse without a Veterans' Court will not be able to participate in the treatment program.

Currently, the following Kansas Counties offer VTCs -
Johnson County
Wyandotte County
Shawnee County
Sedgwick County
Leavenworth County
Douglas County (expected to start in 2025)

For more information visit the Kansas Judicial Branch Veterans Treatment Court - KS Courts

 

Visit va.gov/homeless Veterans for additional information

Veterans Preference

Overview

The State of Kansas places great importance on providing Veterans access to information about available services and assistance related to employment in state government. Please take the time to browse through the various links that include information on employment opportunities and assistance, Veteran services, and upcoming events related to Veterans.

Veterans Training Opportunities

If you are a Veteran or currently in the Guard or Reserve, the On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Program offers you an alternative to use your VA (GI Bill) education and training benefits. The State of Kansas as an employer participates in the VA's On-the-Job-Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Program by enabling Veterans to be trained in several occupations. To learn what positions are currently available, please view the job postings. Veterans Training Opportunities (VTO) are marked with an asterisk*. If you are interested in utilizing your GI bill for a position, please contact the hiring agencies at the address or telephone number listed in the job vacancy and inform the agency that you are interested in the Veterans training opportunity.

Military to Civilian Occupational Translator

Visit Veterans' Preference FAQ's for additional information.

Veterans' Priority

The U.S. Department of Labor provides grant funds to the State of Kansas to provide employment and training services to eligible residents and workers. As a condition to receiving those funds, priority of service will be given to qualified Veterans when referring individuals to job openings, DOL funded training programs or related services. In accordance with the implementation of the Veterans' Priority Provisions of the "Jobs for Veterans Act" (PL 107-288), qualified Veterans will receive priority referral to services over non-Veterans as determined by each program's mandatory eligibility criteria.

Information and assistance will be provided by Workforce Center staff regarding available employment programs, training opportunities and services, eligibility requirements, and Veteran's priority. The KANSASWORKS registration process has been developed to determine Veterans' eligibility, and an American Flag identifies Veterans' resumes listed on KANSASWORKS for employers. Veterans are encouraged to avail themselves of these opportunities.

For more information on program eligibility and Veteran Priority details, visit or contact your local Workforce Center. Veteran Employment and Training staff and Workforce Center staff are available to explain program mandatory eligibility and Veterans' priority. Visit list of centers for locations throughout Kansas.

KanVet 

KanVet provides direct access to State of Kansas Veteran-specific resources and benefits without having to navigate multiple state agency websites. We welcome your feedback as we work to better serve all Veterans, transiting service members and their families.

Additional employment information at

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Career Transition Advisor

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Career Resources

Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates are free for Veterans or eligible Family members when requested through the KOVS for VA purposes only