Benefits for Louisiana's 281,000 veterans and their families

Eligibility

Our Veterans Assistance Counselors help veterans and their families receive benefits for which they qualify. General eligibility requirements include military service and Louisiana state residency. Specific programs may have additional requirements. Spouses and dependents of deceased veterans who meet eligibility requirements may also be eligible for certain programs and services.

  • Louisiana Veterans Homes

    LDVA proudly operates five state-of-the-art Veterans Homes across the state. Each facility offers a variety of services including:

    • Long- and short-term care
    • Rehabilitative therapies
    • Alzheimer’s and intermediate care
    • Skilled nursing
    • Mental health services
    • Centralized pharmacy services
    • And more

    Homes are located conveniently across the state in Jackson, Monroe, Bossier City, Reserve and Jennings.

    • Qualifications

      Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission into the veterans homes if they are deemed to meet basic qualifying criteria. Please review page two of the admissions application for the requirements or call toll free 877-GEAUX-VA.

    • How to Apply

      How To Apply: Download the fillable, printable admissions application and mail your completed application to your chosen location.

    Read More and Apply

  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

    The TAPS program offers help, hope, and healing to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in America’s Armed Forces.

    TAPS

  • The Medal of Honor Character Development Program

    The Medal of Honor CDP is a resource designed by teachers to provide students with opportunities to explore the important concepts of courage, commitment, sacrifice, patriotism, integrity and citizenship and how these values can be exemplified in daily life. The depth and breadth of our students’ insight and reflection after interacting with these materials has been remarkable. We are confident that you will find these resources to be as rich and engaging as we have.

    Character Development Program

  • Military Family Assistance (MFA) Fund

    The Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA) can provide financial support to Louisiana Veterans and their families when they experience financial hardships. Certain criteria applies. In order to receive funds through MFA, a completed application must be submitted to LDVA including all required supporting documentation. MFA can pay up to $10,000.00 for one claim per active-duty order in a twelve month period.

    MFA is funded by private donations from individuals and corporations. Visit our How to Help page to donate to the MFA fund.

    • Qualifications

      To qualify for assistance from the MFA Fund, Veterans and activated military applicants must meet certain minimum active-duty service requirements, and have been honorably discharged.  Immediate family members of eligible Veterans and activated military personnel may also qualify. Completed applications must include all supporting documents requested on the form.

    • How To Apply

      Apply for MFA funds by clicking the button below. For more information, you may call toll free 1-877-432-8982.

    Apply Now

  • Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal

    The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created to honor, recognize and thank Louisiana Veterans for their honorable military service. Medals are available to all honorably discharged Louisiana Veterans and to the family of those killed in action.

    The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available with a blue ribbon for honorable discharge, a purple ribbon for Purple Heart recipients, a black ribbon for Prisoners of War, and a yellow ribbon for killed in action.

    • How to Apply

      To apply for your Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal, please complete an application by filling out our form online. You will also be required to submit a copy of your DD214 or discharge papers with your application.

    Apply Now

  • Veterans Cemeteries

    LDVA operates five veterans cemeteries located across the state, offering a variety of burial options for veterans, spouses and dependent children. Each location features beautiful and spacious grounds, covered shelter for committal services, and are open Monday through Friday for interments with visitation open daily.

    Read More and Apply

  • Military Funeral Honors

    Based on available resources, funeral honors may be available and may include the presence of military members, folding and presentation of the flag, firing details, and the sounding of Taps.

    Military Funeral Honors are available through the different branches of service upon request and upon availability. Contact the respective branch using the information below.

    • Branch Contact Information

      ARMY:
      Casualty Assistance Section, Ft. Polk
      Phone: 337-531-6316/1726

      NAVY:
      Naval Region SE
      Toll Free Phone: 800-326-9631

      AIR FORCE:
      NCOIC Barksdale AFB Honor Guard
      Phone: 318-456-5246/ 318-564-8146

      MARINE CORPS:
      Inspector Instructor Offices
      Toll Free Phone: 866-826-3628

      COAST GUARD:
      New Orleans, La.
      Phone: 504-253-6361/ 504-628-5270

  • Louisiana Title 29 Education Benefit

    Louisiana offers educational benefits for children, spouses and surviving spouses of veterans who meet certain requirements. For living veterans, children are eligible; for veterans who are POW/MIA, spouses are eligible; and for deceased veterans, surviving spouses and children are eligible.

    Eligibility for Title 29 education benefits require that veterans meet residency requirements under La. R.S. 29:288, and as amended by Act 74 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Eligibility requirements are different for living and deceased veterans.

    To apply, contact your parish veterans service office to schedule an appointment with a veterans assistance counselor. Applicants may view a listing of acceptable documents for residency requirements prior to visiting a parish service office.

  • VA Guaranteed Home Loans

    May be used by veterans and unmarried surviving spouses of those who died of a service-connected disease or disability, to purchase or refinance a home.

    VA Home Loans

  • VA Pension

    Financial support for veterans with limited income when they have 90 days or more of active-duty military service, one day of which was during a wartime period. To qualify, a veteran must be permanently and totally disabled for reasons traceable neither to military service nor to willful misconduct or must be over 65 years of age. The veteran must have been discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable.

  • VA Disability Payments

    Payments to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred, or aggravated as a result of military service.

  • Discounts for licenses and state parks

    Louisiana Veterans can enjoy discounts and fee waivers for hunting and fishing licenses as well as entrance to Louisiana state parks. Certain qualifications apply.

    Beginning June 1, 2022
    For Non-Resident Disabled Veterans who have a permanent service-connected classification of 50% or more:

    • The LDVA Disabled Veteran Hunting/Fishing License Form must be filled out and signed by the veteran and all requested information provided, including:
        • Copy of valid Driver’s License or State ID
        • Proof of permanent VA disability rating of 50% or more (can be a VA Rating Decision, a My VA Letter, etc.)
        • Veterans requiring a hunter certification number, please visit:  wlf.louisiana.gov
    • Please email or mail your completed application and proofs (ID and proof of VA rating) to:
      • Email to michael.jorden@la.gov
      • Or mail to:
        LDVA
        Evangeline Parish VSO
        205 Court St., Suite 4
        Ville Platte, LA 70586
    • LDVA will certify the application and email the completed application to LWF (through lifetime@wlf.la.gov, noting “Disabled Veteran” in the email subject line) , where LDWF will certify and send the veteran his/her initial hunting/fishing license.
    • Each year after that, the veteran may purchase that new year’s hunting/fishing license either online on your website or in person at any one of the retailers listed at your hunting or recreational fishing license listing on your website under  https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits

    Louisiana residents may also use this process or visit our website (at www.vetaffairs.la.gov/locations/) to find their local VAC office to have their LDVA form certified.  LDVA will forward the application to LDWF for certification on a veteran’s initial licensing.  LWF pays the nominal fee for both resident and non-resident disabled veterans hunting and recreational fishing licenses, so that these licenses are free to the veteran.

  • Property Tax Exemption

    Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher may receive a property tax exemption, in addition to the homestead exemption, on their primary residence as follows:

      • Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more, but less than 70%: In addition to the homestead exemption, the next $2,500 of the assessed valuation of the property shall be exempt
      • Veterans with a disability rating of 70% or more, but less than 100%: In addition to the homestead exemption, the next $4,500 of the assessed valuation of the property shall be exempt
      • Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 100%: Exempt from all ad valorem taxation (except for certain municipal tax assessments)

    To receive the property tax exemption, please contact your parish veterans service office to schedule an appointment with a veterans assistance counselor. The VAC will provide a certified form needed prior to visiting your parish assessor’s office.

  • Combat Pay Exception

    Military pay that is exempt from federal taxation, such as combat pay or hazardous duty pay, is also exempt from Louisiana state taxation.

  • Military Retiree Pay Tax Exemption

    Military retirement benefits are exempt from Louisiana state taxation.

  • Free Military Honor plate for disabled veterans

    Veterans classified 100% disabled by the USDVA are eligible for a free military honor plate labeled with the universal symbol for accessibility. There are no renewal fees for this plate.

    Qualifications: Act No. 194 of the 2016 LA Legislature Regular Session outlines qualifications and other details regarding the Military Honors plate.

  • “Support our Veterans” and other specialty Louisiana license plates

    The “Support our Veterans” license plate is available for purchase for a one-time fee of $25 at all Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle locations. Proceeds support the Military Family Assistance Fund. Other specialty license plates are also available, including the Purple Heart license plate and the Military Honors license plate for disabled veterans.

    • How to Apply

      For more information and a complete listing of all specialty Louisiana license plates in support of Veterans and their families, please visit: www.expresslane.org or visit your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

  • VETERAN designation and discounts on Louisiana drivers’ licenses and IDs

    Veterans can now be recognized through a special VETERAN designation on their official Louisiana drivers’ licenses and IDs. Veterans may also qualify for special discounts or waivers on fees for drivers’ licenses or IDs. Proof of Veteran status is required.

    • How to Apply

      For more information on VETERAN designations, contact your local Louisiana State Office of Motor Vehicles. For more about waivers, please contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at (225) 925-6146 or visit your nearest LDVA Veterans Parish Service Office.

  • Louisiana National Guard Disability and Death Benefits

    Louisiana National Guard members suffering a permanent and total disability while on federal or state active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 may be eligible for the $100,000/$50,000 state disability benefit. Beneficiaries of record of Louisiana National Guard members killed in action may be eligible for the $250,000 federal death benefit.*

    There are two levels of the state disability benefit:

      • If the guard member’s rating was granted on the final adjudication of the first claim, the guard member may be eligible for the $100,000 benefit.
      • If the guard member’s rating was granted on a later decision, the guard member may be eligible for the $50,000 benefit.

    A Louisiana National Guard member must meet each of the following requirements for qualifying periods of service:

    • Service in the Louisiana National Guard after Sept. 11, 2001
    • Activated with the Louisiana National Guard for federal service on orders under 32 U.S.C. 502(f) or 10 U.S.C. 12301, 12302 or 12303
    • Activated with the Louisiana National Guard during any declared national emergency or contingency operation as defined by 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13), or during any state emergency declared by the governor of the state of Louisiana
    • Have honorable or under honorable conditions discharge for all periods of federal and state service in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Louisiana National Guard

    NOTE: A guard member who is injured during duty in any training status (except training pursuant to 32 U.S.C. 502(f)(2)(A)) is not eligible for the state disability benefit.

    *The Louisiana National Guard processes all federal death benefits as well as workers’ compensation claims. For workers’ compensation claims, a guard member must have a permanent and total rating of 100% through workers’ compensation if the guard member was injured during state-activated duty pursuant to La. R.S. 29:7. For more information about the federal death benefit and workers’ compensation, contact the guard member’s Army or Air Guard unit.

    • How To Apply

      For more information about the application process, or to apply, email langclaims@la.gov.

  • VA Healthcare System

    Medical treatment and hospital care for veterans with service connected disabilities and others who meet VA eligibility criteria.

    • How to Apply

      Visit your local VAC. Find your nearest LDVA Veterans Parish Service Office here.

    • Health Centers

      Alexandria VA Medical Center
      2495 Shreveport Highway
      Pineville, LA 71306
      (318) 466-4000
      1-800-375-8387

      Southeast LA Veterans
      Health Care System
      1601 Perdido Street
      New Orleans, LA 70112
      1-800-935-8387

      Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Shreveport
      510 E. Stoner Avenue
      Shreveport, LA 71101
      (318) 221-8411
      1-800-863-7441

      G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Hospital (Mississippi)
      1500 East Woodrow Wilson Ave.
      Jackson, MS. 39216
      (601)362-4471

    • Outpatient Clinics

      Baton Rouge
      7968 Essen Park Ave.
      Baton Rouge, LA 70809
      (225) 761-3400

      Franklin
      603 Halfleigh Street
      Franklin, LA 70538
      (337) 828-9092

      Hammond
      1131 South Morrison Ave
      Hammond, LA 70403
      985-902-5100

      Reserve
      4004 West Airline Hwy
      Reserve, LA 70084
      985-479-6770

      Jennings
      1907 Johnson St.
      Jennings, LA 70546
      (337)824-1000

      Bogalusa
      319 Memphis Street
      Bogalusa, LA 70427
      (985) 735-9029

      Monroe
      250 DeSiard Plaza Dr
      Monroe, LA 71203
      800-832-3525; 318-343-6100

      Slidell
      60491 Doss Drive
      Slidell, LA 70460
      985-690-2626

      Leesville
      3353 University Parkway
      Leesville, LA 71446
      (337) 392-3801

      Lafayette
      2100 Jefferson St, Suite 102A
      Lafayette, LA 70501
      337-261-0734

      Houma
      1750 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd Suite 107
      Houma, LA 70360
      985-851-0188

      Natchitoches
      740 Keyser Avenue
      Natchitoches, LA 71457
      (318) 357-3300

  • Veterans First Business Initiative

    The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative was championed by Governor John Bel Edwards during the 2019 legislative session. It was created to honor the sacrifice that Louisiana veterans have made by recognizing businesses owned by a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouse.

    The program will allow for veterans, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouses who have a fifty-one percent ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses. In addition, a searchable database is provided for anyone seeking to patronize a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star-spouse business.

    Learn More

  • VA Work Study Program

    This program is available to qualifying Veterans or their dependents who are utilizing VA education benefits and are currently enrolled as full-time students. For more information, please visit: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

  • USDA Grants: Supporting Veteran Farmers

    There are a number of grants available to qualifying Veteran Farmers or Ranchers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, please visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov

  • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

    This program helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. Certain qualifications apply.

    For more information, please visit: www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

  • Louisiana State and Federal Civil Service

    Louisiana state and city civil service departments award a five to ten-point preference in original appointment to Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces under certain circumstances. Federal law also grants five and ten-point preference to Veterans who meet certain criteria when they apply for federal jobs.

    • How to Apply

      To see current state job openings, please visit: www.civilservice.la.gov or call toll free 1-866-783-5462.

      For more information about Federal openings, please visit www.fedshirevets.gov or call (202) 606-7304.

  • Louisiana Business and Career Solution Centers

    The Louisiana Workforce Commission operates local centers across the state to assist Veterans in finding employment and making career choices, including apprenticeship programs.

    • How to Apply

      For more information, please visit: www.laworks.net or call toll free 1-800-259-5154.

  • Military training towards education/certification credits

    Louisiana recognizes that the skills learned during military training can often apply to the civilian workforce. As such, Act 276 of the 2012 Regular Legislative Session states that individuals with military training and experience will be granted civilian professional licensure and/or certification when the Servicemember has been awarded a military occupational specialty and performance in that specialty that is at a level equal to or exceeding the requirements for said license and/or certification. Provisions apply.

    Click here to read the official digest for this statute.

  • Louisiana In-State Tuition Status

    In-state tuition status is granted to Veterans and active-duty military who seek to attend any Louisiana public college or university. Eligibility requirements apply.

    • How to Apply

      Visit your college or university to inquire about the application process.

  • Survivors and Dependents Education (Chapter 35)

    Provides education and training opportunities to dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Eligibility requirements apply.

  • Licensing and Certification

    Open new doors to employment by getting licensed or certified as a mechanic, medical technician, attorney, or other professional position. Often required for work in certain fields, these tests may be eligible for GI Bill reimbursement. Eligibility requirements apply.

  • Veteran GI Bill Apprenticeship and OJT Program

    Offers an alternative way to use GI Bill education and training benefits. Eligibility requirements apply.

    • How to Apply

      Talk to your employer about the application process. They will work with the State Approving Agency on this.

  • Montgomery GI Bill

    VA educational benefits may be used while the Servicemember is on active duty or after the Servicemember’s separation from active duty with a fully honorable military discharge. Eligibility requirements apply.

  • Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Education Enhancement Program

    May assist eligible individuals with payment of their tuition and fees in instances where costs exceed the in-state tuition charges at a public institution or the national maximum payable at private and foreign institutions. Eligibility requirements apply.

    • How to Apply

      Visit your college or university office to find out more.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill

    Education benefit program for Servicemembers and Veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date. Eligibility requirements apply.

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