Delaware Veterans Benefits Guide: VA Claims, Healthcare & Taxes

Veterans Affairs Delaware: Complete Guide to VA Benefits, Healthcare, and State Programs

SDelaware is home to approximately 72,000 veterans—about 7% of the state’s population—and the state offers a combination of federal VA benefits and state-specific programs that many eligible veterans never claim. The Wilmington VA Medical Center operates the only VA healthcare system in Delaware, serving veterans across all three counties plus southern New Jersey. State benefits include a military pension tax exemption of up to $25,000 (phased in through 2029), a disabled veterans school property tax credit, free tuition for Delaware National Guard members, and a Veterans Trust Fund for emergency financial assistance. Veterans should contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs at (800) 344-9900 or visit vets.delaware.gov to verify eligibility and begin applications.

Quick Facts

Understanding Veterans Affairs in Delaware

What Is the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs?

The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) is the state agency responsible for advocating for veterans, administering state veterans cemeteries and the Delaware Veterans Home, and connecting veterans with both state and federal benefits. Established by the General Assembly in 1987, the Commission operates under the Delaware Department of State and is led by a Governor-appointed board of commissioners.

The DCVA’s core functions include:

• Maintaining a repository for Delaware veterans’ “Statement of Service”

• Administering the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund

• Overseeing operations of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

• Providing oversight of the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford

• Assigning Veterans Service Officers in each county to assist with claims

• Initiating and sponsoring state legislation pertaining to veterans

How Does the Wilmington VA Medical Center Serve Delaware?

The Wilmington VA Medical Center is the only VA healthcare system in Delaware, providing care through six locations: the main hospital in Wilmington and five outpatient clinics across Delaware and southern New Jersey. The system operates within Veterans Integrated Service Network 1 (VISN 1) and is fully accredited as a cancer center by The Joint Commission.

Healthcare services include primary care, mental health, emergency services (open 24/7), specialty care, geriatrics, and a community living center. The emergency department has 10 medical treatment beds and three mental health beds, with a staff of approximately 40. In fiscal year 2024, the behavioral health teams provided mental health services to over 10,500 veterans through more than 84,000 interactions.

VA Healthcare Locations in Delaware:

The Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office, located at 1601 Kirkwood Hwy, handles disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, and home loans. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with in-person and virtual appointments available.

Federal VA Benefits for Delaware Veterans

VA Disability Compensation

What it is: VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans who became sick or injured during military service, or whose service made an existing condition worse.

Who qualifies: Veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA. Approximately 32% of Delaware veterans were receiving disability compensation at the end of 2025.

Why it matters: This is often the largest ongoing federal benefit available to veterans. The rating determines eligibility for additional benefits including property tax credits and healthcare priority.

What veterans should do next: File a claim using VA Form 21-526EZ. Delaware has Veterans Service Officers in each county who assist with filing, processing, and monitoring disability compensation claims at no cost. A Tackle It Tuesday event is held every second Tuesday of the month where VA representatives help veterans file claims and resolve issues.

Required documents for a disability claim:

• DD214 or other discharge documents

• Relevant medical records

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Information about dependents (dates of birth, Social Security numbers)

VA Healthcare Enrollment

What it is: VA healthcare provides comprehensive medical services to eligible veterans, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and prescriptions.

Who qualifies: Eligibility depends on service history, disability rating, and income. Veterans with a 0% disability rating or who are non-service-connected must provide income information from the previous calendar year.

How to apply: Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Care Benefits). Apply online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or in person at any VA clinic. Bring your DD214, any VA disability award letters, income information, and current insurance cards.

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within days to weeks. Applying in person at a patient registration office can result in a faster decision.

VA Home Loan Program

What it is: VA-backed home loans offer competitive interest rates and require no down payment for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

Delaware-specific details: The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) offers special interest rate discounts for qualified veterans through its Welcome Home Loan program. Veterans can receive up to a 0.50% interest rate discount and may qualify for the Delaware Diamonds down payment assistance program, which provides a zero-interest forgivable second loan of up to $10,000 for veterans.

Important note: Veterans are exempt from the First-Time Homebuyer requirement for DSHA programs. A DD214 is required to participate.

VA Education Benefits (GI Bill)

What it is: The GI Bill provides funding for college, graduate school, training programs, apprenticeships, and certifications.

Who qualifies: Benefits vary based on length and type of military service. Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible dependents may qualify.

How to apply: Visit VA.gov/education to determine eligibility and apply. The Delaware Department of Education also maintains a Veterans Education Programs page with state-specific information.

VA Pension and Survivor Benefits

VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income. Survivors may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or the Survivors Pension. Delaware’s Veterans Service Officers can assist surviving spouses and dependents with these claims. The Wilmington VA Regional Office hosts VA SOLACE (Survivors’ Outreach, Legacy Assistance, Claims & Education) Day events to connect survivors with benefits.

Delaware State Veterans Benefits

Military Pension Tax Exemption

What it is: Delaware excludes a portion of military retirement pay from state income tax.

Who qualifies: Delaware resident military retirees of any age. This is not a needs-based benefit.

Exemption amounts by tax year:

This phased increase was signed into law under Senate Bill 219. Military disability retirement pay received as a pension or annuity for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service should not be included in taxable income.

Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit

What it is: A 100% credit against the non-vocational school district property tax on a disabled veteran’s primary residence.

Who qualifies: Veterans rated 80% or greater disabled by the VA. Recent legislation lowered the threshold from 100% to 80%, which will approximately double the number of eligible veterans in Delaware. Veterans must be legal residents of Delaware.

Why it matters: This is not a full property tax exemption—it applies only to the school district portion of property taxes. A household may not claim both this credit and the Senior School Property Tax Relief.

How to apply: Applications are due April 30 for the effective July 1 tax year. Contact your county assessment office or visit finance.delaware.gov/disabled-veterans[reference:26].

Delaware Disabled Veterans Tax Credit Data (FY 2026):

Veterans Trust Fund

What it is: A state fund that provides financial assistance or grants to honorably discharged veterans for specific needs.

What it covers:

• Medical and dental needs

• Medical transportation

• Homelessness support

• Home repairs and safety modifications

• Household utilities

• Educational or retraining programs

Who qualifies: Honorably discharged veterans in Delaware who need financial assistance.

How to apply: Contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs at (800) 344-9900 or (302) 739-2792.

Delaware Veterans Home

What it is: A state-operated, long-term care facility offering skilled nursing care for veterans.

Location: 100 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford, DE 19963

Capacity: 144 beds across four units on 24 acres

Who qualifies: Delaware veterans in need of skilled nursing home level of care. Services include 24-hour professional nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapies, social services, and recreational activities.

How to apply: Visit vethome.delaware.gov to complete the application for admission.

Phone: (302) 424-6000

Education Benefits for Dependents

What it is: Educational benefits for children of deceased veterans, prisoners of war, and service members officially declared missing in action.

Who qualifies:

• Child of a service member killed while on active duty or who died from service-related causes

• Child of a POW or MIA service member

• Must be at least 16 and not more than 24 years old

• Delaware resident for at least three years

• Attending or admitted to an educational institution beyond high school

How to apply: Contact the Delaware Higher Education Office at (302) 735-4120.

Delaware National Guard Tuition Assistance

What it is: Up to 100% tuition coverage at state-supported colleges and universities, or the average of in-state tuition at a private Delaware college.

Who qualifies: Active members of a federally recognized Delaware National Guard unit who meet satisfactory membership requirements.

Coverage: One certificate, one associate degree, and one bachelor’s degree. Recent legislation allows tuition and fees to be paid directly to institutions, eliminating upfront costs for Guard members.

State Employment Veterans Preference

What it is: Additional points on state employment examinations for veterans.

Points:

• 10 points for disabled veterans

• 5 points for all other eligible veterans

Unmarried widows, spouses of POW/MIA service members, or spouses of totally disabled veterans may also claim preference points.

License and Permit Accommodations for Military Spouses

Professional regulations issue a 6-month temporary occupational license to military spouses relocating to Delaware, allowing them to obtain employment in their discipline while pending application for endorsement or reciprocity.

Delaware Veterans Employment Programs

Veterans’ Opportunity Tax Credit

What it is: A tax credit for Delaware employers who hire qualified veterans who served in overseas conflicts since 2001.

Credit amount: 10% of the qualified veteran’s gross wages, up to a maximum of $1,500 per veteran per year.

Duration: Employers can claim the credit in the year the veteran is hired and for the two subsequent tax years.

Delaware National Guard J9 Employment Assistance Program

This program supports unemployed and underemployed service members, veterans, and military families by connecting them with employment opportunities, career resources, and employer partners across Delaware. Services are available in all three counties.

Delaware Joining Forces (DJF)

What it is: A statewide network of state agencies and external service providers working together to address critical needs of the military community.

Services coordinated through DJF:

• Financial and legal assistance

• Job training and employment

• Homelessness and housing

• Behavioral health and wellness

• Education

Participating agencies: Delaware National Guard, Delaware Health & Social Services, and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs.

Delaware Veterans Burial Benefits

Delaware maintains two state veterans cemeteries, both open and accepting eligible veterans and their spouses:

Who qualifies for burial: Honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependent children.

Application: Complete the Application for Burial in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, available through the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs website.

How to Apply for Veterans Benefits in Delaware

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather required documents

• DD214 or separation documents

• Medical records relevant to your claim

• Social Security number

• Income information (for needs-based benefits)

• Dependent information (if applicable)

Step 2: Determine which benefits you’re eligible for

Use the decision tree below:

• Do you have a service-connected disability? → File for VA Disability Compensation (VA Form 21-526EZ)

• Do you need healthcare? → Apply for VA Healthcare (VA Form 10-10EZ)

• Are you 80%+ disabled? → Apply for Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit

• Are you a military retiree? → Claim Military Pension Tax Exemption on state taxes

• Do you need emergency financial help? → Contact Veterans Trust Fund

• Do you need long-term care? → Apply to Delaware Veterans Home

• Are you seeking employment? → Contact Delaware Joining Forces or J9 Program

Step 3: Submit your application

• Online: VA.gov for federal benefits

• By mail: Send forms to the appropriate agency

• In person: Visit the Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office, any VA clinic, or a county Veterans Service Officer

Step 4: Attend a C&P Exam (if applicable)
For disability claims, VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension examination.

Step 5: Track your claim
Monitor your claim status at VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Step 6: If denied, appeal
Veterans can file a decision review through the VA’s appeals process. Delaware Veterans Service Officers can assist with appeals and reconsiderations.

Where to Get Free Help

County Veterans Service Officers:

Common Mistakes Delaware Veterans Make

1. Not filing for disability compensation because they think it’s too late.
There is no deadline for filing a VA disability claim. The PACT Act expanded eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans, and VA outreach teams actively encourage filing.

2. Missing the April 30 property tax credit deadline.
Applications for the Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit are due April 30 for the effective July 1 tax year. Missing this deadline delays the credit by a full year.

3. Assuming the property tax credit covers all property taxes.
The Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit applies only to the non-vocational school district portion of property taxes—not county, municipal, or other property taxes.

4. Not claiming the military pension exemption.
Many military retirees are unaware that Delaware offers a state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay. This is claimed when filing state taxes.

5. Failing to declare veteran status for employment.
Veterans should declare their status at Delaware One-Stop Career Centers to receive priority of service. Delaware JobLink uses an American Flag to identify veterans’ resumes for employers.

6. Not using free Veterans Service Officers.
Delaware provides free assistance through county Veterans Service Officers. Veterans should never pay for basic claim assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for VA disability compensation in Delaware?

File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov, by mail, or with assistance from a Delaware Veterans Service Officer. You’ll need your DD214, medical records, and Social Security number. Delaware has Veterans Service Officers in each county who assist with claims at no cost. The Wilmington VA Regional Office also hosts regular claims clinics and Tackle It Tuesday events with VA representatives present.

What is the disabled veterans property tax credit in Delaware?

The Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit provides a 100% credit against the non-vocational school district property tax on a disabled veteran’s primary residence. Veterans must be rated 80% or greater disabled by the VA—a recent change from the previous 100% threshold. Applications are due April 30 for the effective July 1 tax year.

Does Delaware tax military retirement pay?

Delaware excludes a portion of military retirement pay from state income tax. The current exclusion is $12,500, increasing to $15,000 in 2027, $20,000 in 2028, and $25,000 in 2029 and beyond, regardless of the retiree’s age. Military disability retirement pay for service-connected injuries is not included in taxable income.

How do I enroll in VA healthcare in Delaware?

Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or in person at any VA clinic. Bring your DD214, any VA disability award letters, income information, and current insurance cards. Applications are typically processed within days to weeks, and in-person applications at a patient registration office may result in a faster decision.

What VA healthcare facilities are in Delaware?

Delaware has one VA medical center (Wilmington VA Medical Center at 1601 Kirkwood Hwy) and five outpatient clinics, including the Kent County VA Clinic in Dover and the Sussex County VA Clinic in Georgetown. The system operates within VISN 1 and provides primary care, mental health, emergency services, specialty care, and geriatrics across Delaware and southern New Jersey.

How do I apply for the Delaware Veterans Home?

The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford is a 144-bed skilled nursing facility for Delaware veterans. Apply through the Milford Veterans Home website at vethome.delaware.gov. The application lists requirements for admission. For questions, call (302) 424-6000. Services include 24-hour nursing care, physical/occupational/speech therapies, social services, and recreational activities.

What is the Veterans Trust Fund in Delaware?

The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides financial assistance or grants to honorably discharged veterans for medical and dental needs, medical transportation, homelessness support, home repairs and safety modifications, household utilities, and educational or retraining programs. Contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs at (800) 344-9900 to apply.

Are there free services to help me file a VA claim in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware provides free Veterans Service Officers in each county who assist veterans, retired service members, and families with finding and applying for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All services are free of charge. The Tackle It Tuesday program also offers monthly opportunities to meet with VA and state representatives to resolve claims issues.

What education benefits are available for Delaware veterans’ dependents?

Children of deceased veterans, prisoners of war, and service members officially declared missing in action may qualify for educational benefits. Applicants must be 16-24 years old, Delaware residents for at least three years, and attending or admitted to an educational institution beyond high school. Contact the Delaware Higher Education Office at (302) 735-4120.

How do I get a veterans license plate in Delaware?

Delaware offers several veterans license plates including Disabled Veteran, Combat Veteran, Gold Star Family, and Operation Iraqi Freedom plates. Apply through the Delaware DMV with documentation of your veteran status and, for disabled veteran plates, certification from the VA or your physician. There is typically a one-time $10 administrative fee, and plates are mailed in approximately 6-8 weeks.

Key Takeaways

• The Wilmington VA Medical Center is Delaware’s only VA healthcare system, operating the main hospital and five outpatient clinics across the state.

• Approximately 32% of Delaware veterans receive VA disability compensation. Free Veterans Service Officers are available in each county to assist with claims.

• Delaware offers a military pension tax exemption that will reach $25,000 by 2029, regardless of the retiree’s age.

• Veterans rated 80% or greater disabled qualify for a 100% credit against the school district portion of their property tax.

• The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund provides emergency financial assistance for medical needs, housing, utilities, and retraining.

• The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford offers skilled nursing care in a 144-bed facility.

• Delaware National Guard members can receive up to 100% tuition assistance for one certificate, one associate degree, and one bachelor’s degree.

• Employers can claim a $1,500 tax credit for hiring qualified veterans who served in overseas conflicts since 2001.

• Two state veterans cemeteries provide burial options for eligible veterans and spouses at no cost.

• Free assistance with VA claims is available through Tackle It Tuesday events, VA claims clinics, and county Veterans Service Officers.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA.gov

• Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: vets.delaware.gov

• VA Wilmington Healthcare System: va.gov/wilmington-health-care

• Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office: va.gov/wilmington-va-regional-benefit-office

• Delaware Veterans Home: vethome.delaware.gov

• Delaware Joining Forces: vets.delaware.gov/djf

• Delaware State Housing Authority: destatehousing.com

• Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles: dmv.de.gov

• Social Security Administration (Veterans): ssa.gov/people/veterans

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1)

• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

• VA Healthcare Enrollment: 1-877-222-VETS (8387)

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