Updated January 2026
Ohio Veteran Benefits 2026
Ohio offers several benefits for veterans and military retirees. Here is a summary of the key tax and property benefits available in OH for 2026.
Ohio Highlights
- Full military retirement pay tax exemption
- Full property tax exemption for 100% P&T
- Ohio Veterans Bonus Program
- Free state park access for disabled veterans
Income Tax Treatment
Ohio has a state income tax.
Military Retirement Pay: Ohio fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.
Active Duty Pay: Active duty pay earned in a combat zone is exempt.
VA Disability Compensation: VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state level in all 50 states. Ohio does not tax VA disability payments.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans in Ohio
Type: Full exemption at 100%
Ohio's enhanced homestead exemption for disabled veterans is a fixed valuation reduction available ONLY to veterans with a 100% total service-connected disability rating OR compensation at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (TDIU). The base reduction is $50,000 of the home's true (market) value, indexed annually for inflation; for tax year 2025 the indexed enhanced amount is $56,000. Unlike Ohio's standard senior/disabled homestead exemption, the disabled-veteran enhanced exemption has NO income test. It is structured as a single tier (no graduated ratings below 100%).
| VA disability rating / category | What you get |
|---|---|
| 100% total service-connected disability, OR 100%-rate compensation via individual unemployability (TDIU) | Enhanced homestead exemption: reduce the taxable (true) value of the home by the indexed amount — $56,000 for tax year 2025 (base $50,000, inflation-indexed). No income limit.Honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces, reserves, or National Guard; owns and occupies the home as principal residence. Apply with Form DTE 105I plus DD-214 and the VA award letter (and TDIU approval if applicable). |
- Income limit: None for the disabled-veteran enhanced exemption (the standard senior/disabled homestead exemption DOES have an income limit).
- Age requirement: None (the standard homestead exemption requires age 65+ or disability; the veteran enhanced exemption does not).
- Surviving spouse: Eligible. An unremarried surviving spouse may continue the enhanced exemption if they were married to the qualifying veteran at the time of death, occupied the homestead then, and continue to own/occupy it.
- Counts being paid at 100% via unemployability (TDIU)? Yes — being paid at the 100% rate via Individual Unemployability (TDIU) qualifies
Source: Ohio Rev. Code sec. 323.151 (definitions) and sec. 323.152(A)(2) (enhanced reduction for disabled veterans); see also R.C. 4503.064. and a second official source. Verified June 2026 against primary sources.
To apply, contact your county assessor's office or the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs. You will typically need your VA disability rating letter (and often your DD‑214) and proof that the home is your primary residence.
Real estate vs. personal property: this benefit applies to real-estate (home/homestead) property tax. Personal-property taxes — such as the annual tax some states levy on vehicles — are separate and generally still apply, even at a 100% rating, unless your state specifically exempts them.
VA Healthcare in Ohio
Ohio has approximately 3 VA medical centers along with community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) throughout the state. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can receive care at any VA facility nationwide.
To find the nearest VA facility, visit VA.gov Facility Locator.