Updated January 2026
Rhode Island Veteran Benefits 2026
Rhode Island offers several benefits for veterans and military retirees. Here is a summary of the key tax and property benefits available in RI for 2026.
Rhode Island Highlights
- Full military retirement pay tax exemption
- Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
- Free state beach parking for disabled veterans
- Rhode Island Veterans Home
Income Tax Treatment
Rhode Island has a state income tax.
Military Retirement Pay: Rhode Island has fully exempted military retirement pay from state income tax since tax year 2023.
Active Duty Pay: Active duty pay earned outside Rhode Island may be exempt.
VA Disability Compensation: VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state level in all 50 states. Rhode Island does not tax VA disability payments.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans in Rhode Island
Type: Varies by city/county
Rhode Island sets statutory MINIMUM veteran exemption amounts (off assessed value, not a full exemption) under RIGL 44-3-4, but cities and towns set the actual amounts by local ordinance and may vote to increase them substantially. The general veteran exemption baseline is $1,000 of value; totally (service-connected) disabled veterans and those with specially adapted housing have a $10,000 baseline. Actual benefit varies widely by municipality; some towns grant far larger or near-full relief.
| VA disability rating / category | What you get |
|---|---|
| Baseline wartime veteran (any qualifying veteran) | Statutory minimum $1,000 exemption from assessed value; municipalities may increase by ordinance.Other-than-dishonorable discharge; service during a recognized wartime/conflict period. Apply with local tax assessor (deadline often Dec 31 or local date; some sources cite March 15). |
| Totally disabled (service-connected) veteran | Statutory minimum $10,000 exemption from assessed value; municipalities may set higher amounts.VA certification of total service-connected disability. Apply with local assessor; amount and any additional relief set by municipal ordinance. |
| Specially adapted housing (service-connected total disability with VA SAH grant) | Statutory minimum $10,000 exemption from assessed value on the domicile; municipalities may set higher amounts.Service-connected total disability and receipt of VA specially adapted housing assistance. |
- Income limit: None at the state-statute level; individual municipalities may attach their own conditions.
- Age requirement: None at state level.
- Surviving spouse: Unmarried surviving spouse (widow/widower) of a qualifying veteran retains the exemption; remarriage that is later voided, ended by death, or dissolved does not disqualify.
- Counts being paid at 100% via unemployability (TDIU)? Varies / not explicitly addressed — confirm with the assessor or state VA
Source: RIGL Sec. 44-3-4 (veterans' exemptions); 44-3-4.2; 44-3-5 (Gold Star parents) and a second official source. Verified June 2026 against primary sources.
To apply, contact your county assessor's office or the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Rhode Island has approximately 1 VA medical center 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.