This blog/article was previously posted from a recurring series that started on July 28 2025, at author's LinkedIn Article Page
Arizona Veteran Benefits
This article was part of the handbook created by Dr. Tony Astro, PhD, GCDF, CMCS, CCSP, retired U.S. Navy veteran and transition counselor at FFSC TAP Norfolk, as part of his capstone counseling and educational mission. Over decades of guiding transitioning service members and families, Dr. Astro recognized a gap—not in information availability, but in accessibility and usability.
Each state provides unique benefits—homefront-specific resources for housing, licensure, education, employment, and recreation. Veterans often miss these because they rely on federal VA messaging alone. This guide ensures you start strong, stay empowered, and find what’s often overlooked at the state level.
Empowerment, not entitlement. This resource is meant to help you take ownership of your post-military journey—with clear, actionable state-level benefits.
Disclaimer: This is NOT an official document from DoD, VA, DOL, or FFSC. It was created by Dr. Tony Astro as part of his capstone counseling and education outreach. 🔗 For corrections and updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro
Arizona stands out for its strong property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and its comprehensive state-supported veteran homes, making it a welcoming state for those who served.
- Scholarships
o Arizona Tuition Waiver for Veterans: Provides a tuition waiver to honorably discharged Arizona resident veterans. Apply through the Arizona Board of Regents; submit DD-214 and proof of residency. https://vets.arizona.edu/education/tuition-waiver.
o Arizona Purple Heart Tuition Waiver: Offers tuition waiver at public universities for recipients of the Purple Heart. Eligibility: Arizona resident veterans who received a Purple Heart. Contact the university's financial aid or veterans' services office for application.
2. State Parks
o Arizona State Parks Veterans Annual Day-Use Pass: Provides free entry to Arizona state parks for disabled veterans. Eligibility: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. Present a VA Disability Award letter at any state park. https://azstateparks.com.
3. Education
o Arizona Veterans Education Benefits: Support programs for veterans to access higher education through the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS). Apply through ADVS and provide military documentation. https://dvs.az.gov/services/education.
o Operation Recognition (High School Diplomas): Allows veterans who left high school to serve in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam to receive their diplomas. Eligibility: Veterans who served honorably in specified conflicts and did not complete high school due to service. Apply through ADVS. Phone: (602) 255-3373.
4. Grants
o Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund: Provides financial assistance to veterans and their families for various needs. Eligibility: Veteran or a veteran's family member in Arizona. Apply through ADVS with proof of veteran status and financial need. https://dvs.az.gov/services/grants.
5. Healthcare
o Arizona Veterans Healthcare System: Access to comprehensive medical services through the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Eligibility: Arizona veterans with honorable or general discharges. Enroll via VA or visit local VA health care centers. https://www.va.gov/phoenix-health-care.
o VA Southern Arizona Health Care System: Provides comprehensive medical and mental health services in Southern Arizona (Tucson area). Enroll through the VA system. https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/.
6. Housing
o Arizona State Veteran Home: Skilled nursing home care for Arizona veterans. Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans residing in Arizona. Apply through the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services. https://dvs.az.gov/services/state-veteran-homes.
o Arizona Veterans Affordable Housing Programs: Various state and local programs offer assistance with housing, including rental and homeownership support. Contact the Arizona Department of Housing. Phone: (602) 771-1000. https://housing.az.gov/.
7. Employment
o Arizona Veteran Employment Services: Offers job placement, career counseling, and resume assistance for veterans and their spouses. Register with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Employment Services. https://des.az.gov/services/employment/veterans.
o Veterans' Preference in State Employment: Provides preference for veterans when applying for state government jobs. Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans and disabled veterans receive additional points. Info: Arizona Department of Administration. https://hr.az.gov/.
8. Taxes
o Arizona Veterans Property Tax Exemption: Provides property tax relief for disabled veterans. Eligibility: Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or higher. Apply with proof of disability to the County Assessor’s Office. https://azdor.gov/tax-credits/property-tax-relief.
o Military Retired Pay Exemption: All military retired pay is exempt from Arizona state income tax. Information available on the Arizona Department of Revenue website; check tax forms and instructions for subtractions. https://azdor.gov/forms/individual-income-tax-forms.
9. Free Benefits
o Arizona Veteran License Plates: Offers discounted or free specialty license plates for veterans. Submit a DD-214 to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/vehicle-services/plates/veteran.
o Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Arizona offers free hunting and fishing licenses for 100% disabled resident veterans. Eligibility: Arizona residents with a 100% VA service-connected disability. Apply through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. https://www.azgfd.com/license/disabled-veterans/.
o Veteran Designation on Driver's License/ID: Honorably discharged veterans can add a "Veteran" designation to their Arizona driver's license or ID card. Apply at Arizona MVD.
10. Legal Assistance
o Arizona Legal Services for Veterans: Provides free or low-cost legal assistance for veterans on various civil matters. Contact your local Legal Aid organizations or the Arizona Bar Association for veteran-specific programs. E.g., Community Legal Services, Phoenix: (602) 258-3434. https://clsaz.org/find-help/veterans/.
11. Mental Health Services
o Arizona Veterans Crisis Line: Offers 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans and their families. Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1). https://www.veteranscrisisline.net.
o Arizona Department of Veterans' Services Behavioral Health: Provides or connects veterans to mental health and substance abuse services. Contact ADVS for resources. https://dvs.az.gov/services/veteran-benefit-counseling.
12. Business Resources
o Arizona Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC): Offers business counseling, training, and development services to veteran entrepreneurs. Apply through the VBOC or Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC). https://azcommunityimpact.org/vboc/. Contact: (602) 279-7222.
o Veteran-Owned Business Certification: State certification available to help veteran-owned businesses access procurement opportunities. Information often found via Arizona Department of Administration, State Procurement Office. https://spo.az.gov/.
Arizona Veteran Factoid: Arizona is home to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, famous for its "boneyard" (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group - AMARG) of retired military aircraft, and Luke Air Force Base, a premier fighter pilot training center. These bases contribute significantly to Arizona's strong military heritage.
Your Key Contact in Arizona: For personalized assistance and the most current details on these benefits, always connect with the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) or your local County Veterans Service Officer. ADVS Contact Info: https://dvs.az.gov/. General Inquiries: (602) 255-3373.
This blog/article was previously posted from a recurring series that started on July 28, 2025, at author's LinkedIn Article Page
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