Summary:  Idaho offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including Compensation for State Active Duty, Idaho National Guard Tuition Scholarship Program, State Park Passes, Vehicle License Plates, as well as Hunting and Fishing License privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.

State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

State Taxes:

State Tax Advantage: Active Duty pay under Title10 USC is exempt from state income tax if earned out of state for a period of 120 days or more.

Retired Military Pay: Follows federal tax rules.

Military Disability Retired Pay: Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Member on September 24, 1975 - No tax; Not Member on September 24, 1975 - Taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armed conflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.

VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes. 

Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP (Spousal Benefits):  Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax.  Check with state department of revenue office. 

Education Benefits:

State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): Pays $125.00 per semester to full-time students. Part-time students can receive 25% - 75% of this amount depending on number of credit hours. STAP is available through the graduate level.
Eligibility: National Guard service member.

Employment Benefits:

Employment Assistance: State employee receives 120 hours military leave per year.
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Drill.

Compensation for State Active Duty: $55.00 per day or military pay, whichever is greater.
Eligibility: Army National Guard service member on state active duty.

Special Vehicle License Plates:

National Guard Plate: In order to enhance visibility and identification of National Guard service members during mobilizations and emergencies, any active member of the Idaho National Guard residing in the state of Idaho may, upon application to the department, register not more than two motor vehicles and receive for each vehicle distinctive National Guard license plates in lieu of regular license plates. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds.  The National Guard license plates will be designed, subject to the approval of the department, by the Adjutant General.  In addition to the regular registration fees required in section 49-402(1) or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, the National Guard member will pay the plate fee specified in section 49-450, Idaho Code.
Eligibility: Proof of being an active member in the Idaho National Guard must be furnished to the department before plates will be issued. The Idaho National Guard will, prior to an individual's discharge from active duty in the National Guard, require that the National Guard license plates either be turned in to the department or exchanged for other proper license plates as a condition of discharge. Whenever a member of the Idaho National Guard transfers or assigns his title or interest to a vehicle especially registered under the provisions of this section, the registration will expire but the member may hold his National Guard license plates which he may have reissued to him upon the payment of the required transfer fees.

Members of the Armed Forces Reserve Plate: Any active member of the Armed Forces Reserves of the United States who is the owner of a vehicle registered under section 49-402(1) or section 49-434(1), Idaho Code, may, upon application to the department, register not more than two motor vehicles and receive for each vehicle special license plates in lieu of regular numbered plates.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds. The special license plates will be designated by the department with the word " RESERVIST" centered along the bottom edge and be numbered in sets of two with a different number following appropriate letters as follows:  United States Army Reserve: Army (number); United States Navy Reserve: Navy (number); United States Marine Corps Reserve: USMC (number); United States Air Force Reserve: USAF (number); and United States Coast Guard Reserve: USCG (number).   Special license plates issued under this section shall be issued under the staggered registration process provided for in section 49-402(1), Idaho Code, or the annual registration in section 49-434(1), Idaho Code.  In addition to the regular registration fees required in section 49-402(1) or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, the applicant shall pay the initial program fee and the annual program fee specified in section 49-402, Idaho Code. 
Eligibility: Proof of being an active member in the United States Armed Forces Reserves must be furnished to the department before special plates will be issued. Any branch of the Armed Forces Reserves of the United States will, prior to an individual's discharge from duty in that branch of the Armed Forces Reserve, require that the Armed Forces Reserve license plates either be turned back to the department or exchanged for other proper license plates as a condition of discharge. When a plate holder transfers or assigns his title or interest in the vehicle registered under this section, the registration will expire, but the special plates may be transferred to another vehicle upon payment of the required transfer fee.

Military Veteran Motorcycle License Plate: The plate will display the words " Scenic Idaho" at the top and " Veteran" at the bottom of the plate. In addition to the annual registration fee required in section 49-402(3), Idaho Code, the applicant will be charged a fee($25.00 for the initial issuance of a plate, and $15.00 upon each succeeding annual registration. $10.00 of the initial program fee and ten dollars $10.00 of the annual program fee will be deposited in the state highway account and will be used to fund the cost of administration of this special motorcycle license plate program. $15.00 of the initial program fee and $5.00 of the annual program fee will be deposited to the veterans cemetery maintenance fund created in section 65-107, Idaho Code, to operate and maintain a state veterans cemetery.
Eligibility: On and after January 1, 2006, any person who is the owner of a motorcycle registered under the provisions of section 49-402, Idaho Code may apply for and upon department approval receive a military veteran motorcycle license plate in lieu of a regular motorcycle license plate. Proof of being a current or former member of the United States Armed Forces must be furnished to the department before a military veteran motorcycle plate will be issued. Acceptable proof will be a copy of form DD214 or an equivalent document or statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Armed Forces Veteran Plate: Any person who is the owner of a vehicle registered under the provisions of section 49-402 or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, may apply for and upon department approval receive special veteran's license plates in lieu of regular license plates. Availability of veteran's plates for other vehicles will be subject to the rules, policies and procedures of the department.In addition to the regular registration fees required in section 49-402(1) or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, the applicant will pay the initial program fee of $25.00 and the annual program fee of $15.00 as specified in section 49-402, Idaho Code, and the plate fee specified in section 49-450, Idaho Code. Whenever title or interest in a vehicle registered under the provisions of this section is transferred or assigned, the owner may transfer the special plates to another vehicle upon payment of the required transfer fees. The owner may only display the plates on another vehicle upon receipt of the new registration from the department.The veterans' license plate design will include the colors red, white and blue, will designate one of the five branches of military service, and display either: (a) The word " VETERAN" ; or (b) The name of a conflict or war period recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of awarding federal veterans benefits as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(11). The license plate design will comply with all applicable rules of the department, and will include a separate and distinct numbering system. The design, color, and numbering system will be subject to approval of the department. Veteran's license plates may be retained and displayed on vehicles owned by the surviving spouse of a qualified veteran. In addition, the surviving spouse of a deceased qualified veteran is eligible to reapply for and will be issued veterans license plates if the deceased qualified veteran died on or after January 1 of the five years preceding the date of re-application for the plates. Such plates will be used on a vehicle owned by the surviving spouse.
Eligibility: Proof of being a current or former member of the United States Armed Forces must be furnished to the department before special veterans plates will be issued. Acceptable proof will be a copy of form DD214 or an equivalent document or statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Former Prisoner of War Plate: Any veteran, who was a prisoner of war (POW) of an armed enemy of the United States during active service in the armed forces of the United States, that service occurring during any portion of a recognized war period enumerated in this section, and who has been released or discharged from the armed forces under other than dishonorable conditions, may upon application to the department, register and receive for not more than two (2) motor vehicles, special former prisoner of war license plates in lieu of regular license plates.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehcile with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds.  In addition to the regular registration fees required in section 49-402(1) or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, the applicant shall pay the plate fee required in section 49-450, Idaho Code.  Recognized war periods for the purpose of this section shall be any period of war recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of awarding federal veterans benefits as may be defned in title 38, U.S. code, chapter 1, section 101(11).

Eligibility: Any veteran, who was a prisoner of war (POW) of an armed enemy of the United States during active service in the Armed Forces of the United States, that service occurring during any portion of a recognized war period enumerated in this section, and who has been released or discharged from the armed forces under other than dishonorable conditions. Former prisoner of war license plates may be retained and displayed on vehicles owned by the surviving spouse of a deceased former prisoner of war. In addition, the surviving spouse of the deceased former prisoner of war is eligible to reapply for and will be issued former prisoner of war license plates if the deceased former prisoner of war died on or after January 1 of the five years preceding the date of reapplication for the plates. Such plates will be used on a vehicle owned by the surviving spouse.   Additionally, whenever a former prisoner of war transfers or assigns his title or interest to a vehicle registered under this section, the registration shall expire, but the former prisoner of war may hold the special plates and may have them transferred to another vehicle upon payment of the required trqansfer fee provided in section 49-431, Idaho Code.  He may only display the plates after receipt of the new registration document from the department.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate:  A veteran may upon application to the department, register and receive for not more than two motor vehicles, special Pearl Harbor survivor number plates in lieu of regular number plates. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds.  In addition to the regular registration fees required in section 49-402(1) or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, the applicant will be charged the plate fee required in section 49-450, Idaho Code. Whenever a qualifying survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, transfers or assigns his title or interest to a vehicle especially registered under this section, the registration will expire, but the Pearl Harbor survivor may hold his special plates which he may have reissued to him upon the payment of the required transfer fees. He may only display those plates after receipt of anew registration from the department. Pearl Harbor survivor plates will bear the characters: " Pearl Harbor Survivor" and will in all other respects be as provided by law.
Eligibility: Any veteran who was on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and assigned or stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, or within three (3) miles of the island of Oahu on December 7, 1941, and who has been released or discharged from the Armed Forces under other than dishonorable conditions. Pearl Harbor survivor license plates may be retained and displayed on vehicles owned by the surviving spouse of a deceased Pearl Harbor survivor veteran. In addition, the surviving spouse of a deceased Pearl Harbor survivor veteran is eligible to reapply for and will be issued Pearl Harbor survivor license plates if the deceased Pearl Harbor survivor veteran died on or after January 1 of the five years preceding the date of reapplication for the plates. Such plates will be used on a vehicle owned by the surviving spouse.

Purple Heart Plate: In addition to the regular registration fee, the applicant will be charged the plate fee required in section 49-450, Idaho Code. Whenever title or interest in a vehicle registered under the provisions of this section is transferred or assigned, the registration will expire, but the Purple Heart recipient may transfer his plates to another vehicle upon payment of the required transfer fees. He may only display the plates after receipt of new registration from the department. A Purple Heart recipient will not register more than two vehicles under the provisions of this section. Purple Heart recipient license plates may be retained and displayed on vehicles owned by the surviving spouse of a deceased Purple Heart recipient. In addition, the surviving spouse of a deceased Purple Heart recipient is eligible to reapply for and will be issued Purple Heart recipient license plates if the deceased Purple Heart recipient died on or after January 1 of the five (5) years preceding the date of reapplication for the plates. Such plates will be used on a vehicle owned by the surviving spouse. The Purple Heart recipient license plates will be of a color and design acceptable to the military order of the Purple Heart association and approved by the department, utilizing a numbering system as determined by the department.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six (26,000) pounds nor to any vehicle registered under section 49-434(5), Idaho Code.
Eligibility: Purple Heart recipient license plates are available to any applicant who is a veteran or an Active or Retired member of any of the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserve Forces or Idaho National Guard, and who furnishes proof of entitlement by providing one (1) of the following documents: (a) A copy of form DD214 or equivalent document showing an award of the Purple Heart medal; (b) A copy of the certificate presented with the medal; or (c) A copy of the military order describing the award of the medal to the applicant.

100% Disabled Veteran Plate: No fee will be charged for the registration or re-registration of a motor vehicle owned by a veteran who has established his rights to benefits under the provisions of Public Law 662,79th Congress, as amended, and Public Law 187, 82nd Congress, as amended.  The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds, nor to any vehicle registered under section 49-434(5), Idaho Code.
Eligibility: No fee will be charged for the registration or re-registration of a motor vehicle owned by a veteran, who is at the time of the registration or re-registration receiving compensation from the Veterans Administration or in lieu thereof, from any of the Armed Forces of the United States, for 100% service-connected disability or for any of the following specific disabilities: Loss or permanent loss of use of one (1) or both feet; loss or permanent loss of use of one (1) or both hands; loss of sight in both eyes or permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to the degree as to constitute virtual blindness.  These provisions shall be considered applicable not only as to the vehicle origionally purchased under this authorization, but also as to any vehicle subsequently purchased an owned by the same veteran, so long as the privilege shall not exten to more than one (1) vehidle at a time.  Special license plates shall be issued for such a vehcile, identified by the inscription "D.V.", and a separate number serioes shall be used to further identify the license plates so issued.  These license plates shall not be issued by the counties but shall be issued by the department.  The plates shall be displayed in accordance with the procedure applicable to license plates set forth in section 49-428, Idaho Code.  A vehicle displaying plates issued in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be afforded the same privilieges specified in section 49-410(7), Idaho Code.

Congressional Medal of Honor Plate: The license plates will be provided free of charge. The applicant will pay the regular annual registration fees required by section 49-402 or49-434(1), Idaho Code. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds.  If the plate holder transfers his title or interest to a vehicle registered under this section, the plates may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the plate holder. If the plates are unexpired, the plate holder will be given credit for the unexpired portion of the registration fee against the new registration fee. The transfer fee specified by section 49-431(1), Idaho Code, will apply. These provisions will apply to the vehicle to which the plates were originally issued and to any vehicle subsequently purchased and owned by theMedal of Honor recipient except that the privilege will not extend to more than two vehicles at a time.
Eligibility: Congressional Medal of Honor license plates are available to applicants who furnish proof of entitlement by certification from the United States Veterans Administration attesting to their status as a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Congressional Medal of Honor license plates may be retained and displayed on vehicles owned by the surviving spouse of a deceased Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. In addition, the surviving spouse of a deceased congressional medal of honor recipient is eligible to reapply for and will be issued congressional medal of honor license plates if the deceased Congressional Medal of Honor recipient died on or after January 1 of the five years preceding the date of reapplication for the plates. Such plates will be used on a vehicle owned by the surviving spouse.

Support Our Troops Plate:  The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds.  Availability of Support Our Troops license plates for other vehicles shall be subject to the rules, policies and procedures of the department.  In addition to the regular registration fee required in chapter 4, title 49, Idaho Code, the applicant shall be charaged a fee of thirty-fivee dollars ($35.00) for the initial issuance of plates, and twenty-five dollars ($25.00) upon each succeeding annual registration.  Whenever tital of interest in a vehicle registered under the provisions of this section is transferred or assigned, the owner may transfer the special plates to another vehicle upon payment of the required transfer fees.  The owner may only display the plates on another vehicle upon receipt of the new registration from the department. Eligibility:  On and after January 1, 2008, any person who is the owner of a vehicle registered under the provisions of section 49-402, Idaho Code, or registered under any other section of law for with the purchase of special plates is allowed, may apply for and, upon department approval, receive Support Our Troops license plates in lieu of regular license plates. 

Health and Insurance Benefits:

Medical Benefits: Medical benefits equivalent to State Employees.   Eligibility:  Injury/Illness occurs while serving on State Active Duty.

Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: Injury occurs while serving on State Active Duty.

Tricare Reserve Select (TRS):  A premium-based health plan that National Guard/Reserve members who qualify may purchase.  Premiums vary depending on type of coverage selected.  Eligibility:  Contact unit personnel offive of service branch point-of-contact.

Life Insurance:  The insurance plan offered to Guard members is the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) which provides coverage for a Guard member as well as family members.  Coverage costs vary among plans.  Eligibility:   National Guard Member

Hunting and Fishing Licenses:

Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Disabled veteran receives hunting and fishing license for an annual $5.00 fee.The licenseallows the disabled veteran to hunt small game and fish with trout validation within the limits of the current proclamations.
Eligibility: Idaho resident veterans who are 40% disabled as a result of having served in the United States Armed Forces.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

Free Park Admission for Disabled Veterans: Free admission for one vehicle to Idaho State Parks is available to disabled veterans, a second vehicle will be charged a $5.00 fee. Application may be made at the headquarters office of any Idaho State park by providing satisfactory evidence of service-connected disability. If such evidence is not readily available, it can be obtained from the VA regional office where the claims folder is located.
Eligibility: Any veteran who has a service-connected disability, which is rated 100% or more by VA. The pass provides only free admission to the State parks, and does not exempt anyone from payment of other charges, such as camping fees.

Recording of Discharges: County Clerks will provide free recording of the official discharge of each veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as a confidential record.
Eligibility: Military veteran with DD214.

Veterans Administration Home Loans:  Army National Guard members may be eligible for a minimum or no down payment loan, offered by the Veterans Administration, to make buying a home more affordable. VA loans are available for home purchases and refinances.  Eligibility:  Any Veteran is eligible to apply.

Office of Veterans Advocacy:  A full-service state agency that assists veterans, their family members and survivors.  The department is an advocate for veterans and their families, and aggressively pursues all federal and state benefits and entitlements on their behalf.  The department's Veterans Service Offices and the statewide referral service are staffed with qualifed benefits specialists to assist veterans and family members in accessing benefits to which they may be entitled.  Eligibility:  All veterans and their dependents.

State Veterans Homes: Monthly cost for care is based on income and assets. Nursing care admission requirements include a statement from a licensed physician stating that the veteran needs 24-hour skilled nursing care Monthly cost for care in the domiciliary/residential units is based on income and assets. Three state veteran homes exist within Idaho:  1)  Pocatello Veterans Home is a 66 skilled-nursing-care beds which includes domiciliary, residential and nursing care; 2) Boise Veterans Home has a unit that provides specialied care for residents who have Alzheimer's disease or other forms demential and/or require secure care for their protection.  A professional, dedicated staff administers these levels of care by providing medical, dietary, social, rehabilitative and religious services; 3)  Lewiston Veterans Home offers domiciliary, residential and nursing care.
Eligibility: Applicants may be peacetime or wartime veterans, with wartime veterans retaining priority admission status.  Applicants must have been discharded under honorable conditions and be a bona fide resident of the state of Idaho.  In addition, applicants must be unemployable as a result of age, illness, or disability.  Effective July 1, 2000, applicants must apply for and become eligible for Medicaid benefits or must pay the established maximum monthly nursing care charge. 

Veteran Burial Benefits: Interment fees for eligible veterans are paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Associated funeral expenses and preparation are not included and are incurred by the veteran's family or estate.Veterans and families are able to choose, a columbarium niche, cremation inurnment that includes an inscribed, granite niche cover; an in-ground, garden niche, cremation inurnment that includes a flush-to-the-ground inscribed, granite marker; a scattering garden, set in a natural draw of the Boise foothills, that includes a location for an inscribed marker in memory of the deceased; a full casket, in-ground interment that includes an inscribed, upright granite marker. Military Funeral Honors are coordinated by the Cemetery. Honors include the playing of Taps, folding of the flag and its presentation to the next-of-kin. An Honor Guard detail of at least two members of the Armed Services is provided for the interment service of the eligible veteran.
Eligibility:  Eligibility for interment in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery mirrors National Veterans Cemetery eligibility requirements. There is no requirement to be a resident of the state of Idaho.

Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in Idaho

Army
No active duty Army installations are located in Idaho.

Air Force
Mountain Home Air Force Base:  http://www.mountainhome.af.mil/
Mountain Air Force Base provides military ID cards and DEERS Enrollment. Additionally, there is a Base Exchange, lodging, housing and a commissary and many other services.

National Guard:

Idaho National Guard Joint Headquarters:  http://www.idarng.com/directorates.asp

Idaho Army National Guard: http://www.idarng.com/

Idaho Air National Guard: http://www.idaho.ang.af.mil/

United States Army Reserve (USAR):

Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters, 70th RRC: http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/USARC/RRC/0070RRC

Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Idaho:

VA Medical Center
Boise: Boise VA Medical Center

Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Lewiston: Lewiston Idaho CBOC
Pocatello: Pocatello Outpatient Clinic
Twin Falls: Twin Falls Outpatient Clinic

Resources

Idaho Statutes Title 49 Motor Vehicles Chapter 4 Motor Vehicle Registration

http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/49004KTOC.html

http://www.idvs.state.id.us/index_files/Page1197.htm

http://www.goang.com/benefits/state/default.aspx?stateprovince=Idaho

http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1

http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate1.html

http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/outreachpublic/id.html

http://www.veterans.idaho.gov/old%20stuff/cemetery/CemInfoHandout.03.05.pdf

Document Review Date: 29 January 2008