State / Territory Benefits - South Dakota
Summary: South Dakota offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including Property Tax Exemption for veterans and their widow or widower, Compensation for State Active Duty, South Dakota Tuition for Veterans, Hunting and Fishing Cards for Disabled Veterans and Free Admission and Reduced Camping Fees for Veterans. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Taxes:
State Tax Advantage: Retirement Incomeis not taxed.
Personal Income Taxes: No state personal income tax.
Property Tax Exemption for Veterans and Their Widow or Widower: Dwellings or parts of multiple family dwellings which are specifically designed for use by paraplegics as wheelchair homes and which are owned and occupied by veterans with the loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities, or by the un-remarried widow or widower of such veteran, are exempt from taxation.
Eligibility: The dwelling must be owned and occupied by the veteran for one full calendar year before the exemption becomes effective. For purposes of this statute, the term " dwelling" generally means real estate in an amount not to exceed one acre upon which the building is located. South Dakota Codified Laws 10-4-24.9 & 10-4-24.10
Education Benefits:
South Dakota Tuition for Veterans: Veterans are eligible to take undergraduate courses at a state university without the payment of tuition provided they are not eligible for educational payments under the GI Bill or any other federal educational program. Veterans may receive one month of free tuition for each month of " qualifying service" with a minimum of one, up to a maximum of four, academic years. Qualifying service is defined as: the amount of time served on active duty between the beginning and ending dates of the particular period of conflict or hostilities during which the veteran earned eligibility for this program. Since all of the post-Vietnam conflicts have been very short in duration, the majority of veterans who qualify will be entitled to only the minimum, one academic year, of free tuition. Under the free tuition program, the veteran has twenty (20) years from the ending date of the specific period of service during which he or she served and met the eligibility criteria, or, twenty (20) years after the date that he or she was rated 10%, or more, disabled by the DVA.
Eligibility: Veteran must be discharged under Honorable conditions and a current resident of South Dakota and qualify for in-state tuition, and able to meet one of the following criteria: Served on active duty at any time between August 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991. Received an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Southwest Asia Service medal, or other United States campaign or service medal for participation in combat operations against hostile forces outside the boundaries of the United States or have a service connected disability rated 10%, or more, disabling.
South Dakota Tuition for Children of Veterans Who Die During Service: Children of veteransare eligible for free tuition at a state supported school. South Dakota Department of Veteran Affairs form E-12 " Application for Free Tuition at State Supported Institutions" is available at the schools' financial aids, veterans representative or registrars offices or, they can be obtained from the Division of Veterans Affairs.
Eligibility: Children who are under the age of 25, are residents of South Dakota, and whose mother or father was killed in action or died of other causes while on active duty, and the deceased parent was a bona-fide resident of this state for at least six (6) months immediately preceding entry into active service.
South Dakota Tuition for Dependents of POW's and MIA's: Dependents of POW's and MIA's are entitled to attend a state supported school without the payment of tuition or mandatory fees. South Dakota Department of Veteran Affairs form E-12 " Application for Free Tuition at State Supported Institutions" is available at the schools' financial aids, veterans representative or registrars offices or, they can be obtained from the Division of Veterans Affairs.
Eligibility: Children and spouses of prisoners of war, or of persons listed as missing in action, provided they are not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits.
South Dakota Reduced Tuition for South Dakota National Guard members: National Guard members, who meet the requirements for admission, are eligible for a fifty percent (50%) reduction in undergraduate tuition charges at any state supported school for up to a maximum of four academic years OR, one program of study, approved by the state Board of Education, at any state vocational school upon payment of fifty percent (50%) of the tuition charges. The receipt of federal educational benefits does not affect eligibility for this program.
Eligibility: To qualify the National Guard member must be a resident of this state and a member of the South Dakota Army or Air Guard throughout each semester or vocational program for which he or she applies for benefits, have completed required active duty for training, attend 90% of drills and training periods and maintain a satisfactory academic grade level and provide proper notice to the institution at time of registration for the term in which benefits are sought.
Employment Benefits:
Employment Assistance: State employee receives 15 days military leave per year for Federal or State active duty and can apply their active duty points toward their state retirement:
Eligibility: National Guard service member who is a state employee on orders for Annual Drill.
Compensation for State Active Duty: State N-11 pay rate is approximately $134.00 per day or military pay whichever is greater.
Eligibility: Army National Guard service member on state active duty.
Special Vehicle License Plates:
Disabled Veteran Plate: The Disabled Veteran plate entitles the veteran to park in spaces reserved for the handicapped. The veteran must provide verification of eligibility, such as a VA award letter, at the time of application. The annual fee for the Disabled Veteran plate is $10.00 per set per year. Once the distinctive plates have been issued, the veteran will not be required to pay the regular annual vehicle registration fees.
Eligibility: Resident veterans who were injured while serving on active duty during a time of war or while participating in a military mission involving armed conflict are eligible if they meet at least one of the following criteria is in receipt of the DVA " K" award for loss or loss of use of one or more extremities or is rated as totally disabled from service connected disabilities. South Dakota Codified Law 32-5-108
Special License Plates Prisoner of War: A veteran, while serving in the U.S. armed forces was a prisoner of war and has received an honorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces, may be issued a special number license plate. On the death of the veteran, the surviving spouse may retain the numbered plate as an active plate. The annual fee for the Prisoner of War andPearl Harbor Survivor plate is $10.00 per set per year. Once the distinctive plates have been issued, the veteran will not be required to pay the regular annual vehicle registration fees.
Eligibility: For resident veterans who were held as a POW while serving on active duty and who received an honorable discharge. South Dakota Codified Law 32-5-109
Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate: Distinctive Pearl Harbor Survivor Plate. The annual fee for the Pearl Harbor Survivor plate is $10.00 per set per year. Once the distinctive plates have been issued, the veteran will not be required to pay the regular annual vehicle registration fees.
Eligibility: For resident veterans who were serving on active duty and survived the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and who received an honorable discharge. South Dakota Codified Law 32-5-109.1
Purple Heart Plate: DistinctivePurple Heart Plate. The veteran is required to pay the regular annual vehicle registration fees but no fee is assessed for the distinctive plate.
Eligibility: For resident veterans who served on active duty and were awarded the Purple Heart. At the time of application, the veteran must provide verification of eligibility. A copy of the veteran's DD-214 will suffice if it reflects that the veteran was awarded the Purple Heart. South Dakota Codified Law 32-5-109.2
National Guard: Distinctive numbered plates may be issued to members of the National Guard. The Adjutant General shall certify those members of the National Guard eligible to receive the plates.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
Medical Benefits: Same as active duty
Eligibility: National Guard service member injury or illness incurred in line-of-duty.
Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard service member Injury occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Injury/Death Benefits: Injury same as active duty, death in accordance with VA schedule.
Eligibility: National Guard service member Injury/Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Hunting and Fishing Cards for Disabled Veterans: Certain resident veterans may receive a hunting and fishing card which is valid for four years. Upon purchase of an annual basic game and fish license, the card becomes the equivalency of a resident fishing license, small game stamp and habitat stamp until the expiration of the basic game and fish license.
Eligibility: The veteran must be rated as totally disabled from service connected injuries or, be in receipt of the VA " K" award or, have been held as a Prisoner of War or, be in receipt of Social Security benefits because of a total disability. Application forms are available from the Game, Fish and Parks Regional Office. The application, along with verification of eligibility, is submitted to Game, Fish and Parks, 412 West Missouri, Pierre, SD 57501. South Dakota Codified Law 41-6-10.2
Special Provisions for Handicapped Hunters: Veterans who are missing an upper limb, or are physically incapable of using an upper limb or who are confined to a wheelchair may use a crossbow to take game birds and animals once they have obtained a disabled hunter permit. A legally blind, legally licensed individual who possesses a disabled hunter permit and who is physically present and participating in the hunt may claim game birds and animals taken by a designated hunter in accordance with the license or licenses possessed by the handicapped hunter.
Eligibility: Applications are obtained from the Game, Fish and Parks office in Pierre or from a game warden. South Dakota Codified Law 41-8-31
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Free Admission and Reduced Camping Fees for Veterans: Certain resident veterans may obtain free admission to any South Dakota state park and are eligible for a fifty percent discount on any camping fee or associated electrical fee
Eligibility: The veteran must be totally disabled from service connected disabilities or be in receipt of the VA " K" award or have been held as a Prisoner of War. Application forms may be obtained from the local park manager or through the Game, Fish and Parks office in Pierre. South Dakota Codified Law 41-17-13.4
Free Certified Copies of Veterans Records: South Dakota counties may not charge for certified copies of birth, death, marriage, adoption, divorce, and guardianship or conservatorship papers.
Eligibility: When such records are required in support of a claim against any agency of the federal or state government by, or on behalf of a service member or veteran, or the spouse, surviving spouse or dependents of a service member or veteran. South Dakota Codified Law 34-25-54
Burial Allowance for Veterans, Spouses or Widows: A payment of up to $100.00 may be paid by the state to help defray the burial and funeral expenses of any honorably discharged veteran or the spouse, widow or widower of a veteran when the estate, or immediate family, of the deceased is lacking in funds to pay the expenses.
Eligibility: The veteran must have been a citizen of the United States for one year preceding entrance into military service or one year preceding the death. This payment cannot be made to another unit of government. The surviving spouse, or relatives, must furnish an affidavit to the C/TVSO that sufficient funds are not available for payment of the expenses. Affidavit and a copy of the funeral bill must be submitted to the Pierre office within one year from the date of the burial. South Dakota Codified Law 33-19-2 & 33-19-3
Headstone Setting Fee: The state will pay $40.00 towards the cost of setting a government headstone or marker at the grave of a veteran.
Eligibility: The veteran was a resident of this state for one year preceding entrance into the military service or one year preceding death. Application for veterans $40 Headstone Setting Fee must be submitted to the Pierre Office within one year from the date of setting of the headstone or marker. South Dakota Codified Law 33-19-5
Emergency Loan Fund for Veterans and Their Dependents: An interest free loan of up to $500 may be made, to veterans or a veteran's dependents, if financial relief is required for any emergency need. The amount loaned must be repaid within two years.
Eligibility: The veteran must meet the definition of a veteran and must have been a legal resident of South Dakota at the time of entry into service or for at least one year immediately prior to application. Veterans Division Revolving Fund Loan Application and a copy of the veteran's discharge are submitted to the Pierre office. The South Dakota Veterans Commission reviews the application and makes the determination as to whether the loan is granted or denied. South Dakota Codified Laws 33-17-3 to 33-17-11
Recording of Discharge: 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.
Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in South Dakota
Active Duty:
Army
No active duty Army installations are located in South Dakota.
Air Force
Ellsworth Air Force Base: http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/
Full service military installation providing DEERs enrollment and Military ID cards. Additional services include a Base Exchange, Commissary, Medical and Dental Facilities, Teen and Youth Activities and Employment Assistance.
National Guard:
South Dakota National Guard Joint Headquarters: http://sdguard.ngb.army.mil/Default.asp
South Dakota Army National Guard: http://sdguard.ngb.army.mil/sdguard/guard_army.asp
South Dakota Air National Guard: http://www.sdsiou.ang.af.mil/
United States Army Reserve (USAR):
Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters, 96th RRC: http://www.usarc.army.mil/96thrsc/
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in South Dakota:
VA Medical Centers
Fort Meade: VA Black Hills Health Care System - Fort Meade Campus
Hot Springs: VA Black Hills Health Care System - Hot Springs Campus
Sioux Falls: Sioux Falls VA Medical Center
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Aberdeen: Aberdeen VA Clinic
Eagle Butte: Eagle Butte VA Clinic
McLaughlin: McLaughlin VA Clinic
Mission: Mission CBOC
Pierre: Pierre VA Clinic
Pine Ridge: Pine Ridge VA Clinic
Rapid City: Rapid City VA Clinic
Winner: Winner VA Clinic
Resources
South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 10 South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 32
South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 33 South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 34
South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 41
http://www.gibill.va.gov/Vet_info/statengaid.htm%23South%20Dakota
http://www.goang.com/benefits/state/default.aspx?stateprovince=SouthDakota
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1
http://www.state.sd.us/military/VetAffairs/benefits.htm%23%22EDUCATION%20BENEFITS%22
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate3.html
Document Review Date: 01 June 2008
