Medal of Honor recipients are entitled to a unique set of housing benefits at both the federal and state level that go well beyond standard veteran assistance. These include a special monthly pension, property tax exemptions, priority placement in veteran housing programs, and, in many states, additional housing grants or reduced-cost housing options. If you hold or are helping someone who holds the Medal of Honor, understanding which benefits apply in your specific state can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings and significantly better housing stability.

What housing benefits do Medal of Honor recipients get from the federal government?

Before looking at state-level programs, it helps to understand the federal foundation. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides Medal of Honor recipients with a special monthly pension that is separate from any disability compensation or retirement pay. As of 2024, this pension is approximately $1,619.71 per month (adjusted annually for cost of living). This income can be used for any purpose, including housing.

Federal VA home loan benefits also apply. Medal of Honor recipients who use a VA-backed home loan pay no funding fee, which saves thousands of dollars at closing. They also receive priority access to VA healthcare and housing assistance programs, which can speed up placement in transitional or supportive housing if needed.

Reference: VA Special Benefits for Medal of Honor Recipients

Which states offer property tax exemptions for Medal of Honor recipients?

Property tax exemptions are one of the most direct and valuable housing benefits available at the state level. Many states partially or fully exempt Medal of Honor recipients from property taxes on their primary residence. Here are examples:

  • Texas Full property tax exemption on the homestead for Medal of Honor recipients (and recipients of the Purple Heart and certain other valor awards). This is one of the most generous exemptions in the country.
  • Florida Full exemption from property taxes on homesteads of Medal of Honor recipients living in Florida.
  • California Property tax exemption of up to a certain assessed value for Medal of Honor recipients, which adjusts periodically.
  • New York Offers an alternative veterans' exemption with additional benefits for Medal of Honor holders, varying by county and municipality.
  • Illinois Full property tax exemption on the primary residence for Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Pennsylvania A property tax exemption program for qualifying wartime veterans, with additional provisions for Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Ohio Permits a property tax exemption for Medal of Honor recipients on their primary residence.
  • New Jersey Annual property tax deduction available for Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Virginia Full property tax exemption on the primary residence for Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Georgia Full exemption from all state and local ad valorem taxes for Medal of Honor recipients.

This is not an exhaustive list. Over 30 states offer some form of property tax relief for Medal of Honor recipients, and the specific dollar amounts, eligibility rules, and application processes differ. Always confirm current details with your county tax assessor or state veterans affairs office.

Do any states offer direct housing grants or housing assistance beyond property tax breaks?

Yes, though these programs are less uniform. Some states go beyond tax exemptions and provide direct housing support:

  • Texas The Texas Veterans Land Board offers below-market-rate land, home, and home improvement loans to Texas veterans, including Medal of Honor recipients. The state's Veterans Housing Assistance Program can help with purchasing a home.
  • Florida The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs connects Medal of Honor recipients with state and federal housing assistance, including transitional housing and home-buying support.
  • Virginia The Virginia Department of Veterans Services helps connect recipients with federal housing grants like the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant if they have a qualifying service-connected disability.
  • Minnesota The Minnesota Veterans Homes program and various county-level veteran service offices may assist with housing needs, including emergency housing.
  • North Dakota The state provides a bonus and pension supplement for Medal of Honor recipients that can supplement housing costs.

Several states also have veteran housing-first initiatives that prioritize recipients of high military honors. For example, Utah's veteran housing-first programs are designed to get veterans into stable housing quickly, and certain designations can affect placement priority.

How do housing voucher programs work for Medal of Honor recipients?

Housing vouchers, including HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) vouchers, are available to veterans who meet income and need-based criteria. Being a Medal of Honor recipient does not automatically qualify someone for a voucher, but it may affect waitlist priority in some jurisdictions.

Understanding how veteran housing vouchers work in each state matters because the rules, funding levels, and waitlist lengths differ significantly from one state to another. In states with limited voucher funding, priority designations can make a real difference in how fast someone gets assistance.

Medal of Honor recipients who also have a service-connected disability and meet income thresholds may qualify for HUD-VASH vouchers, which combine rental assistance with VA case management. Some states supplement these federal vouchers with their own funds, which can increase the total rental subsidy available.

What if a Medal of Honor recipient needs emergency or transitional housing?

If a Medal of Honor recipient is experiencing homelessness or housing instability, they should contact the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838). The VA can connect them with Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing, SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) rapid rehousing, or emergency shelter beds.

Availability of emergency shelter beds varies by location. Checking veteran shelter bed availability by state can help identify where open beds exist, especially if the recipient is in a rural area or a state with high demand. Medal of Honor holders may receive expedited intake at VA-affiliated shelters due to their status, though this is handled on a case-by-case basis.

What states have the best overall housing benefits for Medal of Honor recipients?

"Best" depends on what the recipient needs most. Here is a rough breakdown:

  • Texas Full property tax exemption, below-market home loans through the Veterans Land Board, no state income tax, and relatively affordable housing markets outside major cities.
  • Florida Full property tax exemption, no state income tax on the pension, and a well-organized state VA office that helps with housing connections.
  • Virginia Full property tax exemption and strong coordination between the state VA and federal programs.
  • Illinois Full property tax exemption, though housing costs in the Chicago metro area can offset some of those savings.
  • Oregon While the state does not offer the same level of property tax exemption as Texas or Florida, Oregon has housing voucher programs for veterans that may provide rental support.
  • Delaware The state offers veteran-specific support, and recipients may also benefit from home energy assistance programs that reduce overall housing costs.

What are common mistakes Medal of Honor recipients make with housing benefits?

  1. Not applying for state-level property tax exemptions. Many recipients only claim the federal pension and never file for the property tax break in their state. These exemptions are not automatic you must apply through your county or municipal tax office.
  2. Assuming the VA pension replaces other benefits. The Medal of Honor pension is paid in addition to any VA disability compensation, retirement pay, or Social Security benefits. It should not cause a reduction elsewhere.
  3. Not checking local (city or county) benefits. Some cities and counties offer additional veteran housing incentives on top of state benefits. These are often underused.
  4. Failing to update records after moving to a new state. Housing benefits are state-specific. Moving means starting a new application process in the new state, and some benefits (like property tax exemptions) require proof of residency.
  5. Overlooking Specially Adapted Housing grants. If the recipient has a qualifying service-connected disability (such as loss of use of both legs), the federal SAH grant can provide up to $117,014 (2024 figure) toward building, buying, or modifying a home. This is separate from the Medal of Honor pension.

How does a Medal of Honor recipient apply for housing benefits in their state?

The process generally follows these steps:

  1. Verify your Medal of Honor status with the VA. Your DD-214 and official Medal of Honor documentation must be on file. If they are not, contact the National Personnel Records Center to get copies.
  2. Contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs. Each state has an office that handles veteran benefits. They can tell you exactly which housing benefits are available and what documentation is required.
  3. File for property tax exemption with your county or municipality. This is done at the local level, not through the VA. Bring proof of Medal of Honor status, proof of residency, and property ownership documents.
  4. Apply for any direct housing grants or loans. Programs like the VA's SAH or state-specific home loan programs each have their own applications and timelines.
  5. Register for housing voucher programs if applicable. If rental assistance is needed, contact your local VA Medical Center to get screened for HUD-VASH or other voucher programs.

Practical checklist for Medal of Honor recipients seeking housing benefits

  • ☐ Confirm that your Medal of Honor documentation and DD-214 are on file with the VA
  • ☐ Contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs to request a list of all available housing benefits
  • ☐ File for property tax exemption with your county or city tax assessor
  • ☐ Check whether your state offers veteran home loans, housing grants, or supplemental pensions
  • ☐ If you have a service-connected disability, apply for the federal Specially Adapted Housing grant
  • ☐ If you need rental help, ask your local VA Medical Center about HUD-VASH and SSVF programs
  • ☐ Look into city- or county-level veteran housing incentives beyond state benefits
  • ☐ If you are at risk of homelessness, call 1-877-4AID-VET immediately
  • ☐ Re-apply for benefits if you move to a new state they do not transfer automatically
  • ☐ Keep copies of all applications, approvals, and correspondence for your records

Tip: State legislatures update veteran benefit laws regularly. Even if you checked a few years ago and were told your state did not offer much, it is worth checking again. New property tax exemptions and housing assistance programs for Medal of Honor recipients have been added in several states within the last few years. Your county veteran service officer can help you find out what has changed.