VA Benefits in Tennessee for Veterans & Their Families

Tennessee veterans and their families have access to an extensive range of state and federal benefits designed to honor their service and provide financial support when it’s needed most. With approximately 395,000 veterans calling Tennessee home, representing about 7% of the state’s adult population, understanding these benefits can make a substantial difference in quality of life and financial security.

Many eligible Tennessee veterans and surviving spouses leave thousands of dollars in benefits unclaimed simply because they don’t know what’s available or assume they won’t qualify. This guide covers the most valuable VA benefits available to Tennessee veterans, with special attention to Aid and Attendance—a little-known monthly benefit that can provide up to $3,845 for couples needing long-term care assistance.

Tennessee VA Benefits Overview

Tennessee offers both federal VA benefits and state-specific programs for veterans, their spouses, and surviving family members. While federal benefits like disability compensation and healthcare are available nationwide, Tennessee has developed additional state-level programs that complement federal assistance.

Understanding which benefits you qualify for and how to access them can be challenging. The application processes vary depending on the benefit, and many valuable programs remain underutilized simply because eligible veterans don’t know they exist.

Aid and Attendance: Tennessee’s Most Valuable Benefit for Senior Veterans

For elderly veterans and surviving spouses requiring assistance with daily living activities, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit represents the most significant financial support available. Despite its value, this benefit remains one of the most underutilized programs among eligible Tennessee residents.

Aid and Attendance provides monthly tax-free payments to help cover costs associated with in-home care, assisted living facilities, or nursing home care. The 2026 benefit rates are:

• Surviving Spouse: $1,558 per month ($18,694 annually)
• Single Veteran: $2,424 per month ($29,087 annually)
• Married Veteran: $2,874 per month ($34,489 annually)
• Two Veterans Married to Each Other: $3,845 per month ($46,143 annually)

These amounts represent actual monthly income that recipients can use to pay caregivers, cover assisted living expenses, or offset nursing home costs. The benefit is paid in addition to Social Security and any other pensions or retirement income.

Who Qualifies for Aid and Attendance in Tennessee

Tennessee wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify if they meet specific service and financial requirements. Contrary to common misconceptions, veterans don’t need combat experience or service-connected disabilities to qualify.

Service requirements include at least 90 consecutive days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period. Recognized wartime periods include World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Era, and the Gulf War. Veterans must have received a discharge other than dishonorable.

The financial requirements examine both income and assets. The VA uses a calculation called Income for Veterans Pension Purposes (IVAP), which considers all sources of income minus certain deductible medical expenses. Many veterans who initially appear over the income limit find they qualify once recurring medical expenses are properly documented and deducted.

How Tennessee Veterans Use Aid and Attendance Benefits

Tennessee seniors receiving Aid and Attendance commonly use the funds to:

Pay for in-home caregivers who assist with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. The benefit can cover several hours of daily care or full-time live-in assistance depending on the recipient’s specific monthly benefit amount.

Cover assisted living facility costs, which average around $45,000 annually in Tennessee. With Aid and Attendance providing up to $46,143 annually for married veteran couples, this benefit can essentially cover the full cost of assisted living.

Offset nursing home expenses, which can reach $75,000 per year for a private room in Tennessee. While Aid and Attendance won’t cover the entire cost, the monthly benefit significantly reduces the financial burden on families.

Tennessee Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans

Tennessee provides substantial property tax relief for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. This state benefit can save eligible households thousands of dollars annually, making homeownership more affordable for those who’ve served.

Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may receive property tax relief on up to $175,000 of their property’s assessed value. Surviving spouses may qualify for relief on up to $100,000 of assessed value. To be eligible, the veteran or surviving spouse must own and occupy the property as their primary residence.

Qualifying disabilities include paraplegia, permanent paralysis of both legs or the lower body, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, legal blindness, or a 100% total and permanent disability rating. Veterans who were prisoners of war with a 100% rating also qualify.

Applications are processed through the local County Trustee’s office. Tennessee has 95 counties, each with a Trustee’s office that handles property tax relief applications. Veterans should contact their county office directly for application forms and specific guidance.

Tennessee Education Benefits for Veterans and Families

Tennessee’s educational programs for veterans and their families rank among the most generous in the nation, offering both tuition assistance and support services that make higher education more accessible.

Helping Heroes Grant

The Helping Heroes Grant provides $1,000 per semester for Tennessee veterans enrolled in 12 or more semester hours, or $500 per semester for those taking 6 to 11 hours. This grant is available for up to eight full semesters or until the veteran earns a bachelor’s degree.

Eligible veterans must be Tennessee residents who were awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal on or after September 11, 2001. The veteran must attend a participating two-year or four-year postsecondary institution in Tennessee and cannot have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.

STRONG Act for National Guard Members

The Support, Training, and Renewing Opportunity for National Guardsmen (STRONG) Act provides 100% tuition reimbursement for Tennessee National Guard members pursuing their first bachelor’s or master’s degree. The program covers tuition up to the University of Tennessee Knoxville rate after all other financial aid has been applied.

Guard members can use this benefit at Tennessee colleges of applied technology, community colleges, public universities, or private institutions with their primary campus in Tennessee. The program reimburses up to 130 undergraduate semester hours or 40 graduate semester hours.

Benefits for Dependents of Deceased Veterans

Children and spouses of veterans killed in action or who died from service-connected injuries may receive full tuition coverage at Tennessee state colleges. This dependent tuition waiver covers the complete cost of attendance, making college accessible for families who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.

Tennessee Motor Vehicle Benefits for Veterans

Tennessee offers several motor vehicle-related benefits that can save veterans hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.

Sales Tax Exemptions

Active duty service members stationed in Tennessee, National Guard members in the Active Guard and Reserve program, and service members deployed to combat zones are exempt from sales tax when purchasing motor vehicles. The exemption applies if the vehicle is titled and registered in the service member’s name.

Disabled veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating who receive a specially adapted vehicle grant from the VA are exempt from sales tax, registration fees, and local motor vehicle privilege taxes. Former prisoners of war receiving similar grants also qualify for these exemptions.

Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test Waiver

Tennessee’s Highways for Heroes program offers a CDL skills test waiver for service members and veterans with military commercial vehicle experience. Eligible applicants must pass only the written knowledge exam and are excused from the road skills test.

To qualify, veterans must have been licensed for at least two years on a military vehicle similar to the commercial vehicle class they’re applying for and have had military commercial vehicle training and experience within the past year.

Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses

Tennessee allows honorably discharged veterans to add a veteran designation to their driver’s license or ID card for a small fee. This designation provides instant verification of veteran status and can be useful when accessing veteran-specific discounts and services.

Veterans must visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center and provide their DD214 discharge papers to add the designation. The first duplicate license with the designation costs $8, and the second duplicate costs $12.

Tennessee Veterans Employment Benefits

Tennessee provides several employment advantages for veterans seeking civilian careers after military service.

State Employment Preferences

Veterans who meet minimum qualifications for open state preferred positions are guaranteed an interview under the TEAM Act. This veteran preference significantly improves the chances of securing state employment, particularly in competitive fields.

The preference extends to both hiring and retention during reduction in force situations. Veterans receive consideration ahead of non-veteran applicants with similar qualifications.

Military Leave for State Employees

Tennessee state employees who are reserve component members receive 20 days of paid leave for military duty per calendar year. Additional provisions provide leave for state active duty, partial pay during active duty deployments, and special leave for disabled veterans to attend medical appointments.

State employees who are veterans with a 30% or higher service-connected disability receive 36 hours of annual leave specifically for attending disability-related appointments. This benefit recognizes that managing service-connected conditions requires ongoing medical care.

Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes

Tennessee operates six state veterans’ homes that provide long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services to eligible veterans. These facilities offer an alternative to private nursing homes, typically at lower costs while maintaining high standards of care.

The state homes are located in Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville, Clarksville, Cleveland, and the upcoming Arlington facility. Each home provides modern amenities, individualized care plans, and activities designed to foster veteran camaraderie.

To qualify for admission, veterans must have received an honorable discharge and either be a Tennessee resident at admission, have been born in Tennessee, have entered the military from Tennessee, have Tennessee as their official home of record, or have an immediate family member who is a Tennessee resident and will serve as primary caregiver.

Spouses and Gold Star parents may also be eligible for admission on a space-available basis. The cost of care varies based on the veteran’s income and assets, with the VA potentially covering a significant portion through Aid and Attendance benefits.

Tennessee Veterans Burial Benefits

Tennessee honors veterans with dignified burial services through five state veterans cemeteries and additional federal national cemeteries within the state.

Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries

The state operates cemeteries in Knoxville (two locations), Memphis, Nashville, and Parkers Crossroads. These cemeteries provide burial plots, opening and closing of graves, government headstones with installation, and perpetual care at no charge for the veteran’s interment.

Spouses and eligible dependent children may also be interred in state veterans cemeteries, though a small fee applies for non-veteran family members. All Tennessee state veterans cemeteries except the East Tennessee cemetery on Lyons View Pike offer columbarium services for cremated remains.

Eligibility requirements mirror those for VA national cemeteries. Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or died while serving on active duty, or served at least 20 years in the National Guard or Reserves and qualified for retired pay.

Federal VA National Cemeteries in Tennessee

The VA maintains six national cemeteries in Tennessee, providing additional burial options for veterans and eligible family members. These cemeteries offer the same core services as state cemeteries, including burial plots, headstones, opening and closing services, and perpetual care.

Tennessee veterans are encouraged to pre-register with their chosen cemetery to streamline the process when the time comes. Pre-registration ensures all necessary documentation is on file and helps families during difficult times.

Tennessee Hunting and Fishing Benefits

Tennessee recognizes veterans’ connection to outdoor recreation through several hunting and fishing license benefits.

Disabled veterans with a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating, or those with a 30% or higher disability rating due to wartime service, can purchase a lifetime hunting and fishing license for just $10. This one-time fee provides lifetime access to Tennessee’s hunting and fishing opportunities.

Active duty service members on leave don’t need to purchase hunting or fishing licenses when enjoying outdoor recreation during their leave period. They must carry their leave papers when hunting or fishing to verify their exemption.

Nonresident service members serving on active duty and stationed in Tennessee, along with their children under age 16 living with them, may purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates rather than higher nonresident rates.

Tennessee State Park Benefits for Veterans

Tennessee State Parks honor veterans and service members with significant discounts and special privileges throughout the year.

On Veterans Day and their service branch birthday, Tennessee resident veterans receive complimentary one-night camping stays and waived greens fees. This benefit applies on:

• June 14 (Army)
• September 18 (Air Force)
• October 13 (Navy)
• November 10 (Marines)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)
• December 13 (National Guard)
• December 20 (Space Force)
• August 4 (Coast Guard)

Year-round benefits for Tennessee resident veterans include 25% discounts on overnight cabin and camping stays, 50% discounts during the off-season from December through February, 25% discounts on lodge stays, 20% discounts on golf green fees and cart rentals, and 15% discounts on select gift shop and golf shop items.

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive 50% discounts on camping and cabin fees year-round, recognizing the additional challenges faced by disabled veterans.

How to Access Tennessee VA Benefits

Navigating the complex world of veterans benefits can be overwhelming, particularly for elderly veterans and surviving spouses who may be dealing with health challenges while trying to understand eligibility requirements and application processes.

For Aid and Attendance benefits specifically, working with accredited consultants who specialize in this program can make the difference between approval and denial. These professionals understand the intricate income and asset rules, know how to properly document medical expenses to maximize eligibility, and can significantly reduce the time required to receive approval.

The Aid and Attendance Application Process

Applying for Aid and Attendance requires gathering extensive documentation and completing multiple VA forms correctly. The process typically includes:

Obtaining complete service records, including DD214 discharge papers, to verify eligibility based on active duty service during wartime periods. Veterans who cannot locate their discharge papers can request copies through the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services or directly from the National Archives.

Documenting current medical conditions and care needs through physician statements that specifically address limitations with activities of daily living. The VA requires detailed evidence showing why the veteran or surviving spouse needs assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or maintaining continence.

Compiling comprehensive financial information including all sources of income, bank statements, investment accounts, and documentation of recurring medical expenses. Many applicants initially believe they earn too much to qualify, but proper accounting of deductible medical expenses often reveals eligibility.

Completing VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) which must be filled out by the applicant’s physician. This form provides the medical evidence the VA uses to determine whether the applicant meets the functional criteria for Aid and Attendance.

The application process can take several months from initial submission to approval, though recent VA initiatives have reduced processing times. Once approved, benefits are typically paid retroactive to the application date or the date the need for aid and attendance began, whichever is later.

Why Tennessee Veterans Miss Out on Benefits

Despite the significant value of available benefits, many Tennessee veterans and surviving spouses fail to access programs for which they’re eligible. Several factors contribute to this problem.

Lack of awareness remains the primary barrier. Many elderly veterans simply don’t know that Aid and Attendance exists or assume it’s only for combat-wounded veterans. Surviving spouses often believe all VA benefits end when the veteran passes away, unaware they may qualify for substantial monthly payments.

Misconceptions about eligibility prevent many qualified applicants from applying. Common myths include believing you need combat experience, thinking you must have service-connected disabilities, assuming your income is too high, or believing the VA will automatically notify you about benefits.

The complexity of applications and requirements intimidates many potential applicants. VA forms can be confusing, medical documentation requirements seem overwhelming, and financial rules appear impossible to navigate without professional help.

Getting Expert Help with Tennessee VA Benefits

For Tennessee veterans and surviving spouses seeking to maximize their benefits, particularly Aid and Attendance, professional assistance can make the difference between approval and denial.

Patriot Angels specializes in helping wartime veterans and surviving spouses navigate the Aid and Attendance application process. As a VA-accredited company, Patriot Angels has helped thousands of Tennessee families access benefits they’ve earned through military service.

The company’s consultants understand Tennessee-specific resources and requirements, work directly with applicants to gather necessary documentation, handle all paperwork and VA correspondence, and ensure applications are complete and accurate before submission. This comprehensive support significantly increases approval rates and reduces the stress of dealing with VA bureaucracy.

For Tennessee veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance with daily living activities and are struggling to afford care costs, Aid and Attendance can provide life-changing financial relief. The monthly benefit can mean the difference between remaining in an assisted living community or having to move to a nursing home, hiring professional caregivers versus relying solely on family, or maintaining independence versus losing it.

Take Action on Your Tennessee VA Benefits

If you’re a Tennessee wartime veteran or surviving spouse who needs help with activities of daily living, you may be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits worth up to $3,845 per month. Don’t let misconceptions about eligibility or concerns about the application process prevent you from accessing this valuable benefit.

Contact Patriot Angels today at 844-757-3047 for a free consultation. Our VA-accredited consultants will review your situation, explain your eligibility, and guide you through every step of the application process. With over 30,000 clients served and more than $1 billion in benefits secured, Patriot Angels has the expertise and experience to help Tennessee veterans get the benefits they’ve earned.

The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll start receiving benefits. Aid and Attendance is paid retroactively from your filing date, not from when you first needed care. Every month you wait is a month of benefits you won’t receive. Take the first step today toward securing the financial support you need and deserve.