Tennessee is one of the best states in the country for veterans — and most people don’t know half of what’s available to them.
If you served in the U.S. military and call Tennessee home, you have access to a wide range of state and federal benefits that go far beyond the VA home loan. From property tax relief to free college tuition, here’s a breakdown of the most valuable veteran benefits available to Tennessee residents.
1. Tennessee Property Tax Relief for Veterans
Tennessee offers a property tax relief program for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. If you have a service-connected disability rating of 100% — or are totally and permanently disabled — you may qualify for significant property tax savings on your primary residence.
To apply, contact your local county trustee’s office. You’ll need your VA disability award letter and proof of Tennessee residency. This benefit alone can save qualifying veterans hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
2. Tennessee STRONG Act — Free College Tuition
The Tennessee Strengthening Returning Our Nation’s Great Heroes (STRONG) Act provides free tuition at Tennessee public colleges and universities for eligible veterans. If you served on active duty and were honorably discharged, you may be able to attend a Tennessee community college, college, or university at no tuition cost.
This benefit is separate from and can be used alongside your GI Bill benefits in some cases. Contact the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) at tn.gov/collegepays for details.
3. VA Disability Compensation
If you have a service-connected disability, you may be entitled to monthly tax-free compensation from the VA. Ratings range from 0% to 100% and are based on the severity of your condition. Even a partial rating can mean meaningful monthly income — and veterans with a 10% or higher rating are exempt from the VA loan funding fee.
If you haven’t filed a disability claim or think your rating should be higher, contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) in Tennessee — they can help you file or appeal at no cost.
4. Tennessee Veterans’ Homes
Tennessee operates four state veterans’ homes in Humboldt, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, and Smyrna — providing long-term care, skilled nursing, and assisted living for eligible veterans and their spouses. These facilities offer high-quality care at significantly reduced costs compared to private options.
5. Veteran Hiring Preference
Tennessee state government jobs give hiring preference to honorably discharged veterans. If you’re transitioning out of the military and looking for civilian employment, this preference can give you a meaningful edge in the application process.
6. Tennessee Parks and Recreation Discounts
Tennessee veterans with a 30% or higher service-connected disability rating receive free entry to Tennessee State Parks. All honorably discharged veterans receive discounted camping rates. It’s a small benefit but a nice one if you enjoy the outdoors.
7. VA Home Loan Benefit
Of course, one of the most valuable benefits available to Tennessee veterans is the VA home loan — $0 down payment, no PMI, competitive interest rates, and flexible credit guidelines. If you haven’t used your VA loan benefit yet, or want to use it again, our team at Tennessee VA Home Loans is here to help.
Where to Learn More
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) is the best starting point for state-level benefits. Visit them at tn.gov/veterans or call 615-741-2345. For federal VA benefits, visit va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
Ready to Use Your VA Home Loan Benefit?
If homeownership is on your radar, we’d love to help. Call us at 615-852-5812, email contact@tnvahomeloans.com, or fill out our quick eligibility form. No obligation, no pressure — just honest answers from people who know VA loans inside and out.
Evan James Murphy | NMLS #2716465 | Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C. | NMLS #181106 | TN 204577 | This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval.