KSA 73-1239 

Did you serve during the Vietnam War Era (February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975)?

You may be eligible for the State of Kansas Vietnam War Medallion.

Who may apply?

a. Any Veteran who meets the eligibility requirements listed below is entitled to a medallion, medal, and certificate.

b. Any spouse or eldest living survivor of a Veteran who meets the eligibility requirements listed below but died prior to having made application is entitled to a medallion, medal, and certificate.

c. This award is recognition of the Veteran’s service. Only one award will be issued in the name of each Veteran.

2. Eligibility Requirements:

a. The Veteran must have served on active duty in the United States military at any time during the period of February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975.

b. The Veteran was a legal resident of Kansas at the time he or she entered or when he or she was discharged from military service or at the time of his or her death, or is a current legal resident of Kansas.

c. The Veteran must have received an honorable discharge, or still be in active service in an honorable status, or have active service in an honorable status at the time of his or her death.

d. The Vietnam War medallion, medal, and certificate shall be awarded regardless of whether or not such Veteran served within the United States or in a foreign country. 

Click here to download the application and instructions to complete and submit.  

Operation Recognition

The State of Kansas participates in a national program called "Operation Recognition" to honor Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War who left high school to serve in the military and did not complete their high school education.

To honor their exceptional contributions, the Kansas Office of Veterans Services has collaborated with Kansas school districts through the "Operation Recognition" program to award Honorary High School Diplomas to eligible World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans.

This gesture, though long overdue, reflects society's deep gratitude for the sacrifices these Veterans made in the name of freedom.  

KSA 73-230 / KSA 75-3740 

In awarding any contract for the performance of any job or service for which moneys appropriated are to be expended, the Secretary of Administration, shall give a preference to disabled Veteran businesses doing business as Kansas firms, corporations or individuals, or that maintain Kansas offices or places of business and shall have the goal of awarding at least 3% of all such contracts to disabled Veteran businesses.  "Disabled Veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, air or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.7, and who was discharged or released therefrom under an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions and has a service-connected evaluation percentage equal to or greater than 30%.

All contracts and purchases made by or under the supervision of the director of purchases or any state agency for which competitive bids are required shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, taking into consideration conformity with the specifications, terms of delivery, and other conditions imposed in the call for bids.  A contract shall be awarded to a certified business or disabled Veteran business which is also a responsible bidder, whose total bid cost is not more than 10% higher than the lowest competitive bid. Such a contract contains a promise by the certified business that the percentage of employees that are individuals with disabilities will be maintained throughout the contract term and a condition that the certified business shall not subcontract for goods or services in an aggregate amount of more than 25% of the total bid cost.

If you are a Veteran or currently in the Guard or Reserve, the On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Program offers you an alternative to use your VA (GI Bill*) education and training benefits. The State of Kansas as an employer participates in VA’s OJT and Apprenticeship Program by enabling Veterans to be trained in several occupations. To learn what positions are currently available, please view the job postings. Veterans Training Opportunities (VTO) are marked with an asterisk*. If you are interested in utilizing your GI bill for a position, please contact the hiring agencies at the address or telephone number listed in the job vacancy and inform the agency that you are interested in the Veterans training opportunity.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Military to Civilian Occupational Translator

Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is a comprehensive database of occupational skills, knowledge, and other occupational characteristics—including those that Veterans bring to the workforce. O*NET's Crosswalk Search can help you align military educational and job training curricula with current civilian workplace needs.

Visit Veterans' Preference FAQ's for additional information.

Veterans' Priority

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides grant funds to the State of Kansas to provide employment and training services to eligible residents and workers. As a condition to receiving those funds, priority of service will be given to qualified Veterans when referring individuals to job openings, DOL funded training programs or related services. In accordance with the implementation of the Veterans' Priority Provisions of the "Jobs for Veterans Act" (PL 107-288), qualified Veterans will receive priority referral to services over non-Veterans as determined by each program's mandatory eligibility criteria.

Information and assistance will be provided by Workforce Center staff regarding available employment programs, training opportunities and services, eligibility requirements, and Veteran's priority.

The KANSASWORKS registration process has been developed to determine Veterans' eligibility, and an American Flag identifies Veterans' resumes listed on KANSASWORKS for employers. Veterans are encouraged to avail themselves of these opportunities.

For more information on program eligibility and Veteran Priority details, visit or contact your local Workforce Center. Veteran Employment and Training staff and Workforce Center staff are available to explain program mandatory eligibility and Veterans' priority. Visit list of centers for locations throughout Kansas.

KanVet 

KanVet provides direct access to State of Kansas Veteran-specific resources and benefits without having to navigate multiple state agency websites. We welcome your feedback as we work to better serve all Veterans, transiting service members and their Families.

Additional employment information at

U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Career Transition Advisor

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Career Resources

Spouses Application Fees Exemption (KSA 48-3406)

Effective 1 July 2025, applicants who are military spouses of military servicemembers shall be exempt from all fees assessed by any licensing body to obtain an occupational credential in Kansas (KS) and renew such credential including initial or renewal application, licensing, registration, certification, endorsement, reciprocity or permit fees and any criminal background report fees, whether assessed by the licensing body or another agency.

Shall apply to all licensing bodies including, but not limited to: The abstracters' board of examiners; the board of accountancy; the board of adult care home administrators; the KS board of barbering; the behavioral sciences regulatory board; the KS state board of cosmetology; the KS dental board; the state board of education; the KS board of examiners in fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments; the board of examiners in optometry; the state board of healing arts;  the state board of mortuary arts; the board of nursing; the state board of pharmacy; the KS real estate commission; the real estate appraisal board; the state board of technical professions; the state board of veterinary examiner; KS Department of Ading and Disability Services related to dietitans, speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensing; and commissioner of insurance related to auto insurance and uniform insurance agents licensing.

To be eligible "Military servicemember" means a current member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services, U.S. Reserves or National Guard of any state or a former member with an honorable discharge. "Military spouse" means the spouse of a military servicemember.

Certified Copy of Birth, Marriage, Divorce, Fetal and Death Certificates are provided at no charge for Veterans and/or eligible Family members when requested through the KOVS for VA purposes only.  Please contact our office at (785) 296-3976 or (800) 513-7731 for assistance obtaining these documents. 

Findings of a service-connected disability or death by federal officials shall be probative. State agencies and municipalities shall not: (1) Request or demand a Veteran's private health information for the purpose of determining eligibility for service-connected or non-service-connected disability benefits; (2) reconsider disability determinations made by: the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of the Air Force, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary of Commerce; or (3) request or demand a Veteran voluntarily seek a re-evaluation of such Veteran's existing service-connected disability claim.

A Veteran or such Veteran's surviving family members may be asked to document such Veteran's service-connected status regarding the disability or death of such Veteran or service member with: (1) A Dept of VA benefits summary letter with service-connected disability marked "yes"; (2) a military service physical evaluation board document, issued under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 1222(a), with the finding of "unfit for duty"; or (3) a posthumous Purple Heart decoration, a military posthumous award citation, military orders or official casualty notification correspondence from the DoD.  A Veteran's percentage of disability evaluation findings shall be disclosed by such Veteran or such Veteran's family members if germane to the Kansas statutory limitation in question.

A person who served in the active military, naval, air or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 C.F.R. 3.7, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. 

Each agency, office, or department is authorized to establish its own eligibility requirements for benefits offered by the State of Kansas. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, the characterization of military discharge, service-connected disability rating, and other relevant criteria.

Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans Homestead Refund (KSA 79-4502)

Disabled Veterans or surviving spouses eligible for a Homestead refund?

Veterans or surviving spouses must meet the following eligibility criteria -

1. Kansas resident for the entire previous year,
2. honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions,
3. 65 years old or older OR certified to have 50% or greater service-connected permanent disability rating (for the entire previous year) (copy of VA Determination Letter must be submitted with K-40SVR),
4. surviving spouse until remarried,
5. homestead appraised value is $350,000 or less, and
6. annual income of $58,041 or less. (does not include VA disability, Railroad Retirement, or disability payments from social security or SSI)

Veteran or surviving spouses must submit the Kansas Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans Homestead Refund Claim (K-40SVR). For more information visit the Kansas Department of Revenue.

1. State Income Tax.  The following are not taxed in Kansas:
     o U.S. Military or Federal Civil Service Retirement
     o Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Payments 
     o Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) dividends 
     o Kansas Army and Air National Guard recruitment and retention bonuses

2.  Active Duty, National Guard, and U.S. Reserve Service Members.  Active and Reserve duty service pay of military personnel is taxable ONLY to your state of legal residency, no matter where you are stationed during the tax year. If your home of record on your military records is Kansas, and you have not established residency in another state, you are still a Kansas resident and all of your income, including your military compensation, is subject to Kansas income tax. If you are a nonresident of Kansas but are stationed in Kansas, you must file a Kansas return if you received income from Kansas sources. Only income from Kansas sources is used to determine the Kansas income tax due for nonresident military service members. Nonresident service members will subtract out the amount of their military compensation on Schedule S, line A14. Kansas income for services performed by a non-military spouse of a nonresident military service member is exempt from Kansas income tax. To qualify for this exemption, the non-military spouse must be residing in Kansas solely because the military service member is stationed in Kansas. Non-military spouses of service members stationed in Kansas will subtract out their Kansas source income on Schedule S, line A14.

3. Additional Personal Exemption for Disabled Veterans.  All Veterans 100% service-connected are eligible for an additional Kansas exemption of $2,250 on their state of Kansas taxes. (for Tax years 2025 and after exemption will be $2,320) 

To be eligible Veteran must meet the following criteria:
(a), any individual who has been honorably discharged from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the U.S., and
(b) certified by the U.S. Dept of V.A. or its successor to be in receipt of disability compensation at the 100% permanent and total rate.

The additional exemption will be claimed when filing the Veteran’s Kansas income tax return.  Veteran will enter exemption in the “Exemption and Dependent” section of the form (if eligible).

Taxpayer Assistance

Additional information can be found on Kansas Department of Revenue.

If you have questions, please contact:

Taxpayer Assistance Center, Kansas Department of Revenue
120 South East 10th Ave, 1^st Floor, Topeka, Kansas  66601-3506
Phone: 785-368-8222, Hearing Impaired TTY: 785-296-6461

KSA 79-3606h 

Effective 1 July 2026, Veterans who are 100% service-connected permanent and total or unemployable and honorably discharged are exempt from paying Kansas sales tax on purchases up to $24,000 per year. This exemption does not apply to purchases of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, or motor vehicles.

Sales of items or services purchased for the benefit of a disabled Veteran are also exempt when made by the Veteran’s spouse or a household member authorized to make purchases on their behalf. A surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran who was receiving the exemption at the time of the Veteran's death may continue to receive the exemption, provided they do not remarry. This exemption applies only to property and services intended for the personal use of the eligible Veteran, their spouse, or surviving spouse, and not for generating income.

The application is nearing completion, and system testing between the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDoR) and the Kansas Office of Veterans Services (KOVS) will begin soon. This testing is critical to ensure that all applicant information remains secure throughout the verification process.

Once testing is complete, the application will go live, and we will begin accepting and processing pre-applications to ensure exemption cards are ready for veterans to use on July 1, 2026. The application link will be published on both the KDoR and KOVS websites.

Scholarship Opportunities

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Kansas Hero's Scholarship (Undergraduate Course work Only)

The Kansas Hero’s Scholarship Act (KSA 75-4364) establishes a waiver which provides an opportunity for eligible dependents and spouses of certain deceased/disabled public safety officers and military personnel to attend an eligible public Kansas postsecondary educational institution without payment of tuition and required fees. Students are responsible for all other charges associated with the student’s academic program.

This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and funding is limited.  Applicants are encouraged to submit the completed application and required documentation as soon as they know which eligible school they will be attending. Waivers are guaranteed only up to the amount of funding appropriated by the KS legislature each year.  Students are encouraged to have a backup plan.  Please review all instructions on the application to determine eligibility requirements.

More information can be found on the Kansas Board of Regents (KBoR) website here Scholarships and Grants.

NEW - Students are required to create an online account with KBoR which will allow the KBoR to track the number of semesters recipients are using the KS Hero’s Waiver and verify their current institution.  This online platform will also allow institutions the ability to certify online student enrollment status and tuition and required fee expenses each term.

Once approved for the waiver, students will be required to follow this online renewal process one time for each academic year they are enrolled at a university or college in order for their tuition waiver to be processed.

Kansas Hero’s Scholarship due dates are:
Spring 2026: closed December 1, 2025
Fall 2026: Opens on/about January 5, 2026.  Visit Kansas Board of Regents regularly for updates.

Please follow these steps to complete your application by the due date noted above for your starting term this year:
1. Visit the application portal: https://sfa.kansasregents.gov/login.jsp
2. Create an account using your personal email address (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.).
3. Once logged in, scroll to the Hero’s application, and apply. Be sure to list your school for the 2025-2026 academic year and answer the questions within the online application.
4. NEW Students - please upload additional supporting materials as required for the waiver. Details and examples of supporting materials are included in the application.
5. RENEWAL Students - You do not need to upload additional supporting materials, as your previous approval will remain valid.

If you encounter any issues or have questions, please contact KBoR at 785-430-4300 or  scholars@ksbor.org, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Kansas Military Service Scholarship is available for the payment of tuition and fees at a public Kansas institution for students who are a resident of Kansas and has:

• served in military service in international waters or on foreign soil in support of military operations for which the person received hostile fire pay for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, or served less than such 90 days because of injuries during such military service;
• has received an honorable discharge or under honorable conditions (general) discharge from military service or is still in military service; and
• has provided copies of military discharge papers (DD-214 form) or active duty orders whichever such paper or order indicate the location of such person’s deployment and indicate the person has served after September 11, 2001, in any military operation for which the person received hostile fire pay.

Because financial need is a priority in awarding this scholarship, students will need to file a FAFSA form. Once your school considers you as a graduate status student, you are not eligible for this scholarship.

Please Note: Individuals who are also using Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or Ch. 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment benefits should carefully consider how the Kansas Military Service Scholarship may affect those benefits. Generally, when a Ch. 33 or Ch. 31 user receives other aid that is designated solely for tuition and fees (known as restricted aid), the VA’s last payer clause states that VA will only pay any remaining tuition/required fees after restricted aid is applied. Because the Kansas Military Service Scholarship is restricted aid pays towards an individual’s undergraduate tuition and required fees for up to 8 semesters of undergraduate course work, there is no tuition for the VA to pay when a student receives the Kansas Military Service Scholarship. Students can still receive their Ch. 33/Ch.31 monthly housing allowance and book stipend; however, we encourage students to talk with their school’s military-affiliated centers/staff about how to maximize all of their entitlements.

Priority Date: May 1.

• Online Form
• Information (pdf)
• Eligible Schools for KS Military Service Scholarship

Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance (KNGEA) provides a percentage of tuition and fees paid; up to a maximum rate not to exceed the maximum rate that would be charged by the state educational institutions for enrollment.  The percentage is determined by the number of eligible students and available appropriations. Students may be pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree program and must be an enlisted member of a Kansas Air/Army National Guard unit. Full-time enrollment not required. Students must have a GED or high school diploma to qualify for this assistance. The member must not already have obtained a bachelor’s degree.  The KNGEA is only available for fall and spring semesters.

              Deadlines: Fall semester - August 31, 2025; Spring semester 2026 - January 31, 2026.

• Online Form
• Information (pdf)
• Eligible Schools for KS National Guard Educational Assistance

Kansas National Guard Educational Master's for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE)

The EMERGE program provides tuition and fees paid up to 15 credit hours; up to a maximum rate not to exceed the maximum rate that would be charged by the state educational institutions for enrollment. Students have to be pursuing a Master's degree at a Kansas post secondary institution and must be a member of a Kansas Air/Army National Guard unit. A service obligation is required after receiving the assistance. In order to apply, please click on the link below (link to application to apply).

Deadlines: Fall semester - June 15; Spring semester - November 15; Summer semester - April 15.

• Information (pdf)
• Link to application to apply

Kansas ROTC Service Scholarship

Student agrees to accept a commission as a Second Lieutenant and serve for not less than four years as a Commissioned Officer in the Kansas Army National Guard.  This program is only available at Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas and some community colleges.  Contact the ROTC program at one of the participating schools for more information.

Visit https://www.kansasregents.org/scholarships_and_grants for more information and opportunities.

KSA 48-3601 

A Veteran, spouse, or dependent is entitled to pay tuition and fees at an institution of higher education at the rates provided for Kansas residents without regard to the length of time the dependent has resided in the state if the service member was stationed in Kansas for at least 11 months during active service in the Armed Forces or had established residency in Kansas prior to active service in the Armed Forces and was discharged or released therefrom under an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.

Disabled Veterans Hunting/Fishing Licenses (KSA 32-934)

Free hunting and fishing licenses are made available and issued based on state funding. Veteran must provide a copy of VA Determination Letter reflecting at least 30% service-connected disability and who was discharged or released with a honorabale or general (under honorable conditions) discharge..  Application may be found here or at https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees.

Military Distinctive License Plates

You may make application for a Kansas distinctive military license plate by meeting the qualifications outlined in the Kansas Statutes Annotated listed below. Applications should be presented to your local County Treasurer's office

• Combat Wounded Purple Heart
• Gold Star Mother
• Congressional Medal of Honor
• Disabled Veteran (See also Form TR-103) (Provided at no charge if Veteran received Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge and is Service-Connected at 50% or greater) NOTE- With the plate the Veteran shall be permitted to:

  (A) Park without charge in any metered zone. Such motor vehicle shall be exempt from any time limitation imposed on parking in any zone designated for parking during the hours in which parking is permitted in any city; or (B) park without charge in any parking space in a public parking facility or public parking lot if such parking space is clearly marked as being reserved for the use of persons with a disability or persons responsible for the transportation of a person with a disability and such public parking facility or public parking lot employs persons who are parking attendants and who collect payment.

• Ex-Prisoner of War
• Korean War Veteran
• National Guard (See also Form TR-129)
• Pearl Harbor Survivor
• Operation Desert Storm
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• U.S. Veteran
• Vietnam Veteran
• Families of the Fallen
• Branches of Service
• Bronze Star Medal
• Silver Star Medal
• 1st Infantry Division
• Support the Troops
• Armed Service Occupation Medal

KSA  8-1234 / KSA 8-243

Any person who is a Veteran may request that the DMV issue to such person a driver's license or non-driver identification card that shall include the designation "VETERAN" displayed on the front of the driver's license/ non-driver identification card.  To receive a license/card, the Veteran shall provide a copy of DD Form 214 showing character of service as honorable or general under honorable conditions.