Alabama

Dashboard > State Search > Alabama

Review State Benefits/Programs

Education

In Alabama, veterans and National Guard members have access to a range of state-funded education benefits. These include the Alabama G.I. Dependents' Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships to dependents of disabled or deceased Alabama veterans. The Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP) provides financial aid to National Guard members pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. The Alabama G.I. and Dependents' Scholarship Program assists eligible veterans and their dependents with funding for undergraduate studies. The Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) Program allows families to prepay for college tuition, fees, and board. Additionally, there are various veterans' scholarships available from organizations, foundations, and universities in Alabama. National Guard members can also access tuition assistance programs through the military. These state-funded benefits provide valuable support for education expenses and future planning. It's important to note that specific eligibility requirements, application processes, and funding availability may vary for each program. For detailed information and to determine eligibility, it is recommended to visit the respective websites or contact the relevant organizations offering these education benefits in Alabama.

Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
- Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP): ANGEAP offers financial assistance to members of the Alabama National Guard pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at eligible Alabama institutions. The program helps cover tuition, fees, and books.
Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
- Alabama’s public two-year and four-year postsecondary technical colleges, community colleges, and junior colleges may waive tuition and fees for recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for undergraduate studies.
Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
- The Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship offers qualified military spouses a scholarship equivalent to as much as five academic years or 10 semesters at any Alabama state-supported college or institution of higher learning, including state technical colleges. The veteran must have honorably served at least 90 days of continuous active federal military service or been honorably discharged because of service-connected disability after serving less than 90 days of continuous active federal military service. The scholarship amount will depend on the disability rating of the veteran, and both the veteran and qualifying dependent or spouse must meet Alabama residency and age requirements. The tuition will be limited to $250 per semester hour, and textbooks and applicable fees will be limited to a combined $1,000 total per student for each semester. Schools may waive any overages of these charges.
  - Resource Link
Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
- (State's recognition process excludes many professions) State agencies shall expedite the issuance of licenses to licensed military spouses from states with substantially equivalent education/training requirements; furthermore, state agencies shall issue temporary permits. However, the statute excludes both attorneys and the professions regulated by the following state agencies: the Securities Commission, the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, the State Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Optometry, the Board of Dental Examiners, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, and the State Board of Medical Examiners. Some licensing fees waived.
  - Resource Link
Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022
- working on implementation

Business Benefits

The Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is dedicated to supporting veteran entrepreneurs by providing business counseling, training, and a wide range of resources. They offer expert guidance on business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and accessing capital, among other essential areas. The SBDC advisors are also well-versed in assisting veteran-owned businesses with government contracting opportunities. The Alabama Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) plays a vital role in helping veteran entrepreneurs navigate the government procurement process. They provide valuable guidance on registering as a government contractor, finding bidding opportunities, understanding requirements, and preparing proposals. Alabama demonstrates its commitment to veterans through its veterans' preference policy in state employment, giving qualified veterans and eligible spouses preference in the hiring process for state jobs. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) offers comprehensive programs and resources that support veteran-owned businesses. They provide essential information on business development, certifications, financing options, and networking opportunities. The ADVA actively advocates for veteran-owned businesses and facilitates connections with government contracting opportunities. Additionally, Alabama offers various financing programs, such as loans, grants, and assistance in accessing capital, to support the growth and expansion of veteran-owned businesses. These programs may be available through state agencies, local financial institutions, or federal initiatives. It is recommended to visit the respective websites or contact the organizations mentioned above for detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and specific benefits available to veteran business owners in Alabama. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Alaska for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.

Business License Exemption/Extension/Fee Waiver
- Business and Occupational License Exemption
  - Resource Link
Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
- Preferred Vendor Status
  - Resource Link
Offers business Tax incentive
- Veteran-Owned Business Tax Incentive
  - Resource Link
Business Resource and Education Programs
- Resource Link
Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
- - State Department: Alabama Department of Finance
  - Program Types: Equity Capital Program (Funds)
  - Program Names: -Loan Participation Program -WHW Loan Guaranty Program -IA Collateral Support Program -Co-Investment Program (VCP) -Fund Program (VCP)
  - Contact Information: jordan.howard@finance.alabama.gov

Taxes, Land, and Real Estate Benefits and Programs

In Alabama, veterans, military spouses, and dependents can benefit from various programs. Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for property tax exemptions based on their disability rating, providing partial or complete exemption. The Veterans' Land and Building Program offers low-interest loans through the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, assisting eligible veterans in purchasing land or building homes. Additionally, the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act allows military spouses to maintain their previous state of residence for tax and voting purposes, even if they relocate to Alabama due to military orders. These programs aim to provide property tax relief, financial assistance for land or home purchases, and address tax and residency challenges for military families. It is recommended to contact the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs or relevant state agencies for specific eligibility and further details.

Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
- Veterans with a 100% disability status in Alabama may benefit from full disabled veteran property tax exemption on their primary residence. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 100%)
Offers complete homestead property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and surviving spouses
Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
- Military retirement pay exempt

State Employment Programs

In the state of Alabama, while there may not be state-specific employment programs exclusively for veterans, the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) collaborates with federal initiatives to provide comprehensive support. ADOL's Veterans' Services division offers various employment-related services such as job search assistance, job fairs, and training programs. They also promote the use of Alabama JobLink, an online job portal specific to the state. Additionally, Alabama Career Centers, operated by ADOL, provide veterans with job search assistance, resume building, interview preparation, and access to training opportunities. These state-supported programs work in conjunction with federal programs to assist veterans in finding meaningful employment and transitioning into the civilian workforce.

Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
- Alabama does offer Military Service Credit in its Retirement System for state employees. Under the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) and the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) in Alabama, military service can be credited towards an employee's retirement benefits. Eligible members of ERS or TRS who have served in the military can purchase additional service credit for their military service. This service credit can be used to increase the member's total years of service, which can have a positive impact on their retirement benefits, such as a higher pension or earlier retirement eligibility. The specific details and requirements for purchasing military service credit may vary, so it is advisable to contact the Alabama Retirement Systems or the appropriate retirement system for more information. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the process and eligibility criteria for purchasing military service credit.
Offers Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses or business taxes
- Resource Link

State DMV Programs

Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
- Resource Link
Offers Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption
- Resource Link

Recreation Programs

Veterans can potentially benefit from a range of state recreation programs and benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended you contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Offers discounted or free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
- Offers Free and Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses
  - Resource Link
Offers State Parks Admission/Camping Discounts and Waivers
- Resource Link