North Carolina

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Education

In North Carolina, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to state-funded education benefits. The North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides tuition assistance for eligible National Guard members pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies at approved institutions. The North Carolina Military Service Scholarship (NCMSS) offers scholarships covering tuition and fees for eligible residents who are veterans or currently serving in the military. North Carolina Veterans Scholarships are available to eligible veterans who are residents of North Carolina and cover tuition and fees at public institutions. These education benefits aim to support veterans and National Guard members in pursuing higher education in North Carolina. For the most accurate and up-to-date information

Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
- North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP). The NCTAP provides eligible members of the North Carolina National Guard with financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition expenses at eligible North Carolina colleges and universities. The program is administered by the North Carolina National Guard Education and Incentives Office. Under the NCTAP, eligible North Carolina National Guard members may receive up to a specified dollar amount per credit hour, up to a maximum annual limit. The program has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. We recommend contacting the North Carolina National Guard Education and Incentives Office or the North Carolina National Guard Recruiting Office to get detailed information about the current program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for state-funded tuition assistance for National Guard members in North Carolina. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities.
Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
- North Carolina Veterans Education Assistance Program (NCVEAP). Under the NCVEAP, eligible veterans may receive financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition expenses at eligible North Carolina colleges and universities. The program is administered by the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs. It's important to note that specific eligibility criteria and application processes may vary. We recommend contacting the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs or the Veterans Services Office at your chosen college or university in North Carolina to get detailed information about the current programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for tuition assistance for veterans. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities.
Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
- Participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This compact ensures that military-connected children, including spouses and dependents, have access to educational opportunities and certain benefits, including in-state tuition rates. It's important to note that specific eligibility criteria and application processes may vary. We recommend contacting the North Carolina National Guard or the Veterans Services Office at your chosen college or university in North Carolina to get detailed information about the current programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for tuition assistance for military spouses and dependents. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities in North Carolina.
Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
- (State must recognize military spouse license if home state has equivalent training) State agencies shall issue licenses to licensed military spouses in good standing from states with substantially equivalent education and training requirements. Military spouse applicants must demonstrate competence as determined by the state agency, such as through professional experience (for instance, professional experience for 2 of the last 5 years prior to application) or the completion of continuing education. No later than 15 days after receipt of application, state agencies shall either issue the license or notify the military spouse that they do not meet the requirements. Some licensing fees are waived.
  - Resource Link
Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022

Business Benefits

North Carolina provides resources and programs to support veteran-owned businesses. The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) provides information and assistance to veteran business owners, connecting veterans with resources, benefits, and programs available in the state. The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers business counseling, training, and resources for veteran entrepreneurs, providing guidance on business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, access to capital, and government contracting opportunities. North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) assist veteran-owned businesses in navigating the government procurement process, providing assistance with registering as a government contractor, finding bidding opportunities, understanding regulations, and submitting proposals. The Veteran Business Services (VBS) program offers resources and support tailored specifically to veteran business owners, providing assistance with business planning, access to capital, marketing strategies, networking, and more. The state offers various financing programs to support veteran-owned businesses, including loans, grants, and assistance in accessing capital for business development and expansion. The North Carolina Department of Commerce and local financial institutions may provide such programs. To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in North Carolina, I recommend visiting the official websites of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) at https://www.milvets.nc.gov/, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at https://www.sbtdc.org/, and the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs website at https://www.milvets.nc.gov/. These websites should provide information on programs, certifications, financing options, counseling services, and other resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) in North Carolina for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.

Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
- Disabled Veteran Category of Historical Underutilized Business
  - Resource Link
Business Resource and Education Programs
- Resource Link
VOB Networking and Mentorship
- Resource Link
Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
- - State Department: North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Center, Inc.
  - Program Types: Capital Access Program Loan Participation Program Equity Capital Program (Funds)
  - Program Names: NC Capital Access Program NC Loan Participation Program NC Venture Capital Program
  - Contact Information: ssbci@ncruralcenter.org

Taxes, Land, and Real Estate Benefits and Programs

In North Carolina, veterans, military spouses, and dependents can access several state programs and benefits. These include a property tax exemption for disabled veterans on their primary residence, an income tax exemption on certain military retirement pay and survivor benefits, and the operation of veterans homes that offer long-term care and residential services. These initiatives aim to provide financial relief, tax exemptions, recreational opportunities, and healthcare services to support the well-being of veterans and their families in North Carolina. For specific eligibility requirements and detailed information, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, North Carolina Department of Revenue, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, or relevant state agencies.

Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
- Veterans with 100% disability status, or have been deemed unemployable by the VA, are eligible to receive veteran property tax exemption on the first $45,000 of appraised property value. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 100%)
Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
- Military retirement pay exempt
Offers a Military Family Relief Fund or Program
- Program Name: North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund (SAAF) Grants
  Program Description: SAAF is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to North Carolina National Guard Service members when no other resources are available. They provide grants for food, shelter, utilities, medical emergencies, wounded warriors, gift cards and scholarships.
  Eligible Groups: - Military Families
  - Surviving Families
  - Resource Link

State Employment Programs

In the state of North Carolina, there are several state programs, preferences, and benefits available to support veterans, guard members, and reserve members in their employment endeavors. North Carolina provides veterans' preference in public employment, giving eligible veterans additional points during the hiring process for state government positions. The state also offers specialized employment services for veterans through the NCWorks Career Centers, providing job search assistance, resume development, career counseling, and connections to employers interested in hiring veterans. Furthermore, North Carolina has policies in place to support the employment rights of Guard and Reserve members, ensuring their job security while fulfilling their military obligations. Additionally, the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive veterans' services, including job search assistance, career counseling, and connections to employers who value hiring veterans. These state initiatives collectively aim to provide veterans' preferences in public employment, offer specialized employment services, protect the employment rights of Guard and Reserve members, and provide comprehensive support services for veterans in North Carolina.

Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
- The North Carolina Retirement Systems provides provisions for military service credit for eligible members. Here are some key points about military service credit in the North Carolina Retirement Systems: Eligibility: To be eligible for military service credit, you must be a member of the North Carolina Retirement Systems and have served in the military. Types of Military Service Credit: The North Carolina Retirement Systems offer two types of military service credit: a. Vesting Credit: If you served in the military before becoming a member of the retirement system, you may be eligible to receive vesting credit. This credit counts towards the total years of service needed to become vested in the retirement system. b. Benefit Credit: You may also be able to purchase benefit credit for your military service. This credit can increase your retirement benefit calculation. Cost and Calculation: The cost of purchasing military service credit and the calculation method can vary. It is typically based on actuarial calculations and considers factors such as the length of your military service and your salary. It's important to note that the specific rules, eligibility criteria, and costs for military service credit in the North Carolina Retirement Systems may vary. It's advisable to contact the North Carolina Retirement Systems directly for detailed information and personalized guidance regarding military service credit in North Carolina.

State DMV Programs

Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
- 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.