The following memorandum provides information on the various benefits available to veterans, military personnel, and military families in Kansas, with statutory references where applicable. It is meant to aid veterans and service members, as well as legislators and state agencies, in their understanding of how each benefit is administered and to whom each benefit may be administered.

Services Provided by Agencies

The following section provides an overview of the services offered by the two state agencies whose statutory duties revolve almost exclusively around current and former military personnel: the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department and the Kansas Office of Veterans Services.

Kansas Adjutant General’s Department

Among other duties, the Adjutant General’s Department provides for the organization and readiness of the Kansas Air and Army National Guard (Kansas National Guard). The Kansas National Guard has approximately 7,000 members throughout the state who work in full-time civilian jobs and also perform federal military duties during scheduled training weekends and other more prolonged periods. Through the Adjutant General’s Department, members of the Kansas National Guard assist Kansans during extreme weather events, such as tornadoes and wildfires, and during other emergency events, such as dam failures and hazardous material incidents.

Kansas Office of Veterans Services

The Kansas Office of Veterans Services (KOVS) provides Kansas veterans and their families with advice and assistance in obtaining benefits and services intended to improve quality of life. The agency is charged with administering the Veterans Claims Assistance Program (VCAP) and operating two State Veterans’ Homes and four State Veterans’ Cemeteries. In addition, the agency runs the KanVet website, which provides direct access to veteran-specific resources and benefits in Kansas.

Veterans Claims Assistance Program

KOVS established the Veteran Services Program to provide information and advocacy to veterans. The Veteran Services Program oversees the VCAP, which requires the agency to administer annual service grants to eligible veterans service organizations for the purpose of training veterans claims assistance representatives (KSA 73-1234). Veterans claims assistance representatives, once accredited, may assist veterans in completing their applications or claims for federal benefits. Though several veterans service organizations are eligible to contract with the KOVS for the purposes of receiving a VCAP service grant, only the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion organizations typically participate. The 2024 Kansas Legislature appropriated $1.0 million from the State General Fund for the VCAP service grant for state fiscal year (SFY) 2024 and again for SFY 2025. The funding will address a growing need for more veterans claims assistance representatives in Kansas due to the implementation of the federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, which expanded eligibility for US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care to veterans of certain wars and veterans exposed to toxicities. KOVS estimates that in SFY 2023, the Veteran Services Program assisted in submitting over 14,750 claims for benefits to the VA. This resulted in more than $275.0 million in federal benefits paid to Kansas veterans and their families

State Veterans’ Homes

The KOVS also operates two State Veterans’ Homes that provide long-term and domiciliary care to veterans: the Kansas Veterans’ Home (KVH), located in Fort Dodge, and the Kansas Soldiers’ Home (KSH), located in Winfield. (Note: The 2023 Kansas Legislature appropriated $17.2 million from the State Institutions Building Fund for the construction of a third veterans’ home to be located adjacent to the Colmery O’Neil Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas, contingent on the federal government providing the remaining 65.0 percent in federal funds. During the 2026 Legislative Session, KOVS reported that the federal government had yet to release the matching funds.)

KVH and the KSH serve veterans who have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who may be disabled to such an extent that they need long-term care or domiciliary care. Long-term care and related medical services are provided to veterans who require skilled or intermediate nursing care. Domiciliary care is provided to veterans who suffer from a disability that prevents them from earning a living but who are not in need of hospitalization or nursing care services. In addition, KSH offers cottage living to veterans who are capable of independent living and maintaining the upkeep of the residences.

Although both veterans’ homes have a fixed monthly room rate, the amount a veteran is actually charged is contingent upon the veteran’s ability to pay. No veteran is denied admission based on financial status. Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 70.0 percent or more do not pay resident fees at either home. If space is available at either home, care may also be provided to veterans’ family members.

State Veterans’ Cemeteries

KOVS manages and operates the following four State Veterans’ Cemeteries in Kansas: Fort Dodge, Fort Riley, WaKeeney, and Winfield. Through the State Veterans’ Cemetery program, KOVS provides veterans and their dependents with the following cemetery benefits at no charge: burial space, grave liner, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, scattering garden, headstone or marker, and placement of cremation remains in either a columbarium niche or an in-ground internment plot. KOVS offers the opportunity to pre-register for internment at no cost to veterans or veterans’ families.

The following veterans are eligible for burial at a veterans’ cemetery, regardless of whether they were a resident of Kansas:

• Veterans who were discharged from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions;
• Veterans who died while on active duty; and
• National Guard or Reservist members with 20 years of qualifying service who are entitled to retired pay or would be entitled to retired pay if at least 60 years of age.

In addition, spouses of eligible veterans may be interred at a veterans’ cemetery, regardless of whether the veteran-spouse is buried at a veterans’ cemetery. If the surviving spouse of an eligible veteran is remarried to a non-veteran, the spouse is still eligible for burial at a veterans’ cemetery so long as the veteran-spouse’s death occurred on or after January 1, 2000. Likewise, children of eligible veterans may also be interred at a veterans’ cemetery, though the dependent child must satisfy one of the following conditions:

• Be under the age of 21 and unmarried;
• Be under the age of 23 and unmarried and pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution;
• Be of any age and unmarried, if the child became permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support prior to reaching the age of 21; or
• Be of any age and unmarried, if the child became permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support prior to reaching the age of 23 if pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.

Finally, the Adjutant General’s Department is responsible for providing veterans with military honors funerals (KSA 73-309). However, should a veteran be cremated and their remains left unclaimed, a funeral service is authorized to relinquish those remains to KOVS or to a National Veterans’ Cemetery for disposition by burial or for disposition in a tomb, mausoleum, crypt, or niche in a columbarium wall (KSA 65-1732, 2026 HB 2331).

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Under certain circumstances, a veteran’s service status and/or their service-connected disability may be taken into consideration in legal matters.

Civil Matters

Under Kansas statute, a final order establishing a child custody arrangement for a child of at least one service member must include provisions regarding custody and parenting time in the event the service member parent is deployed, mobilized, placed on temporary duty, or if a deceased veteran was entitled to Social Security benefits, VA benefits, or any public or private retirement or annuity plan, the surviving spouse and children may be paid up to $10,000 in benefits (KSA 59-1507a).

Mitigating Factors in Criminal Proceedings

If a veteran is charged with an alcohol-related offense, a prosecutor may consider the veteran’s combat service-related injuries when determining if diversion, rather than a criminal trial, would be in the interest of justice and of benefit to the veteran and the community (KSA 12- 4415, KSA 22-2908). Likewise, a judge may consider as mitigating factors any combat service-related injuries when sentencing a veteran defendant to treatment (KSA 21-6630, KSA 21-6815). Applicable service-related injuries include major depressive disorder, polytrauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury.

Veteran Treatment Courts

Veteran treatment courts (VTCs) offer a non-adversarial treatment program for veterans in the criminal justice system who suffer from mental health issues or substance abuse issues, or both, related to their service in the armed forces. Treatment courts generally offer two alternatives to incarceration: diversion and probation. Veterans who satisfy all requirements of diversion will have their charges and cases dismissed. Veterans who satisfy all requirements of probation will have their cases closed successfully. Currently, VTCs in Kansas are offered by the following judicial districts:

• 1st Judicial District (Leavenworth County);
• 3rd Judicial District (Shawnee County);
• 7th Judicial District (Douglas County);
• 10th Judicial District (Johnson County);
• 18th Judicial District (Sedgwick County); and
• 29th Judicial District (Wyandotte County).

Qualifying veterans must be eligible for benefits through the VA, and veterans charged with certain extreme offenses are excluded from participating in VTCs. Veterans who participate in VTCs are required to attend all court hearings as well as meetings with an assigned veteran mentor. Some veterans may also be required to attend recovery-support meetings.

For a veteran-defendant to be eligible for VTCs, the court must determine that the veteran-defendant has served in the armed forces and suffers from an injury that was connected to service in a combat zone. Furthermore, a veteran-defendant who meets the aforementioned criteria must be charged with an offense set forth in KSA 21-6824 and be ineligible for treatment from any facility or program operated by the U.S. Department of War (formerly the U.S. Department of Defense), the VA, or the Kansas National Guard (KSA 21-6630(b)(2)). However, if such defendant’s crime of conviction falls within a presumptive nonperson category, the court may order such defendant to undergo inpatient or outpatient treatment from a facility or program operated by the U.S. Department of War, the VA, or the Kansas National Guard (KSA 21-6630(b)(1)).

Education

The State of Kansas offers a variety of educational benefits to veterans and military personnel. The benefits range from tuition assistance to recognition of a high school diploma.

Postsecondary Education

Benefits related to postsecondary education typically apply at the following public postsecondary educational institutions in Kansas: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, Wichita State University, Washburn University, community colleges, and technical colleges.

Residency

Current members of the U.S. armed forces and the Kansas National Guard, as well as their spouses or dependents, are considered residents by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) institutions and by community and technical colleges (KSA 48-3601(a)). Moreover, the following individuals are also entitled to the in-state resident tuition and fees rates at postsecondary educational institutions regardless of the length of time spent residing in Kansas:

• An individual who: (a) files a letter of intent to establish residency with the intended postsecondary educational institution; (b) lives in the state while attending the postsecondary institution; and (c) is eligible for benefits under any federal law authorizing educational benefits for veterans (KSA 48-3601(b)(1)).
• A veteran who: (a) was honorably discharged or received a general discharge under honorable conditions; (b) was stationed in Kansas for at least 11 months during service in the armed forces or had established residency in Kansas prior to service in the armed forces; and (c) lives in Kansas at the time of enrollment (KSA 48-3601(b)(2)).
• The spouse or dependent of a veteran who: (a) was honorably discharged or received a general discharge under honorable conditions; (b) was stationed in Kansas for at least 11 months during service in the armed forces or had established residency in Kansas prior to service in the armed forces; and (c) lives in Kansas at the time of enrollment (KSA 48-3601(b)(3)).

Tuition Assistance (Veterans and Active Duty)

The Kansas Military Service Scholarship is available to certain veterans and service members for the payment of tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions in Kansas (KSA 74-32,227 et seq.). The amount awarded varies depending on the number of hours and the program in which the applicant is enrolled, though applicants who demonstrate a great financial need take priority (KSA 74-32,229). To be eligible for the Kansas Military Service Scholarship, an applicant must be a Kansas resident who demonstrates scholastic ability and has been accepted to or is enrolled in a postsecondary institution (KSA 74-32,228).

Furthermore, the applicant is required to provide the following:

• Proof that they served after September 11, 2001, in international waters or on foreign soil in support of military operations for at least 90 days or for less than
• 90 days due to injuries received during such military service;
• Proof that they received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions or are still in military service; and
• Copies of military discharge papers or active-duty orders that indicate the location and time period of such person’s deployment.

The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act established a program that provides tuition and fee assistance for enlisted personnel in the Kansas National Guard. Specifically, guardsmen who participate receive assistance to pay for the cost of their tuition and required fees for not more than 15 credit hours per semester, provided that the total number of credits does not exceed 150.0 percent of the number of hours needed to complete the educational program (KSA 74-32,148).

Under the National Guard Educational Assistance Act, only individuals who are current members of the Kansas National Guard and are enrolled at a Kansas educational institution who are not under a Suspension of Favorable Action flag or on the Unit Unfavorable file are eligible to receive financial assistance. Individuals who hold a baccalaureate or higher academic degree and individuals who do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent are ineligible for assistance (KSA 74-32,147).

Similarly, the Kansas National Guard Educational Master’s for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) Program provides financial assistance to eligible Kansas National Guard members and their dependents who pursue advanced degrees at Kansas educational institutions (KSA 74-32,305 et seq.). Each academic year, the Adjutant General selects up to 100 eligible guardsmen to receive assistance to pay for the cost of tuition and required fees for not more than 15 credit hours per semester, provided that the total number of credits does not exceed 150.0 percent of the number of hours needed to complete the educational program (KSA 74-32,308). To be eligible for the EMERGE program, guardsmen and their dependents must have been accepted into an eligible master’s degree program and not be under a Suspension of Favorable Action flag or on the Unit Unfavorable file (KSA 74-32-306).

Guardsmen and their dependents who are selected for the EMERGE program must agree to several conditions or will otherwise have to repay the State an amount of money as determined by the formula found in KSA 74-32,309. Prior to accepting the financial assistance, a guardsman must apply for federal tuition assistance and agree in writing to the following two conditions: (1) complete the guardsman’s current service obligation; and (2) serve actively and in good standing for no less than 48 months following the completion of the program. While participating in the graduate program, guardsmen must remain in good standing at their educational institution, make satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree, and maintain at least a 2.75 GPA.

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship is awarded each academic year to 40 eligible students at each ROTC institution in Kansas. The selected students receive up to 70.0 percent of the cost of attendance for an academic year (KSA 74-3256). Students who are selected for the scholarship must agree to several conditions prior to and after graduation from an ROTC institution or will otherwise have to repay the State an amount equal to the total amount of scholarship payments received plus interest (KSA 74-3260). If selected to receive the ROTC Scholarship, students must agree to the following provisions of KSA 74-3259 to receive payments:

• Maintain standards of academic excellence and other standards required to remain in good standing;
• Maintain minimum full-time enrollment of at least 12 credit hours each semester;
• Participate in the ROTC program;
• Demonstrate the qualities required in a commissioned officer; and
• Immediately upon graduation from an ROTC institution, accept a commission as a second lieutenant and serve for not less than four years as a commissioned officer in the Kansas National Guard.

Finally, the Kansas Adult Learner Grant program allows an individual who satisfactorily demonstrates they have successfully completed a postsecondary Adult Learner Grant program to be eligible for a Kansas Workforce Retention Incentive Tax Credit of $1,500 if the individual has (a) commenced service in the military or (b) resided in Kansas for at least two consecutive years following the completion of their program and the individual is currently employed in Kansas (KSA 74-32,287).

Tuition Assistance (Spouses and Dependents)

The Kansas Promise Scholarship provides tuition and related fees for, among others, Kansas residents who are dependent children of military servicemembers permanently stationed in another state who enroll in eligible programs at Kansas community colleges and technical colleges (KSA 74-32,275). To be eligible for a scholarship, students must complete all application forms, apply for federal tuition assistance, and enter into an agreement with the college. An individual who begins service as a military service member after receiving the Promise Scholarship will be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of the agreement (KSA 74-32,276(d)). Notwithstanding the exception for service members, KSA 74-32,276(a) requires the recipient to agree to the following prior to receiving any financial aid:

• Enroll as a full-time or part-time student at an eligible postsecondary educational institution and complete the eligible program within 36 months;
• Within six months after graduation, either:
• Reside in and begin working in Kansas for at least two consecutive years; or
• Enroll as a student at any postsecondary educational institution with its primary location in Kansas and, upon graduation or failure to re-enroll, reside in and begin working in Kansas for at least two consecutive years;
• Maintain records and make reports as required by the KBOR to document the satisfaction of the requirements; and
• Upon failure to satisfy the requirements, repay the State an amount equal to the total amount of scholarship payments received plus interest.

The Kansas Hero’s Scholarship provides free tuition and fees to, among others: (1) any prisoner of war, and (2) any dependent or spouse of any resident of Kansas who: (a) died while serving in military service; (b) sustained a service-connected injury or disability that rendered the servicemember incapable of continuing such servicemember’s military service; or (c) is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability of at least 80.0 percent (KSA 75-4364).

Similar to the Kansas Hero’s Scholarship, KSA 73-1217 provides for free tuition and fees to any dependent of a prisoner of war or a person missing in action. However, “prisoner of war” and “person missing in action” are limited in this instance to mean only male Kansans who have been declared a prisoner of war or person missing in action by the U.S. Secretary of Defense after January 1, 1960 (KSA 73-1216). A dependent of such person who enrolls at a postsecondary educational institution in Kansas may receive up to ten semesters of financial assistance (KSA 73-1217). Likewise, a dependent of a person who died as a result of a service-connected disability suffered during, and as a result of, the Vietnam conflict who enrolls at a postsecondary educational institution in Kansas may receive up to 12 semesters of financial assistance (KSA 73-1218). Moreover, an opinion released issued by a former Attorney General of Kansas states that eligible dependents who apply for retroactive educational benefits under either statute must be reimbursed for fees and tuition (AG Opin. 87-106).

Primary and Secondary Education

As with postsecondary education, a number of benefits related to primary and secondary education are available to veterans and service members. Notably, as of July 1, 2025, School districts must provide for the advance enrollment of an out-of-state military student whose parents will be stationed in Kansas during the current or succeeding school year (KSA 72-3129).

Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Kansas has been a member of the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children since 2008. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Interstate Compact) addresses educational transition issues military families may face when relocating to new duty stations. The Interstate Commission assists military families with enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation (KSA 72-8268). The Interstate Compact applies to the children of:

• Active-duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve service members on active-duty orders;
• Service members or veterans who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired for one year; and
• Service members who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of one year after death.

Operation Recognition

Operation Recognition is a program that awards honorary high school diplomas to deserving and qualified veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War era, including deceased veterans, who left high school before graduation to serve in the military. To be eligible for recognition, veterans must have served in WWII from September 16, 1940, to December 31, 1946, or served in the Korean War from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955, or served during both periods, and must have received an honorable discharge.

Employment and Labor

Veterans and military personnel are entitled to certain employment protections not provided to non-military citizens.

Military Leave and Pay

Benefits-eligible state employees who are part of a reserve military component are entitled to 30 working days of paid military leave for required military duty (i.e., active duty, inactive duty, or full-time Kansas National Guard duty) within a 12-month period beginning on October 1 of each year (KAR 1-9-7b(a)).

Similarly, benefits-eligible employees may be granted military leave without pay or appropriate accrued leave for the purposes of induction, entrance, or examination for entrance into a reserve component (KAR 1-9-7b(d)). However, if the employee is an officer of the State of Kansas, the employee is not entitled to compensation during their absence unless the officer resumes the duties of the position prior to the date on which the temporary vacancy would have expired (KSA 73-218).

The length of the employee’s absence determines when the employee must return to work to have their position reinstated (KAR 1-9-7(b)(f)). Upon an employee’s return from service, the employee must be permitted to return to one of the following positions:

• The position in which the employee would have been employed if the employee had not been absent; or
• A position with status and pay similar to the status and pay the employee would have had if the employee had not been absent. If the employee is not qualified to perform the position’s duties because of disability sustained while absent, the employee must be offered a job that is comparable to the former position in status and pay (KAR 1-9-7(b)(e)(1)(2)).

In addition to having their job reinstated, state employees who serve in the military reserves and are called to full-time military duty are authorized to receive a one-time activation payment of $1,500 (KSA 75-3228(a)). Furthermore, if the employee’s military base pay is less than the employee’s regular state pay, the employee is entitled to the difference between such employee’s military base pay and regular state pay in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per pay period (KSA 75-3228(b)).

If a state employee who participates in a pension plan is required to leave to serve in the military, the employee’s military service does not count as a break in continuous employment for purposes of the pension plan (KSA 74-4913(1)(b)). This means that the employee will receive full credit for continuous employment. The employee may also receive up to five years in prior service credits for purposes of the pension plan if the employee was employed by a participating employer in the time period immediately preceding and following the employee’s military service (KSA 74-4913(1)(b)). However, an employee who has less than one year of service at the time they are required to enter military service will not become a member of the retirement system until they return to the employment of a participating member (KSA 74-4913(2)(b)). Finally, an employee of the state, including judges, may purchase up to six years of participating service credit for their periods of active military service (KSA 74-4919h; KSA 20-2625).

Employment Preference

In certain circumstances, veterans may receive preference in hiring decisions over other job applicants and candidates.

State Employment

The State of Kansas has a policy that veterans be preferred for initial employment and first promotion if competent to perform the requisite services. Within 30 days of a position being filled, the State must notify all eligible veterans who applied but were not hired for the position that the position has been filled. A veteran who receives such notice from the State may be able to file an administrative appeal (KSA 73-201(c)). Veterans must exhaust all available administrative remedies prior to bringing an action in district court (KSA 73-201(g)).

Similarly, in awarding contracts for the performance of any job or service from which appropriated funds will be expended, the Secretary of Administration for Kansas must give a preference to disabled veteran businesses doing business as Kansas firms, corporations, or individuals, or those entities maintaining an office or place of business in Kansas (KSA 73-230(a)). To be considered a disabled veteran business, at least 51.0 percent of the business or stock must be owned by one or more disabled veterans, and the management and daily operations of the business must be controlled by one or more disabled veterans (KSA 73-230(b)(2)). Under the statute, a disabled veteran is a person who:

• Served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 CFR § 3.7, and who was discharged or released therefrom under an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
• Incurred or aggravated a disability during the line of duty; and
• Has a service-connected disability equal to or greater than 30.0 percent (KSA 73-230(b)(1)).

Private Employment

Private employers may also adopt a policy that gives hiring preference to veterans, so long as the policy is in writing and is applied consistently to all decisions regarding initial employment (KSA 73-231). The statue requires such veterans to submit proof of military service and discharge status to such an employer to establish eligibility for the preference.

Finance and Insurance

Insurance benefits and other financial incentives are offered to veterans in Kansas.

Insurance

Insurance benefits for veterans include life insurance, insurance reinstatement, and insurance retention.

Life Insurance

During active duty, employees are provided with a basic life insurance policy valued at 150.0 percent of their annual salary. Service members have the option to retain additional life insurance coverage by covering the premiums for 16 months, after which they can convert the policy to an individual plan.

Insurance Reinstatement

No Kansas resident on military service activation, including their spouse or dependents, who becomes eligible for a federally sponsored health insurance program may be declined reinstatement into the same individual coverage with the identical health plan that lapsed due to such activation (KSA 48-292).

Insurance Retention

No personal insurance (e.g., vehicle or homeowners insurance) issued to a Kansas resident on active military deployment outside of the United States, or to the spouse or any dependent of such Kansas resident, shall be subject to cancellation, non-renewal, premium increase, or adverse tier placement based solely upon the Kansas resident’s military deployment (KSA 48-296).

Other Financial Benefits

Many financial incentives are available to veterans, including consumer protection, emergency financial assistance, exemption from loan interest, workers compensation, and gratuity.

Consumer Protection

The Kansas Consumer Protection Act defines members of the military and their immediate family members, as well as veterans and their surviving spouses, as “protected consumers” (KSA 50-676(g)).

Emergency Financial Assistance Through the Military Emergency Relief Fund

The Kansas Adjutant General may extend grants and interest-free loans to Kansas National Guard service members, members of the reserve forces, and their families to assist with financial emergencies through the Military Emergency Relief Fund.

Partial Exemption from Medical Loans

The University of Kansas Medical Center administers two loan programs providing tuition and a stipend to undergraduate students enrolled in or admitted to the University of Kansas School of Medicine to encourage practicing medicine in specific areas and facilities within the state. If a person or their spouse is unable to fulfill their obligations due to active military service, they are exempt from paying the 15.0 percent annual interest rate on any funds received through these loan programs (KSA 76-386).

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for National Guard Members

 Members of the Kansas National Guard who are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits under the Kansas program may receive benefits under the general workers’ compensation program (KSA 44-505g). Any injury, disease, illness, or death that occurred before July 1, 2024, is governed by the service member’s current benefits. To calculate the benefits, the service member’s current military earnings will be used as their average weekly wage. Additionally, there will be a deduction from the benefit amount owed to the service member by the State for any federal benefits the service member or their dependents receive for an injury, disease, illness, or death. All service members are required to sign an authorization consenting to the release of information regarding any federal compensation received for adjustments to be made to State benefits.

Alternate Death Gratuity

In the event of a federal government shutdown with no federal funding available, the Kansas Adjutant General will provide a $100,000 death gratuity for eligible Kansas military service members who are killed (KSA 48-283).

Motor Vehicles

A number of benefits related to motor vehicles are afforded to veterans and military personnel.

Driver’s Licenses

Veteran License

A veteran who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 CFR § 3.7, and who was discharged or released under an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions may have “VETERAN” added to the veteran’s Kansas driver’s license or non-driver identification card in order to prove eligibility for other types of benefits. To do so, the veteran must provide a copy of the veteran’s DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent discharge document showing character of service as honorable or general under honorable conditions (KSA 8-243, KSA 8-1234).

Commercial Driver’s License

The Director of Vehicles of the Kansas Department of Revenue has the authority to exempt a commercial driver’s license applicant from the knowledge and skills test if the applicant provides evidence of military commercial vehicle driving experience that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 383.77 or if the applicant qualifies for a waiver under the Military Even Exchange Program for commercial driver’s licenses (KSA 8-2,133).

The military experience must involve operating a vehicle similar to the commercial vehicle the applicant expects to operate, and the applicant must not have been convicted of any offense that would disqualify a civilian commercial driver. Additionally, some state requirements for written and driving testing may be waived for an applicant for a Class M (motorcycle) driver’s license who has completed motorcycle safety training in accordance with U.S. Department of War requirements.

Distinctive License Plates

Veterans and military personnel can choose from a variety of license plates and decals to commemorate their service. No distinctive plate fees apply to any of the license plates described below, though a distinctive plate may be personalized for a fee. The statutory fee for a decal is $2 (KSA 8-1,141).

Disabled Veteran License Plates

A disabled veteran is eligible to receive a distinctive license plate free of charge if the veteran:

• Received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions from the active military, naval, air, or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 CFR § 3.7;
• Has a disability that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service; and
• Has a service-connected evaluation percentage equal to or greater than 50 percent.

A disabled veteran license plate authorizes its holder to park without charge at a metered space or in a public parking facility (KSA 8-160 and KSA 8-161). Any person eligible for a disabled veteran license plate may receive a permanent placard to hang from the rearview mirror and a wheelchair emblem decal to affix to a distinctive license plate. The distinctive plate is also available to any Kansas resident who owns or leases a motor vehicle and who is responsible for the transportation of a disabled veteran (KSA 8-1,125). In addition, state law mandates that when an attendant is on duty at a dual self-service and full- service station, the attendant must provide service to vehicles displaying a disabled veteran plate at the self-service price (KSA 8-1,133).

General Service Plates

A veteran or service member may choose a distinctive military service license plate to which a decal may be added to indicate service in a particular branch of the military (KSA 8-1,146). A veteran or service member also may choose a license plate specific to a branch of service and may request that the branch-specific license plate be printed to indicate that such person is a retired member of one of the following branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force (KSA 8-1,194 et seq.). For any of these license plates, the veteran must provide proof of having been discharged or released under an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions and additional proof of retirement for “retired” to be added to a military branch license plate.

A specialized license plate is also available to a regularly enlisted or retired, warrant, or commissioned member of the Kansas National Guard (KSA 8-177a). Similarly, a 1st Infantry Division distinctive license plate is available to a member who is either currently serving in any unit of the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, the Fort Riley Garrison, or a unit assigned to the Fort Riley Garrison, or has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions from the active military, naval, air, or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 CFR § 3.7, and has served at least nine months in the 1st Infantry Division (KSA 8-1,221).

Military Honors Plates

Distinctive license plates commemorating a particular military honor are available to veterans who provide proof that one of the following honors was received by such veteran:

• Purple Heart (KSA 8-1,140);
• Congressional Medal of Honor (KSA 8-1,145);
• Silver Star (KSA 8-1,204);
• Bronze Star (KSA 8-1,205);
• Army of Occupation Medal (KSA 8-1,222); or
• Navy Occupation Service Medal (KSA 8-1,222).

A decal may be added to a license plate for which proof of military service is required to indicate the person registering the vehicle received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army of Occupation Medal, or Navy Occupation Service Medal (KSA 8-1,156).

Theater of Service Plates

Distinctive license plates are available to veterans who provide proof of service during one or more of the following wars or conflicts: Vietnam, Korea, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom (KSA 8-1,163; KSA 8-1,185—KSA 8-1,188).

Other Military-related License Plates

Survivors of deceased military members have options to commemorate their loved ones by way of distinctive licensed plates. A Gold Star Mother license plate is available to the mother of a person who died while in good standing in active-duty military service with proof of such status (KSA 8-177d). A Families of the Fallen license plate is available to U.S. Department of War-recognized next of kin of deceased military personnel (meaning any person entitled to receive the Gold Star lapel button under 10 USC § 1126 or the lapel button for next of kin of deceased personnel) (KSA 8-1,166).

There are several other military-related license plates offered to Kansans, including civilians. Any Kansan may apply for a Buffalo Soldier or Support the Troops license plate, though these plates will not be available until a sufficient number of such plates have been requested (KSA 8-1,210, 8-1,219). Any Kansan who survived the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor is eligible for a distinctive plate (KSA 8-1,139). Similarly, a distinctive license plate is available to any civilian or military personnel, including a surviving spouse, who was held as a prisoner of war (KSA 8-177c).

Professions and Occupations

Veterans are given credit toward certification for completing training of transferable skills and the ability to maintain licensure while in service. Kansas was the first state to join the Alliance for States Providing Interoperable Reciprocity (ASPIRE), which supports military families by advocating for professional licensing reciprocity and mutual recognition for military spouses and veterans.

Licensure Regulations

Credit for Military Education and Training

Statutes direct state agencies issuing professional licenses to accept from an applicant the military education, training, or service equal to the completed existing educational requirements established by the agency. The license may be granted even if the service member was discharged under less-than-honorable conditions. While this rule generally does not apply to the Board of Nursing, the Board of Emergency Medical Services, or the practice of law, there are special provisions for nurses and emergency medical technicians (KSA 48-3407).

State Application and Licensure

Kansas exempts military service members and their spouses from all fees associated with the application and renewal of occupational licenses, including criminal background check fees (KSA 48-3406). However, the application for reciprocal occupational licensing exemption is limited to individuals residing in Kansas or planning to reside in Kansas because of military assignment (KSA 48-3406).

A Kansas licensing body must issue a professional license to a non-resident military spouse and service member or to an honorably discharged veteran or military-veteran spouse within 15 days after a complete application is received if the potential licensee holds professional licenses in other states and meets certain requirements. The service member does not need to be active for their spouse to qualify for expedited licensure (KSA 48-3406).

Probationary Credentialing / Temporary Permits

A Kansas licensing body may allow a service member or military spouse to have a license on a probationary basis for up to six months when the applicant does not qualify for licensure, registration, or certification by endorsement, reinstatement, or reciprocity and the service member or military spouse meets certain criteria (KSA 48-3406). In addition, licensing bodies are granted discretion to issue a probationary credential to an applicant who does not hold a valid out-of-state current credential but who worked in an occupation that was not a regulated profession in the other state for at least three of the four immediately preceding years and who otherwise meets the requirements for probationary credentialing. An applicant may also be issued a probationary credential based on “private certification,” as defined in statute, but generally consisting of recognition from a private organization as meeting its standards.

Maintaining License While Serving

For military service members holding a Kansas occupational or professional license, such license remains valid while the licensee is in military service and for up to six months after release. The licensee does not need to pay a renewal fee, submit a renewal application, or meet continuing education or other license conditions. However, this provision does not apply to licensees who engage in the licensed activity outside of the line of duty while in military service (KSA 48- 3402). Additionally, a license cannot be revoked, suspended, or canceled due to failure to maintain professional liability insurance or failure to pay the surcharge to the Health Care Stabilization Fund (KSA 48-3405).

Professional Credentials with Less Than Honorable Discharge

Kansas permits licensing bodies to grant professional credentials to service members and military spouses who meet all the requirements for professional credentials but were separated from the military under less-than-honorable conditions as well as under honorable conditions (KSA 48-3406).

Specific Licenses

Athletic Trainers

The Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact will not require active-duty military personnel or their spouses to pay to the Athletic Training Compact Commission for Compact privileges. If a member state chooses to charge a fee, the member state may choose to charge a reduced fee or no fee to active-duty military personnel or their spouses for Compact privileges (2026 HB 2533).

Attorneys

Kansas Supreme Court Rule 720 grants applicants a military-spouse restricted license to practice law without taking the Kansas bar examination if the applicant meets the following requirements:

• Is eligible under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 708;
• Is admitted by examination and licensed for the practice of law by the highest court of another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory;
• Has never received professional discipline of suspension, disbarment, or loss of license in any jurisdiction;
• Resides or will reside in Kansas as a spouse of an active member of the U.S. Uniformed Services stationed in Kansas; and
• Is or will be employed with a Kansas attorney whose license is active and in good standing and who regularly engages in the practice of law, so long as the Kansas attorney certifies that the Kansas attorney will have ultimate responsibility for clients.

Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (Compact) allows active-duty military personnel and their spouses to designate a home state where such service member or spouse has a license in good standing and allows such military personnel member or spouse to retain that home state designation during the period of time the service member is on active duty. Additionally, the Compact requires member states to recognize the right of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist licensed in a member state to practice in another member state via telehealth (KSA 65-6513 et seq.).

Barbers

Kansas allows a person to receive a license to practice barbering if the person meets the following qualifications:

• Is at least 16 years of age and of good moral character and temperate habits;
• Has graduated from a high school accredited by the appropriate accrediting agency or has otherwise obtained the equivalent of a high school education;
• Is a graduate of a barber school or barber college approved by the Kansas Board of Barbering or has satisfactorily completed the barber course at an institution under the control of the Secretary of Corrections or the disciplinary barracks at Fort Leavenworth or has been certified in a related industry, such as barbering in any branch of the U.S. military service, and has completed a course of study in a licensed Kansas barber college or barber school as prescribed by the Kansas Board of Barbering under KSA 65-1810(e), and amendments thereto, or has been a cosmetologist licensed by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology and has completed a course of study in a licensed Kansas barber college or barber school as prescribed by the Kansas Board of Barbering under KSA 65-1810(e), and amendments thereto; and
• Has paid an examination fee and has passed the examination conducted by the Kansas Board of Barbering to determine the fitness of such person to practice barbering (KSA 65-1812).

Professions Licensed by the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board

The Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board adopted an expedited application process by which an application must be reviewed and have a decision rendered within 15 business days. The Board cannot charge military service members or their spouses a fee for expedited license applications (KSA 74-7512).

Cosmetologists

The Cosmetologist Licensure Compact allows active-duty military personnel or their spouses to designate a home state where such service member or spouse has a current license in good standing and allows such military personnel member or spouse to retain that home state designation during the period of time the service member is on active duty (KSA 65-1959).

Dentists

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (Dentistry Compact) facilitates the relocation of military members and their spouses who are licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. The Dentistry Compact provides that active military members and their spouses are not required to pay the fee charged by the Compact Commission for Dentistry Compact privileges. If a remote state chooses to charge a fee for a privilege, it may charge a reduced fee or no fee to active military members and their spouses for Dentistry Compact privileges (KSA 65-1473).

Dietitians

The Dietitian Compact allows active-duty military personnel or their spouses to designate a home state where such service member or spouse has a current license in good standing and allows such military personnel member or spouse to retain that home state designation during the period of time the service member is on active duty (KSA 65-5914).

Emergency Medical Personnel

The Interstate Compact for Recognition of Emergency Personnel Licensure provides that active and former service members have satisfied the minimum training and examination requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensure if they hold a current valid and unrestricted National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification at or above the level of state license being sought. The Compact also covers service member spouses (KSA 65-6158).

Occupational Therapists

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact allows active-duty military personnel or their spouses to designate a home state where such service member or spouse has a current license in good standing and allows such military personnel member or spouse to retain that home state designation while the service member is on active duty (2026 HB 2533).

Physician Assistants

The Physician Assistants Licensure Compact allows active-duty military personnel or their spouses to obtain Compact privileges by having an unrestricted license in good standing from a participating state (KSA 65-28a17). It is projected that the Physician Assistants Compact Commission will begin granting Compact privileges to practitioners in early 2027.

Physical Therapists

The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact allows a licensee who is active-duty military or the spouse of an individual who is active-duty military to select the licensee’s home of record, permanent change of station (PCS), or state of current residence, if it is different from the PCS state or home of record, for the purposes of licensure (KSA 65-2925).

Professional Counselors

The Counseling Compact allows licensed professional counselors who reside in a Compact member state to practice in other Compact member states without needing multiple licenses. Active-duty military personnel or their spouses must designate a home state where they have a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation when the service member is on active duty. Once a home state is designated, the Compact requires the individual to change their home state through an application for licensure in the new state or through the process outlined in the Compact for obtaining a new home state license (KSA 65-5825).

Respiratory Therapists

The Respiratory Care Interstate Compact allows active-duty military personnel or their spouses to designate a home state where such service member or spouse has a current license in good standing and will allow such military personnel member or spouse to retain that home state designation during the period of time the service member is on active duty. The Compact does not require active-duty military personnel or their spouses to pay any additional fee that may be required by either the Respiratory Care Commission or a remote state that may charge for a Compact privilege. A remote state may offer a reduced fee or no fee to active-duty military personnel or their spouses (2026 HB 2533).

School Psychologists

The Interstate Compact for School Psychologists provides for a licensee who is an active military member or the spouse of an active military member to hold a home state license in any of the following locations:

• The licensee’s permanent residence;
• A member state that is the licensee’s primary state of practice; or
• A member state where the licensee has relocated pursuant to a PCS (KSA 72-8270).

Social Workers

The Social Work Licensure Compact facilitates interstate practice of regulated social workers by requiring an active-duty military member or their spouse to designate a home state where the individual has a multistate license under the Compact. The individual may retain the home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty (KSA 65-6325).

Teachers

The Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact allows teachers to use an eligible license held in a Compact member state to be granted an equivalent license in another Compact member state. For active military members and eligible military spouses who hold a license that is not unencumbered, the receiving state shall grant an equivalent license or licenses that, in the receiving state’s sole discretion, is equivalent to the license or licenses held by the teacher in any other member state, except where the receiving state does not have an equivalent license (KSA 72-8269).

State Taxes

Veterans and specific military personnel are entitled to tax benefits that are not available to many non-military citizens. Some benefits, like those related to property tax refunds, apply only to certain disabled veterans.

Income Tax

The Kansas Income Tax Act allows certain modifications to be made to an individual’s Kansas adjusted gross income. Some of these modifications may only be made by veterans and service members who meet certain requirements (KSA 79-32,117 et seq.).

Tax Exemptions

Any honorably discharged veteran in Kansas who has a certified disability rate of 100.0 percent is allowed an exemption of $2,320 per tax year, if the disability is permanent and was sustained through military action or accident or resulted from disease contracted while in service of the U.S. armed forces (KSA 79-32,121). Disabled veterans who meet the aforementioned requirements are also entitled to at least one of the following standard Kansas exemptions to which all Kansans are entitled:

• In the case of individuals filing a joint return, a personal exemption of $18,320; or
• In the case of all other individuals with a filing status of single, head of household, or married filing separate, a personal exemption of $9,160; and
• In addition to one of the above exemptions, a personal exemption of $2,320 for each dependent for which such taxpayer is entitled to a deduction for the taxable year for federal income tax purposes.

Withholding Tax

To determine an individual’s Kansas adjusted gross income (AGI), some veterans and service members are allowed to deduct amounts from their federal AGI, such as amounts received as retirement benefits. Specifically, veterans who reside in Kansas and who receive federal retirement benefits for their service in the U.S. armed forces are authorized to subtract such benefit amounts received from their federal AGI (KSA 79-32,117(c)(vii)). Likewise, individual taxpayers who are or who were members of the U.S. armed forces or the Kansas National Guard, or both, are authorized to subtract from their federal AGI the amounts of a recruitment bonus, sign-up bonus, or retention bonus received by such taxpayer as an incentive to join, enlist, or remain in the armed forces or the Kansas National Guard (KSA 79-32,117(c)(xvi)). Those same members are also authorized to subtract from their federal AGI the amounts received for repayment of educational or student loans incurred by, or obligated to, such taxpayer and received by such taxpayer as a result of such individual’s service (KSA 79-32,117(c)(xvi)). However, only eligible members of the Kansas National Guard are able to subtract from their federal AGI any amount received (a) as a reimbursement for premiums paid under the Guard member’s group life insurance policy, and (b) under KSA 48-281 et seq. for death benefits, so long as the member died as a result of federal active duty in a combat area in the line of duty (KSA 79-32,117(c)(xvii)).

Finally, the State of Kansas will not consider as taxable income any compensation received by an individual or on account of such individual who served in active service as a member of the U.S. armed forces in the geographical area of the Vietnam conflict and was taken prisoner of war or is missing in action as a result of the Vietnam conflict (KSA 79-32,117a).

Motor Vehicle Tax

The State will not impose taxes on up to two motor vehicles that are owned by an individual resident of Kansas if the individual is either: (a) a full-time active member of the U.S. military stationed in Kansas, or (b) a current member in good standing of the Kansas National Guard or a unit of the reserve forces of the U.S. military (KSA 79-5107).

Likewise, the State will not impose taxes on up to two motor vehicles or any recreational vehicles that are owned by an individual resident of Kansas who is a member of the U.S. military and is either: (a) mobilized or deployed on the date of such individual’s application for registration, or (b) absent from the State solely by reason of military orders on the date such individual’s application for registration is due and such vehicles are maintained outside of Kansas (KSA 79-5107, KSA 79-5121).

Property Tax

There are several kinds of property tax benefits available to veterans in Kansas.

Property Tax Deferral

An active-duty service member who has orders to deploy or is deployed outside of the United States for at least six months may defer payment of taxes on real property for up to two years. A claim for the deferral must be filed with the county clerk (KSA 79-1612).

Property Tax Exemptions

The following property, including all buildings located on such property and personal property contained therein, if actually and regularly used exclusively by individually chartered organizations composed of honorably discharged military veterans, or auxiliaries of such organizations, is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxes levied by the State of Kansas, pursuant to KSA 79-201:

• All real property used for the purposes of a clubhouse, place of meeting, or memorial hall; and
• All real property, not exceeding 2 acres, used for the purpose of a memorial park.

In addition, the following property located on U.S. Department of War military installations in Kansas is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxes levied by the State of Kansas, pursuant to KSA 79-201a:

• Any and all housing developments and related improvements that are developed pursuant to the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, 10 USC § 2871 et seq., and are provided exclusively or primarily for use by military personnel and their families; and
• Any and all utility systems and appurtenances that have been acquired or installed after December 31, 2013, pursuant to the Military Utilities Privatization Initiative, 10 USC § 2688 et seq., that are provided exclusively or primarily for use by the military of the United States.

Property Tax Refunds

Certain disabled veterans are entitled to ad valorem tax refunds under the Homestead Property Tax Refund Act. The deadline for filing a claim for refund is on or before April 15 of the year next succeeding the year in which such taxes were levied (KSA 79-4505). To be eligible to receive a property tax refund, a veteran must:

• Be a resident of Kansas and own their residence, which must be valued at $350,000 or less;
• Have served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, including those groups and individuals listed under 38 CFR § 3.7, and have been discharged or released therefrom under an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
• Have a 50.0 percent or greater disability sustained through military action or accident or resulting from disease contracted while in such active service; and
• Meet income requirements, which vary according to the refund amount and type sought.

The surviving spouse of a disabled veteran is eligible to continue to receive a property tax refund until the spouse remarries, so long as the disabled veteran was receiving benefits at the time of death (KSA 79-4508a). Similarly, the surviving spouse of an active-duty military personnel member who dies in the line of duty is also eligible to receive an ad valorem tax refund (KSA 79-4502).

Sales Tax

Beginning July 1, 2026, Kansas resident veterans who have been honorably discharged and have a 100.0 percent total or unemployable permanent disability rating sustained through military service will be exempt from paying sales taxes on purchases of tangible personal property and services. Purchases for the benefit of such disabled veterans, or made on behalf of such disabled veterans, will also qualify for the exemption, which will be capped at $24,000 of taxable sales per year per eligible person. The surviving spouse of an eligible disabled veteran will be eligible for the exemption until remarriage (KSA 79-3606h).

Any individual who claims the above sales tax exemption will be required to apply to the Secretary of Revenue for a veteran exemption identification number, which will be printed on a card the size of a driver’s license after the eligibility of the veteran individual is established. For the exemption to apply, veterans will be required to present their exemption number or exemption card to retailers when claiming the exemption (KSA 79-3606h).

Miscellaneous Benefits

Veterans are given several other benefits, such as prohibition of discrimination based on military service, easier access to services, and increased benefits.

Other Benefits for All Veterans

Anti-discrimination

Under Kansas law, it is illegal to discriminate against a member of the military based on their military status (KSA 44-1125 et seq.). For example, an employer is prohibited from denying employment to, or otherwise disqualifying or discharging from employment, a military member based on their military service. It is also illegal to discriminate against a member of the military in any place of public accommodation because of their military service.

Concealed Carry Licenses

In Kansas, individuals are permitted to carry a concealed firearm without a concealed carry license, unless such possession is prohibited by federal or state law. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents residing in Kansas can apply for concealed carry handgun licenses without having a Kansas driver’s licenses or Kansas non-driver’s identification card.

After meeting all other requirements for a concealed carry permit, the service member or dependent would be issued a license under the Personal and Family Protection Act and given a unique license number (KSA 75-7c01 et seq.). Active-duty military personnel stationed outside of Kansas can also apply for a concealed carry license by providing evidence of completion of a course offered in another jurisdiction, if the training requirements are determined to be equal to or greater than those required in Kansas (KSA 75-7c04 and KSA 75-7c05).

Other Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Per KSA 32-906, hunting and fishing licenses are issued at no cost to disabled veterans who:

• Served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and received a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable;
• Incurred or aggravated a disability in the line of duty while in active service; and
• Have a service-connected disability of 30.0 percent or more.

Increased Death and Disability Benefits for National Guard Members

Beginning on July 1, 2025, the Military Disability Board must adjust the amount of death and disability benefits for National Guard members every subsequent July 1 (KSA 48-284).

This adjustment will be based on that year’s Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) percentage increase. For National Guard members with a 100.0 percent disability on state active duty and surviving spouses of eligible deceased members, the monthly benefits will increase to $850 plus 12.5 percent of their monthly basic pay. The monthly benefit amounts for the surviving children of an eligible deceased member will increase to the following amounts:

• For one child: from $77 to $545;
• For two children: from $55 to $390, per child;
• For three children: from $48 to $340, per child; and
• For more than three children: an amount determined per child by multiplying the number of children in excess of three by $198 (up from $28) and adding an additional $1,020 (up from $144), the product of which is divided by the total number of children entitled to compensation (KSA 48-269).

Free Parking

Within public parking facilities and parking lots that employ parking attendants, veterans with a disabled veteran license plate are entitled to free parking privileges in spaces designated for disabled individuals (KSA 8-161).

Limited Documents to Determine Eligibility for State Benefits

Kansas has restricted the types of documents that agencies can request from a veteran to determine eligibility for benefits from a service-connected disability (KSA 73-1244). State agencies and municipalities are permitted to request specific documents from Kansas veterans to establish their eligibility for such benefits, including:

• A U.S. passport;
• An unexpired Real ID state driver’s license;
• A Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the VA;
• A Veteran Identification Card issued by the VA;
• A Common Access Card issued by the U.S. Department of War; and
• Any identity card authorized by the U.S. Department of War.

Other Benefits for Homeless Veterans

Nondriver Identification Cards

Any person who is a veteran and is homeless may apply for and be issued a nondriver ID card without providing an address of principal residence. A nondriver ID card obtained by a homeless veteran does not expire and requires the veteran to provide a copy of a specified military discharge document to KOVS to verify such person’s character of military service. The Secretary of Health and Environment is prohibited from charging or accepting any fee related to a homeless veteran’s request for certain information from the Office of Vital Statistics for the purpose of obtaining a nondriver identification card (2026 HB 2274).

Other Benefits for Veterans of Certain Wars

Vietnam War Era Medallion Program

The Vietnam War Era Medallion Program, authorized by KSA 73-1238, offers eligible veterans a medallion, a medal, and a certificate of appreciation. Veterans who served within the United States or in a foreign country between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, may participate if they meet the following requirements:

• Are legal residents of Kansas or were legal residents at the time they entered military service, the time they were discharged from military service, or at the time of their death; and
• Were honorably discharged, are still on active duty in an honorable status, or were on active duty at the time of death.