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(go to homepage) Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs - Serving Kentucky's Veterans - KDVA

New to Kentucky

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​More than 280,000 veterans make their home in  "The Bluegrass State"  that's 8% of the states population.   A wide range of Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs services complement the federal benefits that are available to all eligible U.S. Military Veterans.​

  8 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In KentuckyKentucky is known for its robust education program for veterans and their families, especially for Kentucky disabled veterans. Other benefits include financial assistance to prevent homelessness, property tax exemptions, recreational licenses and discounts, vehicle registration discounts, and help with employment. 

The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs administers many of the veterans' programs and benefits in Kentucky. This is a great place to learn about your Kentucky and Federal benefits or get help with claims.   KDVA currently has  23 federally accredited Benefits Representatives who cover all of the 120 Counties in KY.  

Special Benefits for Kentuckians

The Homestead Extemption 

Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability receive a homestead exemption, which cuts the taxable value of your home. The 2021 and 2022 exemption is worth $40,500. You only need to apply for the homestead exemption once, and once approved you’ll automatically receive it annually as a disabled veteran. Local Property Valuation Administrators (PVAs) are responsible for assessing property in Kentucky. To apply, you must contact the Kentucky Department of Revenue 

Kentucky Military Retired Pay Income Taxes

Kentucky allows a pension income exclusion of up to $31,110 for military retired pay that is reported as taxable and included in their federal adjusted gross income.

Retired Service members may be able to exclude more than $31,110. Retired Service members must complete the Kentucky Pension Income Exclusion to determine how much of their pension income is taxable.

Kentucky State Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay

Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

  • Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their Families
  • Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
  • Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
  • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.

If you are a retired Service member and receive disability benefits from the VA, see IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Kentucky Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Kentucky homeowners who are least 65 years of age or who are totally disabled are eligible to receive a homestead exemption. The adjustment for the 2019-2020 assessment years was $39,300. This amount is deducted from the assessed value of the Veteran’s home and property taxes are computed based on the remaining assessment. The amount of the homestead exemption is recalculated every two years to adjust for inflation. The next adjustment effective for the 2021 and 2022 assessment years is $40,500. ​

Who is eligible for the Kentucky Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans?

Veterans must have a total service-connected disability rating from the VA to be eligible. Veterans must have been receiving disability compensation for the entire assessment period to be eligible. Disabled Veterans only need to apply the first time they are eligible to receive the exemption annually.

   To apply for a homestead exemption an applicant must:

Kentucky Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA)

MSRRA allows the same residency benefits offered to Service members under the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to also apply to a military Spouse's nonmilitary income.

MSRRA prohibits a Service member's Spouse from either losing or gaining residence for tax purposes to be with a Service member due to military orders. The military Spouse’s state of residence must be the same as the Service member.

Military Spouses should file Form 740-NP Kentucky Individual Income Tax Nonresident or Part-Year Resident Return to request a refund of the Kentucky income tax withheld from their pay, please check the box labeled Military Spouse. Those military Spouses that qualify under the MSRRA should file a Form K-4 Kentucky Withholding Certificate with their employer to claim an exemption from Kentucky income tax withholding. For information or assistance please call the Individual Taxpayer Assistance Section at 502-564-4581.

Extension for Filing Kentucky Income Tax Return for Members of the U.S. Armed Forces Serving in Combat Zones

Service members in the U.S. Armed Forces ​who serve in an area designated as a combat zone by presidential proclamation are not required to file an income tax return and pay the taxes, (that would otherwise become due during the period of service), until 12 months after the service is complete
​

1.How do I apply for a state job?

  •               Go to www.personnel.ky.gov
  •               Click on “Find a Job"
  •               Search by category, such as county, job, pay grade, etc.
  •               Choose a job to apply to.

2.Do veterans get hiring preference?

  •               Yes. When applying for a job, go to www.personnel.ky.gov
  •               Click on “Find a Job"
  •               Scroll down to find Veterans & Spouses

              Candidates must submit a DD-214 to receive veterans preference              Veterans preference means that the hiring manager must offer up to five veterans an interview.

3.           How long does it take to be hired by the state?

              It can take awhile. Candidates apply to registers found at www.personnel.ky.gov

              Registers are posted for a minimum of ten days. Managers review applications and schedule interviews. This can take a week or two. Then, background checks are conducted and references are verified. Once a job offer is made, most candidates wish to give a minimum of two weeks' notice to their current employer. Most state employees start at the beginning of a pay period, which is the 1st or 16th of each month.​

4. How long do I wait until I receive my first pay check?

              Timesheets are entered at the end of each pay period. They are processed and paid on the next

 pay date. For example, if an employee started on 9/01/2021, they would turn in their timesheet

on 09/16/2021 and be paid on 09/30/2021. In a similar manner, each pay period is paid on the

following pay date. ​

5.           Where can I find out information about being a merit employee?

              www.personnel.ky.gov

              Information about merit employment is available in the employee handbook

6.           What is the retirement plan for state employees?

            Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA)

Your future security and ability to reach your retirement goals are important to us.  The Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) is a defined benefit plan, providing a guaranteed payout at retirement.  There are also disability and death benefits available to KPPA members and their beneficiaries. For more information about the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, please visit their 

https://kyret.ky.gov/
7.           What insurances are available to state employees?

Insurance

Competitive rates and numerous options for health and life insurance, with payroll deduction options for dental, vision and other insurance.  https://kypersonnelcabinet.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=18&c=kypersonnelcabinet

8. What paid time off is available to state employees?

Leave and Holidays

Team members receive eleven and a half paid holidays each year, in addition to monthly sick, annual, compensatory leave, and a number of special leave options. https://kypersonnelcabinet.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=20&c=kypersonnelcabinet

9. What discounts are available to state employees?

Employee Discount Program Businesses throughout Kentucky regularly enjoy showing their appreciation to state employees by offering employee discounts. For more information, please visit the Employee Discount page. https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/Discounts.aspx

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, this Department’s services, assistance, and activities are available to all without regard to race, color, or national origin.