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Maryland

State Population: 4,763,898
Veteran Population: 332,591

Education

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In Maryland, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to several state-funded education benefits. The Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts (VAIC) Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, covering a portion of tuition and fees at eligible Maryland institutions. The Maryland National Guard Educational Assistance Program (NGEAP) provides tuition assistance for eligible Maryland National Guard members pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at approved Maryland institutions. The Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program supports eligible children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who died while on active duty, offering financial aid for tuition and fees. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Scholarship provides scholarships for eligible veterans of the Korean War, assisting with tuition and fees at eligible Maryland institutions. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
  • Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
    • Maryland National Guard Educational Assistance Program (MNGEAP). The MNGEAP provides eligible members of the Maryland National Guard with financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition expenses at eligible Maryland colleges and universities. The program is administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Under the MNGEAP, eligible Maryland 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 Maryland Higher Education Commission or the Maryland National Guard to get detailed information about the current program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for state-funded tuition assistance for National Guard members in Maryland. 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
    • Maryland’s Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship provides tuition assistance and other educational expenses to veterans attending an institution of higher learning in the State of Maryland. You must be: a veteran who suffers, as a direct result of military service, a disability of 25 percent or greater and has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans educational benefits a POW/MIA of the Vietnam Conflict
  • Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
    • The Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship offers free tuition and mandatory fees to family members attending a higher education institution in the State of Maryland (excludes the University of Maryland University College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore). Awards are good for five years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study, or a combination of both. To qualify, you must be: The son or daughter of a veteran who died, or is 100 percent disabled as a direct result of military service The son, daughter or surviving spouse of a victim of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, who died as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the attack on the Pentagon, or the crash of UA Flight 93 The son or daughter of a POW/MIA of the Vietnam Conflict
  • Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
    • (State must recognize military spouse license) State agencies shall issue expedited licenses to military spouses within 60 days of the receipt of a completed application, so long as the military spouse has held a license in good standing in another jurisdiction for at least one year and is in good standing in any and all jurisdictions in which a license is held. The military spouse must pay any applicable fees. If the licensed military spouse has not held a license for at least one year, state agencies may grant the military spouse a temporary license lasting for a time-period determined by the agency so long as the military spouse holds a license in good standing in any jurisdiction in which they are licensed and said temporary license does not pose a risk to public health, welfare, or safety.
  • Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022
    • No

Business Benefits

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The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to providing valuable information, resources, and support to veteran business owners. They offer comprehensive assistance in areas such as business planning, access to capital, government contracting opportunities, and more. The MDVA also plays a crucial role in guiding veterans through the certification process for veteran-owned businesses, ensuring they can leverage available benefits. For tailored business guidance, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serves as an invaluable resource. The SBDC specializes in offering business counseling, training, and resources specifically designed for veteran entrepreneurs. They provide expert guidance on critical areas such as business planning, market research, financial management, access to capital, and even government contracting opportunities. SBDC advisors are well-equipped to assist veterans in pursuing government contracts. To navigate the complexities of government procurement, the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides essential support to veteran-owned businesses. They offer expert guidance on registering as a government contractor, finding bidding opportunities, understanding requirements, and preparing and submitting proposals. Maryland offers a veteran-owned business certification program through the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). This certification provides recognition and opens doors to government contracts and procurement preferences for veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, Maryland provides various financing programs to support veteran-owned businesses, including loans, grants, and assistance in accessing capital for business development and expansion. The Maryland Department of Commerce and local financial institutions play a significant role in providing these programs, ensuring that veterans have the necessary financial resources to thrive and succeed in their business endeavors. To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in Maryland, I recommend visiting the official websites of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) at https://veterans.maryland.gov/, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at https://mdsbdc.org/, and the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at https://mdptac.org/. 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 Development Center (SBDC) in Maryland for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.
  • Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
    • Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program
  • Offers business Tax incentive
  • Small Business Loan Program
    • Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP)
  • Offers State Funding opportunity or Financial Assistance
  • Business Resource and Education Programs
  • VOB Networking and Mentorship
  • Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
    • - State Department: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland TEDCO Meridian Management Group, Inc.
      - Program Types: Loan Participation Program OCSP - Other Equity Capital Program (Direct) Equity Capital Program (Funds) Loan Participation Program
      - Program Names: Neighborhood Business Works Loan Participation Neighborhood Business Works Venture Debt Venture Equity Fund Venture Capital Limited Partnership Equity Social Impact Funds Seeds Funds Equity MSBDFA Equity Participation Investment Program - Loan MSBDFA Equity Participation Investment Program - Equity
      - Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]

Taxes, Land, and Real Estate Benefits and Programs

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In Maryland, veterans, military spouses, and dependents have access to a range of tax, land, and real estate benefits and programs. Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses can benefit from property tax exemptions based on their disability rating, providing relief from property taxes. Maryland exempts military pay earned while on active duty from state income tax, offering tax relief for service members. The state operates a Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program, providing affordable home loan options to eligible veterans and their families. Additionally, the state follows the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, allowing military spouses to maintain their previous state of residence for tax and voting purposes. These programs aim to provide financial support, homeownership opportunities, and residency flexibility to veterans and their families in Maryland. It is advisable to consult the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, or relevant state agencies for specific eligibility criteria and further details.
  • Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
    • Maryland veterans with 100% disability are eligible for full property tax exemption. They are also eligible to deduct the first $5,000 of retirement income from their Maryland taxes, with an increase to the first $15,000 for those age 55 or older. (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
    • Retirees can exclude the first $5,000, if they are 55+ you can exclude $15,000 of their military pension benefits.
  • Offers a Military Family Relief Fund or Program
    • Program Name: Maryland Veterans Trust Fund
      Program Description: The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) offers grants and loans to Veterans and their Family members who are in dire financial situations, or to private organizations that help Veterans (homeless programs, substance abuse programs, etc.). The Maryland Veterans Trust fund is a non-emergency, temporary financial assistance program that provides assistance to those that will be self-reliant after receiving the loan or grant. Financial assistance cannot be used to address chronic issues.
      Eligible Groups: - Veterans / Service Members
      - Military Families
      - Surviving Families
      - Wounded / Injured

State Employment Programs

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In the state of Maryland, veterans, guard members, and reserve members have access to a range of state programs, preferences, and benefits to support their employment needs. The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) provides comprehensive employment services, including job search assistance, career counseling, resume building, interview preparation, and access to job training programs. Maryland offers veterans' preference in public employment through the Veterans' Preference program, granting eligible individuals additional points in hiring and promotional exams for state government positions. The Maryland Veterans Full Employment Act ensures that veterans receive consideration for state employment opportunities, and agencies are required to establish veterans' employment programs to assist them in accessing employment resources. Additionally, the Veterans Outreach Program offers personalized assistance to veterans in their job search, including connecting them with employers, providing job leads, and assisting with resume and interview preparation. These state initiatives aim to enhance employment opportunities, support career development, and facilitate the successful transition of veterans, guard members, and reserve members into the Maryland workforce.
  • Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
    • The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS) provides provisions for military service credit for eligible members. Here are some key points about military service credit in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System: Eligibility: To be eligible for military service credit, you must be a member of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and have served in the military. Types of Military Service Credit: SRPS offers two types of military service credit: a. Vesting Credit: If you served in the military before becoming an SRPS member, you may be eligible to receive vesting credit towards your retirement benefits. 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 Maryland State Retirement and Pension System may vary. It's advisable to contact SRPS directly for detailed information and personalized guidance regarding military service credit in Maryland.
  • Offers Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses or business taxes

State DMV Programs

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No summary available.
  • Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
  • Offers Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption
  • Offers Free or Discounted Public Transportation Programs or Parking

Recreation Programs

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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
  • Offers State Parks Admission/Camping Discounts and Waivers

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