More than 77,000 veterans live in the state of Delaware, with almost half of those age 65 and older. These veterans and their families have earned helpful benefits from the state and the nation, and it’s helpful to be aware of all the resources available to them to make the most of life after military service.

The Delaware Joining Forces (DJF) is a network of state agencies and external service providers who proactively work together to provide solutions for military members, veterans, and families. This group of state and community organizations works to provide solutions to critical issues and needs, including financial and legal assistance, job training and employment, homelessness and housing, education, behavioral health, and wellness. Veterans can search an online database of service providers specializing in service to veterans, as well as stay connected to other veterans with an updated veterans event calendar.

The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund is a nonprofit organization created to provide financial assistance or grants to assist Delaware veterans with health care requirements, housing assistance, including utilities, and educational or training programs. The fund has paid bills to prevent shutoff of utilities, repossessions, and emergency repairs for vehicles. One recipient replaced his 12-year-old eyeglasses, while another had a storage bill paid so he could access his tools and accept a job. One hundred percent of contributions this organization receives goes to pre-screened, honorably discharged Delaware veterans and their families in verified financial emergency.

The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs is an office of the Department of State, and is dedicated to assisting veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and accessing assistive services. In addition to a website full of helpful links and resources, the Commission also publishes a free, downloadable Veterans Resource Guide to help veterans get the most out of the benefits their service has earned them. The Commission is located at 802 Silver Lake Blvd in Dover and employs three Veteran Service Officers to assist Delaware veterans with benefits like compensation and pension, health care, education, employment, burial and survivor benefits, housing, military records, and transportation.

For Delaware state parks, veterans can enjoy numerous discounts for park entrance, registration fees, and permits. For example, any veteran who honorably served, including members of the Delaware National Guard, resides in the State of Delaware, and owns a motor vehicle registered in Delaware gets a 50% discount on the annual fee for vehicle entrance to state parks and recreational areas. Additionally, veterans with a VA disability rating of 60% may obtain a no-fee license for hunting, trapping, and fishing. Visit the state park site for a full list of veteran discounts.

Delaware veterans, their spouse, and dependent children are eligible for interment at either of two State Veterans Cemeteries, located in Bear and Millsboro. Eligibility is generally similar to burial requirements for a National Veterans Cemetery regarding service but adds a residency requirement. The Cemetery is open to visitors every day of the year from dawn until dusk, except for National and State holidays.

For aging veterans needing assisted living, the Delaware Veterans Home is located on 24 acres in Milford and offers skilled nursing care with four units and a total of 150 beds. Established in 2007, the Home’s mission is to provide outstanding long-term care services to Delaware veterans that uphold dignity and respect while sustaining and improving their quality of life. Assistance with daily living activities is available whenever needed, and the staff adjust its level of care and support to meet each resident’s needs and preferences. Residents can also enjoy a wide range of daily activities, games, arts and crafts, entertainment, and day trips, as well as special veteran-focused celebrations for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, and Veterans' Day. Veterans must be a resident of Delaware for three years prior to admittance.

Special veteran license plates are available for Delaware veterans, including ones for Valor: Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medal, Silver Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross. There are also distinctive plates for veterans of specific wars, prisoner of war, Purple Hear recipients, God Star Families, and more. There is typically only a $10 fee for these plates, but you must include appropriate documentation when applying. Visit the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles for more information.

To find out what veterans benefits exist in other states in the U.S. please visit our complete Veterans Benefits by State guide here.

Delaware Veterans Benefit for Assisted Living

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit is available to Delaware senior veterans and their spouses to help pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. Here is more information on how the Aid and Attendance benefit helps Delaware veterans.

Written By Megan Hammons