Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating receive tax-free monthly compensation and unlock a range of valuable state benefits. These include property tax exemptions, free education options, discounted vehicle registration, and recreational perks. The benefits you receive with a 60% VA disability rating can significantly reduce expenses, support your family, and improve daily life—often totaling thousands in yearly savings depending on your state. Don’t overlook these impactful financial and lifestyle advantages.
First, Let’s Talk About What the 60% VA Disability Rating Gets You at the Federal Level
Before we even talk about individual state benefits, the 60% VA disability rating unlocks some legit monthly compensation from the VA itself.
As of 2024, here’s how the pay shakes out:
| Status | Monthly Payment (2024) |
|---|---|
| Single Veteran | $1,361.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse | $1,508.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse & Child | $1,590.88 |
| Veteran with 1 Child (no spouse) | $1,443.88 |
Keep in mind, these numbers get adjusted annually for inflation. You don’t pay federal income tax on your VA disability compensation. That’s tax-free income every month. And while that alone is solid, it’s not where it stops.
State Benefits for Veterans With a 60% VA Disability Rating
This is the good stuff most vets miss. Every single state has its own flavors of veteran benefits — some better than others. But here’s the problem: A ton of guys I served with don’t even know what their own state offers. When I got my 60% rating, I had no idea that I could:
- Pay almost no property tax in Texas
- Get free hunting/fishing licenses in Florida
- Lock in free tuition for college in Illinois
Yet, most states have at least 3-5 programs or discounts just for vets rated 60%. We’ll hit up examples by state in the next section. You can also check this blog for other veteran-related benefits that overlap with real estate and income streams.
Key State-Level Perks Veterans With a 60% Rating Can Access
So let’s spell out the common benefits a 60% disabled vet might get, depending on your home state.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Many states slash or eliminate property taxes for veterans over the 50% disability level. This saves thousands annually.
- Education Benefits: Reduced or free college tuition for you or your kids. States like Illinois and Texas show up huge here.
- Vehicle Registration Discounts: Free or discounted car registration and license plates — often with a specially marked veteran identifier.
- Recreation Perks: Think hunting/fishing licenses, park passes, and state museum entry — all free in a lot of places.
- State Employment Preference: Veteran preference points when applying for state jobs, especially civil service roles.
- Access to State Veterans Homes: Long-term care facilities specifically built for veterans, often with little or no out-of-pocket cost.
- Legal Help: Free or discounted legal aid programs for veterans dealing with housing, family law, or benefits.
These aren’t just fluff benefits either.
They help you keep more cash in your pocket, get your kids educated debt-free, and make daily life better. Here’s the real story: when times are tight, these benefits can be the difference-maker. Want to build real equity in your life while accessing your VA perks? Check out the latest on the reApha blog — they’re making finance and income mix with VA benefits smarter, not more complex.
Real World Story: How I Saved $5,800 Just From My 60% Rating
Alright, time for some real numbers. After my rating came through, I almost tossed the letter aside. Didn’t think it meant much besides the VA deposit each month. But then a buddy of mine from Georgia — same MOS from back in the day — told me he used his to snag a big property tax cut. I looked up Colorado’s benefit page (my home state), found a form buried 3 pages deep on the Department of Revenue site… Filled it out, mailed a copy of my DD214 and disability rating letter…
Boom. My annual property taxes went from $2,900 to under $1,100. Saved $1,800 that year alone. Then I got my fishing license renewed for $0. Also scored a 10% off discount at the state university bookstore — which adds up when books are stupid expensive. Over 3 years? Just shy of $5,800 back in my account. Total time spent applying: less than 4 hours total.
FAQs:
Do I get free healthcare with a 60% VA disability rating?
Yes — you’re eligible for VA priority group 1 or 2 healthcare access.
Meaning your copays are almost always $0 and you have better access to care than lower-rated vets.
Can I still work with a 60% VA disability rating?
Absolutely. If you’re getting standard VA disability comp (not unemployability), you can have a full-time job and still get your benefits. A ton of veterans work post-service without losing their VA pay.
Do states offer VA home loan support for 60% disabled veterans?
Not technically — that’s federal through the VA. But some states offer extra property tax breaks or housing grants for adapted homes. You might qualify for things like the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant too.
Can I bump my rating higher later?
100%. If your condition gets worse — and you’ve got the proof — you can file for an increase. A ton of vets have 60% for years and bump to 70%, 80%, or even 100% with time and documentation.
Conclusion:
The benefits you receive with a 60% VA disability rating go far beyond monthly compensation. From major property tax savings to free education and state-specific perks, these advantages can greatly ease financial burdens and improve your quality of life. Make sure you explore what your state offers — it could mean thousands back in your pocket each year.
Picking the right college town in Pennsylvania isn’t just about the school—safety matters too. No one wants to worry about crime stats while balancing midterms and social life. Parents want to know their kids are safe, and students want a community where they can walk home after a late study session without stressing.
Some towns go above and beyond when it comes to security, community support, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re a student looking for a safe space to call home or a family moving to a college Safe college towns in Pennsylvania
1. State College
State College isn’t just home to Penn State—it’s also one of the safest college towns in Pennsylvania. The town is packed with school pride, vibrant local businesses, and a police presence that keeps crime numbers low.
Why students and families love it:
- Low crime rate compared to national averages
- A strong community feel with active neighborhood groups
- Penn State’s own police department adds extra security
With late-night buses, well-lit streets, and a campus culture that encourages looking out for each other, safety is a top priority in this town.
2. Lewisburg
Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University, is another college town where safety stands out. This small-town vibe mixed with a tight-knit community means students and families feel secure.
What makes Lewisburg safe?
- Low crime rates, especially for a college town
- Strong police presence and community involvement
- Quiet residential areas perfect for families
Lewisburg is the type of town where people still know their neighbors, and that kind of environment creates a feeling of security that’s hard to match.
3. West Chester
West Chester has built a strong reputation, not just for West Chester University but also for its community-driven approach to safety. The town’s balance of college life and family-friendly areas makes it a solid choice.
Key safety features:
- Vibrant downtown with well-lit streets and active nightlife policing
- University security teams work with local law enforcement
- Suburban neighborhoods offer a peaceful environment for families
Between the walkable downtown, security efforts, and community participation, West Chester keeps students and residents feeling safe.
4. Villanova
When people hear Villanova, they think basketball. But beyond sports, this suburban town is one of the safest college areas in Pennsylvania. It’s a small, affluent community with a strong focus on safety.
Why Villanova stands out:
- Low crime rates in both violent and property crimes
- The university’s safety programs and alert systems
- Family-oriented community with quiet streets
It’s not just a great place for students—the surrounding community makes it ideal for families looking for a calm, secure place to live.
FAQs
What factors make a college town in Pennsylvania safe?
A mix of low crime rates, strong local law enforcement, university security programs, and a supportive community all contribute to making a college town safer.
Are Pennsylvania college towns safer than big cities?
Generally, yes. College towns tend to have more policing, a strong community presence, and lower overall crime rates compared to major cities.
How can students stay safe in college towns?
Some simple habits go a long way:
- Stick to well-lit areas at night
- Use campus security escorts when available
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Lock doors and secure valuables
