Tyrone Hewitt, our good friend and a frequent inspiration for veteran resources, got us thinking when he responded to a reservist asking about their Purple Heart benefits.
That made us to to one of our AI resources to ask about what are some resources available to them and their family members. Here’s what it found when we asked: “What Do Purple Heart recipients get for this award?”.
- Priority VA Health Care (No Co-Pays)
Purple Heart recipients are automatically placed in VA Priority Group 3. This grants them higher-priority access to VA healthcare services—both inpatient and outpatient—without any co-payments.military+1 - Streamlined Disability Claims
The Purple Heart expedites VA disability claims by easing evidentiary requirements. Combat-related injuries are presumed connected to service, making it easier to secure compensation.va+1 - VA Disability Compensation & Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
While the Purple Heart itself is an honorary medal and does not include a cash award, most recipients qualify for VA disability compensation, which is tax-free. Those with significant disabilities—such as limb loss or blindness—may qualify for additional SMC.legalclarity+1
🎓 Education Benefits
- Full Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
Purple Heart recipients receive the GI Bill benefits at the full (100%) level—regardless of active duty service duration.va+2 - Yellow Ribbon Program Eligibility
For Purple Hearts awarded on or after September 11, 2001, this benefit covers additional tuition costs at private, graduate, or out-of-state institutions.va+1 - Legislative Efforts for Dependent Transfers
There is active legislation (Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2024) aiming to allow veterans awarded the Purple Heart after discharge to transfer GI Bill benefits to dependents.clearancejobs
🏠 Home Loan & Financial Perks
- VA Home Loan Funding Fee Waiver
Eligible Purple Heart recipients who are currently on active duty or already receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the VA funding feefor guaranteed home loans.va+1 - Federal Hiring Preference
Enjoy a 10-point advantageon federal job applications compared to non-disabled veterans.military+1 - Commissary & Exchange Access
Purple Heart recipients can shop at all military commissaries and exchanges.military
🇺🇸 Additional Federal Benefits
- Commissary & Exchange Access
Continued access to military commissaries and exchanges for cost savings.military
🚘 State & Local Benefits (Varies by State)
Most states offer special perks for Purple Heart recipients, including:
- License Plates & Fee Waivers
Many offer free Purple Heart specialty license plates, with additional privileges such as fee-free registration and parking or toll exemptions—e.g., in Texas, plates cost $3/year, with waived registration, parking, and sometimes tolls.ca+2 - Education & Tuition Waivers
Examples include:- Arizona: Free tuition at state colleges if Purple Heart awarded after September 11, 2001 (or 50%+ VA disability).ptsdlawyers
- Florida: Free undergraduate tuition at all state public colleges.ptsdlawyers
- Parking & Toll Waivers
States like Texas offer parking fee exemptions at government meters; some counties also waive toll road fees.synonym+1 - Tax Exemptions & Hiring Preferences
Many states grant property tax relief for disabled Purple Heart recipients and additional preference in state-level employment.ptsdlawyers+1
💬 Membership & Community Benefits
- Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)
Joining MOPH connects you with a community of fellow recipients:- Offers scholarshipsfor recipients and their families
- Provides a $2,500 accidental death & dismemberment benefit
- Offers fellowship, legislative advocacy, and community engagement.purpleheart