Military & Veteran Resources

A Sanctuary for Service Members

Central SC is an ideal environment where veterans can plant roots and find success in their civilian career path. South Carolina veterans benefit from state assistance, including income tax exemption on retirement pay, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, and more. The University of South Carolina’s century-long history with the military has created a growing community for veterans and ROTC students to connect, and has specialized coursework and resources for veterans and their families to utilize. In addition, Columbia is home to the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center. Find more resources and helpful links in the right-hand column.

#4

State for military engagement

109

Military and veteran organizations in Greater Columbia, SC

Top 5%

Best College of Veterans (University of South Carolina - Columbia)

Top 1/3

UofSC ranks in the top 1/3 of public universities in the Southeast for veterans

62,000

military personnel in S.C.

2nd

largest concentration of Veterans in S.C.

#2

Best State for Military Retirees

GOLD

level Military Friendly School

A male employee operates a piece of manufacturing equipment at Cogsdill in the Central SC Region

Careers & Training for Veterans

Central SC is home to a variety of resources for veterans looking to transition into civilian employment. Many of our largest industries – including technology and manufacturing – are well suited for those with skills developed in the military. Visit our jobs board to see our available positions. Looking to shift your career path entirely? Visit our upskilling section to learn about programs that can get you job-ready in as little as six months to a year.

 

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a variety of helpful resources, including career and employment assistance for veterans and their family members. Click over to the next tab to find a veterans affairs office that can help you understand the benefits and assistance you and your family could qualify for.

The top of a navy vessel in the Central SC Region

SC County Veterans Affairs Officers

The South Carolina Association of Veterans Affairs Officers provides a comprehensive listing of officers in each county within the state who can assist you with accessing benefits and resources as a veteran.

 

In Central SC, you can find an officer in one of the following counties: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland.

 

Find an Officer

A group of friends, one in a wheelchair, smile holding drinks in the Central SC Region

Benefits for Veterans in SC

  • South Carolina offers a number of benefits for veterans, including financial, employment and other assistance.

 

Honorably discharged veterans are given preference for state and public jobs. Financially, active duty pay is taxable and Reserve & National Guard drill pay is tax-free. Permanently and totally disabled veterans are also eligible for ahomestead tax deduction and a total exemption of property tax on their homes.

 

Children of SC veterans who died in service or who are permanently or totally disabled as a result of their service can access free tuition at state schools.

 

One of three South Carolina veterans homes is located in Columbia. Honorably discharged South Carolina resident veterans who are in need of skilled or intermediate nursing home care are eligible for admission.

 

Learn More at Military.com

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