Source: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Alabama
Timestamp: 2018-11-13 18:08:49
Document Index: 372205829

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 16', '§ 16', '§ 36', '§ 36', '§ 36', '§ 36', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 32', '§ 32', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 31', '§ 8', '§ 35', '§ 19', '§ 12', '§ 43', '§ 26', '§ 31', '§ 26', '§ 31', '§ 17', '§ 26', '§ 12', '§ 35']

Alabama | The Official Army Benefits Website
Motor Vehicle Division Benefits
Summary: Alabama offers special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including State Tax Advantage, Property Tax Exemptions, Alabama National Guard Tuition Scholarship Program, Education and Tuition Assistance, Vehicle Tags, Preference in State Classified Employment as well as Fishing License privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
State Tax Advantage (Military Retiree Income Tax Exemption): Effective January 1, 1989, and for all successive tax years, all compensation received as retirement benefits by any person retired from the military service of the United States of America and survivor benefits derived there from are hereby exempt from any state, county or municipal income tax or similar tax. (Ala. Code § 40-18-20)
Eligibility: Military Retiree
Military Combat Pay Income Tax Exemption: Money paid by the United States to a person as compensation for active service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat zone shall not be subject to income taxes levied by the State of Alabama for the calendar year 1965 or any subsequent year.
Eligibility: Combat zone must be designated by executive order of the President of the United States (Code of Alabama 1974, Section 40-18-3)
Retired Military Pay: Pay and survivor benefits are not taxed.
Military Disability Retired Pay: All disability pay received from the VA is exempt from taxation.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: All disability pay and other payments received from the VA is exempt from taxation.
Military SBP/ RCSBP/ RSFPP: Effective January 1, 1989, and for all successive tax years, all compensation received as military survivor benefits derived there from military retirement are hereby exempt from any state, county or municipal income tax or similar tax. (Ala. Code § 40-18-20).
Homesteads of Totally Disabled Veteran: (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-9-21(a) ) The homesteads of residents of Alabama who are over sixty-five (65) years of age, retired due to permanent and total disability, regardless of age, or blind, regardless of age or whether such person is retired, shall be exempt from all state ad valorem taxes.
Memorandum Clarifying Exemption for Permanently and Totally Disabled
Homes of Veterans/Widows Acquired under Public Law 702: The home of any Veteran which is or was acquired by the provisions of Public Law 702, 80th Congress (specially adapted housing grant) as amended by (38 USC) regardless of its value shall be exempt.
Eligibility: Veteran owned and occupied as a home by the Veteran or his/her un-remarried Widow/er. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-9-20)
Motor Vehicle Paid for By VA Grant: Vehicles that have been all or partly paid for with funds furnished by the VA are entitled to exemptions from all license fees and ad valorem taxes on such motor vehicle provided the Veteran keeps the vehicle only for private use. (Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-12-254)
Eligibility: Any disabled Veteran of WWII or of any hostilities in which the United States was, is, or shall be engaged against any foreign state who owns such a vehicle paid all or partly from VA funds.
Education Benefits :
Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program: The Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP) provides tuition assistance to eligible National Guard Service members.
There was an increase, effective for the Fall semester 2017, from the 2016-2017, $2,000.00 annual award amount to the 2017-18 award amount which is $5,080.00 per semester. Only 10% of the yearly appropriated funds are designated for Graduate reimbursements.
ANGEAP will cover only the remaining balance of tuition and fees that are not otherwise covered by any VA benefits received by the student.
Award amount per semester (Fall, Spring, Summer) not to exceed the average cost of tuition per semester of a state-supported Alabama four-year institution. This award amount will be determined annually by July 31st by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education based upon institutional tuition increases and the annual program appropriation each year.
Veteran’s educational benefits (Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1607, Post 9/11 and Tuition Assistance) that are received by the applicant are to be deducted (Section II, Item D of the ANGEAP application) in determining amount applicant is eligible to receive.
Federal Pell grant, work-study and student loans are not to be included as deductions for ANGEAP eligibility.
Students shall take the necessary steps to utilize the above benefits, but only VA and Tuition Assistance benefits will be deducted from the ANGEAP calculations
ANGEAP will reimburse for tuition and fees only. Qualifying tuition are classes or courses that counts towards the individual’s certificate plan or declared program of study. Books and supplies are no longer covered. All payments will be made at the end of each semester.
All applicants (Undergraduates and Postgraduates) must have a completed FAFSA on file to ensure students are aware of all educational benefits available.
Applicants must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program in any community, technical college under the authority of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees; or enrolled pursuing 1st undergraduate or post-graduate degree in an accredited college or university within the state.
Eligibility: To be eligible for an ANGEAP award the student must:
Be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college, university, community college, junior college, or technical college within the State of Alabama; and
Maintain a cumulative 2.00 GPA for Undergraduate level; 3.00 GPA for Graduate level at end of each semester; and
National Guard Service member Priority 1 category is Service members in pay grade E-1 through E-6 with less than 6 years' service. Priority 2 is all other National Guard Service members. Application
Alabama G. I. Dependents' Scholarship Program: The State of Alabama offers varying duration scholarships for eligible dependents of resident Alabama disabled Veterans. A dependent is defined as a Child, step-Child, Spouse or the un-remarried Surviving Spouse of the Veteran.
Children and step-Children of qualified Veterans may receive five standard academic years (10 semesters)
Spouses or un-remarried Surviving Spouses of a Veteran rated as 100% permanently and totally disabled are entitled to five standard academic years (10 semesters).
Spouses or un-remarried Surviving Spouses of a Veteran rated 40-90% disabled are entitled to three standard academic years (6 semesters).
These scholarships are available for use at any Alabama State-supported institution of higher learning or a prescribed course of study at any state–supported technical college to be used for undergraduate courses of study at the in-state tuition rate.
Eligibility: The Veteran must meet the qualifications listed below to establish eligibility of his/her dependents.
Veterans with a disability rating of 20-30% may qualify if the effective date of their disability rating is on or before July 31, 2017. This provision will expire on July 31, 2023.
Veterans whose disability rating is less than 20% prior to May 23, 2017 but who had a claim for compensation pending prior to that date which resulted in a final award by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of at least 20% may be eligible if the dependent applies for benefits within six months of that final adjudication.
Permanent civilian resident for at least one year immediately prior to initial entry into federal active military service or any subsequent entry into federal active military service where a 12 month break in service occurred. And one of the following:
Age Deadline: The Child or step-Child must initiate training under this program prior to his/her 26th birthday. In certain situations, a Child or step-Child may be eligible for our program up to the age of 30. If the applicant is a step-Child, the Veteran and the step-Child’s parent must be legally married prior to the Child’s 19th birthday.
Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program Pamphlet
Tuition Waiver - Purple Heart Medal Recipients: Public institutions of higher learning in the State of Alabama, including two-year and four-year postsecondary technical colleges, community colleges, and junior colleges, may waive tuition and fees for recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for undergraduate studies. Contact the public institution that the recipient plans to attend for more information. (Ala. Code § 16-1-43)
The waiver provided to the recipient of a Purple Heart may be applicable for up to 125 percent of the number of required credit hours of the degree or certificate program for which the Veteran is enrolled.
Eligibility: The Veteran must be enrolled as a full time, part time, or summer school student in an undergraduate program that culminates in a degree or certificate, and the Veteran is currently, and was at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the Purple Heart, a resident of this state.
The benefits provided shall be in addition to all other benefits provided by law and shall only be available to an eligible Veteran after he or she has utilized all other educational benefits, excluding any benefit that is partially funded by the Veteran, such as those benefits provided in the federal Montgomery GI Bill, also known as Chapter 30.
Operation Recognition - High School Diploma: The State Superintendent of Education may award a standard high school diploma to any honorably discharged Veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces at any time between the following dates:
December 7, 1941 - January 1, 1946
November 15, 1961 - March 28, 1973
Interested Veterans or Family members should contact the high school principal's office of the Veteran's former high school, or the County Superintendent of Education to make application for the diploma. (Ala. Code § 16-1-37)
Dr. Douglas Ragland, Retired School Superintendent
Address: 1061 Sunhill Road NW
Email: dlrag@bellsouth.net
Phone: 205-815-8000
Leave of Absence for Military Service: State employees receive 21 working days leave of absence per calendar year for military service, without loss of pay, time, annual vacation or sick leave.
Eligibility: State employees that are active members of the Alabama National Guard or Army Reserves, on orders for training or active duty.
Job Status and Reemployment Rights: Those state employees who are not in the classified service, upon being called into or entering the military service, shall have the same rights and privileges as to reemployment by the state or any department thereof as are granted to those employees in the classified service. (Ala. Code § 36-26-33)
State, county and municipal officials, who enter the military or naval service at a time when a state of national emergency has been declared to exist by the President of the United States, have preservation of job status and reemployment rights. (Ala. Code 36-8-1-6)
Any teacher entering military service at a time when there is an existing state of war between the United States and any other country shall be granted a leave of absence for the duration of the war and until the beginning of the school year next succeeding the date on which said teacher is released from military service.
Any teacher entering the military service of the United States, who is not on continuing service status but who has accumulated one or more years of teaching experience immediately prior to entering military service, shall be given credit for such experience if such teacher is reemployed within one year after release from military service. (Ala. Code 16-24-13)
Veterans Hiring Preference (State): All persons who have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces at any time shall have 5 points added to any earned ratings in examination for entrance to the state classified service. Honorably discharged Veterans with the present existence of a service-connected disability and entitled to pension, compensation or disability allowance under existing laws shall have 10 points added to any earned ratings. Spouses and Surviving Spouses of certain disabled or deceased Veterans may have the 10-point preference extended to them and added to any earned ratings. Veterans also receive preference on the classified service employment registers over non-Veterans with the same ratings. (Ala. Code § 36-26-15(b))
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of Spouses, Surviving Spouses, or Mothers of Veterans as described below. This type of preference is usually referred to as "derived preference" because it is based on service of a Veteran who is not able to use the preference. Both a Mother and a Spouse (including Surviving Spouse) may be entitled to preference on the basis of the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Membership in State Employees'/Teachers' Retirement System: Retirement benefits rights of state employees and teachers who enter the Armed Forces and return to state employment within one year after discharge are preserved and may be granted credit for military service up to four years.
Eligibility: A member who entered the Armed Forces and does not withdraw contributions, and who returns to employment within one year after being honorably discharged. Additionally, provided the Veteran pays an amount equal to 4% of the average compensation paid to a state employee during each claimed year of full-time military service, plus and together there with 8% interest compounded from the last date of such claimed military service. The contributions must be made within a period of time equal to the length of service in the armed forces or before attainment of age 60, or in the case of a state policeman, age 56, whichever occurs first. No credit for military service shall be granted if such member is receiving military service retirement benefits. (Ala. Code §§ 36-27-4(d) - (f); 16-25-3(d) & (e))
Peace Officers Credit for Military Service: Any peace officer who becomes a member of the Alabama Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund and who left employment and entered directly into the Armed Forces of the United States and who returned to work as a peace officer within six months after release or discharge shall receive prior employment service credit for service in the military not to exceed five years. (Ala. Code § 36-21-69)
Business and Occupational License Exemptions for Disabled Veterans: Any bona fide permanent resident of Alabama who is a Veteran of WWII or at any time past, present or future, when the United States was, is or shall be engaged in hostilities with any foreign state and who has physical disabilities of 25% or more whether service-connected or not, may be exempt from business or occupational license taxes. A Veteran who conducts his/her business as a means of livelihood through his/her personal efforts and has no more than one employee shall be entitled to licenses from the state/county/municipality to carry on such business upon the payment of license taxes that shall not exceed $25.00. However, a Veteran whose property (both real and personal) is valued at $5,000.00 or more or whose net income is $2,500.00 or more is not entitled to these business and occupational license exemptions. (Ala. Code § 40-12-340-352)
Unemployment Compensation Benefits:
Unemployment Compensation: The Unemployment Compensation Division pays unemployment benefits to workers who are either unemployed or working reduced hours, through no fault of their own. Not everyone who applies for unemployment benefits will qualify. Certain conditions must be met in order to meet initial eligibility requirements and to remain eligible to receive benefits.
To file a claim you will need the following:
The name correct address, and dates of employment for your most recent employer;
In order to verify your identity, you will need a driver's license or state issued ID card number;
If you are separating from the military, you will also need the member 4 copy of your DD214; and
If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide your work authorization number.
Click here to file a claim online. You can also file your claim from any touch-tone telephone by calling the Initial Claims Line (toll free) at 1-866-234-5382. Your call will be answered by an electronic Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, which will ask you some initial questions. You will then be automatically connected to a Customer Service Representatives to complete your claim. It is recommended that you do not use a Cellular telephone for this process because calls may be dropped by your service prior to our system saving the information.
The Alabama Unemployment Compensation handbook can be found here .
Motor Vehicle Division Benefits :
Exemption from License and Registration Tax and Fee: The following individuals are exempt from the payment of the privilege or license tax and registration fee:
Disabled Veterans (50% or Greater Disability Rating: Any resident Veteran who suffers from a physical disability which requires that any motor vehicle he or she operates be equipped with special mechanical control devices or whose physical disability is greater than 50%, may be issued license plates for private or pleasure motor vehicles. Payment for this tag is $5.00, unless otherwise exempted by law. The fee shall be in lieu of the regular license fee now required for motor vehicles and shall be used to defray the cost of issuing the distinctive license plates. The plates shall not be transferable. If the Veteran qualifies under § 40-12-254, he/she is limited to one license plate. If the Veteran qualifies under § 32-6-130, there is no limit on the number of plates issued. (Ala. Code §§ 32-6-130 & 40-12-254)
Disabled Veterans (10% Service Connected or Higher Disability Rating): Service-connected disabled Veterans rated at 10% or higher who are residents of Alabama at the time the exemption is claimed, shall be exempt from the payment of the privilege or license tax and registration fee now and hereinafter to be levied on automobiles and motor vehicles by the State of Alabama. The plates shall not be transferable. Veterans rated as less than 50% service-connected disabled are limited to one exemption and one license plate. (Ala. Code §§ 40-12-244 & 40-12-254)
National Guard or Reserves Forces Exemption: Any active or retired member of the Alabama National Guard or any resident of Alabama at the time of entering the United States Armed Forces Reserve organization who are still residents of Alabama at the time the exemption is claimed, shall be exempt from the payment of the privilege or license tax and registration fee now and hereinafter to be levied on one automobile or motor vehicle by the State of Alabama. For active members, this exemption extends only the distinctive National Guard or service connected disabled Veterans’ license plate. For retired members, the exemption extends only to the distinctive National Guard license plate. (Ala. Code § 40-12-244)
Gold Star Family: Any Immediate Family member of a person that has died while on active duty in any branch of the U.S. military. This only applies for one Alabama Gold Star Family license plate .
Veteran Designation for Driver's License: Alabama Veterans have the option of displaying proof of military service on their driver licenses. There is no additional charge for the Veteran designation for a first-time driver license applicant or for an individual renewing his/her license. A Veteran who chooses to add the designation before the renewal date must pay the standard fee for a duplicate license.
Eligibility: Veterans must visit one of the Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver License examining offices and present a DD-214 form from the U.S. Department of Defense that shows an "honorable" or "general under honorable conditions" discharge.
Military License Plates: The state of Alabama offers 28 specialized vehicle license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of Service members, Veterans, retirees, and eligible Family members. Short descriptions of some of the plates available are listed below. For a complete list click the “Learn more” link below.
Medal of Honor Plate: A resident of Alabama who is the recipient of the Medal of Honor or the Surviving Spouse of a recipient of the Medal of Honor. The registrant is exempt from registration fees and ad valorem taxes for the first plate. All applicable registration fees and ad valorem taxes must be remitted for any additional plates obtained. The registration fees range from $15.00 to $105.00 depending on the type of vehicle being registered. The plate cannot be personalized. This plate may be displayed on private passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, motorcycles and pleasure motor vehicles (i.e., recreational vehicles) not exceeding 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Eligibility: A resident of Alabama who is the recipient of the Medal of Honor or the Widow(er) of a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Applicants must provide one of the following:
An “ Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges " must be provided to obtain the disability access license plate. The surviving Spouse may retain or obtain this license plate. There are no limits to the number of plates an applicant may receive.
Purple Heart Plate: Any resident of the State of Alabama who shows by satisfactory proof that he or she is a recipient of the Purple Heart medal. The registrant is exempt from registration fees (but not ad valorem taxes) for the first plate. All applicable registration fees and ad valorem taxes must be remitted for any additional plates obtained. The registration fees range from $15.00 to $105.00 depending on the type of vehicle being registered. This plate may be displayed on private passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, motorcycles and pleasure motor vehicles (i.e., recreational vehicles) not exceeding 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Eligibility: A resident of Alabama who is the recipient of the Purple Heart. Applicants must provide one of the following:
An “ Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges " must be provided to obtain the disability access license plate. The surviving Spouse may retain the plate, but cannot obtain a new plate. There are no limits to the number of plates an applicant may receive.
Disabled Veteran Plate: A resident of Alabama who is a service-connected disabled Veteran.
The first tag is exempt from registration fees for Veterans with a 10% or higher disability. (Section 40-12-244 )
There is an annual fee of $5.00 for Veterans with over 50% disability or vehicle has special mechanical control devices. (Section 36-6-10 )
If the vehicle is all or partly paid for by US Department of Veterans Affairs, the first plate is exempt from registration fees and ad valorem tax. (Section 40-12-254 )
This plate may be displayed on private passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, motorcycles and pleasure motor vehicles (i.e., recreational vehicles) not exceeding 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Veterans qualifying for the $5 plate may display the plate on all weight pleasure motor vehicles.
Eligibility: Any Veteran resident requiring special mechanical control devices to operate a vehicle because of service-connected disabilities or a Veteran with 10% or higher disability. The Veteran must provide a proper identification card and a US Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating certification. An " Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges " must be provided to obtain the disability access license plate. The license plate is not transferable, and surviving Spouses may not retain or obtain this plate. If the Veteran qualifies under Sections 40-12-244 or 40-12-254, they are limited to one (1) license plate. If the Veteran qualifies under Section 32-6-130, there is no limit on the number of plates an applicant may receive.
Group Insurance: Alabama National Guard Association offers up to $50,000 for National Guard Service members; also Spouse up to $25,000 and dependent coverage from $400-$10,000 is available.
Eligibility: Member of Army/Air National Guard and their dependents.
Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: Injury occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Right of Dependents to Compensation;: In the event an Alabama National Guardsman is killed, either accidentally or deliberately, while engaged in the performance of his duties in quelling a riot, rout, or civil disturbance, his dependents shall be entitled to compensation in the amount of $10,000 to be paid from the State Treasury, as provided in this chapter, unless such death was caused by the willful misconduct of the guardsman or was due to his own intoxication or his willful failure or refusal to use safety appliances provided by his commanding officer or other person in charge, or his willful refusal or neglect to perform a statutory duty or any other willful violation of a law, or his willful breach of a reasonable rule or regulation governing the performance of his duties as such guardsman, of which rule or regulation he had knowledge. Any Alabama national guardsman whose death results proximately and within three years from an injury received while performing his duties in quelling any riot, rout, or civil disturbance shall, for the purposes of this chapter, be deemed to have been killed while in the performance of such duties; provided, however, that the compensation provided for by this chapter shall be limited to state duty and shall not be extended to cover any federal duty status. (Ala. Code § 31-3-2)
Parks and Recreation Benefits :
Non-Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Active duty Military personnel, including Spouse and dependents living with them receive resident license privileges. Non-Resident Military personnel applying for hunting and fishing license stationed in Alabama must go to the Probate Office or License Commissioner and must present each of the following:
Copy of orders assigning them to Alabama for 30 days or more.
This includes their Spouse and dependents living with them, if they wish to apply for a license.
If assigned in a state bordering Alabama and currently living in Alabama for at least 90 days, you may apply for resident privileges using the same evidence of residency as a resident non-driver.
Military personnel assigned to Fort Benning, not living in Alabama , hunting off base must purchase a non-resident license if hunting in Alabama.
Military personnel assigned to Fort Benning, who have a Fort Benning hunting license, hunting on base only, are not required to purchase an Alabama license.
Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses: The State of Alabama offers discounted hunting and fishing licenses for eligible Veterans
50% Disabled Military Veterans' Appreciation Hunting License: Veterans who are certified by VA to be 50% or more disabled may receive a hunting license for $13.85. Veterans must present their VA certification letter to the local probate office or license commissioner.
100% Disabled Military Veterans' Appreciation Hunting License: Veterans who are certified by VA to be 100% permanently disabled may receive a hunting license for $3.10. Veterans must present their VA certification letter to the local probate office or license commissioner.
Disabled Military Veterans' Appreciation 3-day Event Hunting License: Allows for sanctioned events hosting disabled military Veterans (residents and/or nonresidents) to hunt all game for 3 days in Alabama for $133.55. Each license permits up to 10 disabled military Veterans on one license. Veterans must be certified by VA to be 50% or more disabled. Completed applications must be forwarded to:
Dept. of Conservation, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
Attn: License Sales
PO Box 301456
20% or more Disabled Military Veterans' Appreciation Freshwater Fishing License: Veterans who are certified by VA to be 20% or more disabled may receive a freshwater license for $3.10. Veterans must present their VA certification letter to the local probate office or license commissioner.
100% Disabled Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing License: Residents who are certified by the VA to be 100% disabled may receive a freshwater or the saltwater fishing license each for $3.00. Veterans must present their VA certification letter to the local probate office or license commissioner.
Alabama State Veterans Home Program : Alabama extends a special kind of care to Veterans through a partnership with the federal government and private industry. The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City has been "home" to hundreds of Veterans since its opening in 1989. In January 1995, Alabama opened two more homes to vets, the Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville and the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette. In November 2012, the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home , opened in Pell City.
Eligibility: To be eligible for care in any Alabama state Veterans’ home an individual:
Must be honorably discharged from military service with a minimum of 90 days of service, of which one day was during a wartime period. DD-214 or equivalent must be part of the application package.
Veterans must meet the qualifications as set forth by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs criteria for skilled nursing care or domiciliary/assisted living;
Must have been a resident of the State of Alabama during the immediate past 12 months.
Must have had a medical examination by a physician within 90 days of admission request and exam will show that the Veteran does not have:
Must meet the requirements of Alabama’s immigration laws.
To download an application, click here .
Exemption of Debts Incurred Pursuant to National Housing Act or Veterans' Benefits: All debts or extensions of credit incurred pursuant to any provision of the act of Congress known as the National Housing Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended or supplemented, and all debts or extensions of credit incurred pursuant to any act of Congress relating to Veterans' benefits, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended or supplemented, are exempt from any law of this state relating to usury or prescribing or limiting interest rates. (Ala. Code § 8-8-6(a))
Executive, Attestation, and Acknowledgment Certification: Acknowledgments, proof of conveyance and affidavits may be taken by certain government, state or municipal officials or by any commissioned officer of any of the Armed Forces of the U.S., within or outside the limits of the U.S. When such acknowledgment is taken by the latter, the official seal of the officer before whom it is acknowledged shall have the same effect as an acknowledgment in the manner and form preserved by the laws of this state for instruments executed in this state. (Ala. Code §§ 35-4-26(a) & (b))
Fiduciaries in War Service: Any fiduciary engaged in war service may be removed from this office as such upon petition filed in the proper court having jurisdiction and again serve as such fiduciary at any time after the termination of their war service upon petition of the court. (Ala. Code § 19-2-2-3)
Notice of Armed Forces Death : A written notice or communication from the Department of Defense, the Adjutant General of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy or other officer charged with the duty of sending such notice or communication to the effect that any person in the armed forces of our country, or serving as auxiliary thereto, is dead shall be accepted as legally sufficient evidence of the death of such person. (Ala. Code § 12-21-90)
Wills: The will of a person, executed while in the Armed Forces, is admitted to probate when subscribing witness or witnesses are out of the state at the time the will is offered for probate; or when places of address of witnesses are unknown, upon oath of at least three credible persons that the signature to said will is in the handwriting of the person whose will it intends to be. Such will is acceptable when so proved. (Ala. Code § 43-8-167(b))
Public Records: One copy of any public record (birth or marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) is furnished free of charge when required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be used in determining the eligibility of any person to participate in benefits made available by their federal agency. (Ala. Code § 26-9-12)
Recordings of Discharges: Honorable discharges and certificates of honorable service are recorded free of charge by probate judges. Any person who holds a release from active duty, or DD Form 214, from the United States Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, or Marine Corps may present the DD Form 214 to the judge of probate of the county wherein he or she resides, and the judge of probate shall cause the same to be recorded at no charge. (Ala. Code § 31-1-1)
Guardianship for Veterans and Minor Dependents: The Uniform Veterans' Guardianship Act provides for the appointment of a guardian for Veterans and their minor dependents that are mentally or physically incapacitated. This Act outlines the appointment process, duties, responsibilities, limits, taxing of costs and fees of guardianship. The control and accountability of the beneficiary's estate and income include only moneys received by the guardian from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and all earnings, interest and profits derived. (Ala. Code §§ 26-9-1 et seq)
State Veterans Memorial Cemetery: The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located in Spanish Fort. Services are held in the committal shelter. The cemetery does not offer graveside services. The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort provides for in-ground casket burial sites and cremation interments. Columbarium niches, in-ground cremation inurnment and a scattering garden are available for cremation interments. For Spouses or dependent Children, a $375.00 fee will be charged on the day of interment. For Veterans, the cemetery provides the following at no cost:
All other funeral expenses are paid by the Veteran's Family or estate.
Eligibility: Eligibility for interment in the State Veterans Cemetery follows National Cemetery Administration eligibility requirements and Alabama residency requirements.
Alabama state residency requirements for burial in the State Veterans Cemetery must meet one of the following:
Legal resident of Alabama at the time of death; or
Legal resident of Alabama when he or she entered the Armed Forces of the United States; or
Legal resident of Alabama for a period of 10 or more years (any cumulative period of 10 or more years, regardless of residency at the time of death).
Eligibility for Veteran's Family : The surviving Spouse of an eligible Veteran that has been interred who remarries retains his or her eligibility for burial. Unmarried Children who are under 21 years of age, or who are under 23 years of age and are pursuing full-time education at an approved institution; or an unmarried adult Child of an eligible Veteran of any age if the Child became physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical disability before reaching 21 years of age or before reaching 23 years of age if pursuing full-time education at an approved institution are eligible. Spanish Fort Cemetery Brochure / Pre-Registration Applicatio n
Bonus for Southeast Asian War Prisoners: A gratuity in the amount of $500 shall be paid out of the General Fund in the State Treasury to any person who entered the armed services while he was a bona fide resident of the State of Alabama and who was imprisoned as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia.
In the event any person who qualified for the payment of this bonus died while such a prisoner, the gratuity shall be paid to his next of kin. For the purposes of this chapter the term "next of kin" shall be the person or persons designated to receive the prisoner's G.I. insurance. (Ala. Code § 31-7-1)
Armed Forces Voter Registration and Absentee Voting: Members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their dependents may register and receive an absentee ballot for voting in the county of their Alabama permanent address by completing the Federal Post Card Application form (FPCA, Standard Form 76). This form may be obtained from the military unit's voting officer. The completed form should be mailed to the Board of Registrars in the county of his/her Alabama permanent address. (See Ala. Code §§ 17-11-3(a)(5) & (b); 17-11-4).
[Act No. 2011-619 provides for the opportunity for overseas absentee voting in certain circumstances. Contact the Office of the Alabama Secretary of State for more information at 334-242-7200 or visit their website at https://sos.alabama.gov/ .
Commitment of Incompetent Veteran: Whenever it appears that an incompetent Veteran of any war, military occupation or expedition is eligible for treatment in a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and commitment to such facility is necessary for the proper care and treatment of such Veteran, the courts of this state are hereby authorized to communicate with the administration with reference to available facilities and eligibility and, upon receipt of a certificate from the administration stating that there are facilities available in a VAMC, is entitled to hospitalization therein, the court may then direct such Veteran's commitment to such hospital. Notice of such pending proceedings shall be furnished the person so committed, and his/her right to appear and defend shall not be denied. (Ala. Code § 26-9-13)
Official Reporting of Missing Person, Etc.: An official written report or record, or duly certified copy thereof, that a person is missing, missing in action, interned in a neutral country, or beleaguered, besieged or captured by an enemy or is dead or is alive, made by any officer or employee of the United States authorized by any law of the United States to make same, shall be received in any court, office or other place in this state as prima facie evidence that such person is missing, missing in action, interned in a neutral country, or beleaguered, besieged or captured by an enemy or is dead or is alive, as the case may be. (Ala. Code § 12-21-91(a))
Military Family Relief Fund: This law prohibits a mortgagee from initiating a foreclosure against the surviving Spouse or estate of a mortgagor who dies while deployed overseas on active duty military service for 180 days after the death. Civil penalties against a violator are deposited into the Military Family Relief Fund, which the ADVA may use to assist military Families. (Ala. Code § 35-10-71)
VA Medical Facilities in Alabama
Birmingham: Birmingham VA Medical Center, 700 South 19th St, 205-933-8101
Montgomery: Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System West Campus , 215 Perry Hill Rd, 334-272-4670 / 800-214-8387
Tuscaloosa: Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center , 3701 Loop Rd East, 205-554-2000 / 888-269-3045
Tuskegee: Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System East Campus , 2400 Hospital Rd,
334-727-0550 / 800-214-8387
Dothan: Dothan Mental Health Clinic , 3753 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 4, 334-678-1933 / Fax: 334-678-0977
Selma: Selma Outpatient Clinic , 206 Vaughan Memorial Dr, 205-554-2000 x6601, x6007 / Fax: 334-875-9073
Bessemer: Bessemer CBOC , 975 9th Ave, SW-Suite 400 at UAB West Medical Center West, 205-428-3495 / Fax: 205-428-9240
Birmingham: Birmingham VA Clinic, 2415 7th Avenue South, 205-933-8101
Childersburg: Childersburg CBOC , 151 9th Ave NW, 256-378-9026 / Fax: 256-378-3371
Dothan: Dothan CBOC , 2020 Alexander Dr, 334-673-4166 / Fax: 334-673-4170
Fort Rucker: Wiregrass Clinic , 301 Andrews Ave, 800-214-8387 ext 7831 / Fax: 334-503-7869
Gadsden: Gadsden CBOC , 206 Rescia Ave, 256-413-7154 / Fax: 256-413-7813
Guntersville: Guntersville CBOC , 101 Judy Smith Dr, 256-582-4033 / Fax: 256-582-4215
Huntsville: Huntsville Clinic , 500 Markaview Dr, NW, 256-533-8477 / Fax: 256-534-1580
Jasper: Jasper CBOC , 1454 Jones Dairy Rd, 205-221-7384 / Fax: 205-221-7385
Mobile: Mobile Outpatient Clinic , 1504 Springhill Ave, 251-219-3900
Monroeville: VA Outpatient Clinic Monroeville (CBOC) , 159 Whetstone St, 251-743-5861 / 251-743-5862 / Fax: 251-743-3412
Montgomery: Montgomery VA Clinic, 8105 Veterans Way, 800-214-8387
Oxford: Anniston/Oxford CBOC , 96 Ali Way Creekside South, 256-832-4141 / Fax: 256-832-4153
Sheffield: Shoals Area (Florence) CBOC , 422 DD Cox Blvd, 256-381-9055 / Fax: 256-381-6101
Hoover: Birmingham Vet Center , 400 Emery Dr, Suite 200, 205-212-3122 / Fax: 205-989-6415
Huntsville: Huntsville Vet Center , 415 Church St, Bldg H, Suite 101, 256-539-5775 / Fax: 256-533-1973
Mobile: Mobile Vet Center , 3221 Springhill Ave Bldg 2, Suite C, 251-478-5906 / Fax: 251-478-2237
Montgomery: Montgomery Vet Center , 4405 Atlanta Hwy, 334-273-7796 / Fax: 334-277-8376
Montgomery: Montgomery Regional Benefit Office , 345 Perry Hill Rd, 1-800-827-1000
Fort Rucker: Fort Rucker , ACAP Center, 334-213-3302 x3789
Maxwell AFB: Maxwell Air Force Base , Maxwell-Gunter Transition Services
Redstone Arsenal: Redstone Arsenal , Fox Army Health Center, 256-955-8888 x1622
Fort Mitchell: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery , 553 Hwy 165, 334-855-4731 / Fax: 334-855-4740
Mobile: Mobile National Cemetery , 1202 Virginia St, 850-453-4846 / Fax: 850-453-4635
Montevallo: Alabama National Cemetery , 3133 Hwy 119, 205-665-9039 / Fax: 205-665-7790
RSA Plaza Building, Suite 470
Montgomery, Alabama 3602
Please see the Alabama Resource Locator for additional information.
https://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-alabama-iowa#ALABAMA
http://www.outdooralabama.com/license-information
http://www.va.state.al.us/laws_taxexempt.aspx
https://ngaal.org/insurance
https://revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/license-plate-information/military-license-plates/
http://www.va.state.al.us/tags.aspx
https://al.ng.mil/ALABAMA/Pages/Alabama-Home.aspx
https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/realifelines/menu.htm
http://www.mic3.net/alabama.html
http://www.va.state.al.us/pdf/guides/alabamalaws.pdf
Document Review Date: 17 April 2018