Delaware Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Delaware is home to approximately 61,454 veterans—representing 7.5% of the state's population. Despite being the second-smallest state in America (only Rhode Island is smaller), Delaware packs substantial veteran infrastructure into its 96-mile north-to-south span.

With a full VA medical center in Wilmington, community-based clinics strategically placed across all three counties, Dover Air Force Base as a major employer, and zero sales tax making every dollar stretch further, Delaware offers veterans a unique proposition: Mid-Atlantic location without Mid-Atlantic costs.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Delaware veterans navigating healthcare, education, and employment.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: 1 VA medical center (Wilmington), 3 community-based outpatient clinics (Dover, Georgetown, plus mobile units), 1 state veterans home (Milford) - comprehensive coverage for a small state

Education: In-state tuition for GI Bill users at University of Delaware and Delaware State University; limited Yellow Ribbon participation; strong regional university options

Employment: Dover Air Force Base (major employer), state hiring preference (5-10 points), proximity to Philadelphia/Baltimore/DC job markets, limited defense contractor presence in-state

Veteran Population: ~61,454 veterans (7.5% of population), concentrated in New Castle County (Wilmington area) and Kent County (Dover area)

Biggest advantage: Small state means nowhere is more than 90 minutes from VA care; strategic location provides access to major metro job markets while living in lower-cost Delaware

Key challenge: Limited in-state employment options compared to larger states; many Delaware veterans commute to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or DC for work

VA Healthcare Facilities in Delaware

Delaware's compact size works in veterans' favor—no veteran lives more than 60 miles from VA care.

Wilmington VA Medical Center

Address: 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805 Phone: (800) 461-8262 | Main: (302) 994-2511 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department Hours: Open 24 hours daily

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health and PTSD treatment
• Surgery (general, orthopedic)
• Cardiology
• Cancer care
• Emergency medicine
• Women's health services
• Diabetes management
• Spinal cord injury care
• Pharmacy (on-site)
• Laboratory services
• Radiology and imaging
• Dental (limited eligibility)
• Audiology and speech pathology
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prosthetics
• Homeless veteran programs
• Telehealth services

Parking: Available on-site; arrive early for appointments as parking can be tight

Coverage area: Serves all of Delaware and portions of southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Maryland's Eastern Shore

Why it matters: This is Delaware's only full-service VA medical center. Nearly all specialty care routes through Wilmington. Located just off I-95, accessible from anywhere in Delaware within 90 minutes.

Quality: Generally rates above average nationally; benefits from proximity to world-class Philadelphia medical institutions and recruitment from University of Delaware and Jefferson Medical School.

Kent County VA Clinic (Dover CBOC)

Address: 655 South Bay Road, Suite 3C, Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (800) 461-8262, ext. 2400 | Direct: (302) 994-2511 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health counseling
• Laboratory services
• Basic radiology
• Pharmacy
• Social work services
• Telehealth

Parking: Ample free parking

Coverage area: Primarily serves Kent County and northern Sussex County veterans

Why it matters: Dover is Delaware's capital and home to Dover Air Force Base. This clinic serves the state's geographic center, eliminating the need for many veterans to drive to Wilmington for routine care. Opened in March 2021, it's one of Delaware's newest VA facilities.

Proximity to Dover AFB: About 5 miles from base; many transitioning Dover AFB service members use this clinic.

Sussex County VA Clinic (Georgetown)

Address: 21748 Roth Avenue, Georgetown, DE 19947 Phone: (800) 461-8262, ext. 2300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Laboratory services
• Pharmacy
• Telehealth

Coverage area: Serves Sussex County, including beach communities (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach)

Why it matters: Sussex County is Delaware's largest county by land area and includes significant retiree populations in beach towns. This clinic prevents southern Delaware veterans from making 90-mile trips to Wilmington.

Beach community access: Particularly valuable for veteran retirees in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and surrounding coastal areas—many of whom relocated from DC, Maryland, or New Jersey.

Wilmington VA Mobile Medical Unit

Service: Mobile clinic visits various Delaware communities on scheduled rotation Phone: (800) 461-8262 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth connection

Locations: Rotates throughout Delaware; check VA website for current schedule

Why it matters: Provides additional access points for rural veterans and those with transportation challenges.

Wait Times and Access Reality

Average wait times:

• Primary care: 7-14 days for routine appointments
• Specialty care: 14-30 days depending on specialty
• Mental health: 7-14 days for initial assessment
• Emergency care: 24/7 at Wilmington VA Medical Center

Best practices:

• Enroll immediately upon separation, even if you don't need care yet
• Use VA's online scheduling tools or mobile app
• Consider community care if wait times exceed 30 days (VA will authorize)
• Three clinic locations mean you can often find earlier appointments by trying different sites

Community Care: VA authorizes community care at civilian providers if:

• Wait time exceeds 30 days
• Drive time exceeds 40 minutes
• VA doesn't offer needed service

Given Delaware's proximity to excellent Philadelphia and Baltimore medical facilities, community care authorization provides access to world-class civilian healthcare when needed.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit Wilmington VA Medical Center with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if applicable)

Processing time: Usually same-day or within a week

Priority groups: Veterans with service-connected disabilities get highest priority; enrollment guaranteed for most veterans.

Delaware Veterans Home (State Nursing Facility)

Delaware operates one state veterans home providing long-term care.

Delaware Veterans Home - Milford

Address: 100 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford, DE 19963 Phone: (302) 424-6000 Website: vethome.delaware.gov

Established: 2007 Capacity: 154 beds Campus: 24-acre facility in Kent County

Services:

• Skilled nursing care
• Memory care (dementia/Alzheimer's)
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Social services
• Recreational therapy
• Palliative care
• Hospice care

Amenities:

• Private and semi-private rooms
• Chapel
• Library
• Beauty/barber shop
• Outdoor walking paths
• Community spaces

Eligibility:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Delaware resident for at least one year before admission
• Must require level of care provided (skilled nursing or memory care)
• Spouses may be eligible for admission in limited circumstances

Cost: Sliding scale based on income, assets, and VA benefits

• VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help cover costs
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities may receive VA per diem support
• Medicaid accepted

How to apply: Call (302) 424-6000 or visit website for application

Why it matters: Delaware's only state veterans home; centrally located in Milford (Kent County) for geographic access from all parts of state. Strong reputation for quality care; consistently rates well on state inspections.

Waitlist: Can vary; contact facility for current admission timeline

Education Benefits for Delaware Veterans

In-State Tuition for GI Bill Users

Under federal law (Choice Act), Delaware public universities must offer in-state tuition to veterans using GI Bill benefits, regardless of state residency.

Requirements:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31)
• Living in Delaware while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge from active duty

Savings: Delaware in-state vs. out-of-state tuition differences:

• University of Delaware: Save ~$15,000/year
• Delaware State University: Save ~$10,000/year
• Delaware Technical Community College: Minimal difference (already affordable)

University of Delaware

Location: Newark, DE (northern Delaware, near Maryland/Pennsylvania borders) Website: udel.edu Veteran Services: udel.edu/students/support/veterans Contact: vabenefits@udel.edu | (302) 831-0552

Tuition (2025-26):

• In-state: ~$15,300/year
• Out-of-state: ~$30,300/year
• GI Bill users: Qualify for in-state rate

BAH rate (Post-9/11 GI Bill): ~$1,800-$2,100/month (Newark zip code)

Enrollment: ~24,000 students Veteran enrollment: Approximately 200-300 veterans and military-connected students

Yellow Ribbon Program: Limited participation

• Offers up to $2,000 per student
• Unlimited number of participants
• Helpful but not comprehensive for private university costs

Academic programs (strong for veterans):

• Engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil)
• Computer science
• Business (Lerner College)
• Criminal justice
• Nursing
• Education
• Cybersecurity

Veteran resources:

• Blue Hen Veterans (Student Veterans of America chapter)
• Dedicated VA certifying official
• Veteran-specific orientations
• Study spaces for veterans
• Career counseling
• Military credit evaluation

Military credit: University of Delaware evaluates military training for course credit; submit Joint Services Transcript (JST)

Why it matters: Delaware's flagship public research university; strong academics, reasonable in-state tuition with GI Bill, 30 minutes to Philadelphia for additional job opportunities.

Delaware State University

Location: Dover, DE (state capital, near Dover AFB) Website: desu.edu Veteran Services: desu.edu/admissions/military-veteran-students

Tuition (2025-26):

• In-state: ~$8,500/year
• Out-of-state: ~$18,500/year
• GI Bill users: Qualify for in-state rate

BAH rate: ~$1,600-$1,900/month (Dover zip code)

Enrollment: ~5,000 students Designation: Historically Black College/University (HBCU)

Yellow Ribbon Program: No longer participates (as of 2024)

Veteran benefits:

• In-state tuition for certificate of eligibility holders (Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606)
• Active duty, Guard, Reserve stationed in Delaware qualify for in-state tuition
• Six elective credits based on discharge papers (for eligible enrolled students)

Academic programs:

• Business
• Criminal justice
• Social work
• Education
• Agriculture and natural resources
• Applied science and technology
• Nursing

Proximity to Dover AFB: About 5 miles; popular with transitioning Dover AFB personnel

Why it matters: Most affordable four-year option in Delaware; HBCU benefits for eligible veterans; extremely close to Dover AFB for Guard/Reserve and transitioning service members.

Delaware Technical Community College

Locations: Four campuses statewide

• Terry Campus (Dover): 100 Campus Drive, Dover, DE 19901
• Owens Campus (Georgetown): 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Stanton Campus (Newark): 400 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713
• Wilmington Campus: 333 Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Website: dtcc.edu/veterans

Tuition: ~$4,000-$5,000/year (in-state); very affordable even without GI Bill

Programs (excellent for veterans):

• Welding
• HVAC
• Electrical technology
• Automotive technology
• Information technology/cybersecurity
• Nursing (LPN, RN)
• Paramedic
• Business
• Criminal justice
• Manufacturing technology

Why it matters: Vocational training ideal for veterans seeking skilled trades; multiple locations provide access across entire state; extremely affordable; strong industry partnerships for job placement.

GI Bill advantage: Full-time enrollment generates BAH (~$1,600-$2,100/month depending on campus) while tuition is only $4,000-$5,000/year—creates positive cash flow for veterans.

Apprenticeships and VET TEC

Delaware participates in federal GI Bill apprenticeship programs:

Eligible programs:

• Electrical (IBEW apprenticeships)
• Plumbing and pipefitting
• HVAC
• Carpentry
• Heavy equipment operation
• Manufacturing

GI Bill benefit: Monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages

• Year 1: 100% of BAH
• Year 2: 80% of BAH
• Year 3: 60% of BAH
• Decreases as wages increase

Delaware Department of Labor: labor.delaware.gov - Apprenticeship information

VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Certification):

• Covers training in high-tech fields (cybersecurity, IT, software development)
• Housing allowance provided
• No tuition charged to veteran

Out-of-State Schools with Delaware Proximity

Delaware's location provides access to world-class universities within commuting distance:

Philadelphia schools (30-45 minutes from Wilmington):

• Drexel University
• Temple University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Villanova University
• Many offer Yellow Ribbon

Baltimore schools (90 minutes from Dover):

• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Maryland Baltimore County
• Towson University

Advantage: Live in Delaware (no sales tax, lower property taxes), attend school in Pennsylvania or Maryland, qualify for in-state tuition via GI Bill at public institutions.

Employment Resources for Delaware Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Delaware provides veterans' preference for state government employment.

Who qualifies:

• Veterans with honorable discharge
• Disabled veterans
• Unmarried widows/widowers/spouses of veterans

How it works:

• 5 points: Added to total ranking score for eligible veterans
• 10 points: Added for disabled veterans
• Applies to original entrance to state employment only (not promotions or retention)

Application requirement: Submit DD-214 and disability documentation (if applicable)

Where to apply: statejobs.delaware.gov

Major Delaware state employers:

• Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT): Highway maintenance, engineering, administration
• Delaware Department of Correction: Correctional officers, administrative
• Delaware State Police: Troopers, civilian support
• Division of Motor Vehicles: Customer service, administrative
• Department of Health and Social Services: Various healthcare and social work positions
• Delaware Technical Community College: Education, administration, facilities

Why it matters: Delaware state government employs approximately 14,000+ workers; veterans' preference provides tangible advantage; state benefits package competitive with private sector.

Delaware Department of Labor - Veterans Services

Division of Employment and Training - Veterans Services Phone: (302) 761-8129 Website: labor.delaware.gov/divisions/employment-training/veterans-services

Services:

• Priority of service: Veterans get priority referrals to job openings and USDOL-funded training programs
• Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists
• Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER)
• Job search assistance
• Resume writing workshops
• Interview preparation
• Career counseling
• Apprenticeship program referrals
• Training program information

Locations: American Job Centers throughout Delaware

• Wilmington
• Newark
• Dover
• Georgetown

No-cost services: All veteran employment services provided free

Dover Air Force Base - Civilian Employment

Dover AFB is Delaware's largest single-site employer and actively recruits veterans for civilian positions.

Location: Dover Air Force Base, DE Mission: Air mobility, mortuary affairs, aerial port operations Civilian workforce: ~3,500+ civilian employees

Types of positions:

• Aircraft maintenance
• Logistics and supply
• Administrative and clerical
• Information technology
• Security and law enforcement
• Engineering
• Mortuary affairs
• Healthcare (clinic support)
• Education and training

How to apply: usajobs.gov

• Filter by location: "Dover AFB, Delaware"
• Apply veterans' preference (5 or 10 points)

Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA): Disabled veterans may qualify for excepted service appointment

Contact: Dover AFB Civilian Personnel Office

Why it matters: Dover AFB provides federal employment stability, competitive pay, excellent benefits, and veterans' preference. Many transitioning Dover AFB service members transition directly to civilian positions on base.

Proximity: Dover, Smyrna, Milford, and surrounding Kent County communities provide reasonable housing costs with Dover AFB civilian employment.

Major Private Employers in Delaware

Financial Services (Wilmington)

JPMorgan Chase

• Major operations center in Wilmington
• Credit card services, customer support, technology
• Veterans hiring initiatives
• Typical roles: Customer service, fraud prevention, IT, operations management

Bank of America

• Credit card operations
• Similar veteran-friendly hiring

Capital One

• Technology and operations

Barclays

• Credit card operations

Why it matters: Delaware's favorable corporate laws attract credit card companies; Wilmington hosts thousands of financial services jobs; many offer remote work flexibility; strong veteran recruitment programs.

Healthcare

ChristianaCare Health System

• Delaware's largest private employer (~12,000 employees)
• Hospitals in Newark and Wilmington
• Veteran hiring initiatives
• Roles: Nursing, medical technicians, administration, facilities, IT, security

Bayhealth Medical Center

• Kent and Sussex County hospitals
• Serves Dover and southern Delaware

Beebe Healthcare

• Lewes/Rehoboth Beach area
• Serves Sussex County beach communities

Why it matters: Healthcare actively recruits veterans, especially medics/corpsmen transitioning to civilian nursing or EMT roles; strong benefits; recession-resistant employment.

Manufacturing and Industrial

Chrysler/Stellantis Newark Assembly Plant

• Vehicle manufacturing
• Skilled trades, production, engineering
• UAW union jobs

Mountaire Farms

• Poultry processing
• Millsboro (Sussex County)
• Large employer in southern Delaware

Artesian Water

• Utility company
• Field operations, customer service, engineering

Retail and Logistics

Amazon

• Distribution centers in New Castle and Middletown
• Warehouse operations, management, logistics
• Veteran hiring programs
• Starting wages: $18-$22/hour

Walmart/Sam's Club

• Multiple Delaware locations
• Veteran hiring preference

Christiana Mall area

• Major retail corridor (Newark)
• Tax-free shopping destination
• Retail management opportunities

Commuting to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC

Delaware's secret advantage: Live in Delaware (low taxes, affordable housing), work in higher-wage markets.

Philadelphia (from Wilmington):

• Distance: 30 miles
• Commute time: 35-60 minutes via I-95 or SEPTA regional rail
• SEPTA rail service: Wilmington to Philadelphia via Regional Rail (R2, R3 lines)
• Major Philadelphia employers: Comcast, Universities, hospitals, defense contractors

Baltimore (from Newark or Dover):

• Distance: 60-80 miles from Dover; 55 miles from Newark
• Commute time: 70-90 minutes via I-95
• Major Baltimore employers: Johns Hopkins, NSA (Ft. Meade), Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin

Washington DC (from Dover):

• Distance: ~90 miles
• Commute time: 100-120 minutes
• Federal employment, defense contractors

Tax advantage: Delaware residents working in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or DC pay Delaware income tax (max 6.6%), not the higher rates of those states. No sales tax in Delaware. Lower property taxes.

Many Delaware veterans: Commute to Philadelphia or Baltimore for higher wages while enjoying Delaware's lower cost of living.

Federal Employment (Beyond VA)

Delaware hosts federal employment opportunities beyond VA:

USAJOBS.gov: Federal job portal with veterans' preference

Major federal presence in Delaware:

• Dover Air Force Base (civilian positions)
• Social Security Administration
• U.S. Postal Service
• Transportation Security Administration (Philadelphia Airport, easily accessible from Delaware)
• Customs and Border Protection
• IRS

Veterans' preference: 5-point or 10-point preference depending on disability status

Why pursue federal: Job security, benefits, pension, veterans' preference advantage

Defense Contractors (Limited In-State Presence)

Unlike Virginia, Maryland, or California, Delaware has limited defense contractor presence. However, proximity to major metros provides access:

Accessible defense contractors (commuting distance):

• Lockheed Martin: King of Prussia, PA (50 miles from Wilmington)
• Boeing: Philadelphia area
• Northrop Grumman: Baltimore area
• General Dynamics: Various locations
• SAIC: Baltimore/DC area

Clearance jobs: Active security clearances valuable for positions supporting NSA (Ft. Meade), Pentagon, or Philadelphia-area defense work.

Support Services for Delaware Veterans

Delaware Office of Veterans Services (State Agency)

Main Office: Delaware Department of State Phone: (302) 739-2792 | Toll-free: (800) 344-9900 Website: vets.delaware.gov

Services:

• VA benefits counseling and claims assistance
• State benefits information
• Employment resources
• Housing assistance information
• Advocacy with state and federal agencies
• Policy recommendations
• Outreach and education

Mission: Ensure Delaware veterans access services and benefits earned through military service.

County Veterans Service Officers: Delaware's Office of Veterans Services provides assistance statewide; county-level services available through main office.

VA Regional Benefits Office (Claims and Benefits)

Wilmington VA Regional Benefits Office Address: 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805 Phone: 1-800-827-1000 Services:

• Disability compensation claims
• Pension applications
• Education benefits (GI Bill)
• Home loan certificates of eligibility
• Appeals
• Dependency claims

Walk-in hours: Limited; call ahead or schedule appointment

Online: Most claims can be filed at va.gov or through eBenefits

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

American Legion

• Multiple posts throughout Delaware
• Claims assistance
• Community support
• Website: delaware.legion.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

• Multiple posts statewide
• Claims assistance
• Advocacy

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

• Claims representation
• Transportation assistance to VA appointments
• Advocacy

Vietnam Veterans of America

• Chapter in Delaware
• Peer support

All VSOs: Provide free claims assistance; accredited representatives can help file disability claims, appeals, and pension applications.

Homeless Veteran Programs

Delaware has approximately 100-150 homeless veterans on any given night (significantly lower per capita than many states, but still a concern).

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)

Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans Location: Wilmington, DE Website: dchv.org Services:

• Emergency shelter
• Transitional housing
• Permanent supportive housing
• Case management
• Employment services
• Financial services
• Peer mentoring

Founded: 2009 by US Veteran David Mosley Model: Housing First approach coupled with VA Emergency Shelter Program

HUD-VASH: Housing Choice Vouchers paired with VA case management

• Available through Wilmington VA
• Provides permanent housing support

VA "Getting Veterans Off the Streets" Initiative

• Wilmington VA SURGE outreach events
• Street outreach to identify and connect homeless veterans with services

Stand Down Events: Periodic events providing services, health screenings, benefits assistance

Contact: If you're homeless or at risk, call National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838)

Mental Health and Crisis Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Wilmington VA Mental Health Services

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• PTSD treatment programs
• Substance abuse treatment
• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
• Marriage and family counseling
• Suicide prevention

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling):

• Delaware veterans can access Vet Centers in nearby states
• Philadelphia Vet Center: (215) 951-0670 (closest to Wilmington)
• Services: Free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members

Contact: Call Wilmington VA at (800) 461-8262 for mental health appointments

Women Veterans Resources

Wilmington VA Women Veterans Program Manager

• Dedicated care coordination for women veterans
• Gender-specific healthcare services
• Childcare during appointments
• Women's health clinic

Services:

• Primary care
• OB/GYN services
• Mammography
• Mental health (including MST counseling)
• Maternity care coordination

Delaware State Parks - Free Admission for Veterans

Benefit: Delaware disabled veterans receive free admission to Delaware state parks

Eligibility: Disabled veterans with Delaware-issued disabled veteran license plates or ID

Parks:

• Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes) - beach access
• Delaware Seashore State Park (Rehoboth Beach) - beach access
• Lums Pond State Park - largest freshwater pond in Delaware
• Trap Pond State Park - paddle sports, camping
• Brandywine Creek State Park - hiking, nature center
• Fort Delaware State Park - historic fort on Pea Patch Island

Why it matters: Beach access can be expensive in Delaware resort towns; free state park admission provides recreation options for disabled veterans.

Delaware Veteran Resources by County

New Castle County (Wilmington, Newark)

• Veteran population: ~30,000-35,000 (largest concentration)
• VA Medical Center: Wilmington (full-service hospital)
• Major employers: Financial services (Wilmington), University of Delaware (Newark), commuters to Philadelphia
• Housing costs: Highest in state; median ~$295,000-$390,000 depending on area
• Advantage: Closest to Philadelphia jobs; best VA access

Kent County (Dover)

• Veteran population: ~15,000-18,000
• VA Clinic: Dover CBOC (primary care, mental health)
• Military installation: Dover Air Force Base
• Major employers: Dover AFB, state government, Bayhealth hospital
• Housing costs: Moderate; median ~$262,000-$335,000
• Advantage: Dover AFB employment; state capital; central location; most affordable northern Delaware option

Sussex County (Georgetown, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach)

• Veteran population: ~13,000-16,000
• VA Clinic: Georgetown CBOC
• Economy: Tourism, agriculture, retirees, beach communities
• Housing costs: Variable—Georgetown affordable (~$280,000), beach towns expensive ($500,000-$1,000,000+)
• Advantage: Beach lifestyle; lower cost of living in western Sussex County; popular with retirees

Key Takeaways

1. Delaware's small size is a healthcare advantage - No veteran lives more than 60 miles from VA care; three strategically placed clinics cover entire state

2. Dover AFB provides federal employment stability - 3,500+ civilian jobs with veterans' preference; ideal for transitioning Air Force personnel

3. In-state tuition for GI Bill users saves $10,000-$15,000/year - University of Delaware and Delaware State both comply; Delaware Tech extremely affordable

4. State hiring preference provides real advantage - 5-10 point boost on state job applications; Delaware state government employs 14,000+

5. Commuting to Philadelphia or Baltimore expands opportunities - Live in Delaware (lower taxes/costs), work in higher-wage markets; common strategy

6. Limited defense contractor presence in-state - Unlike Virginia or Maryland, few defense contractors have Delaware operations; must commute to access that industry

7. Zero sales tax amplifies every paycheck - Makes Delaware particularly attractive for those commuting to higher-tax states for work

8. Delaware Veterans Home in Milford provides quality long-term care - State-operated facility with good reputation; centrally located

9. Small veteran population means personalized service - ~61,000 veterans vs. California's 1.6 million; easier to access VSOs and veteran services

Delaware won't work for everyone—it's a small state with limited geographic diversity and fewer in-state job options than larger states. But for veterans who value Mid-Atlantic location, low taxes, beach access, and proximity to major metros while living in a lower-cost environment, Delaware delivers.

Additional Resources

• Delaware Office of Veterans Services: (302) 739-2792 | (800) 344-9900 | vets.delaware.gov
• Wilmington VA Medical Center: (800) 461-8262 | va.gov/wilmington-health-care
• Delaware Department of Labor Veterans Services: (302) 761-8129
• Delaware State Jobs (Veterans Preference): statejobs.delaware.gov
• University of Delaware Veterans Services: vabenefits@udel.edu | (302) 831-0552
• Delaware State University: desu.edu/admissions/military-veteran-students
• Dover AFB Civilian Jobs: usajobs.gov (filter: Dover AFB, DE)
• Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans: dchv.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.