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Information for this document was gathered from various sources including: https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/washington-state-veterans-benefits.html
Visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website for more detailed information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/
For more information, visit: https://nasvh.org/directory/washington/
Your eligibility for State Veterans Homes is based on clinical need and setting availability.
Each State establishes eligibility and admission criteria for its homes.
Talk with a VA social worker about the eligibility requirements of State Veterans Homes near you and to figure out a plan for paying for State Veterans Home care services.
Veterans Homes Locations:
Port Orchard, Washington
Orting, Washington
Walla Walla, Washington
Spokane, Washington
Eligibility:
For more detailed information visit: https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/state.asp?STATE=WA
National Veterans Cemeteries:
Fort Lawton Post Cemetery Texas Way Seattle, WA 98199 Burial Space: Closed | Phone: 425-413-9614 Fax: 425-413-9618 |
Fort Worden Post Cemetery 1300-1398 W St Port Townsend, WA 98368 Burial Space: Cremation Only | Phone: 425-413-9614 Fax: 425-413-9618 |
Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240th Street Kent, WA 98042 Burial Space: Open | Phone: 425-413-9614 Fax: 425-413-9618 |
Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery 1455 E 4th Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98663 Burial Space: Cremation Only | Phone: 503-273-5250 Fax: 503-273-5251 |
State Veterans Cemeteries:
Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake 21702 W Espanola Rd Medical Lake, WA 99022 VA Grant Funded: Yes | Phone: 509-299-6280 |
Many states have established state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility is like Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries but may include residency requirements. Even though they may have been established or improved with Government funds through VA’s Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, state veterans cemeteries are run solely by the states.
There are no individual income taxes in Washington. Distributions received from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not taxed.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-benefits/housing-resources/property-tax-relief
In the state of Washington, disabled veterans may qualify for a property tax exemption provided they meet certain criteria. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Disabled Veteran Property
Tax Exemption in Washington:
Eligibility Criteria:
Benefits:
Application Process:
Renewal:
Additional Information:
Additional Programs you may be eligible for:
Contact Information:
Veterans seeking further information or assistance with the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption in Washington State can contact their local County Assessor’s Office or the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
Find your local tax assessor at this link: https://www.publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Assessor-and-Property-Tax-Records.htm
Remember, this information is a general overview, and it’s recommended to consult with the relevant authorities or legal experts for personalized guidance regarding eligibility and application processes.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.wshfc.org/buyers/keyveterans.htm
Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan program is a downpayment assistance, second mortgage loan program with a 3.00% interest rate and payments deferred for up to 30 years for Washington State veterans who have served our country. This program combines with the Home Advantage or House Key first mortgage loan program.
ELIGIBLE BORROWERS:
MAXIMUM INCOME TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VETERANS PROGRAM as of 4/22/2024
Borrowers must attend a Commission-sponsored homebuyer seminar prior to reserving funds. Cash back to borrowers is not allowed.
MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT:
Eligible households may qualify for a maximum loan amount of up to $10,000. A participating loan officer can help you determine an acquisition price you can afford, how much cash you will need to close, and how much you can borrow on a Veterans loan.
PARTICIPATING LENDERS:
See Premier Participating Lenders who have been helpful to first-time homebuyers. Your Lender will help you determine if this downpayment assistance program is the best fit. You may want to consider the Home Advantage Needs Based Option.
Visit the following website for links to each counties resource center: https://www.dva.wa.gov/node/1383
Most counties have financial assistance programs available for military and veteran families. Because of the specificity of each program in each county, we recommend you contact your local county branch to see what they have to offer.
Visit the following website for more information: https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/license-plates/get-custom-plates/special-design-plates/disabled-american-veteran
You may qualify for Disabled American Veteran plates, which are exempt from license fees on 1 vehicle per year. These plates are good for the life of the veteran.
Eligibility:
If you’re a WA state vehicle owner who served in any branch of the US armed forces, Reserves, or National Guard and:
How to Apply:
Get a letter of eligibility from VA verifying a 100% service-connected disability.
Mail the letter of eligibility and Military License Plate Application to:
Special Plate Unit, Dept of Licensing
PO Box 9909 Olympia,
WA 98507-8500
NOTE:
Update your Good To Go! account, if needed:
If you have a Good To Go! electronic tolling pass, be sure to update the contact information on your account with the Department of Transportation:
Renew your plates, if applicable:
You’re not required to renew your Disabled American Veteran license plates or tabs when you choose the next available plate in the series for 1 vehicle. You must renew your plates every year if you choose to have a special background for your plates.
Visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/spmilitary.html for information on initial and renewal plate fees.
Link to: Application
The Washington Department of Licensing issues license plates to eligible veterans, military, and family members.
There are six separate designs, each containing a symbol representing a different branch of the armed forces to include Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and WA National Guard.
The special license plates may be used in place of regular or personalized license plates for motor vehicles, including motorcycles, required to display one and two motor vehicle license plates.
$28 from the purchase and renewal of each plate is directed to the Veterans Stewardship Account and is tax deductible.
Eligibility:
You are eligible to purchase a plate at any Vehicle Licensing Office if you:
*Motorcycle and trailer plates are also available.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-benefits/license-plates/gold-star-plate
A Gold Star License Plate is also available to certain family members. Certain eligible family members will not pay any license fees for this plate.
These plates honor parents, spouses, children, and siblings of military men and women who lost their lives in service to our Country.
Requirements:
To qualify for Gold Star license plates, you must be certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as being 1 of the following to a United States armed forces member who died while in the service, or because of their service:
How to Apply:
OR
Washington offers a wide variety of Educational Benefits to resident veterans and their dependents.
State Educational Benefits can be used in conjunction with the National Educational Benefits (DEA)
Visit the following link for a full list: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-service-members-and-their-families/veterans-benefits/education-and-training
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-service-members-and-their-families/veterans-benefits/education-and-training
The State Legislature has authorized state community colleges, colleges and universities to waive ‘all or a portion of tuition and fees’ for eligible veterans or national guard members.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-service-members-and-their-families/veterans-benefits/education-and-training
State community colleges, colleges, and universities are mandated by the Legislature to waive undergraduate full or part-time tuition and fees for eligible dependents of eligible veterans or National Guard members, up to 200 quarter credits or equivalent semester credits.
Key Points:
Eligible Dependents:
Eligibility Timeframes:
Required Documents:
By meeting these criteria and providing necessary documentation, eligible dependents can benefit from tuition waivers and additional stipends for academic materials.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-benefits/education-and-training/operation-recognition
To honor their sacrifices, the Washington State Legislature passed three bills to award high school diplomas to veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. “Operation Recognition” is now underway in school districts to grant diplomas to eligible veterans, expressing our society’s long-overdue gratitude for their service.
Eligibility:
Veterans who left high school to join the military during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam* are eligible to receive a high school diploma if the veteran:
Veterans who received a GED are still eligible to receive a high school diploma. Diplomas can be awarded posthumously.
* The Vietnam Era includes the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period and the period beginning August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, for all other veterans.
How to Apply:
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-service-members-and-their-families/veteran-owned-businesses
Washington state veterans are encouraged to apply for a certification for their business if they desire to do business with Washington State agencies or municipalities.
Washington State agencies have been asked by Governor Inslee to do 5% of their purchasing from Veteran or Servicemember Owned Businesses.
By completing this process, your Veteran or Servicemember Owned Business can gain recognition, access opportunities for government contracts, and contribute to the state’s purchasing goals while serving your community.
To certify your business as a Washington Veteran Owned Business, follow these steps:
If you have any questions, contact vob@dva.wa.gov for assistance.
Visit the following website for more information: https://careers.wa.gov/veteranspreferences.html
AND
https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-service-members-and-their-families/veterans-benefits/employment
Washington State offers preferences to veterans in state employment, granting them advantages in competitive and non-competitive service.
Competitive Service:
Non-Competitive Service:
Required Documentation:
By utilizing these preferences, veterans can enhance their opportunities for state employment.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.drs.wa.gov/plan/pers1/#years-of-service
State employees who participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) who leave their state employment to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible to receive up to 10 years of service credit for the time they served. This service credit is called interruptive military service credit. Service credit is one of the factors used in computing state retirement pay, increasing service credit would increase future retirement benefits.
To recover military service credit through the DRS (Department of Retirement Systems), follow these steps:
Steps:
Required Documents:
Additional Options:
Visit the following website for more information: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/cdl-training-and-testing/commercial-driver-license-cdl-military-experience-waiver
Veterans seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may get a waiver of the skills test if they are currently licensed and operated a CDL in the last 90 days as a part of their military duties.
The written test can’t be waived.
Eligibility:
You qualify for a military experience waiver if you:
and are:
How to apply:
For more information visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/eligibility-requirements-veterans-reduced-fees or contact Department of Fish and Wildlife at (360) 902-2464 or licensing@dfw.wa.gov.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages all persons to experience recreation in Washington’s wonderful outdoors.
Eligibility:
The following are eligible for a combination fishing license and/or hunting license(s). These licenses are issued at a discounted rate. See Disability Fee Schedule.
License/Permit Eligibility Requirements for People with Disabilities and Veterans: Don’t let your service-connected disability prevent you from enjoying WA State’s hunting and fishing opportunities! If your disability meets WDFW guidelines you may be eligible to have a designated companion assist in hunting or fishing and access special hunting and fishing areas.
Active-duty members stationed in Washington can buy hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate.
State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass
Visit the following website for more information: https://parks.wa.gov/passes-permits/get-park-pass/lifetime-disabled-veteran-pass
The Lifetime Disabled Veterans pass is offered to veterans who are Washinton state residents with at least 30% disability.
Pass Benefits:
Please note:
How to Apply:
Submit Your Application:
Discount Pass Rules:
Violation of rules may lead to suspension or revocation of pass benefits.
Visit the following website for more information: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-benefits/housing-resources/veterans-transitional-housing-program
Transitional housing facilities in Port Orchard and Orting help those in need with stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and employment. Veterans are surrounded with staff and wrap-around services that lead to successful program completion and return to the community.
Eligibility: To participate in the program, veterans must:
Women Veterans Wing and Building
The Women Veterans Wing at Orting provides dedicated services for women veterans, including privacy and security.
How to Apply:
Request a referral from the Federal VA Medical Center Homeless Liaison Officer at (253) 583-2825.
To Apply fill out both of the following: