The commonwealth of Virginia provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Virginia Veterans Homes
Virginia has three veterans homes, in Richmond, Roanoke and Virginia Beach.
An additional home in Puller is under construction.
Honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Virginia are eligible for admission. There may be a cost.
Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active Duty Pay - Up to $15,000 of military basic pay may be exempted from Virginia income tax.
For every $1 of income over $15,000, the maximum subtraction is reduced by $1. For example, if your basic pay is $16,000, you are entitled to deduct only $14,000. You are not eligible for the subtraction if your military basic pay is $30,000 or more
For Virginia National Guard members, up to 39 calendar days of service or $3,000 (whichever is less) may be deducted from your income when filing. This deduction is available only for O-3 and below.
Retired Pay - Retirees 55 and older receive a $20,000 exemption in the 2023 tax year; $30,000 in 2024, with the age limit expiring in this tax year; and $40,000 in 2025 and beyond.
Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption
Veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs 100% permanent and total disability are exempt from property taxes on their home.
The surviving spouse may also be eligible.
Virginia Veterans Employment Benefits
Virginia Veterans Preference For State Jobs
Veterans seeking state employment can get a 5% addition to their test score. Disabled veterans can get a 10% addition.
The Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP)
This program offers transitioning service members and their spouses peer-to-peer support through the transition process. The referral services include such things as resume review, introduction to the labor market, and connections with certified companies for employment, and other DVS programs as applicable.
Troops to Trucks
Qualified military personnel and veterans who have been separated for 12 months or less are only required to pass the knowledge test for a CDL license. The road skills test is waived. This applies to those with two or more years of military heavy truck/bus driving experience.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
The Military Survivors and Dependents Program provides educations benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90% disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict.
This program may pay for tuition and fees at any state-supported college or university in Virginia. Benefits are available for up to 36 months.
Virginia Veterans Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Virginia offers a free lifetime hunting and fishing license, and a discounted saltwater license for Virginia resident veterans who are permanently and totally service-connected disabled.
Veterans with at least 70% VA disability can get discounted hunting and freshwater fishing licenses
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing License
Active duty members stationed in Virginia can get hunting & fishing licenses for the resident rate.
State Park Admission
Veterans with 100% VA disability are eligible for free admission and parking and admission for the pass holder and anyone needed to assist them at Virginia state parks.
The pass also covers boat launch and horse trailer parking and a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters and equipment rental.
You do not need to be a Virginia resident to qualify.
Virginia Veterans Cemeteries
Virginia has three veterans cemeteries located in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk.
Honorably discharged veterans may be buried at no cost, there is a small cost for their eligible family members.
Visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.
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