An estimated 465,141 veterans live in Washington, making up 7.6% of the state's population or the 10th-highest of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Washington Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
No state income tax.
Active-Duty Income Tax
No state income tax.
Washington Veteran Property Taxes
Veterans with an 80% service-connected disability or over the age of 61 whose income falls below certain levels (varies by county) may be exempt from paying property tax on their home. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Washington Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
State institutions may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans or National Guard members. The institutions set their own guidelines.
Military Dependent Education
Dependents of military members who died in service or who are permanently and totally disabled may receive up to 200 hours of free tuition at state schools. Children must be between the ages of 17 and 26. Spouses and surviving spouses are eligible for 10 years from the service member's date of death or date of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rating.
Washington Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
Honorably discharged combat veterans or those with a campaign ribbon, and their surviving spouses, receive preference for state jobs.
For state jobs that require an examination, 5% may be added to the score of a non-combat veteran, 10% to the score of a combat veteran and 5% to the score of a mobilized Guard or reserve member.
The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems offers military service credit to qualified public employees.
Military Spouse Employment
Surviving spouses may receive the same preference as the eligible veteran.
Washington Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Washington's four veterans homes are in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane and Walla Walla. There is a cost for care, and veterans must have an honorable discharge. Spouses, surviving spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission.
Homeless Veterans
Transitional housing facilities are in Port Orchard and Orting, with a Women Veterans Wing at Orting, to help with stable housing, vocational rehabilitation and employment.
Adapted Housing
Veterans who receive an adaptive housing grant from the federal VA may receive a refund of up to $2,500 of state sales tax paid on construction costs.
Washington Veteran Financial Assistance
No personal loan or grant programs.
Washington Veteran Legal Assistance
The state Attorney General's Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance facilitates civil legal assistance programs, pro bono services and self-help services for military service members, veterans and their families.
Washington Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Veterans 65 or older with any degree of disability and veterans under 65 with at least 30% disability receive reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses.
Active-duty members stationed in Washington may buy hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Parks/Camping
Disabled veterans with at least a 30% disability rating may receive a free lifetime pass that offers free camping, moorage, campsite reservations, watercraft launching and day use at all state parks.
Washington Veteran Transportation Benefits
No state-funded transportation benefit. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers van rides to VA medical centers in many states and may be available in the states without a state-funded transportation benefit.
Washington Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Washington's veterans cemetery is in Medical Lake. In general, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no residency requirement.
There is no charge for veteran interments and a one-time fee of $300 for eligible dependents. All other funeral expenses are the family's responsibility.
More Information
Visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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