The state of West Virginia provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits
West Virginia Veterans Homes
West Virginia runs a veterans home in Barboursville, and a nursing facility in Clarksburg. They are open to veterans who have been residents of West Virginia for at least 30 days (or entered the service from West Virginia), have an honorable discharge, and who served at least 12 months of active duty service. Charges are based on income.
West Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
All military pay is tax-free if stationed out-of-state.
Retired pay and SBP payments are tax-free.
Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption
Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disabilities may be exempt from certain property taxes.
Veterans Bonus
West Virginia offers a cash bonuses to veterans who served during the War in Afghanistan. The bonus includes a one-time payment of $600 for service in the combat zone or a one-time payment of $400 for service outside the combat zone
West Virginia Veterans Preference for State Jobs
All wartime veterans with an honorable discharge get 5 points added to their final score on the state employment test.
Those with a Purple Heart or VA disability get an additional 5 points.
West Virginia Veteran Education Benefits
State War Orphans Education Assistance
Children whose parent died on active duty during a wartime period or as a result of disability or injury suffered during wartime duty can go to a state college for free.
The child must be be between 16 and 23.
Veterans Re-Education Act Fund
Veterans who have run out of GI Bill benefits may be eligible for state funds that can be used for tuition assistance, tests associated with professional license and certification or other training materials.
Medal of Honor & Purple Heart Tuition Waivers
All state colleges waive tuition and mandatory fee charges for West Virginia residents who have been awarded the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart
West Virginia Veteran Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses
West Virginia veterans with 100% service-connected disability or who are in receipt of the VA automobile grant do not need hunting & fishing licenses.
Active Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses
West Virginia residents on active duty and home on leave don't need hunting & fishing licenses.
West Virginia State Parks
Veterans and active duty members get a 10% discount on all standard lodge rooms, cabins and campsites operated by West Virginia State Parks. You do not have to be a WV resident to qualify.
West Virginia State Veterans Cemetery
The Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery is located in Dunbar. Eligibility for burial is the same as for burial in a national cemetery. Burial is free for veterans, spouses and dependent children pay a small fee.
Headstone Placement
Families of deceased veterans may be provided grave markers for their loved one free of charge from the VA. However, some families are unable to cover the cost of installing these grave markers. The Jack Bennett Fund provides applicants up to $380 to offset these costs. Financial need must be proven.
Visit the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance website for more information on any of these programs.
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