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WA STATE VETERAN BENEFITSWashington State Veteran Benefits The State of Washington provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits. Washington State Veterans Home The State of Washington runs 4 State veterans’ homes, they are located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane and Walla Walla. There is a cost for care, you must have an honorable discharge, spouses, surviving spouses, and gold star parents are eligible for admission. Washington Veterans Financial Benefits Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability and an income of less than $40,000 (not including VA disability payment) may be exempt from paying property tax on their home. Surviving spouses may also qualify. Free License Plates for Disabled Veterans Veterans who have been receiving 100% VA disability for at least one year can receive a free disabled veteran vehicle license plate. Washington Veteran Employment Benefits State Employment Honorably discharged combat veterans or those with a campaign ribbon, and their surviving spouses, get preference for State jobs. For State jobs that require an examination, 5% will be added to the score of a non-combat veteran, 10% will be added to the score of a combat veteran, and 5% will be added to the score of a mobilized guard or reserve member. If a veteran receives military retirement, they will get 5% added no matter what. An Honorable discharge is required. Military Service Credit Washington State Department of Retirement Systems offers military service credit to qualified public employees. Translating Military Training or Experience to WA State Licensure or Credentials People with military training and experience may count it towards certain civilian healthcare profession credentialing requirements if the state determines it is substantially equivalent to standards. Military Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test 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. Washington State Conservation Corps The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in partnerships with local counties, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and federal agencies operates several internship and paid programs. These programs work to restore and protect Washington State's natural resources. Washington Veteran Recreation Benefits Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses Discounted hunting and fishing licenses are available to 30% and greater disabled veterans’ resident or non-resident. These licenses are also available to those over 65 with any disability. Active-Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses Active-duty members stationed in Washington State can buy hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate. State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass Disabled veterans with at least 30% disability can get a free lifetime pass which offers free camping, moorage, campsite reservations, watercraft launching, trailer dump, and day use at all state parks. Washington State Veterans Cemetery The Washington State 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 fee for eligible dependents. All other funeral expenses are borne by the family Visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs. ================== Your Ultimate Guide to 2022 Veterans Benefits in Washington StateIn addition to the federal benefits available to all eligible U.S. military veterans no matter where they live, each state offers additional benefits that are unique to that state – and Washington state is no exception! With all branches of the armed forces well represented, the Evergreen State is home to more than 582,000 veterans. Washington state veterans benefits for you and your family include property tax exemptions, state hiring and employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, home loan assistance, social programs, and vehicle licensing benefits as well as hunting and fishing privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and veteran disability status. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) administers most of the programs and benefits available to veterans living in the state. The central office in Olympia includes a veterans service center and provides support for all agency programs. If you’re looking for information on veterans benefits and programs, the WDVA website is an excellent resource. Below we highlight some of the most valuable Washington state veterans benefits, including where to find more information about each benefit or program. You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service. Property tax exemptions for Washington state veteransWashington state disabled veteran benefits include a property tax exemption.A property tax exemption is available to disabled veterans in Washington. The qualifying applicant receives a reduction of property taxes based on the applicant’s income, value of the residence, and local levy rates. To qualify, you must be a veteran of the armed forces and receiving compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for one of the following:
Eligible veterans must own and occupy a primary residence in the state of Washington and have combined disposable income of “Income Threshold 3” or less. Learn more about property tax exemptions for Washington state veterans Washington State Property Tax Assistance Program For Surviving Spouses Of VeteransQualifying surviving spouses may receive a grant to assist them with payment of property taxes. The assistance amount is based on the applicant’s income, value of the residence, and local levy rates. The grant does not have to be repaid if the applicant continues to live in the residence until at least December 15 of the year a grant is received.
The surviving spouse must be at least 62 years old by December 31 of the year the taxes are due or be retired by reason of disability. The surviving spouse must also own and occupy a primary residence in Washington state and have a combined disposable income of $40,000 or less. Learn more about the Washington state property tax assistance program for surviving spouses of veterans. What education benefits are available to veterans in Washington state?There are many tuition and education benefits available to veterans living in Washington state! Washington State Education Tuition Waiver For VeteransState community colleges, as well as other colleges and universities, will waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans. The state will also provide a $500 stipend for textbooks and course materials. Every college and university establishes and operates its own veterans’ waiver program; contact the college or university you plan to attend for details on its program. To be eligible, a veteran must:
For more information: Washington state education waiver for veterans Full Tuition Waiver For Eligible Veterans’ DependentsState universities, regional universities, the Evergreen State College, and community and technical colleges will waive all tuition and fees for eligible dependents of veterans who are declared prisoners of war, 100% disabled, or who died in active military service. The state will also provide a $500 stipend for textbooks and course materials. Each college or university establishes and operates its own veterans waiver program; contact the college or university you plan to attend for details on its program. Eligible dependents must have:
Eligible dependents must be:
Learn more about Washington state education benefits for dependents of 100% disabled veterans or those who died as a result of military service High School Diplomas For Wartime VeteransWashington stateOperation Recognition issues high school diplomas to eligible veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Veterans who left high school to join the military during World War II, 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. Learn more about Operation Recognition Hiring and employment benefits for Washington state veteransWashington state provides multiple benefits and hiring advantages for veterans and in some cases their family members. Washington State Veterans Hiring PreferencePublic employers must offer hiring preference to honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses, and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants must be able to perform the duties required of the position. If an employer is administering an examination prior to hiring, the employer must add the following percentages to their passing scores:
If no examination is administered prior to certification, the employer must refer the eligible individuals to the employing official. To receive preference, applicants must be an honorably discharged veteran, a surviving spouse, or the spouse of an honorably discharged veteran who has a service-connected permanent and total disability. Learn more about Washington state hiring preferences for veterans Washington State Employment Military Service Credit In Retirement SystemIf you take a leave of absence from your Washington state Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)-covered position to serve in the United States military, you are interrupting membership in your retirement system. If you return to your DRS-covered position, you may be able to recover service credit for the time you spent in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is called “interruptive military service credit.” Service credit is one of the factors used in computing your retirement benefit, so increasing your service credit would increase your future monthly benefit. Your military service must have been with the U.S. armed forces, to include reserves and National Guard. You can recover between 5 and 10 years of interruptive military service credit, depending on your circumstance. If a service member dies during active service, the surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, or guardian of any minor child(ren) can apply for the interruptive military service credit. Learn more about the Washington state employment military service credit in retirement system Washington State WorkSource Veteran ServicesWashington state WorkSource helps thousands of military veterans, including disabled veterans, find jobs each year. Veterans get priority access to WorkSource services, including priority referrals to jobs listed with WorkSource as well as other employment services. WorkSource centers offer veterans and their spouses:
Identify yourself as a veteran on the Washington state WorkSource website to make it easier for veteran-friendly employers to find you and to search for job openings where employers are giving veterans priority. Most WorkSource centers have veteran employment specialists to those with disabilities and other severe employment barriers. Washington state WorkSource veterans services Washington state WorkSource locator Washington State Department Of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship ProgramsAn apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices get paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field. Veterans can use their VA education benefits for many of these programs. After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide. Some apprenticeships offer direct entry into the programs for veterans; check the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries search engine to see registered programs. Washington State Department Of Health Licensure Benefits For Veterans And SpousesWashington state offers several professional licensure benefits to veterans and their spouses, such as: • Licensure for spouses and registered domestic partners of military personnel transferring to or stationed in Washington state. Eligible spouses or registered domestic partners may receive health profession credentials more quickly. Include any required supporting documentation with the application for the health professional credential(s) you are seeking. • Military Education/Training/Experience legislation: Military education, training and/or experience are evaluated toward meeting the credentialing requirements in Washington state for certain entry-level health professions. Review health profession(s) to determine eligibility and required supporting documentation. You may also contact Washington state’s Department of Health customer service for additional assistance. In addition, check out these online sources: Washington state Department of Health professions directory Washington State Department of Health contact information Washington state Department of Health military resources handout Military to Civilian Crosswalk Home loan program for Washington state disabled veteransThe Washington State Housing Finance Commission provides the Veterans Down Payment Assistance Loan Program. This is a down payment assistance, second mortgage program with a 3.00% interest rate and payments deferred for up to 30 years for Washington state veterans. The program combines with the Home Advantage first mortgage loan program or or House Key first mortgage loan program. Eligible households may qualify for a loan amount up to $10,000. Who is eligible for the Veterans Down Payment Assistance Loan Program?
Borrowers must be first-time home buyers or buying in a “targeted area.” Borrowers must also qualify for one of the commission’s first mortgage loan program, and must attend a commission-sponsored home buyer seminar prior to reserving funds. Cash back to borrowers is not allowed. There are also income maximums. Maximum income to be eligible for the veterans program as of 5/5/2021: King/Snohomish Counties $115,700 All Other Counties $ 91,600 Learn more about the Washington state Housing Finance Commission’s Veterans Down Payment Assistance Loan Program: http://www.wshfc.org/buyers/keyveterans.htm Housing Benefits And Homeless Veteran ServicesWashington State Veterans HomesThe WDVA operates four long-term nursing and assisted-living care homes: Washington Soldiers Home Orting, Washington Veterans Home Port Orchard, Spokane Veterans Home, and the Walla Walla Veterans Home. All are Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities. Supportive programs and services provided include:
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Learn more about the WDVA Veterans Homes Washington State Veterans Transitional Housing ProgramThe Washington state Veterans Transitional Housing Program assists veterans in need of stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and increased income potential. Veterans are surrounded by supportive staff and wrap-around services designed to lead to their successful completion of the program and a successful return to the community. The Transitional Housing Program facilities are in Port Orchard and Orting. Veterans are eligible if they:
Learn more about the Washington state Veterans Transitional Housing Program Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs offers HVRP as a proven, successful program that gets homeless veterans off the street and back to being productive members of society. WDVA provides HVRP urban services to veterans in King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Yakima, Spokane, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Ferry, Grant, Adams, Lincoln, and Whitman counties. The HVRP offers a structured, individually designed case management plan to assist help veterans in becoming employable and secure. HVRP services include:
To participate in the HVRP, an individual must be a veteran and homeless as defined:
Learn more about the WDVA HVRP Washington State and County Veterans Assistance ProgramsWashington state law allows counties to establish programs to assist indigent resident veterans, their families, and the families of deceased veterans. Each county establishes a veterans assistance program to address the needs of local indigent veterans and their families. Interested applicants should contact their county representative for more information and eligibility requirements. Financial assistance programsVeterans Innovations ProgramThe Veterans Innovations Program was created to provide assistance to veterans and their families facing financial hardships due to deployments in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program works with veterans and their families to match their individual needs with the appropriate Veterans Innovations Program fund and other veteran or non-veteran programs and services. Their goal is to make sure veterans and their families have access to all veterans benefits and the tools they need to provide for themselves. To be eligible, a veteran must:
Learn more about the WDVA Veterans Innovations Program WDVA Veterans Estate Management ProgramThe WDVA Veterans Estate Management Program offers protective payee services for veterans and family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. By assuming custody of the individual’s finances, the department covers basic needs—such as housing, food, clothing, and medical care. Veterans and their beneficiaries are eligible. These services may include:
Learn more about the WDVA Veterans Estate Management Program Washington state medical coverage for National GuardWashington National Guard service members who are incapacitated, injured, or disabled while in active state service or inactive duty will receive compensation and benefits according to Washington state workers’ compensation laws. Learn more about Washington state National Guard medical coverage for injury, illness, and death benefits incurred while on active state duty Driver’s license and license plate benefits for veteransVeteran Designation On Washington State Driver License Or Identification (ID) Card Washington state veterans can get a “veteran” designation on their driver license or ID card. There is no fee if you’re only adding your veteran status. To be eligible, you must present a DD214, or equivalent, indicates “honorable” or “general under honorable conditions” discharge or a VA ID card at a driver licensing office when applying. There is a fee if you are:
Washington State Department of Licensing, Office Directory Veteran Designation on Washington State Driver License or ID Card Washington State Veterans License PlatesWashington state offers 14 license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, veterans, retirees, and family members. In addition, Washington has “Veteran/Military Service Award Emblems” that may be affixed to any license plate type. See the military license plate application Military service award emblems
Washington State Gold Star License PlateThe Gold Star plate is available for family members of an armed forces service member who died while in service to their country, or as a result of their service. To be eligible, you must be a Washington state vehicle owner and request a certified letter from the Washington state Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) as proof that you are:
Applicants must get a certified DMVA Gold Star license plate request for certification letter verifying eligibility. Learn more about the Washington state Gold Star license plate Washington State Disabled Veteran License PlateVeterans eligible for this plate are exempt from license fees for one vehicle per year. These special plates or tabs are good for the life of the vehicle. (They do not grant disabled parking privileges.) To be eligible, you must be a Washington state vehicle owner who served in any branch of the armed forces, reserves, or National Guard and:
Applicants must get a letter of eligibility from the Washington state Department of Veterans Affairs verifying a 100% service-connected disability. Learn more about the Washington state Disabled Veteran license plate Washington State Purple Heart License PlateWashington state residents who have received the Purple Heart (and their surviving spouses) may receive a license plate representing that award. An unremarried surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased Purple Heart recipient may also receive this plate. Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214 documenting receipt of the Purple Heart; surviving spouses must also provide a copy of the recipient’s death certificate and an affidavit that they have not remarried. Learn more about the Washington state Purple Heart license plate Washington State Medal of Honor License PlateWashington state vehicle owners who have been awarded the Medal of Honor may receive license plates for up to three vehicles at no charge. They can choose either the Medal of Honor or standard mountain background plates You must submit a letter of eligibility from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to verify that you have received the Medal of Honor. There is no special plate fee. Learn more about the Washington state Medal of Honor license plate Washington Resident Military Personnel License/ID Card Expiration ExtensionFor Washington state residents who are on active duty, a driver’s license remains valid after its expiration date. Washington state allows driver licenses and ID cards to remain valid until 90 days after discharge. Service members and dependents must have the following in their possession in order for their license to remain valid:
Military personnel must apply for a Washington state Department of Licensing authorization card at a Washington state Department of Licensing office. All military license plate applications and copies of required documentation should be mailed to: Special Plate Unit Are there recreational Washington state veterans benefits?Washington state veterans are granted numerous advantages and privileges while enjoying the great outdoors. And if you’re visiting from out of state to see a buddy, you may qualify, too! Washington State Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Disabled VeteransThe Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife offers licensing fees at half price for disable veterans. If you have been honorably discharged from military service, received a disability percentage rating from the VA, and meet the criteria below, you qualify for a reduced-fee license. The following are eligible for a combination fishing license (fresh water, saltwater, and shellfish) and/or hunting license(s) at the discounted rate:
Learn more about Washington state reduced-fee hunting and fishing privileges for disabled veterans Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime PassWashington state disabled veterans benefits including use of Washington State parks at no charge. The Washington state Parks and Recreation Commission offers free camping, docking, campsite reservations (through state parks central reservations system), watercraft launching, trailer dump, and day use entry at Washington state parks to Washington state resident veterans with a documented service-connected disability of at least 30%. Veterans must provide a disability award letter, certification from the VA, or military service; a separation certificate or similar document on official letterhead stationery from the certifying agency; or have the pass application signed by the VA or military service. The document must clearly state the percentage of disability, and that it’s service-connected. Complete an application here, email [email protected], or mail to: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Learn more about the Washington state parks disabled veteran lifetime pass You Served You Deserve! And we’ve got your six! Become an Elite Member and talk with one of our Veteran Coaches to begin your journey to a higher rating! Miscellaneous benefits for Washington state veteransWashington state offers many other benefits, amenities, and privileges to veterans. Here are just a few! Reduced Public Transportation Fees for Disabled Veterans Around Puget SoundLocal participating transit authorities offer disabled veteran passengers a reduced rate with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP). There is no charge for the RRFP. This benefit is for veterans certified by the VA at a 40% or greater disability level. Regional reduced fare permit application Learn more about reduced public transportation fees for disabled veterans around Puget Sound. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ProgramThe WDVA provides an outreach/counseling program to veterans with war-era and PTSD-related mental health challenges. The PTSD program creates community-based avenues to counseling services that are less formal in nature, offering the highest level of confidentiality possible. Services provided throughout the program include individuals, couples, families, and veteran group counseling. Some contractors offer group services to women veterans and spouses of veterans. Veterans may be referred to specialized inpatient or outpatient treatment offered by VA medical centers or vet centers within Washington state. Who is eligible?
NOTE: King County has slightly different eligibility criteria according to these definitions:
Additional counseling and consulting resources are used to educate teachers and school counselors of the potential needs of school-age children of war-exposed parents. The PTSD Program also provides in-service training and consultation to college and university counseling and other professional staff or faculty members. This special program is designed to address the needs of war-exposed veterans who have returned to school after discharge from the military and seek assistance at student counseling centers on campus. Learn more about the WDVA PTSD program Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Advisory CommitteeThe mission of the WDVA Women Veterans Advisory Committee is to help Washington state’s women veterans of the armed forces and ensure they have equitable access to federal and state veterans services and benefits. Learn more about the WDVA Women Veterans Advisory Committee WDVA Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC)The VCC Program provides meaningful training and volunteer opportunities for veterans through restoration, training, and agriculture to support Washington state veterans in their own connections to healing and purpose. All veterans are eligible to participate in the VCC. Opportunities include:
Veterans Conservation Corps brochure What about income tax benefits for Washington state veterans?Many states do not charge income tax on active duty or retired military pay. Others tax only a portion of military pay. Washington state does not have a personal or corporate income tax. MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVERegardless of what state you live in, it’s important that you pursue the monthly compensation payments due to you for disabilities connected to your military service. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation they deserve. At VA Claims Insider, we help veterans understand and take control of the claims process, so they can get the rating and compensation they’re owed by law. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC) — so you can increase your rating in less time! If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating — or you’re not sure how to get started — reach out to us! You served… you deserve. About VA Claims InsiderVA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions. |