Crisis?Call 988, press 1Text 838255Chat with the Veterans Crisis Line (opens in a new window)

Skip to content
Helping The Brave, because no brave fights alone

All states

Washington Veteran benefits

23 benefits from Washington for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Washington

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 800-562-2308 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Washington's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

23 benefits

Property tax

  • 40%+

    Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

    Reduces or eliminates regular and excess property taxes on a qualifying veteran's primary residence based on VA disability rating and income. Combined disposable income limits apply, and VA disability compensation/DIC are excluded from that income calculation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 40% or higher. Washington homeowner who occupies the residence as a principal place of residence; veteran must be rated at a combined service-connected evaluation of 40 percent or higher, or have a total disability rating for a service-connected disability without regard to evaluation percent; income must meet county threshold.
    How to apply
    File a claim with your county assessor's office using DOR's exemption application and income worksheet; renewal requirements vary by county.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Property Tax Assistance Grant for Widows/Widowers of Veterans

    Provides a grant to help pay all or part of regular and excess property taxes for the surviving, unremarried spouse or domestic partner of a qualifying deceased veteran. The grant does not have to be repaid if the applicant continues living in the home through at least mid-December of the grant year.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Claimant must meet the residency/ownership and income tests of RCW 84.36.381 (except the veteran's own income limit), be 62 or older or retired due to disability, not have remarried, and the deceased veteran must have died of a service-connected disability, been rated 100% disabled for the 10 years before death, been a former POW rated 100% for one or more years before death, or died in active training status.
    How to apply
    File Property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans and Combined Disposable Income Worksheet with the Department of Revenue; WDVA must assist in preparing the application; renew annually.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    No State Income Tax on Military Retirement or VA Benefits

    Washington has no personal income tax right now, so military retirement pay, VA disability pay, and other veteran benefits are not taxed by the state. This applies to all residents. A new 9.9% tax on income over $1 million is set to start January 1, 2028.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies automatically to all Washington residents; no application needed.
    How to apply
    No filing or application required; there are no state income tax returns to file.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • Any rating

    Disabled American Veteran or Former POW License Plates

    Provides special license plates issued without payment of vehicle license fees, license plate fees, or excise taxes on one personal-use vehicle for qualifying disabled veterans or former prisoners of war. Veterans may instead keep standard or another special plate design and still receive the same fee exemption.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Veteran as defined in RCW 41.04.007 who provides certification of a service-connected disability rating, has lost use of both hands or one foot, is a former POW who received the POW medal, became blind in both eyes due to military service, or receives compensation at the 100 percent rate.
    How to apply
    Apply to the Department of Licensing with certification from the VA or military service showing qualifying disability status.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Purple Heart License Plates

    Issues special Purple Heart license plates for one motor vehicle without payment of vehicle license fees, license plate fees, or motor vehicle excise taxes. Additional vehicles require standard fees and taxes.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Registered owner awarded a Purple Heart medal by any branch of the U.S. armed forces (including merchant marines and WASPs) with a qualifying discharge; surviving spouse or domestic partner of a recipient may also apply if unremarried.
    How to apply
    Provide a copy of the armed forces document showing the Purple Heart award (or recipient's death certificate and non-remarriage affidavit for surviving spouses) to the Department of Licensing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

    Lets veterans add a 'Veteran' designation to their Washington driver license or ID card, which can be used to show veteran status for various services. Adding only the veteran designation is free; other changes such as endorsements may carry normal fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran able to provide a DD Form 214 or equivalent separation document showing a qualifying discharge status, a VA identification card, or other accepted proof recognized under the state's expanded veteran definition.
    How to apply
    Submit documentation online through a License Express account or at a driver licensing office; documentation can be uploaded without an in-person visit.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star License Plates

    Allows eligible family members of a U.S. armed forces member who died in service or as a result of service to obtain special Gold Star license plates for a motor vehicle. WDVA certification of eligibility is required as part of the application.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Washington resident who is a widow, widower, biological/adoptive/step parent, in loco parentis or foster parent, biological/adopted child, or sibling of a service member who died in or due to service; must provide WDVA certification.
    How to apply
    Obtain a certification letter from WDVA confirming eligibility, then apply to the Department of Licensing for the plate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 30%+

    Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass

    Provides free day-use parking, boat launch, trailer dump, and free camping/moorage at Washington State Parks, plus the equivalent of a Discover Pass on WDFW and DNR lands, for qualifying disabled veterans. The pass is a free, wallet-sized card and does not need a Discover Pass to be used at any of the three agencies.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 30% or higher. Washington state resident who is a veteran with a 30% or greater combined service-connected disability rating.
    How to apply
    Request an application from Washington State Parks and submit proof of Washington residency and a VA award letter showing the qualifying disability rating.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

    WDFW issues combination fishing and/or hunting licenses at a discounted rate to honorably discharged veterans with a qualifying VA disability rating. Non-resident disabled veterans who qualify pay the same rate as a non-disabled Washington resident.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Resident veterans with at least 30 percent service-connected disability as verified by VA letter, or resident veterans 65 years of age or older with a service-connected disability; separate rates apply to qualifying non-resident veterans.
    How to apply
    Download and submit the Hunter/Fisher Veterans Reduced Fee Application with a one-page VA Disability Percentage Rating letter to WDFW Licensing Division.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Washington Tuition Waiver for Veterans and National Guard Members

    Allows Washington's public colleges and universities to waive all or part of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and National Guard members. Each institution designs and funds its own waiver program.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligible veteran or national guard member as defined in RCW 28B.15.621, generally requiring qualifying discharge and Washington domiciliary status; a separate discretionary waiver exists for veterans who did not serve on foreign soil, with no state general fund support.
    How to apply
    Contact the veterans office at the specific community college, college, or university you plan to attend; waiver terms vary by institution.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+For family or survivors

    Mandatory Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Totally Disabled or Deceased Veterans

    Requires Washington's public colleges and universities to waive all undergraduate tuition and fees for the child, spouse, or surviving spouse/domestic partner of a veteran or Guard member who became totally disabled, died, or is a POW/MIA as a result of active federal military service.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Child or spouse/surviving spouse/domestic partner of an eligible veteran or national guard member who is totally disabled (100% VA rating), died in service, or is designated POW/MIA; child must generally be age 17-26; surviving spouse loses eligibility upon remarriage.
    How to apply
    Submit proof of the veteran's qualifying status and your relationship to the college/university registrar or veterans office; waiver covers up to 200 quarter credits or equivalent semester credits.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) Program

    WDVA's VCC offers training, volunteer, and internship opportunities for veterans in land restoration, agriculture, and peer mentoring, supporting healing and purpose through hands-on conservation work. All veterans are eligible to participate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Open to all veterans; the Veterans Peer Corps track also allows a veteran's dependent to serve as a trained, certified peer mentor.
    How to apply
    Contact WDVA's VCC program to enroll in training, internships, or peer mentoring opportunities.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in State Employment

    Gives qualifying veterans and certain spouses a scoring advantage on competitive civil service examinations and a general preference for appointment in public employment. War/armed-conflict veterans not receiving military retirement receive a ten percent addition to their passing score.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005; spouses of active duty service members and spouses of veterans with a service-connected permanent and total disability also receive a hiring preference under RCW 73.16.010.
    How to apply
    Claim veterans' preference when applying for Washington state civil service positions through careers.wa.gov by submitting qualifying discharge documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    Veteran/Servicemember Owned Business (VOB) Certification

    WDVA certifies businesses that are veteran- or servicemember-owned so they can be identified for state contracting opportunities. Washington state agencies have been asked to direct a share of purchasing toward WDVA-certified veteran or servicemember owned businesses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Business must be at least 51% owned and day-to-day operationally controlled by a veteran or servicemember, be a Washington State enterprise, and register in WEBS (Washington's Electronic Business Solution).
    How to apply
    Register as a vendor in WEBS and submit ownership/control documentation (Master Business application, discharge status, etc.) to WDVA; certification is free.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    County Indigent Veteran Burial Assistance

    Washington counties must provide burial or cremation funds for indigent deceased veterans and their families who have no resources to cover funeral costs. Available under RCW 73.08.070.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Indigent veterans and their families who have resided in Washington state and have insufficient funds for burial expenses
    How to apply
    Contact your county administrator or social services department for application procedures
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Funeral Honors Program

    Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors performed by uniformed members of the Armed Forces, including flag folding and presentation, and playing of Taps. The Washington Army National Guard coordinates honors statewide.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All honorably discharged veterans and active duty service members; certain National Guard and Reserve members
    How to apply
    Request through funeral director or contact Washington Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors program; cemetery staff can assist for interments at state veterans cemeteries
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

  • Certain disabilities

    Sales/Use Tax Exemption for Adapted Housing for Disabled Veterans

    Gives disabled veterans who received a federal specially adapted housing or special housing adaptation grant a remittance of state sales/use tax paid on construction materials and labor for adapting their home. The remittance is capped per project and statewide per fiscal year.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Eligible purchaser is a disabled or severely disabled veteran who received a specially adapted housing grant or special housing adaptation grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Must have received a federal specially adapted housing (SAH) or special home adaptation (SHA) grant
    How to apply
    Pay sales/use tax on qualifying purchases, then apply to the Department of Revenue for remittance with the VA grant award letter, construction contracts, and invoices.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program

    A Washington State Housing Finance Commission loan of up to $10,000 at 3 percent interest to help veterans with a down payment and closing costs. It is used with a Commission first mortgage. There are no monthly payments. You pay it back when you sell, refinance, or move out. Terms change often, so check with the Commission first.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans with an honorable discharge, Washington National Guard and Reserve members and former members, and never-remarried spouses and children of deceased veterans. You must be a first-time buyer or buy in a target area. Household income limits apply. You must take a free homebuyer class.
    How to apply
    Apply through a participating WSHFC-approved lender in conjunction with a Commission first-mortgage program; attend the required homebuyer education class.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Transitional Housing Program

    WDVA's Transitional Housing Program helps veterans obtain stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and increased income potential through supportive staff and wrap-around services at facilities in Port Orchard and Orting.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge; other than honorably discharged veterans are considered case-by-case.
    How to apply
    Contact the WDVA Transitional Housing Program admissions coordinators for the Port Orchard or Orting locations.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Washington State Veterans Cemetery

    The State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake provides in-ground casket burial, columbarium niches, in-ground cremation, and a scattering garden for eligible veterans and family members, mirroring federal national cemetery eligibility. There is no charge for veteran interment, but family members are charged a set interment fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility mirrors National Veterans Cemetery eligibility; generally U.S. veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and their spouses and dependent children.
    How to apply
    Submit a WDVA Cemetery Application and proof of military service (DD-214) for pre-need or at-need burial determination.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Washington State Veterans Homes

    WDVA operates four state-run long-term care homes providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory/domiciliary care for veterans, spouses of residents, widows/widowers of eligible veterans, and Gold Star Parents. Veterans rated 70-100% service-connected may have nursing home care paid by the federal VA.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans, spouses of residents, widows/widowers of eligible veterans, and Gold Star Parents; Medicare, Medicaid, third-party insurance, and private pay are also accepted.
    How to apply
    Request and submit an Admission Application to the desired home (Orting, Port Orchard/Retsil, Spokane, or Walla Walla) through WDVA.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Innovations Program (VIP) Emergency Financial Assistance

    WDVA's VIP provides supportive financial assistance to veterans facing financial hardship where income is insufficient to meet basic needs, when the request shows a discernible positive outcome and funding is available. Assistance is provided only when not available through another resource.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran who served under honorable conditions (or is otherwise eligible for federal VA monetary benefits, or was separated with a less-than-honorable characterization solely due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression) and is experiencing financial hardship.
    How to apply
    Submit a completed VIP Application (VIP Form 1) to WDVA; contact WDVA at 800-562-2308 or wdvavip@dva.wa.gov for assistance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Estate Management Program (VEMP)

    WDVA offers protective payee/fiduciary services for veterans and family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs, ensuring basic needs like housing, food, clothing, and medical care are covered. The WDVA director may act as fiduciary or representative payee for eligible clients.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans and eligible family members determined incapable of managing their own financial affairs by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and/or Social Security Administration.
    How to apply
    Contact WDVA to request protective payee services; there is no fee for the program.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.