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West Virginia Veteran benefits

24 benefits from West Virginia 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 West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 304-558-3661 State agency website

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

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

24 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    $20,000 Homestead Exemption for Permanently and Totally Disabled Owners

    West Virginia exempts the first $20,000 of a home's assessed value from property tax when the owner lives there and is 65 or older or is certified as permanently and totally disabled.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Owner must have been or will be a resident of West Virginia for the two consecutive calendar years preceding the tax year, and may not receive a similar exemption in another state.
    How to apply
    The exemption attaches to the homestead occupied by the qualified owner on the July 1 assessment date and applies to taxes for the following tax year. Apply with your County Assessor's Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 90%+ P&T

    Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit

    A disabled veteran or eligible widowed spouse can get a refundable state credit equal to the West Virginia property tax paid on time on their home that year. The credit lowers or refunds their state income tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 90% or higher that is Permanent and Total (P&T). A disabled veteran taxpayer is a person honorably discharged from the armed services who is considered at least 90 percent totally and permanently disabled due solely to service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. An eligible widowed spouse is the unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran taxpayer who previously received the credit.
    How to apply
    File Form DV-1 with your West Virginia personal income tax return (IT-140), attaching proof of property tax paid and your VA disability rating letter.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit for Surviving Spouses

    Unmarried surviving spouses of disabled veterans who were getting the disabled veteran property tax credit can keep getting a refundable state income tax credit for property taxes paid on their home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Un-remarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran taxpayer who was already receiving the disabled veteran real property tax credit
    How to apply
    Apply through West Virginia tax system. Contact county tax assessor or West Virginia Tax Commissioner's office
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Exemption

    For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, military retirement income, including retirement pay from the regular Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard paid by the United States or by West Virginia, and any survivorship annuities, is excluded from West Virginia adjusted gross income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to any resident individual who reports military retirement income in federal adjusted gross income; no dollar cap applies for years after 2017.
    How to apply
    Subtract the exempt amount when computing West Virginia adjusted gross income on Form IT-140.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veteran License Plate

    West Virginia issues a Disabled Veteran license plate, starting with "DV," with no registration fee for one plate. You still pay small insurance and litter fees. A surviving spouse can keep the plate until remarriage.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). To qualify, an applicant must have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, or have received a grant under PL 663-79, PL 187-82, or PL 77-90.
    How to apply
    Fill out form DMV-48-D. Have it certified by the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. Then mail it or take it to a DMV regional office with proof of insurance and a personal property tax receipt. An extra DV plate costs $61.50, then $51.50 a year (form DMV-48-A).
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    Disabled Veteran Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption

    Vehicles owned by certain disabled veterans, as defined by federal law, are exempt from the payment of registration fees under West Virginia law.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Qualifying applicants must have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the Veterans Administration, or have received a federal grant toward a vehicle purchase under PL 663-79, PL 187-82, or PL 77-90.
    How to apply
    The application must be certified by the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance before the DMV can process it.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver's License

    The Veteran's designation is available on West Virginia driver's licenses, allowing veterans to show proof of military service on their state license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicants must bring their DD-214, another form of military identification, or their motor vehicle registration card showing a current military license plate.
    How to apply
    There is no charge if the designation is the only transaction being sought at the time; apply at a local DMV regional office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran License Plate

    West Virginia issues a special Veteran license plate for honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, available for Class A (passenger car/truck) and Class G (motorcycle) registrations.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must be an honorably discharged veteran and complete Part I of the application before Department of Veterans Assistance certification.
    How to apply
    Submit DMV Form DMV-48 (Application for a Veteran License Plate) to a West Virginia DMV Regional Office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100% P&T

    Free Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing for Disabled Veterans

    Any West Virginia resident honorably discharged from the Armed Forces who receives a veteran's pension based on total permanent service-connected disability may hunt, trap, or fish in the state without obtaining a license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Disabled veterans who do not have to pay West Virginia vehicle registration fees (because of their disability) can also hunt, trap or fish without a license.
    How to apply
    The director shall propose rules setting forth the certification procedure and identification requirements for the disabled veteran. Contact the Division of Natural Resources for certification.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: W. Va. Code §17A-10-8.

  • No rating needed

    West Virginia State Parks Veterans Salute Discount

    West Virginia State Parks offers 10% off any lodge room, cabin, or campsite, every day, for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Use code VETS10 when making a reservation and present a valid military ID at check-in.
    How to apply
    Book online at wvstateparks.com or by phone using the discount code.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Medal of Honor and Andrew J. Trail Purple Heart Recipient Tuition Waiver

    A state institution of higher education must waive undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for a West Virginia resident, honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, who has received the Medal of Honor or a Purple Heart Medal.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Purple Heart recipients must also have sustained wounds during military combat resulting in a permanent disability or loss of limb to qualify under that waiver category.
    How to apply
    The waiver is available for a maximum of eight semesters; apply through the admissions or veterans services office of the West Virginia public institution.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Re-education Assistance

    West Virginia pays up to $500 a semester to help Veterans pay for college or training. It can also help with job training or other schooling, case by case.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant must have served in and been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, have exhausted GI Bill benefits, and be a resident of West Virginia.
    How to apply
    Students who wish to reapply must submit a new application each semester, mailing the form, DD-214, and proof of enrollment/residency to the WVDVA Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program (WVEEP)

    The WV National Guard funds up to 100% of tuition costs and fees, up to $10,000 per Service Member per fiscal year, as prescribed by The Adjutant General.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Open to members of the West Virginia National Guard who have completed Basic Combat Training/Basic Military Training.
    How to apply
    Deadlines are May 1st for fall and Nov. 1st for spring, with non-traditional and summer session deadlines 60 days before the start date. Apply online through the WVEEP portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Operation Recognition High School Diplomas for Surviving Veterans

    The state board must award a high school diploma to any surviving veteran of World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam Conflict who left school before graduation to serve in the Armed Forces.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran must complete the application process under joint rules of the state board and the Veterans' Council.
    How to apply
    The diploma is awarded by the county board in the county where the veteran resides, or the county where the veteran would have graduated, whichever location the veteran chooses.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Tuition and Fees Waiver for Surviving Spouses and Children of Service Members Killed in Line of Duty

    Surviving spouses and children of service members killed in the line of duty while serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces receive tuition and fees waiver at West Virginia state institutions of higher education for undergraduate courses, plus additional stipend for living expenses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse or child of resident service member who was killed in the line of duty while serving in an active or reserve component. Child must pursue undergraduate courses. Waiver applies only after all other tuition assistance forms (excluding student loans) are exhausted.
    How to apply
    Contact the financial aid office at the West Virginia public institution of higher education of choice
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    War Orphan Education Program

    West Virginia waives tuition and fees at state schools for the surviving spouse or child of a West Virginia veteran who died because of wartime service. It covers what VA education aid (DEA or the Fry Scholarship) does not, and keeps going after those run out.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse, or surviving child younger than 26, of a veteran who listed West Virginia as home of record and died in or because of wartime service. Must attend a West Virginia public school or training program.
    How to apply
    Contact the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance at 304-558-3661 for the current application. Send it with the veteran's DD-214 and proof of enrollment.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Boots to Bus Drivers

    Boots to Bus Drivers is an initiative of the West Virginia Department of Education, in partnership with Operation Welcome Home and the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance, that connects retired and transitioning active-duty service members with the training needed for a career as a school bus operator.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Open to retired and transitioning active-duty service members interested in becoming West Virginia school bus operators.
    How to apply
    Contact the West Virginia Department of Education or a WVDVA benefits office for enrollment details.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Preference Points for State Civil Service Exams

    Veterans who meet eligibility requirements may receive an additional five preference points added to their final civil-service score, up to a maximum of ten points if they meet the definition of a disabled veteran.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. A veteran is a person discharged or released from active-duty service under honorable conditions, or who completed full-time active-duty training for more than ninety consecutive days as a member of the National Guard or Military Reserves. A disabled veteran must have an established service-connected disability or receive related compensation, retirement benefits, or a pension.
    What you get at each level
    • 5 preference points for veterans
    • up to 10 preference points for disabled veterans
    How to apply
    Applicants claiming veterans preference points must provide a copy of their DD Form 214.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    West Virginia Military Incentive Credit

    The West Virginia Military Incentive Credit encourages private employers to hire Veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve. It gives tax credits to qualified businesses that employ economically disadvantaged Veterans and unemployed members of the West Virginia National Guard and United States Reserve forces.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Available to private employers who hire qualifying economically disadvantaged Veterans or unemployed Guard or Reserve members, as defined in state law.
    How to apply
    More information is available in West Virginia State Code Section 21A-2C and through WorkForce West Virginia.
    Official page

    Last checked October 7, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • No rating needed

    WV Certified Veteran-Owned Business (CVOB) Program

    The WV Certified Veteran-Owned Business Program, authorized by House Bill 5227, became effective July 1 and establishes a formal certification process for veteran-owned businesses operating in West Virginia.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who own a business in West Virginia are encouraged to apply for certification through the Secretary of State's Office.
    How to apply
    Complete the application and submit a copy of the veteran's DD-214 in accordance with the form instructions. The Secretary of State's Business Division reviews applications, verifies eligibility, and grants an official decal and logo to approved businesses.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery Burial Benefits

    Burial or interment services are available to an eligible Veteran at no cost. This includes a grave site or niche, opening and closing services, a pre-set crypt, a headstone or niche cover, and perpetual care. The Veteran's surviving next of kin also receives a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility follows federal VA National Cemetery Administration policy and federal law. In general, you must be a Veteran who died on active duty or who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran may also be buried in the cemetery, even if they remarried after the Veteran's death. Minor children may be eligible, and in some cases unmarried adult dependent children.
    How to apply
    Call the cemetery office at 304-746-0026 to schedule a burial. The cemetery is at 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV 25064. A fee of $780 is charged for the burial of a spouse or other eligible family member.
    Official page

    Last checked October 7, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    John F. "Jack" Bennett Fund for Grave Markers

    The John F. 'Jack' Bennett Fund is a special state fund expended by the Division of Veterans Affairs to provide for the placement of markers on the graves of veterans in perpetual cemeteries.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Approval is based on the family's financial need as determined by the Means Test Threshold guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for headstones and markers.
    How to apply
    Family members, cemetery owners, or funeral directors may apply, submitting the application, a photo of the grave marker showing the veteran's legible name, and proof of the next of kin's income.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    West Virginia Veterans Home (Barboursville)

    The West Virginia Veterans Home is a 125-bed facility in Barboursville that serves as a home for veterans discharged under honorable conditions who need safe and affordable housing.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Must have served on active duty or performed active service in a reserve component for at least 12 consecutive months, unless medically discharged for a service-connected injury before 12 months. Must also be eligible for care at federal VA Medical Centers.
    How to apply
    Applications may be submitted through a WVDVA field office or directly to the Veterans Home, along with a copy of the veteran's DD-214, preadmission testing, and certain medical records.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility (Clarksburg)

    The West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility is a 120,000-square-foot, 120-bed facility in Clarksburg considered one of the finest veterans-only nursing homes in the United States.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans must have continuously been a resident of West Virginia for 30 days immediately before applying (or entered active service from West Virginia), and be physically unable to maintain themselves at home due to age, disability, or disease requiring nursing-level care.
    How to apply
    Apply through a WVDVA field office or directly with the facility, submitting a DD-214 and required medical documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

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