State file · WA
Veteran benefits in Washington
Washington has no personal income tax and backs it up with property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, tuition waivers at state colleges, a free lifetime state parks pass at 30% disability, and a state veterans cemetery.
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Financial benefits
No personal income tax
Washington does not have a personal or corporate income tax, so military retirement pay and VA benefits are not taxed at the state level. Business and occupation taxes and public utility taxes apply to businesses operating in the state.
Disabled veteran property tax exemption
Veterans with a 100% disability rating and income below $40,000 (excluding VA payments) may qualify for a property tax exemption, as may surviving spouses. A broader state exemption covers owners who are 61 or older, disabled, or have an 80% service-connected disability, occupy their residence, and have combined disposable income of $40,000 or less.
Property tax assistance for surviving spouses
Grants are available to qualifying surviving spouses based on income, residence value, and local levy rates, and do not need to be repaid if the recipient remains in the home through December 15.
Free disabled veteran license plates
Veterans who have been receiving 100% VA disability compensation for at least one year can receive a free disabled veteran vehicle license plate.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%, with municipal additions of up to 3.9%; the combined average is roughly 8.68%.
Recreation
Hunting & fishing license discounts
Veterans with a 30% or higher disability rating (resident or non-resident) and disabled veterans over 65 qualify for discounted hunting and fishing licenses. Active duty members stationed in Washington can buy licenses at the resident rate.
State parks lifetime pass
Disabled veterans with at least a 30% disability rating can get a free lifetime state parks pass covering camping, reservations, watercraft launching, trailer dump, and day-use fees.
Education programs
State tuition waiver for veterans
Washington community colleges and universities may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and National Guard members, with each institution administering its own program. Eligibility generally requires Washington domicile, qualifying Title 10 or Title 32 service in foreign locations or support roles, and an honorable discharge if separated.
Interstate Compact for military children
Washington participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, easing enrollment, placement, attendance, grading, extracurricular participation, and on-time graduation.
Veteran housing
Washington State Veterans Home at Port Orchard
The state veterans home in Port Orchard serves eligible veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents. Eligibility includes service in any branch (including the National Guard), an honorable discharge, and Washington residency or eligible family member status.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Honorably discharged service members and their surviving spouses are preferred for appointment and employment, and disability or age cannot disqualify a candidate who can do the job. Veterans receive 5 points on examination scores, service-connected disabled veterans receive 10 points, and mobilized Guard and reserve members receive 5 points.
Military service credit in state retirement
Veterans returning to positions covered by the Department of Retirement Systems may recover service credit for time spent in the armed forces, increasing future retirement benefits.
WorkSource veteran services
Veterans get priority access to WorkSource services, including job listings and referrals, hiring events, resume assistance, computer access, and skill assessments.
Burials & memorials
State veterans cemetery
The state veterans cemetery follows National Cemetery Administration eligibility: veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, plus spouses and dependent children, qualify with no residency requirement. There is no charge for veteran interment and a one-time fee of about $300 for eligible dependents.
National cemeteries in Washington
Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent and the Fort Lawton Post Cemetery in Seattle also serve Washington veterans.
VA resources in Washington
Seattle Regional Office
The VA regional office serving Washington for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteMann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center
VA medical care for the Spokane area and eastern Washington.
Official siteVA Portland Health Care System – Vancouver Campus
VA medical care for southwest Washington, based in Vancouver.
Official siteJonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
VA medical care for the Walla Walla area.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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