State file · WV
Veteran benefits in West Virginia
West Virginia pairs a $20,000 homestead exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans with National Guard tuition funding up to $7,000 a year, license-free hunting and fishing at 100% disability, and a veterans-in-agriculture program.
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Financial benefits
Active duty pay tax exclusion
Active duty military pay received by West Virginia National Guard and Reserve members for service in Operation Enduring Freedom can be subtracted on the state tax return.
Military spouse tax exemption
Under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, non-resident spouses may be exempt from West Virginia income tax on wages earned in the state.
Homestead exemption for disabled veterans
Permanently and totally disabled veterans who return to West Virginia and meet residency requirements receive a $20,000 homestead property tax exemption, with written certification from the VA required.
Tax forgiveness for combat zone deaths
Service members who die in a combat zone receive state tax forgiveness for the year of death and prior years, with unpaid taxes abated or refunded. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for eligible survivors is also tax-free.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax rate is 6.0%, with county additions of up to 1.0%; the combined average is roughly 6.122%.
Recreation
License-free hunting & fishing
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, or those receiving a VA automobile grant, do not need hunting or fishing licenses. Active duty West Virginia residents on leave are also exempt from license requirements.
State parks discount
Veterans and active-duty members get a 10% discount on all standard lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites at West Virginia state parks.
Education programs
Medal of Honor and Purple Heart tuition waiver
All public institutions of higher education waive tuition and mandatory fees for West Virginia residents who have been awarded the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart.
Educational Encouragement Program (WVEEP)
The West Virginia National Guard funds up to 100% of tuition and fees, up to $7,000 per person per fiscal year, for members enrolled in approved West Virginia institutions who complete coursework before their expiration term of service.
Veterans Re-Education Assistance
Honorably discharged veterans who have exhausted federal GI Bill and vocational benefits can receive a stipend of up to $500 per semester, based on need and funding availability.
In-state tuition for nonresident veterans
Public institutions charge the in-state rate to nonresident GI Bill recipients who enroll within three years of discharge; active duty members and their families also qualify.
Veteran housing
West Virginia State Veterans Home at Barboursville
The state veterans home in Barboursville serves honorably discharged veterans who have been West Virginia residents for at least 30 days or entered service from the state, with at least 12 months of active duty; charges are based on income.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
All wartime veterans with an honorable discharge get 5 points added to their final state employment test score, and veterans with a Purple Heart or VA disability get an additional 5 points.
Workforce West Virginia veteran services
Eligible veterans receive priority in employment and training programs at WorkForce One-Stop Career Centers, with Disabled Veteran Outreach Program specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives providing specialized services and employer outreach.
Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program
A Department of Agriculture program designed to integrate veterans into agriculture with training and support.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and reserve component members returning from duty.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries at Grafton
Grafton National Cemetery and the West Virginia National Cemetery, both in Grafton, serve the state's veterans. Burial is free for the veteran, with a small fee for spouses and dependent children.
VA resources in West Virginia
Huntington Regional Office
The VA regional office serving West Virginia for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteLouis A. Johnson VA Medical Center
VA medical care for north-central West Virginia, in Clarksburg.
Official siteMartinsburg VA Medical Center
VA medical care for the eastern panhandle, in Martinsburg.
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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