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Washington — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Washington
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty No state income tax on any income; in-state hunting/fishing rates if stationed in WA; MSRRA spouse tax protection; vehicle excise/RTA exemption for non-resident members
Guard / Reserve National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (up to $6,500/yr); tuition waiver for federal active-service deployments; state hiring preference; shared leave pool access
Military Retiree No state income tax — zero filing; military retirement 100% state-tax-free; no action required
Veteran (honorable, no rating) State hiring preference (5–10 pts on passing exam); free Veteran designation on DL/ID; Purple Heart/POW/Medal of Honor plates available; in-state tuition via GI Bill or residency; Operation Recognition diploma
0% SC Same as no-rating tier; no additional SC-threshold unlocks until 30%
10–20% SC Same as no-rating; no additional unlocks until 30% (property tax threshold drops to 20% in 2028 per HB 1106)
30–40% SC Lifetime Disabled Veteran State Parks Pass (free day-use, camping, boat launch, moorage at all state parks; reservation fees still apply); half-price hunting and fishing licenses (resident rate)
50–60% SC All 30%+ benefits; RRFP transit/ferry discount at 40%+
60% SC Property tax exemption threshold beginning Jan 1, 2026 (HB 1106); drops to 40% on Jan 1, 2027; drops to 20% on Jan 1, 2028
70–90% SC All above; federal VA covers nursing home costs at state veterans homes (70%+ SC); property tax exemption if income-qualified
100% Schedular DAV plate license fee waiver (one vehicle, after 1 yr receiving comp); vehicle sales/use tax exemption (one vehicle); property tax exemption (income-tested); 50% tuition waiver for veteran; dependents/spouse get full tuition waiver; WDVA counseling
TDIU Same as 100% schedular; property tax exemption applies ("total disability rating" without regard to percentage); DAV plate eligibility — confirm with county assessor
P&T All 100%/TDIU benefits; CHAMPVA (federal); surviving spouse property tax assistance continues (RCW 84.39); veterans homes admission priority; WDVA counseling
SMC (Housebound/A&A) All P&T benefits; nursing/memory care at four state veterans homes; federal SMC supplement (not state)

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

Veteran must have (a) a combined service-connected disability rating at or above the applicable threshold for the tax year, OR (b) a total disability rating for a service-connected disability without regard to evaluation percentage (includes TDIU). Must own and occupy the residence as primary domicile for at least 9 months per year. Income limit applies (county-specific).
Verify locally: **Rating thresholds (HB 1106, phased reduction):** | Tax year | Minimum SC rating required | |---|---| | Through Dec 31, 2025 | 80% or higher | | Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | 60% or higher | | Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | 40% or higher | | Jan 1, 2028 and beyond | 20% or higher | | Any year | Total disability (TDIU) regardless of percentage | **Exemption tiers (income-based; county income thresholds updated every 3 years based on county median household income):** | Income tier | Exemption | |---|---| | At or below county Threshold 1 (lowest) | Exempt from all excess levies; portion of regular levies frozen/reduced | | Between Threshold 1 and 2 | Exempt on the greater of $50,000 or 35% of assessed value (not exceeding $70,000) | | Between Threshold 2 and 3 | Exempt from all excess property taxes only | | Above Threshold 3 | No exemption | **Sample county upper income limits (Threshold 3, approximate 2025-26):** | County | Approximate upper income limit | |---|---| | King | ~$84,000–$88,998 | | Pierce | ~$64,000 | | Spokane | ~$50,000 | | Rural counties | $40,000–$50,000 range | ⚠️ Verify locally — thresholds vary by county and are updated every three years.

Authority: RCW 84.36.379; RCW 84.36.381; RCW 84.36.383; RCW 84.36.385; HB 1106 (2025-26 session, phased threshold reductions).

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Washington has no statewide vehicle personal property tax. Annual vehicle registration fees apply to all owners. Veteran-specific relief is a license fee waiver on DAV plates (see Category 10), not a vehicle property tax exemption.

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability who have been receiving VA compensation at that rate for at least one year. Exemption applies to one vehicle purchased for personal use.

Authority: RCW 82.08; Washington DOL vehicle tax exemptions page.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Benefit:** Washington has no state income tax. Active duty military pay, drill pay, bonuses, and hazardous duty pay all carry zero state income tax liability. No filing required. No subtraction or exemption form needed.

Authority: Washington State Constitution (no general income tax); SB 6346 (Millionaires' Tax, income over $1M, effective 2028).

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Benefit:** Washington has no state income tax on any ordinary income, including military retirement pay from all service branches, National Guard, and Reserve. No special form, no application, no annual filing.

Authority: Washington State Constitution.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Benefit:** SBP payments are not taxed at the state level. Washington has no state income tax on ordinary income; SBP is treated the same as all other income.

Authority: Washington State Constitution.

7. State Income Tax — General

**Benefit:** No state income tax in Washington on ordinary income. All income types — wages, investment income, rental income, retirement income, VA disability compensation — are free from Washington state personal income tax. Note: Washington levies a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts of businesses; this is a business tax, not a personal income tax.

Authority: Washington State Constitution.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Washington does not issue a blanket veteran sales tax exemption card for general purchases. Washington's sales tax (6.5% state plus local rates) applies to most purchases by all residents. The only veteran-specific sales tax exemptions are for one vehicle at 100% SC rating (see Category 3) and the $2,500 SAH housing refund.

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Veteran-Owned Business procurement preference:** Washington certifies veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). Certified firms receive preference in state contracting. Authority: RCW 43.60A.190–200; RCW 39.26.240.

Authority: RCW 43.60A; RCW 84.36.

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability who have been receiving VA compensation at that rate for more than one year. Applies to one vehicle per veteran (motorcycle, motor home, passenger vehicle, or personal-use truck). Commercial vehicles do not qualify.

Authority: RCW 46.04.164; RCW 46.18.235.

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

100% service-connected disability, receiving VA compensation for more than 1 year. One set per veteran; cannot be personalized.

Authority: RCW 46.04.164; RCW 46.18.235.

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Washington offers several military honor plates. All require standard vehicle registration fees (no fee waiver unless separately qualifying for DAV plate under Category 10):

Authority: RCW 46.04.437 (Purple Heart); RCW 46.04.294 (Medal of Honor); RCW 46.04.192 (POW); RCW 46.18.295.

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

Washington does not offer a veteran-specific toll exemption. DAV plates carry no toll privileges. Veterans using state toll roads (SR-520, I-405 Express Lanes, SR-99 tunnel, etc.) must maintain a Good-to-Go! account and pay standard tolls regardless of disability rating. No veteran exemption program existed as of the 2026 session (adjourned March 12, 2026). ⚠️ Verify locally if any future legislation creates such a program.

14. Public Transit Discount

Washington residents with a VA-verified service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher qualify for the Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP).
Verify locally: **Application:** Apply in person or online at a participating transit agency with VA letter verifying 40%+ rating. **Action:** Apply at King County Metro Customer Service or a participating agency office; present VA disability letter verifying 40%+ rating.

Authority: RCW 81.104; regional transit authority regulations.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

No automatic parking privilege comes with DAV plates. A separate disabled parking placard or license plate must be obtained from DOL.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify locally for any veteran-specific fee waiver.

Authority: RCW 46.19.010.

How to apply: Form VL-021 at any vehicle licensing office.

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

Any honorably discharged veteran (honorable or general under honorable conditions).
Verify locally: **Documents needed:** DD-214, VA ID card, or WDVA letter confirming honorable veteran status.

Authority: RCW 46.20.161.

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**Knowledge and skills test waivers** are available for service members and veterans with qualifying military occupational specialties (MOS) or ratings as commercial vehicle operators:

Authority: 49 CFR Part 383.77; Washington DOL CDL Military Experience Waiver.

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

Honorably discharged veterans. Documents: DD-214, VA ID card, or WDVA letter.

Authority: RCW 46.20.161.

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

Resident veterans with an honorable discharge and 30% or higher service-connected disability (verified by VA Summary of Benefits Letter); or resident veterans age 65 or older with any service-connected disability.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify exact 2026 fee amounts with WDFW at (360) 902-2464 or wdfw.

Authority: RCW 77.32.480; RCW 77.32.237.

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

Same as hunting (Category 19): resident veterans with 30%+ SC disability or age 65+ with any SC disability.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify exact 2026 fee amounts with WDFW — the 38% July 2025 increase adjusted the fee schedule.

Authority: RCW 77.32.480.

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

Same threshold (30%+ SC or 65+ with any SC disability).

Authority: RCW 77.32.480.

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

30%+ SC disability or age 65+ with any SC disability, Washington resident.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify exact package contents and current fee with WDFW.

Authority: RCW 77.32.480.

23. Trapping License

Washington does not offer a veteran-specific reduced fee for trapping licenses. Trapping licenses are not listed among the reduced-fee benefits under RCW 77.32.480. Standard trapping license fees apply. ⚠️ Verify locally with WDFW if a trapping benefit has been added.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

Washington residents with a 30% or higher combined service-connected disability rating, verified by VA Summary of Benefits Letter.

Authority: RCW 79A.05.065.

25. State Parks — Camping

Same as day use (30%+ SC disability, WA resident).

Authority: RCW 79A.05.065; 2025 legislative change removing reservation fee exemption.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass:** Permanent, lifetime pass — no annual renewal required. Covers day use, camping, boat launch, and moorage at Washington State Parks (see Categories 24–25).
Verify locally: Active duty military may receive discounts — verify with State Parks.

Authority: RCW 79A.05.065; 54 U.S.C. § 100904 (federal pass).

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

Washington does not offer a veteran-specific boat registration fee waiver. Standard boat registration fees apply through DOL. The Lifetime Disabled Veteran State Parks Pass covers free boat launch and trailer dump at state park facilities, but this is a park access benefit, not a registration fee exemption. ⚠️ Verify locally with DOL if any legislation created such a waiver.

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**GI Bill users:** Veterans using VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, or 33) residing in Washington are charged resident in-state tuition regardless of domicile status, per federal law (Public Law 116-315). Takes effect immediately upon enrollment.

Authority: RCW 28B.15.012; RCW 28B.15.558; Public Law 116-315.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

Honorably discharged veteran who served in a war or armed conflict on foreign soil or in direct support of overseas operations. No minimum disability rating required — this is a service-based waiver, not disability-based.
Verify locally: **Book stipend:** $500 annually for textbooks and course materials (when legislatively funded — verify each academic year).

Authority: RCW 28B.15.621.

30. Dependent Education Benefit

Children of veterans who are rated 100% service-connected disabled (permanent and total), died as a result of a service-connected disability, died on active duty, or are POW/MIA status.

Authority: RCW 28B.15.621; WSAC Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Veterans (wsac.wa.gov).

31. Spouse Education Benefit

Spouses or domestic partners of veterans who are 100% SC permanently and totally disabled, died in service, or are POW/MIA. Must not have remarried or entered a new domestic partnership.

Authority: RCW 28B.15.621.

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

Active drilling members of Washington's Army or Air National Guard in good standing; FAFSA or WASFA completion required; enrolled at an accredited Washington institution. Eligible dependents and spouses with active DoD ID may also apply as of Fall 2024.

Authority: RCW 28B.15.621; WSAC NGG program.

33. K-12 Support

**Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children:** Washington is a signatory. Ensures military children transferring between states are immediately enrolled, placed in appropriate grade level and academic programs, and can graduate on time regardless of timing of moves.

Authority: RCW 28A.705 (Interstate Compact); RCW 28A.230.120 (Operation Recognition); Purple Star District Law (2023).

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Unavailable as a dedicated veteran scholarship program.** Washington does not operate a dedicated state veteran scholarship separate from the tuition waivers (Categories 29–32). Veterans may access general Washington College Grant programs based on income without veteran-specific preference.

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Competitive exam hiring (points-based):**

Authority: RCW 41.04.005; RCW 41.04.007; RCW 41.04.010; WAC 357-16-110; RCW 73.16.010; SB 5420.

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Expedited processing:** Active duty, reserve, National Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Merchant Marines, and their spouses or domestic partners may obtain expedited professional licensing in Washington — particularly useful for those relocating with current licenses from other states.
Verify locally: **Fee waiver:** Expedited processing is the primary benefit; fee waivers are not confirmed across all license types. ⚠️ Verify with DOL for profession-specific fee waiver availability.

Authority: RCW 18.04 et seq.; military expedite provisions.

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Benefit:** Military spouses or domestic partners with professional licenses from other states may expedite Washington licensing through the same process described in Category 36.

Authority: DOL military personnel licensing provisions.

38. Business License Fee Break

**Veteran-Owned Business Certification:** Washington certifies veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) for state procurement preference. Certified firms receive preference in bidding on state contracts under RCW 39.26.240.

Authority: RCW 43.60A.190; RCW 43.60A.200; RCW 39.26.240.

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

Must have left public employment to serve in the armed forces and returned within the applicable USERRA reemployment period.

Authority: RCW 41.40 (PERS); USERRA reemployment rights.

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

Honorably discharged veterans; honorably discharged former National Guard and Reserve members; military spouses who have not remarried and dependent children of deceased veterans. Must qualify for a WSHFC first mortgage (Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity). Income and credit score requirements apply; first-time homebuyer requirement or purchase in a targeted area.

Authority: RCW 43.181 (WSHFC); 38 U.S.C. § 3710 (federal VA loan).

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Washington resident who served on or after September 11, 2001 under honorable conditions (or separated solely due to sexual orientation or gender identity); experiencing financial hardship where income is insufficient to meet basic needs. - **Assistance types:** Employment transition, homelessness or eviction prevention, foreclosure prevention, education support, utility shut-off prevention, transportation. - **Dollar amounts:** Determined per case based on available grant funding (not publicly specified as a fixed cap). - **Application:** Submit VIP Application to wdvavip@dva.wa.gov; (800) 562-2308. - **Authority:** RCW 43.60A.

Authority: RCW 43.60A.

42. State Veteran Bonus

Washington has no current active-duty or post-service cash bonus program. Historical bonus programs for WWII (Ch. 180, Laws of 1949) and Korea (Ch. 292, Laws of 1955) concluded decades ago. No active 2026 state bonus program exists. ⚠️ Verify locally with WDVA if any legislation creates such a program in future sessions.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**Federal SAH/SHA Grants (administered by VA, available to WA veterans):** - SAH Grant (Specially Adapted Housing): Up to $126,526 (FY 2026) for veterans with qualifying mobility impairments. - SHA Grant (Special Home Adaptation): Up to $25,350 (FY 2026) for less severe mobility impairments. - HISA Grant (Home Improvement and Structural Alterations): Federal VA grant for home modifications available through VA medical center prosthetics offices.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 2101 (SAH/SHA); Washington DOR for sales tax refund.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**VIP (utility shut-off prevention):** Post-9/11 veterans experiencing financial hardship may receive utility assistance through the Veterans Innovations Program (see Category 41).

Authority: RCW 73.08; RCW 43.60A.

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

- Served in any U.S. Armed Forces branch including National Guard - Honorable discharge OR eligible for federal VA benefits OR separated solely due to sexual orientation or gender identity - Washington State resident - Medical need for nursing home level of care - Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents may also be eligible

Authority: RCW 72.36; WDVA veterans homes program.

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

Washington veterans and family members whose mental health needs were impacted by military service. - **Benefit:** Free, confidential counseling services by licensed mental health professionals. No income limit stated. - **Services:** PTSD, TBI, suicide prevention, military sexual trauma, readjustment counseling, bereavement counseling. - **Contact:** DVACounselingProgram@dva.wa.gov; (800) 562-2308; crisis line: dial 988 then press 1. - **Authority:** RCW 43.60A.100–130.

Authority: RCW 43.60A.100–130.

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

Washington does not operate a dedicated state-funded dental or vision benefit for veterans separate from the federal VA dental and vision programs. Veterans should use federal VA dental eligibility (100% SC or POW: free VA dental care; other tiers: service-based eligibility).

Authority: RCW 72.36 (state veterans homes health services); RCW 74.09 (Apple Health).

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

Washington's primary state-level LTC program for veterans is the four state veterans homes (see Category 45).
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify locally with WDVA if any supplement was created in a future session.

Authority: RCW 72.36 (state veterans homes); 38 CFR § 3.352 (federal A&A).

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Veterans Therapeutic Courts:** Washington operates county-level veterans treatment courts in multiple counties: - King County (Seattle Veterans Treatment Court) - Thurston County Veterans Court - Pierce County Veterans Drug Court - Clark County Veterans Therapeutic Court - Spokane County Veterans Court

Authority: RCW 43.10.290; RCW 73.04; courts.wa.gov therapeutic courts program.

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Concealed Pistol License (CPL):** Washington does not offer a veteran-specific CPL fee waiver or expedited processing. The CPL is issued by city police departments or county sheriffs; standard fees apply uniformly. No veteran discount is established in RCW 9.41.070.

Authority: RCW 9.41.070.

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Vital records fee waiver:** Birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates needed in connection with a pending VA compensation or pension claim are issued free of charge by the Washington Department of Health. Must submit official VA documentation with the request.

Authority: Washington DOH Vital Records no-fee policy for VA claim documents.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Veterans Conservation Corps:** Connects veterans with conservation work and employment through WDVA. Authority: RCW 43.60A.150–155.

Authority: Various RCWs listed above; SB 5420 (2025-26 session).

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

- Died as a result of a service-connected disability, OR - Been rated 100% disabled by VA for 10 years prior to death, OR - Been a former POW and rated 100% disabled for 1 year prior to death, OR - Died in active duty or training status

Authority: RCW 84.39; Washington DOR Property Tax Assistance Program.

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

Surviving spouses or domestic partners of veterans who were 100% SC permanently and totally disabled, died from service-connected disability, or were POW/MIA. Must not have remarried or entered a new domestic partnership.

Authority: RCW 28B.15.621.

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Federal DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation):** Federal VA benefit for surviving spouses and children of service-connected deceased veterans. Not a Washington state benefit; WDVA VSOs provide free application assistance at no charge.

Authority: RCW 72.36; RCW 73.24; 38 U.S.C. § 1310 (federal DIC).

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

Honorably discharged veterans meeting the minimum active duty service requirement; spouses, widows or widowers, minor dependent children, and unmarried adult disabled children of eligible veterans; reserve component members who died on active or training duty or were eligible for retired pay.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify opening timeline with WDVA.

Authority: RCW 73.24; WDVA Washington State Veterans Cemetery program.

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Federal VA Burial Allowances (available to WA veterans; administered by federal VA):** - Non-service-connected death: up to $1,002 (FY 2026) - Service-connected death: up to $2,000 (FY 2026) - Plot or interment allowance: up to $1,002 if not buried in a national or state veterans cemetery

Authority: RCW 73.08; 38 U.S.C. § 2302 (federal burial allowance).

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**U.S. Flag:** Provided at no cost by the federal VA to drape the casket or accompany the urn of any eligible veteran. Available at military installations and VA regional offices.
Verify locally: All figures verified against primary sources as of the research date; thresholds change periodically — verify with WDVA (dva.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. § 2306 (markers); 38 U.S.C. § 2301 (honors); WDVA cemetery program.