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Veterans Benefits in Washington

13 benefit programs available in Washington.

Healthcare

Washington State Veterans Homes (4 Facilities)

Skilled nursing and long-term care at state-operated facilities

Washington operates four state veterans homes providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care: Retsil/Port Orchard (240 beds), Orting, Spokane, and Walla Walla (80 beds, small-house model).

Agency: Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: Four facilities with ~575 combined beds. Contact 1-877-838-7787 for admission. Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, VA per diem, and private pay.

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Education

Washington Veterans Educational Benefits Tuition Waiver

Full tuition and fee waiver at WA public colleges (for eligible dependents)

Washington state requires public community colleges, colleges, and universities to waive all undergraduate tuition and fees for eligible dependents of veterans who became totally disabled or died as a result of active federal military service. Eligible dependents include spouses and children between ages 17 and 26 who are Washington domiciliaries. A textbook stipend of up to $500 per academic year may also be provided.

Agency: Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

Note: For dependents/survivors only — veteran must be deceased or totally disabled from service. Covers tuition + fees + $500/year textbook stipend. Ages 17-26. WA domiciliaries only.

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Washington Veteran Tuition Waiver at Public Colleges

Up to 200 quarter credits of tuition waiver at WA public colleges

WA public colleges may waive tuition and fees for eligible veterans and National Guard members who are WA domiciliaries, up to 200 quarter credits. Separate from the dependent/survivor waiver.

Agency: Washington Student Achievement Council / Individual Institutions

Note: Under RCW 28B.15.621, governing boards MAY (not shall) waive tuition. Discretionary — availability varies by institution. Textbook stipend of up to $500/year may also be available.

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Housing

Washington Adapted Housing Sales Tax Refund

Up to $2,500 sales tax refund per adapted housing project

Disabled veterans who receive a VA SAH or SHA grant can apply for a remittance of state sales and use tax paid on materials and labor for their adapted housing project, up to $2,500 per project.

Agency: Washington Department of Revenue

Note: Requires VA SAH or SHA grant award letter. Governed by RCW 82.08.0207. State law caps total annual remittances at $125,000 statewide.

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Employment

Washington Military Credential Recognition

Expedited professional licensing and credential recognition

Washington expedites professional and occupational licensing for veterans and military spouses, accepting military education, training, and experience toward licensing requirements.

Agency: Washington Department of Licensing / Washington Department of Health

Note: SCRA portability for valid out-of-state licenses. DOH accepts military training toward health profession licenses under RCW 43.70.270. Military spouses eligible for expedited licensing.

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Washington State Veterans Employment Preference

Hiring preference points for state and local government employment

Washington provides hiring preference for veterans in all public department positions under RCW 73.16.010. Scoring preference in exams and tiebreaker preference. Spouses of 100% P&T disabled veterans also qualify.

Agency: Washington State Human Resources / Office of Financial Management

Note: Under RCW 73.16.010. With exam: scoring criteria added. Without exam: tiebreaker preference. Spouses of P&T disabled veterans also eligible.

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Tax

Washington Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Property tax exemption based on income

Veterans with an 80% or greater service-connected disability receive a property tax exemption on their primary residence based on income levels.

Agency: Washington Department of Revenue / County Assessor

Note: Income-based exemption tiers. 80%+ service-connected disabled veterans qualify. Apply at county assessor. Must own and occupy as primary residence. WA has no state income tax, so property tax exemptions are especially impactful.

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Washington No State Income Tax

Full exemption from state income tax on all income sources

Washington is one of eight states with no personal income tax. All military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and other veteran income sources are completely exempt from state income tax.

Agency: Washington Department of Revenue

Note: Washington has no personal income tax (Article VII, Section 1 of WA Constitution). No application required — automatic for all residents.

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Transportation

Washington DAV License Plate Exemption

Free license plates and registration on one vehicle ($50-100+/year)

Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free Disabled American Veteran license plates on one vehicle, exempt from all license fees and registration tabs.

Agency: Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)

Note: Requires 100% service-connected disability. Covers motorcycles, motor homes, passenger vehicles, and trucks under 12,000 lbs. One vehicle per veteran. Former POWs also eligible. Governed by RCW 46.18.235.

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Recreation

Washington State Parks Free Disabled Veteran Pass

$30+ annual fee waived (lifetime)

Washington state resident veterans with a 30% or greater combined service-connected disability rating receive a Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass granting free day-use parking, boat launch and trailer dump access at Washington State Parks and DNR/DFW lands. Free camping is also included (reservation fees may apply starting October 2025).

Agency: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Note: Lifetime pass — one-time application. 30%+ rating required. Covers day-use, boat launch, camping. Also covers DNR and DFW lands. Reservation fees may apply starting Oct 2025.

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Washington Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing Licenses

50% reduction on hunting and fishing license fees

Washington offers half-price hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability. Non-resident disabled veterans also qualify for reduced fees.

Agency: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

Note: Requires 30%+ service-connected disability. Also available to resident veterans 65+ with any service-connected disability. Contact: (360) 902-2464.

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Other

Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake

Free burial plot, headstone, and perpetual care

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery provides burial at no cost to eligible veterans and their dependents, including interment, government-furnished headstone or marker, burial flag, and perpetual care.

Agency: Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

Note: Located at 21702 W Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA 99022. Phone: (509) 299-6280. Pre-need eligibility determination available. Also inters unclaimed veteran remains.

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Washington Veterans Treatment Courts

Treatment-focused alternative to incarceration

Washington operates veterans treatment courts in multiple counties providing voluntary therapeutic alternatives to criminal prosecution for veterans with substance use, mental health, PTSD, or TBI issues.

Agency: Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts

Note: Authorized under RCW 2.30. Active in King County, Seattle, Pierce County, Spokane County, Lakewood, and others. 12-24 month programs.

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