Washington State Veteran Benefits 

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The State of Washington provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.

Washington State Veterans Home

The State of Washington runs 4 State veterans’ homes, they are located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane and Walla Walla.

There is a cost for care, you must have an honorable discharge, spouses, surviving spouses, and gold star parents are eligible for admission.

Washington Veterans Financial Benefits

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability and an income of less than $40,000 (not including VA disability payment) may be exempt from paying property tax on their home. Surviving spouses may also qualify.

Free License Plates for Disabled Veterans

Veterans who have been receiving 100% VA disability for at least one year can receive a free disabled veteran vehicle license plate.

Washington Veteran Employment Benefits

State Employment

Honorably discharged combat veterans or those with a campaign ribbon, and their surviving spouses, get preference for State jobs.

For State jobs that require an examination, 5% will be added to the score of a non-combat veteran, 10% will be added to the score of a combat veteran, and 5% will be added to the score of a mobilized guard or reserve member.

If a veteran receives military retirement, they will get 5% added no matter what. An Honorable discharge is required.

Military Service Credit

Washington State Department of Retirement Systems offers military service credit to qualified public employees.

Translating Military Training or Experience to WA State Licensure or Credentials

People with military training and experience may count it towards certain civilian healthcare profession credentialing requirements if the state determines it is substantially equivalent to standards.

Military Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test Waiver

Veterans seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may get a waiver of the skills test if they are currently licensed and operated a CDL in the last 90 days as a part of their military duties.

The written test can't be waived.

Washington State Conservation Corps

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs in partnerships with local counties, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and federal agencies operates several internship and paid programs. These programs work to restore and protect Washington State's natural resources.

Washington Veteran Recreation Benefits

Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Discounted hunting and fishing licenses are available to 30% and greater disabled veterans’ resident or non-resident. These licenses are also available to those over 65 with any disability.

Active-Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Active-duty members stationed in Washington State can buy hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate.

State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass

Disabled veterans with at least 30% disability can get a free lifetime pass which offers free camping, moorage, campsite reservations, watercraft launching, trailer dump, and day use at all state parks. 

Washington State Veterans Cemetery

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery is in Medical Lake. 

In general, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no residency requirement.

There is no charge for veteran interments, and a one-time fee of $300 fee for eligible dependents. All other funeral expenses are borne by the family

Visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.

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