State / Territory Benefits - Washington
Summary: Washington offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including property tax exemptions, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Taxes:
State Tax Advantage: None
Property Tax Exemption: The Senior Citizen and Disabled Person Property Tax Exemption Program freezes the value of your residence, exempts all excess levies, and may exempt a portion of regular levies. This results in: 1) freezing the value of your residence as of January 1, 1995, or January 1 of the initial application year, whichever is later; 2) providing you with a reduction in your property taxes. The assessor will continue to establish the market value of the property; however, you will only be billed for the taxes on the frozen value.
Eligibility: Must be a veteran with a 100 percent service connected disability. Your application must include proof of your age or disability: http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Pubs/Prop_Tax/SeniorExempt.pdf
Property Tax Assistance Program: Purpose of this program is to allow widow and widowers of qualifying veterans to remain in their homes in spite of rising property taxes. The program will provide funds for the payment of all or a portion of the excess levies and regular property taxes due on the property.
Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by household income, age or disability, and the spouse's veteran status at the time of death.
Education Benefits:
Loan Forgiveness Program: The state of Washington will forgive education loans for recipients who complete contracted term of service in the Washington National Guard.
Eligibility: Honorable Discharge from National Guard
Tuition Waivers: Subject to the limitations in RCW 28B.15.910, the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, the Evergreen State College and the community colleges may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for an eligible veternal or National Guard Member.
Eligibility: Eligible Veterans and Members of National Guard.
Tuition Waivers for Dependents: Subject to the conditions of subsection 5 of RCW 28B.15.621, the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College and the community colleges shall waive all tuition and fees for the following persons:
Eligibility: a) A child and the spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible veteran or national guard member who became totally disabled as defined by RCW 28B.15.385 while engaged in active federal military or naval service or who is determined by the federal government to be a prisoner of war or missing in action; and b) a child and the surviving spouse of an eligible veternal or national guard member who lost his or her life while engaged in active federal military or naval service.
Employment Benefits:
Employment Assistance: State employee receives 15 days military leave per year.
Eligibility: State employee on orders for Annual Drill.
Employment Preference: Veterans may receive scoring criteria status in competitive examinations for public employment.
Eligibility: Must be a veteran with Honorable Discharge.
Reemployment and Layoff Rights: Veterans are protected by State laws pertaining to returning veterans. There is a 90-day limit after date of discharge. Please call the US Department of Labor – VETS, 1-866-487-2365 or Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, 1-800-336-4590.
Eligibility: Army Reserve or National Guard service members who were activated either for Federal or State service.
Military Retirement Credit: Washington State Department of Retirement Systems offers military retirement credit to qualified public employees.1-800-547-6657
Eligibility: Military Retiree; http://www.drs.wa.gov/Member/Publications/Military/wsprsMilInterruptive.htm
HireVetsFirst: Provides veterans and transitioning service members with resources and services to maximize their emloyment opportunities, protect their employment rights and meet labor-market demands.
Eligibility: Active or retired military; National Guard service members.
Special Vehicle License Plates:
Special Vehicle License Plates: Washington Department of Licensing has issued license plates to eligible veterans with six separate designs, each containing a symbol representing a different branch of the armed forces to nclude Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and WA National Guard. Purchasers also receive a decal indicating their military status to include:
- Veteran
- Retired
- Active Duty
- Reserves
- Disabled Veteran
- Army Guard
- Air Guard
- Army Retired (for Army National Guard Retirees)
- Air Retired (For Air National Guard Retirees)
- Fallen Hero (This decal would be available for an eligible family member of a military member killed in action.
The original cost to purchase and Armed Forces plate(s) is $40.00 plus any applicable licensing fees. When the vehicle registration becomes due, owners pay an additional $30.00 to keep the Armed Forces plate on their vehicle.
Eligibility: Service member must provide DD214 when applying for special plates. Veterans rated at 100% disabled must present VA documentation as proof of disability.
Vehicle License Plate Remembrance Emblems: To honor the veteran, who shares a common bond through their service and sacrifice to their country and to Washington, any honorably discharged veteran may obtain an emblem packet which contains one U.S. Veteran emblem; one U.S. Flag Emblem and their choice of campaign ribbon. Emblem packets are available for a cost of $10.00.
Eligibility: Provide copy of DD214 if a veteran and copy of the orders awarding a campain ribbon.
Former Prisoners of War: A qualified prisoner of war may receive an exemption from license fees on one vehicle each year. Special plates are available with a permanent registration to qualified recipients.
Eligibility: Those who qualify for free licensing: have received an honorable discharge - or received a discharge for physical reasons with an honorable record, have been captured or incarcerated for more than 29 days by an enemy of the United States during a period of war with the United States, or are the surviving spouse of a deceased former prisoner of war. A surviving spouse of a former prisoner of war may be issued a regular or special license plate even if the deceased had not been issued a plate.
Disabled American Veteran Plate: The following types of disabled Amercian Veterans may be exempt from license fees on one vehicle per year: a) Disabled American veterans and former prisoners of war; b) Veterans awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and c) Surviving spouses of a deceased former prisoner of war named as a registered owner of the vehicle, including lessees. These plates are good for the life of the vehicle.
Eligibility: Applicants need to have served in any branch of the armed forces of the United States, Reserves, or National Guard, and received: an honorable discharge - or - received a discharge for physical reasons with an honorable record, and A 100% service connected disability rating from the Veteran's Administration or the military service from which the veteran was discharged.
Medal of Honor: Washington residents who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor may receive a license plate representing that award. You must submit proof from the Department of Veteran Affairs that you have received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Eligibility: Obtain letter of eligibility from Dept. of Veteran's Administration verifying that you have received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Complete a Military License Plate Application. Mail the completed application with letter of eligibility to:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9043
Olympia, WA 98507-9909
Purple Heart: Any person who was issued the Purple Heart from any branch of the US Armed Forces, including the Merchant Marines, may be issued a special set of license plates indicating that they were injured in one of this nation's wars or conflicts.
Eligibility: Be a Washington resident, have been wounded in combat during one of this nation's wars or conflicts, have been awarded a Purple Heart as evidenced by Armed Forces documentation (such as a DD-214), and be an owner, co-owner, lessee or co-lessee of the vehicle the Purple Heart plate will be issued to.
Pearl Harbor Survivors: Washington residents who are Pearl Harbor survivors are eligible to apply for Pearl Harbor survivor license plates.
Eligibility: Be a Washington resident, have been a member of the US Armed Forces on December 7, 1941, have been on station on December 7, 1941 during the hours of 7:55am and 9:45am (Hawaii time) at Pearl Harbor, or the island of Oahu, or offshore at distance not to exceed three miles, have received an honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces, or received a discharge for physical or medical reasons with an honorable record, and Be certified by a Washington state charter of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association as satisfying the qualifications above.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
Medical Benefits: Medical and hospital coverage equivalent to Worker's Compensation.
Eligibility: Injury occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Group Insurance: National Guard Association offers a variety of life, vehicle, medical and dental insurance at low cost.
Eligibility: Member of Army/Air National Guard.
Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: Injury occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Injury/Death Benefits: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees less any VA payments received.
Eligibility: Injury/Death occurs while serving on State Active Duty.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses:
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife offers reduced licensing fees at a cost of half the resident fee.
Eligibility: Qualified disabled veterans rated 30% service connected or more.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Recording of Discharges: County Clerks will provide free recording of the official discharge of each veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as a confidential record.
Eligibility: Military veteran with DD214.
State and National Park Passes: Washington State Parks and Recreation offers reduced and/or free passes. Also available is the Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass (Free) offernig free camping/moorage, campsite reservations through State Parks central reservations system, watercraft launching, trailer dump. Valid year-round. For State Park Passes, call 360-902-8500. For National Park Passes call 1-888-467-2757.
Eligibility: Qualified disabled veterans rated 30% service connected or more. Disabled veteran will provide proof such as award letter, or certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs or military service.
Reduced Public Transportation Fees: Washington State Ferries and local participating transit authorities, offer disabled veteran passengers travel at a reduced rate. Please contact your local transit authority for more information. For reduced ferry rate information, please contact the WA State Ferries at 206-515-3460.
Eligibility: Disabled veteran passengers.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling: WDVA provides an outreach/counseling program to veterans with war-era and PTSD-related problems. For more information, please call 1-800-562-2308.
Eligibility: All honorably discharged veterans and family members – including WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the various recent periods of conflict and peace-keeping operations – are eligible for counseling. Washington State National Guard or Military Reserve members deployed in support of the nation's war and peacekeepng missions and their family members. The veteran does not need to be suffering from or diagnosed with PTSD but should be able to demonstrate significant post war adjustment issues to warrant outpatient care. No VA service connected disability for any condition is required for thie service. Services are free to qualified veterans. Priority is given to those most vulnerable or having no other reasonable options for care.
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project: WDVA provides an individually designed case management plan to help homeless veterans find employment and offers assistance with housing, food, transportation, and employment support services.For more information, please call: 1-800-562-2308
Eligibility: Military veterans
Veterans Estate Management Program: WDVA acts as fiduciary/payee for veterans and their family members incapable of managing their own financial affairs. The program ensures basic needs such as housing, food, clothing and medical care are provided.For more information, please call: 1-800-562-2308
Eligibility: Military veterans
State Veterans Homes: WDVA operates three long-term nursing and assisted-living care homes in Orting Retsil, and Spokane. (Spokane provides long-term nursing care only.) For more information, please call: 1-877-838-7787
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans
Veterans Innovations Program: Provides financial assistance to veterans and their families in emergency or employment needs through three separate programs: Defender's Fund; Competitive Grant and Veterans Family Fund. Call 1-800-562-2308 for additional information.
Eligibility: Military veterans.
House Key Veterans Program: A down payment assistance second mortgage program with a 3.00% interest rate and a ten-year loan term for Veterans who have served their country. Contact (206) 287-4413 or 1-800-767-4663 for additional information.
Eligibility: 1) Persons receiving an honorable discharge or who have received a discharge for medical reasons with an honorable record; members and honorably discharged former members of the Washington National Guard and Reserve; and never remarried spouses and dependent children of deceased Veterans. 2) Borrowers must be a first-time homebuyer or buying in a targeted area. 3) Borrowers must meet the acquisition cost and income limits. 4) The first mortgage must be of a specified type listed on the following website: http://www.wshfc.org/buyers/keyveterans.htm
County Veterans Assistance/Burial: County aid for indigent families of deceased veterans who have resided in WAshington state for at least one year may be available. Contact each individual county official for eligibility information.
Military Funeral Honors: An honor guard detail for the burial of an elligible veteran consisting of not less than two members of the Armed Forces is available for eligible veterans.
Eligibility: Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve; former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable; former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment of period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable; former military members dischared from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): If a Veteran dies of service-related causes - or was continuously rated totally disabled for at least ten years preceding death, or five years from date of discharge - benefits may be paid to a surviving spouse, dependent of low-income parents.
Eligibility: Dependents must be a) less than 18 years of age; or b) not yet 23 years of age if attending a VA-approved school; or c) disabled before age 18.
Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington
Active Duty:
Army
Ft Lewis: http://www.lewis.army.mil/
Provides services for DEERS enrollment, ID cards, and has a PX and base Commissary.
Navy
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island: http://www.naswi.navy.mil/pao/index.htm
Naval Base Kitsap—Bangor and Naval Base Kitsap—Bremerton: https://www.nbk.navy.mil/index.asp
Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett: http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/147/Default.aspx
Air Force
Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB): http://public.fairchild.amc.af.mil/
McChord AFB: http://public.mcchord.amc.af.mil/
National Guard:
Washington National Guard: http://www.washingtonguard.com/HRO.htm
Washington Army National Guard: http://www.washingtonarmyguard.com/
Washington Air National Guard: http://www.washingtonairguard.com/
United States Army Reserve (USAR):
Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters, 70th RRC: http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/USARC/RRC/0070RRC
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Washington:
VA Medical Centers
Seattle: VA Puget Sound Health Care System
Spokane: Spokane VA Medical Center
Tacoma: VA Puget Sound HCS American Lake Division
Vancouver: Portland VA Medical Center - Vancouver Campus
Walla Walla: Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
Integrated Clinical Facility
Yakima: Yakima Mental Health Outreach Clinic
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Bellevue: Factoria CBOC
Bremerton: Bremerton Outpatient Clinic
Federal Way: UW Physicians Federal Way Clinic
Kent: Kent CBOC
Richland: Richland Outpatient Clinic
Seattle: UW Physicians Shoreline Clinic
Woodinville: UW Physicians Woodinville Clinic (Seattle)
Yakima: Yakima Outpatient Clinic
Resources
http://www.parks.wa.gov/passes.asp
http://www,wshfc.org/buyers/keyveerans.htm
http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/employment/index_html/veterans
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate3.html#WASHINGTON
Document Review Date: 23 January 2008
