Virginia Veteran Benefits

Virginia has a long history of honoring its veterans, offering a variety of benefits and services to support their financial stability, education, recreation, housing, employment, and other needs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of veteran disability benefits in Virginia, detailing various programs and resources available to veterans and their families. The following sections cover financial benefits, recreational opportunities, educational programs, housing and employment support, burials and memorials, tax incentives, VA resources, and other valuable state-specific benefits for Virginia veterans. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information. Below is a detailed breakdown of these benefits:

Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Virginia offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. This exemption applies to the assessed value of their primary residence and can result in significant tax savings.

  • Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program: This program provides education benefits to the dependents of veterans who are 90% or more disabled or died due to military service. It covers tuition and required fees at Virginia public institutions.

  • Virginia Veterans Grant Program: This program provides financial assistance to veterans and their families experiencing unexpected hardship. Grants can cover emergency expenses such as rent, utilities, and medical bills.

  • Veterans Preference for State Jobs: Virginia grants additional points to veterans on state employment exams, giving them a hiring advantage when applying for state jobs. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points.

  • Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF): VVSF provides financial assistance to veterans and their families in need. The foundation helps cover costs related to housing, education, and emergency assistance.

Recreation Benefits

  • Free Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Virginia offers free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. This benefit allows veterans to enjoy Virginia's outdoor activities without additional costs.

  • Virginia State Parks Discounts: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive discounted or free admission to Virginia state parks. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating may be eligible for free access and discounted camping rates.

  • Veterans' Appreciation Events: Throughout the year, Virginia hosts events and activities to honor veterans, providing free or discounted admission for veterans, including during state fairs, museums, and other public events.

  • Veterans' Golf Discounts: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are eligible for free admission to state-owned golf courses in Virginia, making golf an affordable recreational activity.

  • Military Appreciation Days: Virginia hosts several military appreciation events throughout the year, offering free or discounted admission to veterans for various events and activities.

Education Programs

  • Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program: This program offers tuition and required fees assistance for dependents of veterans with a 90% or higher service-connected disability rating or who died due to military service. It covers tuition and fees at Virginia public colleges and universities.

  • Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program: This program provides tuition assistance to members of the Virginia National Guard pursuing higher education at Virginia public colleges and universities. It covers a portion of tuition costs.

  • Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Virginia: This program offers entrepreneurship training, counseling, and resources for veterans interested in starting or expanding a business. It provides mentorship, workshops, and business development resources.

  • In-State Tuition for Veterans and Family Members: Virginia grants in-state tuition rates to veterans, active-duty personnel, and their dependents at Virginia public colleges and universities, regardless of residency status.

  • Veterans Resource Centers at Virginia Colleges: Several Virginia public colleges and universities have dedicated veterans resource centers offering support services, counseling, and assistance with accessing educational benefits.

Housing and Employment

  • Virginia Veterans' Home Loans: Virginia's Department of Veterans Services offers low-interest home loans for veterans, providing competitive rates and flexible terms to help veterans purchase or refinance a home.

  • Veterans Preference for State Jobs: Virginia grants additional points to veterans on state employment exams, giving them a hiring advantage when applying for state jobs. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points.

  • Veterans Employment Assistance: The Virginia Department of Veterans Services provides employment support to veterans, including job search assistance, resume building, and job placement services.

  • Veterans Housing Assistance: Virginia offers various housing assistance programs for veterans, including down payment assistance, rental assistance, and support for veterans experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.

  • Virginia Veterans Care Centers: Virginia operates two veterans care centers, in Roanoke and Richmond, providing long-term care services to eligible veterans. These centers offer nursing care, basic health care, and specialized care for veterans with dementia or other cognitive disorders.

Burials and Memorials

  • Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries: Virginia has three state veterans cemeteries, located in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk, where eligible veterans can receive burial with full military honors, including a burial flag and government-provided headstone. Eligible spouses and dependents can also be buried in these cemeteries.

  • Military Funeral Honors: Virginia coordinates military funeral honors for veterans, including flag presentations and the playing of Taps. These honors are managed through the Virginia National Guard and other military organizations.

  • Free Burial Flag: Virginia offers a free U.S. flag for veterans' burials or memorial services, allowing families to honor their loved ones.

  • Veterans Burial Assistance: Virginia provides financial assistance for veterans' burial costs, helping to ease the financial burden on families during a difficult time.

  • Veterans Memorials and Monuments: Virginia has numerous memorials dedicated to veterans, including the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond and the Virginia Veterans Memorial in Newport News. These sites offer places to honor and remember those who served.

Tax Incentives

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Virginia provides a property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. This exemption reduces the taxable value of their primary residence, resulting in a lower property tax burden.

  • Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption: Virginia does not tax military retirement pay, providing financial relief for retired veterans residing in the state.

  • Employer Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans: Virginia offers tax credits to employers who hire veterans, encouraging veteran employment within the state.

  • Income Tax Deduction for Veterans' Benefits: Virginia allows an income tax deduction for various veterans' benefits, such as disability compensation and other payments from the VA.

  • Military Pay Exemption for Active-Duty Personnel: Active-duty military personnel stationed in Virginia are exempt from state income tax on military pay, providing a tax advantage to those serving in the state.

VA Benefit Resources in Virginia

  • Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS): This state agency provides guidance and support to veterans in applying for state and federal benefits, as well as assistance with claims and other veteran-related concerns.

  • Veterans Administration Medical Centers and Clinics: Virginia has several VA medical centers and clinics, providing healthcare services to veterans. These facilities offer a range of medical services and specialized care for veterans with disabilities.

  • Veterans Crisis Line: A 24/7 confidential helpline for veterans in crisis, accessible by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or through text and online chat.

  • County Veterans Service Offices: Each county in Virginia has a Veterans Service Office, providing personalized support for veterans seeking state and federal benefits.

  • Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Virginia has a network of VSOs, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), offering resources and support for veterans.

Virginia's commitment to its veterans is reflected in the comprehensive range of benefits and services it offers. From financial support and tax incentives to educational opportunities, recreational activities, housing assistance, and comprehensive burial and memorial arrangements, veterans in Virginia have access to a wealth of resources. For disabled Veterans seeking VA compensation or additional benefits, consultation with us at ForTheVeteran can offer expert guidance.

How can we help?

We are deeply understand VA Disability Benefits and work closely with you to get you all the benefits you're owed. Our team includes veterans and their families who understand the sacrifices you've made. We know how military service can affect your health, and our goal is to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.