FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE
Additional Benefits For Washington Veterans
As a Veteran in Washington, you may qualify for valuable state and federal benefits that can improve your financial security, reduce education costs, and provide long-term support for you and your family. Understanding available Washington disabled veteran benefits can help you maximize the compensation and resources you’ve earned through your service. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and Department of Revenue administer most of these programs.
Tax Relief
Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans in Washington
- Disabled Veterans may qualify for significant property tax relief. Washington Veterans who own and occupy a primary residence and meet county-specific income limits may receive a reduction in property taxes. For taxes due through 2026, Veterans can qualify based on a combined service-connected disability rating of at least 80%, or by receiving VA compensation at the 100% rate for a service-connected disability. Beginning with taxes due in 2027, the service-connected disability threshold drops from 80% to 40%, expanding eligibility to more Washington Veterans.
- Qualifying surviving spouses can get help paying property taxes, too. An unmarried widow or widower may qualify for a state grant if the Veteran died from a service-connected disability, was rated 100% disabled by the VA for the 10 years before death, was a former POW rated 100% disabled for at least one year before death, or died while on active duty or training status. Age or disability, homeownership, occupancy, and income requirements also apply.
Family Tuition Assistance
Education Benefits for Washington Veterans
- Families of totally disabled, fallen, POW, and MIA Veterans can receive even greater assistance. Washington public colleges and universities must waive all tuition and fees for eligible children and certain spouses, domestic partners, and survivors of qualifying Veterans or National Guard members who became 100% disabled as a result of active federal service, were determined to be POW/MIA, or died as a result of active federal service. Eligible recipients may use the waiver for up to 250 quarter credits or the semester equivalent.
- State universities, regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and community and technical colleges waive all undergraduate tuition and fees for up to 200 quarter credits (or the equivalent semester credits) for eligible children, spouses/domestic partners, or surviving spouses/domestic partners of veterans who became totally disabled as a result of active federal service, were declared prisoners of war or missing in action, or lost their life as a result of active federal service.
- There's help with books, too. Subject to legislative appropriations, eligible dependents receiving the tuition waiver also receive a $500 annual stipend for textbooks and course materials, divided among academic terms and prorated for part-time enrollment.
Home Financing
Home Loan Benefits for Eligible Veterans
- VA-backed home loans can make buying a Washington home more affordable. Eligible Veterans can use federal VA-backed home loans to purchase, build, improve, or refinance a home. VA purchase loans can offer advantages such as no down payment for qualifying borrowers and no monthly private mortgage insurance, subject to VA and lender requirements.
- Washington Veterans may also have access to down-payment assistance. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs lists the Veterans Downpayment Assistance Program among its housing resources, alongside federal VA home loans and other housing assistance. Veterans interested in purchasing a home can explore state down-payment assistance in addition to their federal VA loan eligibility.
Sources
- Washington Department of Revenue — Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
- Washington Department of Revenue — Property Tax Exemptions, Deferrals & Veteran Survivor Assistance
- Washington Department of Revenue — 2027 Disabled Veteran Property Tax Eligibility Changes
- Washington Student Achievement Council — Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Veterans
- Washington State Legislature — RCW 28B.15.621 Veteran & Dependent Tuition Waivers
- Washington Department of Veterans Affairs — Housing Resources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA-Backed Purchase Loans