Washington Disabled Veteran Benefits

Veterans in Washington are eligible for the same federal VA disability compensation as veterans in any other state. However, each state offers some of its own unique benefits for veterans who are considered disabled by the VA. We share some disabled veteran benefits in Washington state below.

Veteran home loan/mortgage benefits

The Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program is a state program that offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance at a 3.0% interest rate to eligible veterans.

In order to qualify, a veteran’s household income must be $122,100 or less, with some exceptions. Veterans must also have an honorable discharge or a medical discharge with an honorable record. Most qualifying veterans will need to be first-time homebuyers buying their primary residence to qualify.

Never remarried widows and dependents may also apply. You can find the full qualifications and how to apply on Washington State’s Housing Finance Commission website.

Veteran property tax benefits

Veterans with at least an 80% disability rating or higher can receive property tax relief or deferrals. The amount of relief is based on the value of residence, income, and local levy rates, meaning this benefit will vary in exact amounts from one veteran to the next. 

Widows of totally disabled veterans are also eligible, and elderly veterans with lower disability ratings may also qualify on the basis of age. You can learn more here.

Veteran vehicle registration benefits

Washington offers Disabled American Veterans plates to 100% service-connected veterans with qualifying discharges. These plates are exempt from fees for one vehicle. 

Disabled American Veteran plates do not automatically give you the ability to park in disabled parking spaces. However, Washington veterans can apply for disabled parking privileges here.

Veterans can also receive a veteran designation on their license or ID card for free.

Veteran education benefits

Veterans may be eligible for a tuition and fees waiver for Washington state community colleges, universities, and colleges. This waiver may cover all or some fees. 

Dependents may also be eligible for this waiver, and universities and colleges are required to waive all undergraduate tuition and fees for eligible dependents of 100% disabled veterans, up to 200 quarter credits.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs has also listed many schools where veterans and families can find resources and aid.

Veteran hunting and fishing licenses

In-state and out-of-state veterans may receive a reduced-fee hunting and fishing license. To qualify, they must have at least a 30% service-connected VA disability, or they must be 65 years or older with any level of service-connected VA disability.

Other Washington disabled veteran benefits

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs funds four state veterans homes. The homes provide physical therapy, recreational activities, hospice, social services, and other programs for veteran residents.

Washington also offers several different counseling and wellness programs for veterans.

Veterans who reside in the state and have at least 30% VA disability can also receive a Lifetime Disabled Veterans Pass to Washington State Parks.

VA facilities in Washington

We share more about where to find VA facilities in Washington including regional offices, medical facilities, Vet Centers, and VA cemeteries.

VA regional offices in Washington

Each state has at least one VA regional office (VARO) that provides in-person services to help veterans with VA benefits and claims. Offices also offer information about veteran medical help, education and career counseling, memorial benefits, aid for homeless veterans, and more. Below is a list of VAROs in Washington.

VA medical facilities in Washington

VA medical facilities offer medical information and assistance for veterans. Vets may also receive their compensation and pension (C&P) exam at many of these facilities. The VA uses the information gathered at a C&P exam to determine how severe a veteran’s condition is and whether it is service connected. Below is a list of VA medical facilities in Washington.

Vet Centers in Washington

Vet Centers provide veterans with counseling and referral services, many of which are community-based. These centers also offer services for family members of veterans.

VA cemeteries in Washington

VA cemeteries can be found all over the U.S. and are dedicated resting places for those who honorably served their country. Veterans or families can make arrangements to be laid to rest in a VA cemetery. Qualifying spouses of veterans may also be eligible. You can find eligibility requirements for VA cemeteries here. Below is a list of VA cemeteries in Washington.

Washington military bases with toxic exposure

Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Washington such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a Washington military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Below is a list of Washington military bases that have been affected by toxic exposure.

For more information about toxins at Washington military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.

Woods & Woods: Washington VA disability attorneys

Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability lawyers serve Washington from Seattle to Spokane and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. fight the VA for the full benefits they deserve.

If you are looking for an experienced and professional Washington VA disability attorney, call us today for your free case evaluation.

Frequently asked questions