Washington, D.C. Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
Health Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Military Resource Locator
Resources
Summary of Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Benefits: Washington, D.C. offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including property tax exemptions, government employment preferences, education, and tuition assistance as well as military vehicle tags. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Claims Assistance: The Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs (MOVA) has trained service representatives who can assist service members, Veterans, retired service members and their families find and apply for military and Veterans benefits under federal and local laws. For more information, please call 202-724-5454.
Learn more about the Washington, D.C. Mayors Office of Veterans Affairs Claims Assistance
Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Benefits Highlights and Eligibility
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Tax Benefits?
Washington, D.C. Military Retired Pay Income Taxes:Washington, D.C. offers no reduction in taxes for military retired pay.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Military Retired Pay Income Taxes
Washington, D. C. Income Tax Filing Extension For Service Members Serving in a Combat Zone: Service members have a 180 day extension to file and pay their Washington, D.C. taxes after they return from service in a combat zone or contingency operation. Spouses filing a joint return are also offered this extension.
Washington, D.C. Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay: Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:
- Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
- Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
- Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
- Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.
See IRS Publication 525 for more information.
Washington, D.C. Taxes on Military Pay: Washington, D.C. residents are required to pay taxes on their military pay.
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Taxes on Military Pay
Washington, D.C. Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency, and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Washington, D.C. Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP, RSFPP annuities are excluded from Washington, D.C. gross income for survivors who are 62 years old or older.
Washington, D.C. Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction: Certaindisabled Veterans who own property in Washington, D.C. may be eligible for a homestead deduction of up to $445,000.
Veterans must meet the following requirements:
- Resident of Washington, D.C.
- Own 50% or more of the property
- Total federal adjusted gross income must be less than $154,750
- Property must be occupied as the principal residence and contain no more than five dwelling units (including the unit occupied by the owner)
Veterans eligible for the Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction are not eligible for Homestead, Senior Citizen/Disabled Tax Relief. Cooperative properties are not eligible.
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction? To be eligible the Veteran must have a total and permanent 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA or be rated as individually unemployable and paid at the 100% rate.
To apply Veterans can file online using the Washington, D.C. Veterans Homestead Tax Deduction Application, or they can request a paper application from the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs at OVA@DC.gov or by calling 202-724-5454. For more information, please call 202-727-4TAX (4829).
Washington, D.C. Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction Fact Sheet
Learn more about the Washington, D.C. Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Education Benefits?
Major General David F. Wherley Jr., District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program ( DCTA): DCTA 
is offered to Washington, D.C. National Guard service members to cover the costs of higher education that are not covered by Federal Tuition Assistance. DCTA may be used towards an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or professional degree (only one of each degree level).
DCTA will pay up to $12,500 per fiscal year towards tuition (including up to $500 in fees) and is subject to temporary increase per fiscal year. There are no semester caps and may be used at schools that are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and registered with the Washington, D.C. Government to be eligible for DCTA Funds. Contact the District of Columbia State Board of Education to verify school eligibility.
Assistance is provided by reimbursing expenses at the end of each semester for successfully completed courses.
Who is eligible for DCTA?Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Actively serving in the Washington, D.C. National Guard
- Have a Common Access Card (CAC)
- Not flagged or pending unfavorable action
- Have at least one year remaining in their contract while they are seeking reimbursement
To apply service members must complete the DCTA application and submit it by email to the Education Services office atng.dc.dcarng.list.per-edu@army.mil. For more information, service members should contact the National Guard Education Support Center at 866-ARNGEDU (866-276-4338) or by email at arng.esc@army.mil.
Washington, D.C. Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and 
deployment of their parents by:
- Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
- Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
- Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
- Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
- Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
- Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
- Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student
Points of Contact
Phone: 202-280-4377 / 202-445-3342
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?
Paid Leave for Washington, D.C. Government Employees for Military Duty: Washington, D.C. government employees who are service 
members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized 15 days military leave per fiscal year for active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty training. Service members called to active duty to assist civil authorities, federal active duty or in support of a contingency operation are authorized 22 days leave. This leave is without loss in pay, time, performance, or efficiency rating.
Who is eligible for Paid Leave for Washington, D.C. Government Employees for Military Duty? National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members who are Washington, D.C. government employees are eligible for paid military leave.
Learn more about Paid Leave for Washington, D.C. Government Employees for Military Duty
Washington, D.C. Government Employee, Credit for Military Service: The rate that a Washington, D.C. employee accrues annual leave depends on an employee's creditable service.
Washington, D.C. government employees who retired from the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for credit for active duty service that allows them to accrue leave at a faster rate.
Who is eligible for Washington, D.C. Government Employee, Credit for Military Service? Veterans can receive credit for military service if they meet the following requirements:
- Retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces was due to a service-connected disability
- Disability was in the line of duty and was a direct result of armed conflict or caused by an instrumentality of war
- Disability occurred during a period of war
Leave will be credited in the following manner:
|
Years of Service |
Annual Leave Accrual Rate |
|
0-3 |
4 hours per pay period |
|
4-14 |
6 hours per pay period |
|
15+ |
8 hours per pay period |
For more information, please contact the Washington, D.C. Department of Human Resources, Policy and Compliance Administration, by calling 202-442-9700 or by e-mail to dchr.policy@dc.gov.
Washington, D.C. Department of Human Resources, Credit for Federal Government and Military Service, District Personnel Instruction No. 12-60
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Government Employee, Credit for Military Service
Washington, D.C. Call for Hire Program: The Call for Hire program allows Washington, D.C. government agencies to non-competitively hire applicants who register for a qualified talent pool made up of only Veterans and their spouses.
Employment positions available for this program are time-limited Career Service appointments at grades 12 and below. After the completion of the time-limited appointment, the participant may be eligible to compete for a permanent Career Service position.
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. Call for Hire Program? Participants in the Call to Hire program must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Resident of Washington, D.C.
- Served in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty for 180 consecutive days or more and received an Honorable or General Discharge
- Spouse of a disabled Veteran who has a 30% or more disability rating from the VA
- Unremarried surviving spouse of a service member who was killed in the line of duty while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
Those eligible can visit the Washington, D.C. Department of Human Resources, Careers for Veterans webpage for a listing of available positions. Applicants should choose a hiring group that fits their career interests from the list and complete the accompanying questionnaire. Applicants will be able to upload any required documentation that is identified in the questionnaire. The application will remain in the Call for Hire Program applicant pool for a maximum of one year from the date of submission. For more information, please call the Washington, D.C. Department of Human Resources at 202-442-9700 or email dchr.policy@dc.gov.
Learn more about the Washington, D.C. Call for Hire Program
Washington, D.C. Government Employment Veterans Hiring Preference: Washington, D.C. offers hiring preference for Washington, D.C. government initial employment for eligible Veterans and their spouse (domestic partner). Preference is given by 
adding points to an applicant’s numerical rating scores.
Who is eligible for Washington, D.C. Government Employment Veterans Hiring Preference? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
5 Point eligibility:
- Received an Honorable or General Discharge
- Served on active duty (not for training) in the U.S. Armed Forces for 180 days or more, preference is limited to five years after their discharge
- Veterans who entered the U.S. Armed Forces after October 14, 1976, must have served during a time of war
- Veterans eligible for military retired pay are not eligible for preference
10 Point eligibility:
- Received an Honorable or General Discharge
- Has a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more from the VA
- Receiving a disability pension, compensation or retirement benefits from the VA
Spouses and surviving spouses may be eligible if they meet the following requirements
- Unremarried surviving spouse is eligible for the same preference the deceased Veteran would be eligible for
- Spouse of a disabled Veteran who is unqualified for Washington, D.C. government employment due to a service-connected disability
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Government Employment Veterans Hiring Preference
Washington, D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) Veterans Employment Assistance: DOES helps Veterans, service members who are leaving the U.S. Armed Forces and eligible spouses by providing employment training
and placement services.
Eligible Veterans and spouses may qualify for priority of service for all services provided at an American Job Centers. Priority of service means:
- Early access to a service or resource
- When services or resources are limited, they receive access before or instead of others
Some of the services provided are:
- Registration assistance at an American Job Center
- One on one case management
- Assessment of individual interest, skills, and abilities
- Effective job search counseling
- Referrals to medical services or counseling
- Priority status to all Veterans for all employment services
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. DOES Veterans Employment Assistance Priority of Service? For Veterans to be eligible they must have served at least one day on active duty (does not include active duty for training) in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
The spouse or unremarried surviving spouse of the following are also eligible:
- Veteran who died from a service-connected disability
- Service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who is listed for 90 or more days as one of the following:
- Missing in action
- Captured in the line of duty by a hostile force
- Forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power
- Veteran who has a total service-connected disability rating from the VA
- Veteran who died while a disability (as above) was in existence
For more information, please call 202-698-5819.
DOES American Job Centers Contact Information
U.S. Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter
Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-
Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.
5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
- During a war, or
- During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference
10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30% .
10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:
- A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
- A Veteran who received a Purple Heart
10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.
Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:
- Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
- Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
- Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability
Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.
A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S. Code 1171 or 1173.
Learn more about Federal Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preferences
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.
Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments 
lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.
Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.
Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.
Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits?Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.
The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations
Learn more about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Washington, D.C. Unemployment Insurance (UI): UI provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need. Employers pay all costs of the UI program.
Who is eligible for Washington, D.C. UI? To be eligible for UI applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Unemployed through no fault of their own
- Be able, available, and actively looking for work
- Meet required Wage Requirements
Applicants will need the following information to file a claim:
- Social Security number
- Most recent employer name, address, phone number and dates of employment
- Alien Registration Number if not a U.S. Citizen
- DD214 for prior military
- SF8 or SF50, for former federal employees
- Severance pay information (if applicable)
- Pension information (if applicable)
To apply for UI applicants must use the Washington, D.C. UI Portal. For more information or assistance please call 202-724-7000 or email does@dc.gov.
Washington, D.C., Department of Employment Services, Apply for Benefits Information
Washington, D.C. Department of Employment Services, UI Handbook
Washington, D.C. Department of Employment Services, UI Quick Guide
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Unemployment Insurance
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicles Benefits?
"Veteran" Designation on Washington, D.C. Driver Licenses and Non-Driver Identification (ID) Cards: The Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a “Veteran” designation on a Washington, D.C. driver licenses or
ID card for Veterans who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans can apply at any Washington, D.C. DMV Service Centers. Veterans will have to provide a copy of their DD214, WD AGO Form or DD256 as proof of eligibility.
Learn more about the "Veteran" Designation on Washington, D.C. Driver Licenses, and ID Cards
Washington, D.C. Military and Veteran License Plates: Washington, D.C. offers four distinctive license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members, and certain family members. Specific 
eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. Applicants must apply at a Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Service Center. A short description of some these license plates is listed below.
Washington, D.C. DMV Vehicle Tag Fees
Washington, D.C. DMV Service Center Directory
Washington, D.C. Disabled American Veteran License Plate: The Washington, D.C. Disabled American Veteran license
plate is available for eligible disabled Veterans.
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. Disabled American Veterans License Plate? To be eligible Veterans must be a Washington, D.C. resident and a member of the Washington, D.C., Disabled American Veterans organization. Veterans who have a service-connected, permanent, and total disability rating from the VA, can receive one set of tags with no annual registration fee (applicants will be required to provide their VA Benefit Summary Letter when they apply). Veterans who require a license plate with a wheelchair symbol will be required to provide a completed Washington, D.C. DMV, Application for Disability Parking Tags and Placard.
Washington, D.C. Code 50-1503.01
Disabled American Veterans, Local Office Directory
Washington, D.C. Veterans License Plates: The Washington, D.C. Veteran license is available for eligible Veterans, their spouse and surviving spouse. 
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. Veterans License Plates? To be eligible applicants must be a Washington, D.C. resident and meet one of the requirements:
- Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable
- Served in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 20 years and received a discharge other than dishonorable
- Served in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and was called to federal active duty and received a discharge other than dishonorable
- Spouse of an eligible Veteran
- Unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran
Veterans who have a service-connected, permanent and total disability rating from the VA, can receive one set of tags with no annual registration fee (applicants will be required to provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter when they apply).
Washington, D.C. Code 50-1501.02a
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Military and Veteran License Plates
Washington, D.C. Commercial Driver License (CDL), Military Skills Test Waiver: The CDL skills test may be waived for service members who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the last 90 days in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. CDL knowledge (written) tests cannot be waived. The transfer of school bus or passenger endorsements are prohibited.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
- Not had more than one license (except for a military license) in the past two years
- Not had any license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in the past two years
- Not had any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses (listed on the application)
- Not had more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations (listed on the application)
- Have not had had any conviction for a violation of military, state or local laws relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) because of a traffic accident and has no record of an accident in which they were at fault
Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
Learn more about the Washington, D.C. Commercial Driver License, Military Skills Test Waiver
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?
TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:
- Not on active duty orders
- Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
- Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member
The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when service members are not activated and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.
Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation?
Washington, D.C. Fishing License Exemption:Persons younger than 16 or older than 65 may fish in Washington, D.C. without a fishing license.
Learn more about Washington, D.C. Fishing License Exemption
What are my Washington, D.C. Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?
Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) Washington: The AFRH in Washington, D.C. is a retirement community for enlisted retired service members, Veterans and their eligible spouses. The AFRH has a wide range of programs and amenities for residents 
combined with accredited healthcare, including assisted living, long-term nursing care and memory support.
Some of the services provided are:
- Recreation services
- 24/7 wellness center
- Nutrition guidance
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Dental care
- Podiatry care
Those eligible for admission must initially be able to live independently. This means they can care for their personal needs, attend a dining facility for meals, and keep all medical appointments. Once the Veteran or spouse is a resident of the AFRH if advanced 
care is needed later, it will be provided.
AFRH Amenities
Who is eligible for Care at the ARFH, Washington? To be eligible for admission at a AFRH applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and at least half of that service was not as a commissioned officer (other than as a warrant officer or limited-duty officer)
- Discharged or released from service in the U.S. Armed Forces under honorable conditions
Applicants who meet the above requirements must also meet one of the following to be eligible:
- Discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces after 20 or more years of active service
- Has a service-connected disability as determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer
- Served in a war theater or received hostile fire pay and suffer from injuries, disease, or disability under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer
- Served in a women’s component of the U.S. Armed Forces before June 12, 1948, and are determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be eligible for admission due to a compelling personal circumstance
- Served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and is eligible for military retired pay
Married couples may be eligible for admission together if they meet one of the following requirements:
- Both individuals served in the U.S. Armed Forces and are eligible in their own right
- Retired Veteran applicant was married to their spouse prior to their retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces and the spouse is enrolled as a beneficiary in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and was married to the Veteran before they became eligible for retirement
AFRH Application and Eligibility Information
Applicants must not have a felony conviction, be free of drug, alcohol, and psychiatric problems. For admission assistance or information please call 800-422-9988 ext. 1.
To request an application please complete the AFRH Request Application online form or call 800-422-9988.
MyArmyBenefits, AFRH Fact Sheet
Learn more about the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Reduced Fare Program for Veterans with Disabilities (Reduced Fare SmarTrip Card): Metrobus, Metrorail and participating regional transit agencies offer discounted fares for disabled Veterans. Eligible Veterans receive the following discounts:
- 50% off Metrorail and Metrobus fares
- 50% off Seven-Day Regional Bus Pass
- Discounted fares on the following participating bus service providers:
- Alexandria Transit Company - DASH
- Arlington Transit - ART
- CUE Bus System (Fairfax)
- Fairfax Connector
- OmniRide / PRTC
- Ride On - Montgomery County
- TheBus - Prince George's County
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Reduced Fare Discounts Fact Sheet
Who is eligible for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Reduced Fare Program for Veterans with Disabilities (Reduced Fare SmarTrip Card)? Veterans who have a 60% or greater disability rating from the VA are eligible for reduced fares. Applicants must complete part A of the application but do not need to complete Part B or C. The applicant must appear in person at one of the following locations:
Metro Transit Accessibility Center
655 Virginia Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
Or
TRIPS Commuter Store
8404 Colesville Rd
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Veterans must have valid photo ID and an original VA Benefit Summary Letter. Disabled Veterans rated at 100% can show their valid DD2765 Department of Defense Uniformed Services ID card in lieu of a Benefit Summary Letter.
For more information, please email eligibility@wmata.com, or call 202-962-2700 and select Option 1.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Reduced Fare Program for People with Disabilities ID Card Application
Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, VetsRide Program: VetsRide provides convenient, free transportation for Washington, D.C. Veterans for educational, health, employment, food distribution, or housing services.
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, VetsRide Program? To be eligible Veterans must be residents of Washington, D.C. with an annual income less than $45,000, or they are recently unemployed.
VetsRide hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Veterans can register for this service by calling the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs at 202-724-4010. Once registered Veterans can schedule a ride by calling 202-398-0500.
Learn more about the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, VetsRide Program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington, D.C.: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.
Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Washington, D.C.: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains one national cemetery in Washington, D.C. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.
Learn more about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs
One Judiciary Square
4th Street NW, Suite 707 North 441
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 202-724-5454
TTY: 711
Email: ova@dc.gov
Learn more about the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs
Military Installations in Washington, D.C.
Please see the Washington, D.C. Military Resource Locator for additional information
Active Duty
Army
Military District of Washington/Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Air Force
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Navy
Naval District Washington
U.S. Naval Observatory
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Naval Research Laboratory
Marine Corps
Henderson Hall
National Guard
Washington, D.C. National Guard
Washington, D.C. Army National Guard
Washington, D.C. Air National Guard
113 th Wing
U.S. Army Reserve (USAR):
99 th Readiness Division
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Facility Directory Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs
Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles
U.S. Department of Labor, Veteran's Employment and Career Transition Advisor
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Electronic District Personnel Manual
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organization Directory