Washington Military and Veterans Benefits

State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Department of Licensing Benefits
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in Washington State
Washington State Military Resource Locator
Resources

Summary of Washington State Military and Veterans Benefits: Washington State offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families 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.

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Veterans Service Offices: The WDVA, Veterans Services Offices have trained staff who assist Veterans, retired service members and their families find and apply for military and Veterans benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge. For more information, please call 800-562-2308, or email benefits@dva.wa.gov.
WDVA Veterans Service Offices Directory

Learn more about Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Offices

Welcome to Washington, the evergreen state sign
Washington State Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

What are my Washington State Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?

Washington State Income Taxes:There are no individual income taxes in Washington.

Distributions received from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not taxed.

Learn more about Washington State Income Taxes

Washington State Disabled Veteran Property Tax Reduction: The Washington State Department Veteran in a wheelchair on his porch of Revenue (DOR) offers a property tax reduction for eligible disabled Veterans. Veterans receive a reduction in the amount of property taxes due based on their income, the value of the residence, and local levy rates.
Who is eligible for the Washington State Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption? To qualify, applicants must be a Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and is receiving compensation from the VA for one of the following:

Service-connected disability rating of 80% or higher
Total service-connected disability rating from the VA regardless of disability percentage

Washington State DOR, Property Tax Exemption Information

Veterans must have a combined disposable income of Income Threshold 3 or less. Income Threshold 3is based on the county median household income in the county where the Veteran’s property is located.

Washington State DOR, Property Tax Exemption and Deferred Income Thresholds Information

To apply Veterans must submit the following to their local county assessor:

For more information and to determine the amount of the reduction, please contact the local County Assessor where the property is located
Washington State County Assessor Directory

Learn more about the Washington State Disabled Veteran Property Tax Reduction

Washington State Property Tax Assistance Program for Surviving Spouses of Veterans: Surviving spouses of eligible Veterans can receive a grant to help pay their property taxes. The grant amount is based on the applicant's income, the value of the residence, and the local levy rates. The grant does not have to be repaid if the applicant continues to live in the residence until at least December 15 in the year a grant is received. The surviving spouse (domestic partner) must own and occupy a primary residence in Washington State and have a combined disposable income of $40,000 or less.
Who is eligible for the Washington State Property Tax Assistance Program for Surviving Spouses of Veterans? To be eligible the surviving spouse must be unremarried, at least 62 years old by December 31 of the year the taxes are due, or retired from their regular employment due to a disability, and be the surviving spouse of a service member or Veteran who meets one of the following requirements:

Died due to a service-connected disability
Rated 100% disabled by the VA for 10 years prior to death
A former prisoner of war and rated 100% disabled for one year prior to death
Died while serving in an active duty or training status

Surviving spouses must have a combined disposable income of Income Threshold 3 or less. Income Threshold 3 is based on the county median household income in the county where their property is located. To apply surviving spouses must submit the following to their local county assessor:

For more information and to determine the amount of the grant, please contact the local County Assessor where the property is located
Washington State County Assessor Directory
Washington State Department of Revenue, Property Tax Exemption and Deferred Income Thresholds Information

Revised Code of Washington 84.39
Washington State Department of Revenue, Property Tax Assistance Program for Surviving Spouses of Veterans

Learn more about the Washington State Property Tax Assistance Program for Surviving Spouses of Veterans

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Education Benefits?

Washington State Education Tuition Waiver for Veterans, Reserve Component Service Members, Spouses and Children: Participating Washington State community colleges, colleges and 3 people in cap and gowns at a graduation ceremony universities will waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible Veterans, reserve component service members, eligible spouses (domestic partners) and children for up to 200 quarter credits or equivalent semester credits. The state will also provide up to a $500 per year stipend for textbooks and course materials.
Revised Code of Washington 28B.15.621
Who is eligible for the Washington State Education Tuition Waiver for Veterans, Reserve Component Service Members, Spouses and Children? All students must be Washington State residents and meet the following requirements:

Veterans and Service Members:

Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil, or in international waters, or in support of those serving on foreign soil, or in international waters, and received an honorable discharge
Reserve component service member who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces under Title 10 or Title 32 orders in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil, or in international waters, or in support of those serving on foreign soil, or in international waters, and received an honorable discharge and received an honorable discharge

Spouse/Surviving Spouse and Children:The Veteran must meet one of the following requirements for their dependent to be eligible:

Has a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA as a result of active duty service
Died while serving on active duty
Declared missing in action (MIA) or a prisoner of war (POW)

The spouse or child must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a waiver:

Children must be between the ages of 17-26
Spouses are eligible for 10 years from date the service member was declared a POW or MIA, or from the date the Veteran received their disability rating from the VA
Surviving spouses must remain unremarried and are eligible for 10 years from the date of the Veterans death

Each college or university establishes and operates their own waiver program, students should contact the college or university they plan to attend for details on their program.
Washington State Financial Aid, Participating Educational Institutions
Washington State’s Education Benefits for Dependents of 100% Disabled Veterans or Those Who Died as a Result of Military Service Fact Sheet

Learn more about Washington State Education Tuition Waiver for Veterans, Reserve Component Service Members, Spouses and Children

Washington State National Guard Post-Secondary Education Grant (NGG): The Washington State NGG is a grant to help pay educational costs not covered by other financial aid for Washington State National Guard service members and their dependents. NGG provides funding for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate study programs. First time undergraduate seekers are awarded first, and other applicants are reviewed after Priority Consideration Dates to ensure available funding. Currently, graduate students will receive the same award amount as undergraduates. Maximum NGG awards can also include up to a $500 one-time allowance for books and supplies.

Students can use the NGG at an accredited higher education institution in Washington State, or that is approved to provide training under the Montgomery GI Bill. The amount of the grant varies from institution type, FAFSA, and room in your financial aid package.

Grants are provided in the following amounts:

Two-year community and technical colleges (CTCs) - $2,500
Western Governors University Washington – $3,500
Applied baccalaureate programs at CTCs - $4,500
Four-year regional public institutions - $4,500
Four-year private non-profit and for-profit institutions - $6,500
Four-year public research institutions - $6,500

Who is eligible for the Washington State NGG? Actively drilling Washington State National Guard Service members in good standing and their dependents who have a valid Department of Defense ID card are eligible for an NGG. All students must complete the FAFSA or Washington Application for State Financial Aid each year.

All service members must serve one year in the National Guard for each year of NGG funding the service member or their dependent receives. This service obligation begins after the last day of the final term of the academic year that funds are received.

Students must complete the online Washington State NGG Application to apply. For more information, please call 888-535-0747 (option 7), or email nationalguard@wsac.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Washington State National Guard Post-Secondary Education Grant

Washington State, “Operation Recognition” High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Washington State Operation Recognition will award high school diplomas to Veterans who left high school before they received their diploma to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II (WWII), Korea, and Vietnam. Veterans who received a GED are also eligible.
Revised Code of Washington 28A.230.120
Who is eligible for Washington State, “Operation Recognition” High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans? Veterans who were scheduled to graduate and left high school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam and received an honorable discharge are eligible. Diplomas can be awarded posthumously for deceased Veterans.

Veterans can submit an application and official documentation that they received an honorable discharge to the high school the Veteran would have graduated from, a high school in the Veteran’s local community, or to a high school in which the Veteran has substantial ties.
Washington State Operation Recognition Application

Learn more about Washington State, “Operation Recognition” High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans

Washington State Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children Children sitting on the steps of a school 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, parent, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student

MIC3 Assistance Request
Points of Contact
Phone: 360-286-4712 / 360-725-0415

Learn more about Washington State Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Purple Star School Washington State Purple Star Award for Military-Friendly Schools: The Washington State Purple Star Award for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.

For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Designation they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families.
Revised Code of Washington 28A.625.080
Military Child Education Coalition Purple Star School Program

Learn more about the Washington State Purple Star Award for Military-Friendly Schools

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?

Washington State Employee Leave for Military Service: State employees who are service members serving in a reserve National guard members doing an exercise with a K9, helicopter in the background component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized military leave with pay for up to 21 working days during each fiscal year. This leave can be used for required military duty, training, or drills. Service members are charged military leave only for the days they are scheduled to work.

In addition, state employees who are required to appear during working hours for a physical examination to determine fitness for military service will receive full pay for the time required to complete the examination.
Who is eligible for Washington State Employee Leave for Military Service? State employees who are National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service members reporting to required military duty are eligible.

Learn more about Washington State Employee Leave for Military Service

Washington State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference: Washington State offers Veteran hiring preference for eligible Veterans and their spouse, or surviving spouse. Applicants must meet the requirements for the position and be able to perform the duties required.

State employers that use a scored examination to determine who will be hired will add points to passing scores for those who are eligible. This preference can only be used for initial employment.

10% will be added to the scores of Veterans who served in a wartime period or when an expeditionary or campaign medal was authorized and are not eligible for military retired pay
5% will be added to the scores of Veterans who are receiving military retired pay
5% will be added to the scores of Veterans who did not serve in a wartime period

In addition, 5% will be added to a promotional exam score of a reserve component service member called to active duty while in public employment (only applies for first promotion).

If no examination is used eligible applicants must be referred to the employing official for consideration.
Who is eligible for Washington State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference? To be eligible Veterans must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces. The surviving spouse of a deceased preference eligible Veteran, or the spouse of an honorably discharged Veteran who has a total and permanent service-connected disability rating are eligible for the preference the Veteran would have been entitled to.
Revised Code of Washington 41.04.010
Washington Administrative Code 357-16-110

Learn more about Washington State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference

Washington State Employment Military Service Credit in Retirement System: State employees who participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) who leave their state employment to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible to receive up to 10 years of service credit for the time they served. This service credit is called interruptive military service credit. Service credit is one of the factors used in computing state retirement pay, increasing service credit would increase future retirement benefits.

Service members can receive five years’ service credit free for service during a wartime period or for service when a campaign medal was authorized. Service members can purchase five more years’ service credit by paying any required employee contributions. Credit for wartime service must be requested within five years of returning to their DRS covered employment
Who is eligible for Washington State Employment Military Service Credit in Retirement System? Washington State DRS participating employees who are called to active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible.

For more information or to apply please call DRS at 800-547-6657, or 360-664-7000.
Washington State DRS Contact Information

Learn more about Washington State Employment Military Service Credit in Retirement System

Washington State WorkSource Veteran Services: Washington State WorkSource offices help Work Source logo Veterans, and their spouses find jobs. This includes priority access to WorkSource services and priority referrals to jobs listed with WorkSource.

WorkSource centers also offer Veterans and their spouses:

Job listings, job referrals and hiring events
Résumé, application, and interviewing assistance
Use of computers, copiers, and phones
Skill assessments and referrals to training and other resources

The WorkSource website allows Veterans seeking employment to connect with Veteran-friendly employers and find employers that give Veteran’s priority over other applicants.

Most WorkSource offices have Veteran Employment Specialists who can assist Veterans who have disabilities and other barriers to employment. For more information, please contact the nearest Washington State WorkSource office.
Washington State WorkSource Offices Directory

Learn more about Washington State WorkSource Veteran Services

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Apprenticeship Programs: Some apprenticeships in Washington State offer direct entry into their programs for Veterans. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices are paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field. Veterans may be eligible for VA education benefits that may be used to pay for books, supplies, and housing expenses.

After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.

Those interested should check the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Apprenticeship search engine to find programs that offer direct entry for Veterans.

Learn more about Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Apprenticeship Programs

Washington State Department of Health, Licensure Benefits for Service Members, Veterans and Spouses: The Washington State Department of Health offers expedited licensing for the spouse (domestic partner) of service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Washington.

In addition, the Washington State Department of Health will accept military education, training, and experience towards meeting the license requirements for service members and Veterans for certain entry-level health professions.

Those interested should consult the Washington State Department of Health A to Z Professions Directory for specific information. For more information or assistance contact the Washington State Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance Call Center at 360-236-4700 or by email at hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.
Washington State Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance Contact Information
Washington State Department of Health, Military to Civilian Crosswalk

Learn more about the Washington State Department of Health, Licensure Benefits for Service Members, Veterans and Spouses

Washington State Business and Professional Licenses Benefits for Service members and Military Spouses: Washington State offers professional licensing benefits for service members and military spouses (domestic partners) to help them meet licensing requirements.

Applicants can use military experience or training to help them meet licensing requirements. Those who have a current professional license from another state may be able to get an expedited license.

In addition, service members who are deployed out of state can have their license placed in a military status. While in a military status their professional license will remain active until their return from deployment and they will not be charged a renewal fee.

For more information the service members or military spouse should contact the licensing authority for their occupation, or email DOLBPDOUTREACH@dol.wa.gov.
Washington State Business and Professional Licensing Contact Information

Learn more about Washington State Business and Professional Licenses Benefits for Service Members and Military Spouses

Washington State Veteran and Service Member Owned Business Certification: Washington State offers a free certification for businesses that are owned and operated by a Veteran or service member. Certified business are eligible to participate in the Governor's goal to do 5% of their state purchasing through Veteran or service member owned businesses.

Participants are also eligible to apply for the Washington State Veterans Linked Deposit Program which can improve access to capital for Veteran or service member certified businesses by offering a 2% discount on interest rates for small business loans.
Who is eligible for the Washington State Veteran and Service Member Owned Business Certification? To qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned and operated by Veterans or service members who maintains direct responsibility for daily operations.

To become certified businesses must first register on the Washington Business Solution (WEBS) website. After registering applicants must submit a copy of their registration paperwork and a copy of the following:

Veterans DD214 member copy 4 as proof they received an honorable discharge (Other than Honorably Discharged Veterans are eligible on a case-by-case basis)
Retired VA ID card
Retirement or discharge certificate
For service members a copy of their military ID card or Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Proof of 51% or more ownership
Proof the principal place of business is in Washington State

Required documentation can be submitted by mail or email to:

Washinton Department of Veterans Affairs
P.O. Box 41150
Olympia, WA 98504-1150
Email: vob@dva.wa.gov

For more information, please call 360-791-1788, or email vob@dva.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Washington State Veteran and Service Member Owned Business Certification

Federal Employment Veterans’ 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.C. 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 a group of 10 soliders standing together 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 members had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making it 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.
VETS Regional Office Locations

Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

Washington State Hilton Honors Military Program: The Washington State Hilton Honors Military Program helps make the career transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program provides hotel accommodation for required employment related travel. This includes:

Travel for verifiable job interviews
Training needed to get or keep a job, or leads to a certification
Pre-employment testing such as physicals, drug testing, and aptitude/agility tests

The Hilton Honors Military Program may not be used for:

Conference attendance or career fairs
Job searching
Relocation or house hunting
Family visits
Vacations
Retirement
Non-employment activities

Those eligible can receive up to a total of 100,000 hotel points for verifiable employment related activities. Recipients must have a Hilton Honors account to receive the points. Each state sets its own eligibility and residency requirements. For more information, please email HiltonHonors@naswa.org or contact the nearest American Job Center.

Learn more about the Washington Hilton Honors Military Program

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Washington State 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 for 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. The amount of benefits applicants may be eligible for is determined by the amount of work they performed and wages they earned during the last 18 months prior to filing the claim.
Washington State Employment Security Department, UI Benefit Estimator

Information needed to file a claim:

Social Security number
Name, birthdate, mailing address, phone number and email address
Washington State driver’s license or ID number
Names and mailing addresses for all employers during the past 18 months, including part-time and temporary jobs
Dates worked for all employers in the past 18 months
Name and local union number (if applicable)
DD214 (member copy 2 through 8) if a former service member in the past 18 months
SF8 or SF50 If a former federal employee in the past 18 months
Work authorization information if not a U.S. citizen
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit

Applicants can apply for benefits online at the Washington State Employment Security Department, eServices online application webpage, or by calling the Claims Center at 800-318-6022. The Claim Center is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays).
Washington State Employment Security Department Contact Information
Washington State Employment Security Department, How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Washington State Employment Security Department, Unemployed Worker's Handbook
Washington State Employment Security Department, UI Information Required to Apply

Learn more about Washington State Unemployment Insurance

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Department of Licensing Benefits?

Veteran Designation on Washington State Driver License or ID Card: Honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for a Veteran designation on their Washington State driver licenses and ID cards. Washington drivers license with veteran designation Veterans will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 (or equivalent), a next generation Uniformed Services ID card, VA ID, or a letter from the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs as verification they received an honorable discharge. There is no fee if Veterans are only adding the Veteran designation.

Veterans can apply online at the Washington State Department of Licensing Online Services web page, or they can visit a Washington State Department of Licensing, Diver Licensing Office.

Learn more about Veteran Designation on Washington State Driver License or ID Card

Washington State License Plate Veteran/Military Service Award Emblems: Veterans or service members applying for Washington State license plates have the option of adding Veteran/Military Service Award Emblems to their license plate. Veterans or service members can choose 1 of 8 large emblems and 2 of 26 smaller emblems to be displayed on any Washington State license plate type. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility when they apply (DD214, official orders or other documentation). Applicants can apply at any Washington State Vehicle Licensing Office or by mailing a completed Washington State Department of Licensing, Veteran/Military Service Award Emblem Application, required documentation and a check or money order for $18 to:

Special Plate Unit
Application and Issuance
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507

Learn more about the Washington State License Plate Veteran/Military Service Award Emblems

Washington State Military and Veterans License Plates: Washington State offers 13 license plate designs to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, retired service members and family members. In addition, Washington State has “Veteran/Military Service Award Emblems” that may be attached to any Washington State license plate type (see section above).

All license plates can be applied for in person at a Washington State Vehicle Licensing Office, or by mailing in the Washington State Department of Licensing, Military License Plate Application, copies of required documentation, and any required fees to:

Special Plate Unit
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9909
Olympia, WA 98507-9909

For more information, please call 360-902-3770.
Washington Veterans License Plates Brochure

Learn more about Washington State Military and Veterans License Plates

Washington State Medal of Honor License Plate: The Washington State Medal of Honor license Washington Medal of Honor License Plate plate is offered to recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Revised Code of Washington 46.18.230
Medal of Honor recipients can request three sets of this license plates and can choose a Medal of Honor background or standard mountain background license plates. There is no charge for the Medal of Honor license plate.

Applicants must request a letter of eligibility from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs verifying they received the Medal of Honor. For more information about requesting a letter of eligibility, please call 800-562-2308, or email benefits@dva.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Washington State Medal of Honor License Plate

WA Purple Heart Plate Washington State Purple Heart License Plate: The Washington State Purple Heart license plate is offered for recipients of the Purple Heart and the unremarried surviving spouse (domestic partner) of a deceased recipient. There is no charge for the first set of license plates. This license plate may be personalized.
Revised Code of Washington 46.18.280
Who is eligible for the Washington State Purple Heart License Plate? To be eligible applicants must be Washington State residents who were awarded the Purple Heart and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Applicants must provide a copy of their DD214 documenting receipt of the Purple Heart, surviving spouses must also provide a copy of the recipient's death certificate and certify they have not remarried.

Learn more about the Washington State Purple Heart License Plate

Washington State Disabled Veteran License Plate: The Washington State Disabled Veteran Washington Disabled Veteran License Plate license plate is offered to eligible disabled Veterans. This license plate is exempt from license fees for one vehicle per year. These license plates are good for the life of the vehicle but do not grant disabled parking privileges.
Revised Code of Washington 46.18.235
Who is eligible for the Washington State Disabled Veteran License Plate? To be eligible Veterans must be a Washington State resident who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge and has:

100% service-connected disability rating from the VA or their branch of service for one year, or
Lost the use of both hands or one foot, or
Blind in both eyes as a result of military service

Veterans must provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter, or a letter from their branch of service verifying they are eligible when they apply.

Learn more about the Washington State Disabled Veteran License Plate

Washington Gold Star Family License Plate Washington State Gold Star License Plate: Washington offers the Gold Star license plate to the immediate family members of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or who dies as a result of their service.
Revised Code of Washington 46.18.245
Who is eligible for the Washington State Gold Star License Plate? Applicants must be a resident of Washington State and one of the following family members:

Surviving spouse*
Biological parents, adoptive parents, stepparents*
Adult who fulfilled the parental role, such as foster parent, kinship provider or caretaker relative*
Biological or adopted child
Sibling

* The first set of license plates for these relatives are exempt from licensing fees

To apply family members must first request a Gold Star License Plates Request for Certification Letter from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) as proof of eligibility, (submission and documentation requirements are on the form). After receiving certification from the WDVA applicants can apply as normal.
WDVA, Gold Star License Plate Information

Learn more about the Washington State Gold Star License Plate

Washington State Resident Service Member and Dependent Driver License and ID Card Expiration Extension: The Washington State driver licenses of service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents remain valid until 90 days after discharge. Service members and dependents must have the following with them for their license or ID to be considered valid:

Driver license or ID card
Active duty or dependent ID card
Washington State, Department of Licensing (DOL) Authorization Card

Service members can apply for a DOL Authorization Card at any Washington State Driver Licensing Office.
Who is eligible for a Washington State Resident Service Member and Dependent Driver License and ID Card Expiration Extension? The following individuals are eligible for a license or ID card extension:

U.S. Armed Forces service members serving on active duty
Reserve component service members called to active duty for 180 days or more
Spouse, domestic partner, and dependents who have the same residence as the service member

Learn more about the Washington Resident Service Member and Dependent Driver License and ID Card Expiration Extension

Washington State Motorcycle Endorsement for Service Members Stationed Out of State: Service members who are Washington State licensed drivers and are stationed out of state can request a motorcycle endorsement on their driver license. Service members must have completed an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course within 180 days prior to application.

Service members will be required to provide a completed Washington Motorcycle Safety Program Out of State Military Testing Waiver Request and proof they completed an approved Washington State or military motorcycle safety course. Service members must mail the waiver request, any required documents (listed on the application) and fees to:

Washington Motorcycle Safety Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507-9048

For more information, please email motorcycle@dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3674.

Learn more about Washington State Motorcycle Endorsement for Service Members Stationed Out of State

Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL) Military Test Waivers: Washington State offers CDL testing exemptions to service members and former service members based on their military training and experience.

Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver:The Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver authorizes service members who have certain Military Occupational Specialties or Ratings in the U.S. Armed Forces to have their CDL knowledge and skills testing waived. To be eligible, service members must have at least two years’ commercial vehicle driving experience and worked in one of the following Military Occupational Specialties or Ratings in the past year:

Army – 88M, 92F, 14T
Air Force – 2T1, 2F0, 3E2
Marine Corps – 3531
Navy – EO

Military Skills Test Waiver: The Military Skills Test Waiver is offered to service members who have military commercial driving training and experience but do not have the Military Occupational Specialties or Ratings for the Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver. Applicants must have been licensed for two or more years on a military vehicle similar to the commercial vehicle class they are applying for. This option only allows a waiver of the skills testing and does not include the knowledge testing requirement.

All 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 any conviction for a violation of military, state or local laws relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) as a result of a traffic accident and has no record of an accident in which they were at fault
Submit a completed U.S. Department of Transportation, Application for Military Skills Test Waiver and Washington State Military CDL Knowledge Test or Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver Application

Applicants must submit completed application forms (including certification by their commanding officer) and any required documents by email to cdlcompliance@dol.wa.gov or by mail to:

CDL Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030

For more information, please email cdlcompliance@dol.wa.gov, or call 360-902-3900.

Learn more about Washington State Commercial Driver License Military Test Waivers

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?

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

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 a service member is not on active duty and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.

Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) for Members of Washington State National Guard: Washington National Guard Association insignia The SSLI program provides term life insurance exclusively for actively serving members of the Washington National Guard and their dependents. All Washington National Guard Service members are automatically protected with $1,000 of SSLI at no charge. The Basic program provides financial protection in the event of death. It also provides coverage for spouses and children, all at an affordable monthly cost. The Enhanced program provides additional affordable group term life insurance for service members and spouses. Death benefits are paid within 24 hours.

Who is eligible for State Sponsored Life Insurance for Members of Washington State National Guard? Washington State National Guard service members and their families are eligible for coverage.

Rates can be found at the National Guard State Sponsored Life Insurance website, by contacting customer service at 800-462-7441, or by using the SSLI online contact webpage

Learn more about State Sponsored Life Insurance for Members of Washington State National Guard

Washington State National Guard Medical Coverage and Compensation for Injury, Illness and Death incurred while on State Duty: Washington State National Guard Service members who are injured, become ill, disabled, or die while serving on state active duty or inactive duty will receive required medical care and compensation under Washington State Industrial Insurance laws.

Learn more about Washington State National Guard Medical Coverage and Compensation for Injury, Illness and Death incurred while on State Duty

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?

Deer standing in the woods Washington State Nonresident Service Members Military Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Nonresident service members stationed at a military installation in Washington State are eligible to purchase a Washington State hunting and fishing licenses for resident prices. Service members must provide a copy of their orders assigning them to Washington State, or billeting documents, and show their military ID to be eligible.

Learn more about Washington State Nonresident Service Members Military Hunting and Fishing Privileges

Washington State Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Disabled Veterans: The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife offers half price hunting and fishing licenses for resident and nonresident disabled Veterans.
Who is eligible for Washington State Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Disabled Veterans? To be eligible Veterans must have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces and meet the disability requirements below:

30% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA
65 years of age or older with any percentage of service-connected disability

Residents will be charged a reduced fee (generally ½ price). Nonresidents will be charged resident prices.
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, License Fee Tables (select “Fee Table” tab from left column)

Veterans will be required to provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter and a completed Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hunter/Fisher Veterans Reduced Fee Application to:

WDFW Licensing Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Learn more about Washington State Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing Privileges for Disabled Veterans

Washington State Free Hunting Licenses for Washington State National Guard Service Members: Service members serving in the Washington State National Guard are eligible for a free annual hunting license package that includes a big-game license (deer, elk, bear, and cougar with tags) and a small game license with a migratory bird permit.
Who is eligible for the Washington State Free Hunting Licenses for Washington State National Guard Service Members? Washington State residents who are full-time active Washington State National Guard Service members, or those who participate in drill training on a part-time basis are eligible.

Service members must request a Washington State National Guard Verification Memorandum, please see the How to Obtain Verification of Service, Memorandum for more information. Service members must submit a completed Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, National and State Guard Hunting License Application and the verification of service memorandum by fax to 360-902-2466, or by mail to:

WDFW Licensing Division
PO Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504

Or in person to:

1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn more about Washington State Free Hunting Licenses for Washington National Guard Service Members

Washington State Hunter Education, Field Skills Exemption for Veterans and Service Members: Active duty service members who are stationed in Washington State and honorably discharged resident Veterans are eligible for an exemption from the Hunter Education, Field Skills Evaluation when applying for a hunting license. Service members and Veterans are still required to pass the online Washington State Hunter Safety Course.

Service members and Veterans are required to submit Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Military Exemption for the Washington State Online Course Field Evaluation and any required documentation (listed on the exemption form) by mail or email to:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Hunter Education Program
PO Box 43141
Olympia, WA 98504-3200
Email: huntered@dfw.wa.gov

Learn more about the Washington State Hunter Education, Field Skills Exemption for Veterans and Service Members

Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Free Lifetime Pass: The Washington State Parks and person rafting down a river Recreation Commission offers free camping, docking, campsite reservations, watercraft launching, trailer dump and day use entry at Washington State Parks for eligible disabled Veterans.
Who is eligible for Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Free Lifetime Pass? Applicants must be a Washington State resident Veteran for at least three months and have a service-connected disability rating of at least 30% or more are eligible.

Veterans must provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter showing service-connected disability percentage that is addressed to a Washington State address and match the name on proof of residency. Applicants can apply online by submitting a completed Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass Application, their disability letter and any other required documentation (listed on the application) by email to passes@parks.wa.gov, by fax to 360-586-6440, or by mail to:

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
PO Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650

For more information, please call 360-902-8844, or email passes@parks.wa.gov.

Learn more about Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Free Lifetime Pass

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What are my Washington State Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?

Recording of Discharges for Washington State Veterans: Washington State County Auditors will record, free of charge, official discharge documents of Washington State Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Revised Code of Washington 73.04.030

Documents filed after June 30, 2002 are not considered public record, documents filed prior to June 30, 2002 are considered public record unless the Veteran files a Request for Exemption from Public Disclosure of Discharge Papers with their County Auditor. County Auditors can charge no more than $7 for recording the request for exemption.
Washington State County Auditor Directory

Once exempt from public disclosure the Veteran's discharge papers may only be released to:

The Veteran
The Veteran’s next of kin
Appointed personal representative or executor for a deceased Veteran
Someone designated by a general power of attorney
Someone designated in writing by the Veteran to receive the records

Learn more about Recording of Discharges for Washington State Veterans

Washington State Reduced Public Transportation Fees for Disabled Veterans Around Puget Sound: Disabled Veterans can apply for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit that offers reduced fares when using public transportation in the Puget Sound area.
Who is eligible for Reduced Public Transportation Fees for Disabled Veterans Around Puget Sound? Veterans must have a 40% or greater disability rating from the VA to be eligible.

Veterans can apply online for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit using the Reduced Fare Portal, or by submitting a completed Application for Regional Reduced Fare Permit in person at the Metro Pass Sales Office.

King County Metro Pass Sales Office
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104

SoundTransit Fares
Regional Reduced Fare Permit Flyer

Learn more about Washington State Reduced Public Transportation Fees for Disabled Veterans Around Puget Sound

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Counseling and Wellness Program: The WDVA Counseling and Wellness Program provides free outreach and counseling services for Veterans, service members and families affected by PTSD-related problems. This program provides community-based counseling services that are less formal in nature and offer the highest level of confidentiality possible. Some of the services provided include individual, couples, family, and Veteran group counseling.

Some contractors offer group services to women Veterans and spouses of Veterans. Veterans may be referred to specialized inpatient or outpatient treatment offered by VA Medical Centers or Vet Centers located in Washington State.
Who is eligible for the WVDA Counseling and Wellness Program?

Reserve component service members deployed in support of wartime and peacekeeping missions, and their family members
Veterans and their families who have mental health needs
VA service-connected disability is not required for this service
Priority is given to those most vulnerable or having no other reasonable options for care

NOTE: King County has slightly different eligibility criteria. Veterans, service members and their families, definitions for these targeted populations are:

Service member - Currently serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
Veteran - Served in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
Veteran family – Veteran’s or service member’s spouse (domestic partner) and children, or the child of the spouse (domestic partner), or other dependent relatives who live in the household of a Veteran or service member

For more information, please call 800-562-2308.
WDVA Counseling Program Brochure
WDVA, Counselor Directory

Learn more about the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Counseling and Wellness Program

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Estate Management Program (VEMP): VEMP offers protective payee services for Veterans and family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. VEMP assumes custody of the individual's finances and ensures basic needs - such as housing, food, clothing, and medical care - are provided. These services may include the following:

Who is eligible for VEMP? Veterans and their beneficiaries are eligible. For more information, please call 800-562-2308, or 360-485-1807.

Learn more about the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Estate Management Program

Washington State Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) Program: The VCC offers Veterans opportunities to work with environmental and agricultural partners on ecosystem restoration projects. Through these experiences, Veterans build strong connections with nature and their community, enhancing their well-being and resilience. VCC interns can receive specialized training and resources to navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.

VCC offers:

Internships in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture
Hands-on training that equips Interns with job skills in habitat restoration, farming, and environmental research

Support focused on social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being

Who is eligible for the VCC? All Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and service members currently serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible.

To apply applicants must submit the following:

DD214 or service discharge certificate for Veterans, Military ID for service members
government-issued photo ID (such as driver license),
Resume
Cover letter expressing applicants’ interest in the internship
Title of the VCC internship the applicant is applying for

For more information, please call 360-870-0729, or 800-562-2308, or email vcc@dva.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Washington State Veterans Conservation Corps Program

Washington State Veterans Homes: The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) operates four long-term nursing and assisted-living care homes where Veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in settings that provide a sense of belonging unique to Veterans.

Washington Soldiers Home Orting
Veterans Home Orting
1301 Kapowsin Highway
Orting, WA 98360
Phone: 360-893-4515
Washington Soldiers Home Orting Brochure

Washington Veterans Home Port Orchard

1141 Beach Drive E.
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-895-4700
Washington Veterans Home Port Orchard Brochure

Spokane Veterans Home
Veterans Home Spokane
222 E. 5th Avenue
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 509-344-5770
Spokane Veterans Home Brochure

Walla Walla Veterans Home
Veterans Home Walla Walla
92 Wainwright Drive
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-394-6800
Walla Walla Veterans Home Brochure

Services provided:

Physical and occupational therapies
Recreational activities
Social services
Volunteer programs
Hospice care
Nutritious meals
Community involvement
Religious programs
Transportation
Laundry
Beauty and barber shops
Fishing pond (Orting)

All Washington State Veterans Homes are Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities.
Who is eligible for Care at a Washington State Veterans Home? To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Served at any time in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces
Received an honorable discharge
Live in Washington State
Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Gold Star Parent of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Homes Application for Admission

Learn more about the Washington State Veterans Homes

Washington State Veterans Transitional Housing Program: The Washington State Veterans Transitional Housing Program helps Veterans who need stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and increased income potential. Veterans are surrounded with supportive staff and wrap-around services designed to lead to their successful completion of the program and a successful return to the community. The Transitional Housing facilities are in Port Orchard and Orting, Washington.

The Veterans Transitional Housing Program focuses on three goals:

Increased residential stability
Greater self-determination
Increased skill level and income potential

Who is eligible for the Washington State Veterans Transitional Housing Program?

Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge (Other than Honorably Discharged Veterans are eligible on a case-by-case basis)
Homeless for one or more nights
Desire to lead a clean and sober lifestyle
Desire to make meaningful life changes leading to independent living
Willing to undergo criminal background check

For more information about the Port Orchard facility, please call 360-764-0727, for the Orting facility call 360-982-4830.
Washington State Transitional Housing Program for Veterans Brochure
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Transitional Housing Program Admission Application

Learn more about the Washington State Veterans Transitional Housing Program

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Innovations Program (VIP): VIP provides financial assistance to Veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001, in the U.S. Armed Forces, and are facing financial hardships.
Who is eligible for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs VIP? To be eligible, Veterans must meet the following requirements:

Washington State resident
Served on or after September 11, 2001, in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge
Experiencing financial hardship and income is not sufficient to meet basic needs
Shows potential for a distinct positive outcome
Request is within grant funding capabilities

To apply Veterans must submit a completed Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, VIP Application to For more information, please call 800-562-2308, or email wdvavip@dva.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Innovations Program

Washington State, County Veterans Assistance Programs: Washington State law authorizes each county to establish a Veterans' assistance program to address the needs of local needy Veterans and their families. Interested applicants should contact their county representative for more information and eligibility requirements.
Washington State, County Veterans Assistance Fund Directory

Learn more about Washington State, County Veterans Assistance Programs

Washington State Veterans Cemetery: The Washington State Veterans Cemetery is located near Fairchild Air Force Base and provides a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members.

The cemetery offers casket burials which includes the plot, a concrete liner, and an upright granite marker. Options for cremated remains includes:

Niche in the columbarium wall with inscribed, granite niche cover
Ground plot with an inscribed upright granite marker
Scattering garden where the family may scatter the remains and includes an inscribed flat granite marker

There is no charge for the burial of an eligible Veteran, eligible dependent burials incur a $311 fee. Cemetery staff will coordinate for Military Funeral Honors for eligible Veterans and service members.
Who is eligible for Burial in the Washington State Veterans Cemetery? Eligibility requirements for the burial at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:

Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
Died while serving on active duty, or
Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and qualified for military retired pay (or would have qualified except death occurred before age 60), or
Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
Spouses and children (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)
There is no Washington State residency requirement

All Veterans are encouraged visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Eligibility for Pre-Need Determination webpage for the steps required to establish eligibility prior to need. Applicants can mail, fax, or email completed applications and copies of the required supporting documents (listed on the application) to:

Washington State Veterans Cemetery
21702 W. Espanola Road
Medical Lake, WA 99022
Phone: 509-299-6280
Fax: 509-299-6286
Email: cemetery@dva.wa.gov

Eligibility Application, Washington State Veterans Cemetery
Washington State Veterans Cemetery Brochure

Learn more about the Washington State Veterans Cemetery

Ft Lewis cemetery Camp Lewis Post Cemetery: The Camp Lewis Post Cemetery, located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) behind 2 ^nd Division Range Road and near the Skeet Trap Range is open to the public during daylight hours. All burials are in-ground. For additional information contact the JBLM Cemetery Responsible Official at 253-967-2304 or the Mortuary Affairs Coordinator at 253-966-5893.

Learn more about Camp Lewis Post Cemetery

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Women Veterans Advisory Committee: The WDVA Women Veterans Advisory Committee works to guarantee Washington's women Veterans receive fair access to all available federal and state benefits and services. They achieve this by:

Strengthening recognition of women Veterans
Reshaping public understanding of who Veterans are
Directly linking women Veterans to their entitled benefits
Creating strong community networks for women Veterans

For more information, please call 360-725-2157, or email womenveterans@dva.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Women Veterans Advisory Committee

Washington State Military Spouse Initiative: The Washington State Military Spouse Initiative focuses on reducing and removing employment barriers for military spouses and connecting them to the resources they and their families can use to thrive in Washington State.

Under the Military Spouse Initiative, a Military Spouse Liaison has been appointed by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs who serves as an advocate for military spouses. The Military Spouse Liaison conducts outreach with elected officials, government and community leaders, U.S. Armed Forces installation leadership, and business executives to meet the needs of military spouses across the state. The liaison also has several working groups focused on solving issues faced by military spouses and their families.

For more information, please contact the Washington State Military Spouse Liaison by email at militaryspouse@dva.wa.gov, or call 360-280-0179.
Washington State Military Spouse Career Resource Guide

Learn more about the Washington Military Spouse Initiative

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington State

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington State: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please enter your location and the type of facility you are searching for to see a listing of the nearest options.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Washington State

VA Cemetery in Washington U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in Washington State: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains four national cemeteries in Washington State. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.