Virginia Veteran Benefits

Real Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans & Surviving Spouses

Virginia provides a full exemption from real property taxes on the principal residence (and up to one acre of land) of veterans with a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability rating. The exemption may transfer to a qualifying surviving spouse.

Eligibility: Veterans with a VA service-connected 100% total and permanent disability rating, or a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Certain surviving spouses who have not remarried also qualify.

Estimated value: Full exemption of real property taxes on the primary residence and up to one acre

How to apply: Apply through your local Commissioner of the Revenue or the equivalent local tax office, providing your VA disability award letter.

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

VMSDEP provides a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia public colleges and universities for up to eight semesters for eligible spouses and children of veterans who were killed, are missing in action, or are permanently disabled from military service. Eligible students may also qualify for a stipend toward room, board, and books.

Eligibility: Spouses and children (age and residency requirements apply) of Virginia veterans who died, are rated permanently and totally disabled, or are at least 90% disabled as a result of military service.

Estimated value: Full tuition and mandatory fee waiver for up to eight semesters, plus possible stipend

How to apply: Submit the VMSDEP application to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and coordinate with the financial aid office at your Virginia public institution.

Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VNGSTAP)

VNGSTAP offers tuition assistance toward a degree or credential for members of the Virginia National Guard, paid directly to the school. Benefits may be used at accredited not-for-profit schools with a physical location in Virginia.

Eligibility: Active members in good standing of the Virginia National Guard pursuing an eligible degree or credential.

Estimated value: Up to ~$7,000 per fiscal year (tuition, paid directly to the school)

How to apply: Apply through the Virginia National Guard Education Services Office before the start of each term.

Virginia State Employment Veterans Hiring Preference

Virginia provides a hiring preference for eligible veterans, National Guard members, and certain family members applying for state government positions.

Eligibility: Veterans, eligible National Guard members, and qualifying spouses or surviving spouses applying for Commonwealth of Virginia employment.

Estimated value: Hiring preference for State of Virginia positions

How to apply: Indicate veteran status and claim the preference when applying through the Commonwealth of Virginia jobs portal.

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services' V3 program helps transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses find employment through peer support, referrals, and connections with V3-certified employers pursuing education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Eligibility: Transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses seeking employment in Virginia.

How to apply: Connect with the V3 program through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website to be matched with certified employers and resources.

Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Licenses

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources offers free or reduced-fee lifetime hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping licenses to resident disabled veterans, with pricing based on the veteran's service-connected disability percentage.

Eligibility: Virginia residents with a minimum 30% VA service-connected disability rating. Licenses are free for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and half-price for those rated 70% or higher.

Estimated value: Free or reduced-fee lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses

How to apply: Apply through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources with your VA disability documentation.

Virginia State Parks Free Veteran Disability Passport

Virginia State Parks offers a free Veteran Disability Passport that provides free vehicle parking, boat launch, horse trailer parking, and admission for the pass holder and all vehicle occupants at participating state parks.

Eligibility: Veterans with a 100% VA service-connected disability rating (VA Code §10.1-202.2). Documentation of the disability rating is required. Other veterans may qualify for a separate 50% discount on camping and swimming.

Estimated value: Free parking, admission, and facility access at Virginia State Parks

How to apply: Request the Veteran Disability Passport through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation with proof of your disability rating.

Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability rating are exempt from the motor vehicle sales and use tax on the purchase of one vehicle that is owned and used primarily by or for the qualifying veteran.

Eligibility: Veterans with a VA service-connected 100% total and permanent disability rating. Limited to one qualifying vehicle owned and used primarily by the veteran.

Estimated value: Waiver of the one-time motor vehicle sales and use tax on one vehicle

How to apply: Claim the exemption through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles when titling the vehicle, with VA disability documentation.

Veteran Indicator and Military & Veteran License Plates

Veterans can add a "Veteran" indicator to their Virginia driver's license or ID card as easy proof of veteran status, and choose from dozens of military and veteran specialty license plates, including Disabled Veteran plates ($10 fee) and Purple Heart plates (one free set) for those who qualify.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans for the veteran indicator and most specialty plates. Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart plates require the corresponding VA rating or award.

Estimated value: Disabled Veteran plates carry a $10 fee; only Purple Heart plates get one free set; low-cost veteran indicator

How to apply: Apply at a Virginia DMV customer service center or online with proof of veteran status or the qualifying award.

Virginia Veterans Care Centers (State Veterans Homes)

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates Veterans Care Centers offering affordable long-term skilled nursing, dementia and memory care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation for eligible veterans in a dignified environment.

Eligibility: Veterans who meet residency and clinical care requirements. Admission criteria and availability vary by facility.

How to apply: Contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services or the individual care center to begin the admissions process.

Military Retired Pay Income Tax Subtraction

Virginia allows eligible veterans to subtract up to $40,000 of their military retirement income from Virginia taxable income, reducing state income tax owed on military retired pay. The former age-55+ and income tests were repealed.

Eligibility: Veterans receiving military retired pay may subtract up to $40,000 of that income for tax year 2025 and later, at any age and with no income test.

Estimated value: Subtraction of up to $40,000 of qualifying military retired pay from Virginia taxable income

How to apply: Claim the subtraction on your Virginia individual income tax return; see the Virginia Department of Taxation for current-year amounts and rules.

Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS)

The Virginia Veteran and Family Support program provides care coordination and connections to behavioral health, rehabilitation, housing, employment, and benefits resources for veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families, including justice-involved veterans.

Eligibility: Virginia veterans, service members, and their family members needing behavioral health support or resource connections.

How to apply: Contact the Virginia Veteran and Family Support program through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to be connected with a care coordinator.