The state of Washington provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
The state of Washington runs four state veterans homes, they are located in Ortig, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla.
There is a cost for care, you must have an honorable discharge, spouses, surviving spouses and gold star parents are eligible for admission.
Veterans with a 80% service-connected disability or over the age of 61 and income below certain levels (varies by county) may be exempt from paying property tax on their home. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Most counties have financial assistance programs available for military and veteran families.
Dependents of military members who died in service or are permanently and totally disabled veterans are eligible for up to 200 hours free tuition at state schools.
Children must be between the ages of 17 - 26 and spouses/surviving spouses are eligible for 10 years from date of death or date of VA rating.
Honorably discharged combat veterans or those with a campaign ribbon, and their surviving spouses, get preference for state jobs.
For state jobs that require an examination 5% will be added to the score of a non-combat veteran, 10% will be added to the score of a combat veteran, and 5% will be added to the score of a mobilized guard or reserve member.
If a veteran receives military retirement, they will get 5% added no matter what. Honorable discharge is required.
Washington State Department of Retirement Systems offers military service credit to qualified public employees.
People with military training and experience may count it towards certain civilian healthcare profession credentialing requirements if the state determines it is substantially equivalent to standards.
Veterans seeking a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) may get a waiver of the skills test if they are currently licensed, and operated a CDL in the last 90 days as a part of their military duties.
The written test can't be waived.
Discounted hunting and fishing licenses are available to 30% and greater disabled veterans resident or non-resident. These licenses are also available to those over 65 with any disability and also grant access to DMV lands.
Active duty members stationed in Washington can buy hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Disabled veterans with at least 30% disability can get a free lifetime pass which offers free camping, moorage, campsite reservations, watercraft launching, trailer dump, and day use at all state parks.
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery is located in Medical Lake.
In general, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no residency requirement.
There is no charge for veteran interments, and a one-time fee of $300.00 fee for eligible dependents. All other funeral expenses are borne by the family
Visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
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Related Topics: Veteran BenefitsJim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015. Read Full Bio
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