Virginia offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Virginia Veterans Homes
Virginia operates two veterans homes located in Richmond and Roanoke.
Additionally, two new facilities in Puller and Virginia Beach are set to open their doors in 2022.
Eligibility for admission is open to honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Virginia, though there may be associated costs.
Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Active Duty Pay – Virginia income tax allows for up to $15,000 of military basic pay to be exempted. However, for every additional dollar earned beyond $15,000, the maximum subtraction decreases by a corresponding dollar. For instance, if your basic pay totals $16,000, your deductible amount reduces to $14,000. If your military basic pay reaches $30,000 or more, you are ineligible for the subtraction.
For members of the VA National Guard ranked O-3 and below, up to 39 calendar days of service or $3,000 (whichever is less) can be deducted from your income during filing.
Retired Pay – Effective from 2022, retirees aged 55 and above can deduct up to $10,000 of retirement income from their gross income for state tax purposes. This deductible amount incrementally increases by $10,000 annually until 2025, reaching a maximum deductible amount of $40,000. The same rules apply to SBP payments. Starting from the 2024 tax year, the age limit for this deduction will be eliminated.
Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption
Veterans who have been classified as 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA are relieved from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
Additionally, the surviving spouse may qualify for this exemption as well.
Virginia Veterans Employment Benefits
Virginia Veterans Preference For State Jobs
Veterans applying for state employment have the opportunity to receive a 5% increase in their test scores. Disabled veterans, on the other hand, are eligible for a 10% increase.
The Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP)
This program provides transitioning service members and their spouses with peer-to-peer support throughout the transition process. Referral services encompass various resources, including resume reviews, introductions to the job market, connections with certified companies for employment opportunities, and access to other relevant DVS programs.
Troops to Trucks
Military personnel and veterans who meet the qualifications and have been separated for 12 months or less are only obliged to pass the knowledge test for a CDL license. The road skills test requirement is waived for individuals with two or more years of military heavy truck/bus driving experience.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program
The Military Survivors and Dependents Program offers educational benefits to spouses and children of military service members who were killed, went missing in action, were taken prisoner, or became at least 90% disabled due to military service in an armed conflict.
Under this program, tuition and fees at any state-supported college or university in Virginia may be covered. Eligible beneficiaries can receive benefits for up to 36 months.
Virginia Veterans Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Virginia provides veterans who are permanently and totally service-connected disabled with a complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing license, along with a reduced fee for saltwater licenses.
Additionally, veterans with a minimum of 70% VA disability are eligible for discounted hunting and freshwater fishing licenses.
Active Duty Hunting & Fishing License
Active duty members stationed in Virginia are eligible to obtain hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
State Park Admission
Veterans with a 100% VA disability qualify for complimentary admission and parking at Virginia state parks. The pass extends admission to the pass holder and any necessary assistants.
Additionally, the pass includes privileges such as boat launch and horse trailer parking, along with a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, and equipment rental.
Residency in Virginia is not a requirement to qualify for this benefit.
Virginia Veterans Cemeteries
Virginia maintains three veterans cemeteries situated in Amelia, Dublin, and Suffolk.
Honorably discharged veterans are entitled to burial at no cost, while eligible family members may incur a nominal fee for burial services.
