West Virginia offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
West Virginia Veterans Homes
West Virginia operates a veterans’ residence in Barboursville and a nursing facility in Clarksburg. These facilities welcome veterans who have either been residents of West Virginia for at least 30 days or enlisted from the state, possess an honorable discharge, and have completed a minimum of 12 months of active duty service. Fees are determined based on income.
West Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
Military compensation is exempt from taxation when stationed outside of the state.
Retirement pay and SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) payments are also tax-exempt.
Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption
Veterans who have attained a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability status may qualify for exemptions from specific property taxes.
Veterans Bonus
In West Virginia, veterans who served during the War in Afghanistan are eligible for cash bonuses. This bonus comprises a one-time payment of $600 for service in the combat zone or a one-time payment of $400 for service outside the combat zone.
West Virginia Veterans Preference for State Jobs
All veterans who served during wartime and received an honorable discharge receive a 5-point addition to their final score on the state employment test. Additionally, those with a Purple Heart or VA disability receive an extra 5 points.
West Virginia Veteran Education Benefits
State War Orphans Education Assistance
Children whose parent died on active duty during a wartime period or due to disability or injury sustained during wartime duty are eligible to attend a state college tuition-free. This benefit applies to children aged between 16 and 23.
Veterans Re-Education Act Fund
Veterans who have exhausted their GI Bill benefits may qualify for state funds that can be utilized for tuition assistance, professional license and certification exams, or other necessary training materials.
Medal of Honor & Purple Heart Tuition Waivers
All state colleges in West Virginia waive tuition and mandatory fee charges for residents who have been awarded the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart.
West Virginia Veteran Recreation Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses
West Virginia veterans with a 100% service-connected disability or those receiving the VA automobile grant are exempt from needing hunting and fishing licenses.
Active Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses
West Virginia residents who are on active duty and home on leave are not required to have hunting and fishing licenses.
West Virginia State Parks
Veterans and active duty members are eligible for a 10% discount on all standard lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites offered by West Virginia State Parks. Residency in West Virginia is not a requirement to qualify for this discount.
West Virginia State Veterans Cemetery
The Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, situated in Dunbar, follows eligibility criteria similar to those of national cemeteries for burial. Veterans are entitled to free burial, while spouses and dependent children are required to pay a nominal fee.
Headstone Placement
The families of deceased veterans may receive grave markers for their loved ones at no cost from the VA. However, certain families may face difficulties in covering the installation expenses for these markers. The Jack Bennett Fund offers applicants up to $380 to help alleviate these costs, with financial need verification required.
