Virginia is home to a significant veteran population, with approximately 700,000 veterans calling the state home. To honor these men and women, Virginia offers a wide range of state-specific benefits, many of which complement the federal benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include healthcare, financial support, education, employment assistance, and much more.
Whether you are a disabled veteran, a spouse, or a dependent, understanding the full scope of available benefits in Virginia can help ensure that you receive all the support you deserve. In this guide, we explore the key benefits offered to veterans in Virginia and how to access them.
Key Virginia Veterans Benefits
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Virginia Veterans Care Centers (Roanoke, Richmond, Virginia Beach) |
| Income Tax Exemptions | Military retirement income tax-free for veterans 55+; VA disability exempt |
| Property Tax Exemption | 100% disabled veterans; surviving spouses (if unmarried) |
| Education Benefits | In-state tuition for veterans and dependents; Military Survivors Program |
| Employment Benefits | Veterans’ preference for state jobs; V3 program for employers |
| Recreation Benefits | Discounted hunting/fishing licenses; free state park admission for disabled veterans |
| Burial Benefits | Free burial plots at state veterans’ cemeteries |
| Professional Licensing | Expedited licenses for veterans and spouses |
| Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program | Behavioral health and family support services |
Housing Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia provides essential housing support to veterans through Veterans Care Centers and various financial assistance programs.
Virginia Veterans Care Centers offer long-term care, including skilled nursing and rehabilitative services. These centers are located in:
- Roanoke
- Richmond
- Virginia Beach
Financial Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia offers several financial benefits aimed at reducing the financial burden on veterans and their families.
- Income Tax Exemption: Military retirement pay is exempt from Virginia state income tax for veterans aged 55 and older. VA disability compensation is also exempt from state income tax.
- Property Tax Exemption: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for property tax relief on their primary residence. Surviving spouses of these veterans are also eligible, provided they do not remarry.
- Vehicle Tax Exemption: Veterans who have specially adapted vehicles due to their disabilities are exempt from paying vehicle taxes.
Emma Peterson states, “These financial benefits help alleviate some of the burden that veterans face after serving, particularly those who are disabled. It ensures they don’t have to worry about additional financial strains on top of their health and well-being.”
Education Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia is committed to providing veterans and their families with educational opportunities:
- In-State Tuition Rates: Veterans and their dependents are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in Virginia, regardless of their residency status.
- Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (MSDEP): This program offers educational benefits to the children and spouses of service members who were killed, are missing in action, or are permanently disabled.
Maura Black comments, “Education is a crucial tool for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Virginia’s commitment to providing affordable education for veterans and their families shows the state’s continued support in ensuring their success.”
Employment Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia offers multiple programs to help veterans transition into civilian careers:
- Veterans Employment Preference: Veterans, the spouses of disabled veterans, and the surviving spouses of veterans who died due to service-connected disabilities receive preference for state government jobs.
- Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program: This program helps employers recruit, hire, and retain veterans by offering training and certification to employers committed to hiring veterans.
“Virginia’s support for veterans doesn’t end with just benefits,” says Emma Peterson. “Their proactive initiatives, like the V3 program, play a vital role in ensuring that veterans can find stable and fulfilling employment opportunities.”
Recreation Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia provides discounted access to outdoor recreation:
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating can obtain discounted hunting and fishing licenses.
- State Park Admissions: Disabled veterans are eligible for free admission to Virginia’s state parks, while other veterans receive discounted admission rates.
Burial Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia operates three state veterans’ cemeteries, providing free burial plots and markers for eligible veterans and their spouses. These cemeteries include:
- Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Suffolk)
- Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Amelia)
- Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Dublin)
These burial benefits provide veterans and their families with a dignified final resting place. Maura Black adds, “The state of Virginia ensures that veterans are honored not only during their service but also in death. These cemeteries are a fitting tribute to their sacrifices.”
Additional Benefits for Virginia Veterans
Virginia also offers several other benefits designed to support veterans in their daily lives:
- Professional Licensing and Certification: Virginia offers expedited licensing for veterans and their spouses in various professions, recognizing military training and experience.
- Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS): This program provides comprehensive support services, including behavioral health rehabilitation for veterans and their families.
- Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program: The MMAC program allows military medics and corpsmen to work under physician supervision in civilian healthcare settings while obtaining necessary civilian licenses.
FAQs
What are the eligibility requirements for the Virginia Veterans Care Centers?
Veterans must have served on active duty, been honorably discharged, be a Virginia resident, and require skilled nursing care as determined by a physician.
Are all VA disability benefits tax-free in Virginia?
Yes, VA disability compensation is completely exempt from Virginia state income tax.
Can surviving spouses of disabled veterans receive property tax relief?
Yes, surviving spouses of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can receive property tax exemptions as long as they do not remarry.
How can veterans access in-state tuition rates in Virginia?
Veterans and their dependents are eligible for in-state tuition rates at Virginia’s public colleges and universities, regardless of their residency status.
How does the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program help employers?
The V3 Program helps employers recruit, hire, and retain veterans by providing training and certification for those committed to hiring veterans.
