Washington State Veterans Benefits – The Insider’s Guide

Hi Veterans, Brian Reese here from VA Claims Insider, and today, I’m covering Washington State Veterans benefits. If you make your home in the great state of Washington, then listen up – this post is for you!

The Washington State Department of Veterans’ Affairs administers a wide range of veterans programs, such as free benefits and disability claims counselling, state veterans homes, VA health care, veterans education benefits, VA home loans, veteran property tax exemptions, recreational discounts, employment and legal advice, among other veterans services.

You can visit the WDVA website to learn more about the activities, services and benefits they can assist with if you are an in-state Veteran or family member of a Washington state disabled veteran. But first, let’s jump into all the Veterans benefits and VA benefits the gorgeous Evergreen State has in store for you!

Overview of Washington Military Life

Washington’s veteran population ranks 12th according to the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau (released in July 2019):

• Adult Population: 5.7 million (13th)
• Veteran Population: 535,293 (12th)

Washington is in the average rankings of unemployment for vets, and is in the upper 10 of states with veterans above poverty level.

• Veteran Unemployment: 4.0% (30th overall)
• Veteran Poverty Rate: 5.6% (42nd)

Washington is also in the bottom 20 of states with their percentage of disabled veterans. 

• Veterans with a Disability: 28.9% (33rd)

The state has a moderately high cost of living (ranking 37th) and has the fifth highest cost of housing in the U.S. (housing affordability ranking: 46th). However veterans in Washington can do fairly well for themselves, as the median income of veterans in Washington is $64,915, one of the highest in the nation.

Despite being high in many economic rankings for veterans, Washington ranks fairly average for overall quality of life (31st overall). Some believe this is due to the consistently overcast weather and frequent rain.

With all that said, let’s take a closer look at Washington veterans benefits. 

Washington State Veterans Benefits

Veterans Benefits Administration- Pacific District

Washington State Veterans Benefits: Financial 

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

Income based exemptions and deferrals are available to seniors, those retired due to disability, and veterans compensated at the 100% service connected rate.  Widows of 100% disabled veterans may also qualify for assistance. Contact your County Assessor for more information.

Washington State Veterans Benefits: Housing & Healthcare

Washington State Veterans Homes

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs serves veterans in four Veterans Homes, where veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in settings that provide a sense of belonging unique to veterans. 

All Washington State Veterans Homes are Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities. To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Served at any time, in any branch of the United States Armed Forces including the National Guard
• Received an honorable discharge
• Reside in Washington State
• Be the spouse of a resident or widow of an eligible veteran
• Or be a Gold Star Parent who lost a child while serving in the armed forces

The State Veterans Homes are Medicaid and Medicare Certified and provide 24-hour nursing care, medical care and pharmacy services.  We provide a number of supportive programs and services such as:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Recreational Activities
• Social Services
• Volunteer Programs
• Hospice
• Nutritious Meals
• Community Involvement
• Religious Programs
• Transportation
• Laundry
• Beauty & Barber Shops
• Fishing Pond 
• Patriotic Interment Services

Veterans rated 70%-100% Service Connected Disabled, or whose service connected disability is the reason nursing care is needed, may have their nursing home care paid by the Federal VA.  We also accept Medicare, Medicaid, 3rd Party Insurance and Private Pay.  

Washington Soldiers Home – Orting

1301 Orting Kapowsin Hwy, Orting, WA 98360

Washington Veterans Home – Retsil

1141 Beach Dr. E., Port Orchard, WA 98366

Spokane Veterans Home

222 E. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202

Walla Walla Veterans Home

92 Wainwright Dr, Walla Walla, WA 99362

Veterans Transitional Housing Program

The Veterans Transitional Housing Program is in Port Orchard and Orting, WA. 

The transitional housing facility is available to assist those in need of stable housing, vocational rehabilitation, and increased income potential. Veterans are surrounded with supportive staff and wrap-around services designed to lead to their successful completion of the program and a successful return to the community.

The Veterans Transitional Housing Program focuses on three goals:

• Increased residential stability of participants
• Greater self-determination of participants
• Increased skill level and income potential of participants

SERVICES PROVIDED TO VETERANS IN THE PROGRAM:

Case Management

Veterans in the program work in a collaborative partnership with case managers to form an individualized case plan. Accountability, progress in achieving case plan goals, and abiding by program rules are cornerstones to continuation in the program.

On-Site Chemical Dependency Services

Veterans in the program have access to individual and group chemical dependency services, including AA and NA groups. The program is a zero tolerance environment, with random drug and alcohol testing.

On-Site Mental Health Services

Veterans in the program have access to mental health services to identify issues that need to be addressed and to develop a course
of treatment. The treatment plan may include individual and/or group mental health services. Part of the treatment may include life skills training and community volunteer work.

On-Site Job Center

An on-site job center is available to veterans in the program, providing access to computers, Internet, e-mail, voicemail, and fax services.
Employment and training services are provided collaboratively by program staff, WorkSource, volunteers, community providers, and the local business community. Employment services include vocational guidance, job readiness skills, computer familiarity, computer-assisted job search, Internet and e-mail guidance, resume development, and job referrals.

Transportation

There is a van to transport veterans in the program to case management related appointments. The Port Orchard facility is also located on bus lines and is accessible from the Seattle area by ferry.

Women Veterans Wing

The Women Veterans Wing provides more privacy and security for Women Veterans participating in the Transitional Housing Program by offering a separate housing wing dedicated to serving the needs of Women Veterans.

Washington State Veterans Benefits: Employment

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE 

Both public and private employers may provide preference in employment. 

REEMPLOYMENT AND LAYOFF RIGHTS 

Federal and State laws protect military members returning from duty to employment.  Visit www.esgr.mil or call 800-336-4590 option 1. MILITARY 

RETIREMENT CREDIT

Public employees who are activated for military service and then return to public employment may be eligible for retirement credit. 800-547-6657.

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS CERTIFICATION

State-based businesses owned by Veterans (at least 51%) are eligible for Certification. Public agencies are encouraged to increase contracts with Veteran Owned Businesses. Get certified at  www.dva.wa.gov

Washington State Veterans Education Benefits

Veterans Education Benefits 

State colleges and universities may provide reduced tuition for veterans. Dependents of 100% disabled or veterans who died in service may be eligible for a full tuition waiver. Contact the veteran’s representative at your college for more information.

Washington State Veterans Benefits: Recreational Discounts, Licenses & Passes

FISHING/HUNTING LICENSE FEES

The Department of Fish and Wildlife offers reduced license fees for veterans rated 30% service connected or more. Permits are also available for companion assisted hunting and fishing

STATE AND NATIONAL PARK LIFETIME PASSES

Free camping and day use entry is offered to Washington veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 30% visit www.parks.wa.gov or 360-9028500. Information on National Park Passes for military and those with permanent disabilities is available at 888-275-8747, option 3.

REDUCED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FEES

State Ferries and local transit authorities may offer reduced rates for disabled veterans. Contact State Ferries at 888-808-7977 or your local transit authority.

Washington State Veterans Benefits: Vehicle Licenses, Plates & Privileges

SPECIAL VETERAN LICENSE PLATES 

Veterans, military and family members may purchase Armed Forces License Plates. In addition plates are offered to recipients of the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart and Gold Star family members. Free license plates are provided to 100% disabled veterans and Gold Star Widows(ers).  Visit www.dva.wa.gov or call 800-562-2308.

Washington State VA Health Facilities

Washington State Veterans Benefits: Conclusion

Washington has been a top destination for veterans for a long time, especially retired ones. In fact, just over 10% of the state are veterans!

Because it has so many older and disabled veterans, Washington has a long tradition of taking veterans’ health seriously.

While veterans tend to do well financially in Washington, overall the state is considered fairly average compared to many other states when it comes to quality of life and health care. This may be because the colder weather can make it difficult for veterans to be as active as in other states, plus Washington State can be fairly expensive to live in.

Washington is also fairly average as far as additional benefits for veterans go. Because it has such a large population it does have slightly less easy access to healthcare than some other states, but it still does a good job taking care of them overall. 

If you are already in Washington and are looking to make the most of your Washington veteran benefits, you will want to visit the state portal for veterans at https://www.dva.wa.gov

There you will find access to many of Washington’s benefit programs, as well as more information regarding each benefit available. 

For a complete list of VA hospitals, treatment centers, and other resources in Washington, you can also go to the Washington VA directory at: VA.gov Facilities by State

Resource: https://www.dva.wa.gov

About the Author

Brian Reese is a VA expert, author, and founder of VA Claims Insider – “The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”

More than 300,000 military members and veterans come to the VA Claims Insider and Military Disability Made Easy websites each month to get educated on the VA and DoD disability process.

Learn more >> About VA Claims Insider HERE. <<

Brian’s frustration with the 8-step VA disability claims process led him to create “VA Claims Insider,” which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim in less time.

Brian Reese VA Claims Insider

He is also the CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability, and has served more than 6,000,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.

Veterans can download one of his #1 most downloaded FREE eBooks right here right now: “The Secret Guide to 833 Ratable VA Disabilities” by clicking HERE now.

Brian is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to southern Afghanistan in 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Washington Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).