Veteran Benefits & Resources in Washington

Introduction

Washington State is home to more than 500,000 military veterans, many of whom live in communities closely connected to the state’s large military presence. With installations such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Base Kitsap, Washington maintains a strong network of support for veterans.

Veterans in Washington can access assistance through state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations that help with housing, employment, education, and healthcare. This guide highlights key resources available to veterans across the state.

Key Veteran Benefits in Washington

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief

Washington offers property tax relief for disabled veterans and surviving spouses who meet income requirements. The program can reduce or exempt property taxes on a primary residence.

Source:
https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/property-tax-exemptions-and-deferrals

Washington Veterans Tuition Waiver

Washington public colleges and universities may provide tuition waivers for eligible veterans and their dependents, helping reduce the cost of higher education.

Source:
https://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/education

Washington State Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive hiring preference for state government jobs and civil service positions in Washington.

Source:
https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/employment

Washington Veteran Designation on Driver License

Washington veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card, making it easier to verify veteran status for services and benefits.

Source:
https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/veterans.html

Washington State Veterans Assistance Fund

Many counties in Washington operate Veterans Assistance Funds, which provide emergency financial assistance for veterans facing hardship.

Source:
https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-assistance-fund

VA & Healthcare Resources

Washington veterans have access to a strong VA healthcare network serving communities throughout the state.

VA Medical Centers

• VA Puget Sound Health Care System – Seattle Division
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System – American Lake Division
• Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center

These facilities provide comprehensive care including primary care, specialty services, mental health treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

VA outpatient clinics are located in communities such as Mount Vernon, Everett, Olympia, Wenatchee, and Walla Walla.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and support services for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Washington veterans can receive help from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who assist with:

• Filing VA disability claims
• Applying for federal and state benefits
• Obtaining military service records
• Connecting with local veteran services

Directory of Washington County Veteran Service Offices:

https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-service-officers

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Washington State Veterans Homes

Washington operates several State Veterans Homes that provide skilled nursing care and long-term services.

Locations include:

• Washington Veterans Home
• Washington Soldiers Home
• Spokane Veterans Home
• Walla Walla Veterans Home

Source:
https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-homes

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Washington veterans experiencing housing instability can access support through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing organizations across the state.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Washington State Veterans Coalition

Advocates for veteran programs and connects veterans with resources and support services across Washington.

https://www.washingtonstateveteranscoalition.org

Northwest Veterans Foundation

Provides support programs for veterans and their families including housing assistance and transition services.

https://northwestveteransfoundation.org

Hire Heroes USA

Provides free career coaching, resume support, and job search assistance for veterans and military spouses.

https://www.hireheroesusa.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Washington offers multiple programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Washington Small Business Development Center

Provides training, mentorship, and business development assistance for veterans starting or growing businesses.

https://wsbdc.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers counseling and training programs designed to help veterans launch and expand businesses.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Veterans can pursue federal certification that allows them to compete for government contracting opportunities.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Washington hosts many events throughout the year designed to help veterans connect with services and community support.

These include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking groups and veteran support organizations

These programs help veterans connect with employers, service providers, and fellow veterans across the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Washington can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

4. Connect with veteran nonprofits that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
https://www.dva.wa.gov

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Washington veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.