Virginia offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, service members, and their families, including support with education, employment, housing, and more. The information provided here is only a general overview to help you explore additional resources that may be available in your state.
Each program listed includes a brief description and a direct link to the official source for more information and how to apply. Please note that we are not experts on these individual programs — this guide is intended to help point you in the right direction.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details, we recommend visiting the official program websites or contacting the Virginia Department of Veterans Services directly.
Virginia National Guard service members in pay grades O‑6 and below can deduct up to $5,500 of their pay, or pay received for up to 39 calendar days of service, whichever is less.
Income earned by a nonresident military spouse who is in Virginia solely to be with their nonresident service member spouse permanently stationed in Virginia is exempt from Virginia income tax.
Military pay that is received by a service member serving in a combat zone or hazardous duty is not taxed in Virginia.
Virginia allows a graduated income subtraction for military retired pay. Resident Veterans can deduct $30,000 from their Virginia taxable income for the 2024 tax year and $40,000 for 2025 and later. Distributions from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not eligible.
A non-remarried surviving spouse of a service member is eligible for 100% tax exemption if the service member died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Military retired pay received by a Medal of Honor recipient is not taxed in Virginia. The subtraction does not apply to benefits received by a surviving spouse.
Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance for injuries or sickness from active service is not taxable. This may include disability compensation and pension payments to Veterans or their families, grants for wheelchair-accessible homes, grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost sight or the use of limbs, and benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.
Virginia provides income tax filing and payment extensions for service members and their spouses who are serving in certain qualifying situations, allowing them additional time to meet state tax obligations.
Virginia allows a graduated income subtraction for survivor benefit annuities paid to resident surviving spouses of deceased Veterans. For 2024, the deduction is $30,000, increasing to $40,000 in 2025 and later.
Virginia provides a full property tax exemption for Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or individual unemployability and their non-remarried surviving spouses. Surviving spouses may move within Virginia and keep the exemption. Starting in 2025, eligibility expands to spouses of service members killed in the line of duty. Contact your local tax office for details.
Veterans with a 100% service-connected, permanent and total VA disability, or their spouses, are eligible for a Virginia Sales and Use Tax Exemption on one vehicle, provided it is owned and used primarily by or for the qualifying Veteran.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services’ V3 Transition Program provides peer-to-peer support and referrals for service members separating from the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses. The program helps with employment, education, and entrepreneurship by offering resume reviews, labor market insights, and connections to V3 Certified Companies. Through its network of employers and resources, the program also provides access to job fairs, hiring events, networking opportunities, and other support services.
For more information, call 804-786-0286, 844-838-7838 (844-VDVS-VET), or email info@dvs.virginia.gov
The DOD SkillBridge Program in Virginia offers internships for transitioning service members within the last six months of service, with commander approval. These internships provide hands-on experience and marketable skills to support a smooth transition into civilian careers.
For more information, call 804-786-0286, 844-VDVS-VET (844-838-7838), or email info@dvs.virginia.gov
Virginia state employees who serve in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized 21 paid workdays of military leave per federal fiscal year for required training or state/federal active duty. Former service members recalled to active duty and state employees who voluntarily enter active duty are also eligible. Employees do not lose seniority or accrued leave balances while on military leave and may receive up to 8 additional paid hours per year for pre-induction or other required military service physical exams.
The Virginia State Employee Active Military Supplement provides payments to state employees on military leave without pay to cover the difference between their base state salary and their gross military pay (base pay plus allowances). Eligible employees include classified staff of Virginia Executive Branch agencies, higher education institutions, and the Virginia Community College System. To qualify, the employee must be on military leave without pay and earn less in gross military pay than their state salary.
Full-time Virginia state employees who serve in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces may carry forward excess leave as Military Bank leave (MB), which can only be used when called to active duty and cannot be paid out or credited otherwise. Eligible employees include National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve members who are called to state or federal active duty, have an MR (Military Reserve) or NG (National Guard) designation in the Personnel Management Information System, and prior authorization to accrue MB.
Virginia Works Offices provide employment assistance, training, and job placement for service members, Veterans, and their spouses, including resume help, career counseling, job referrals, and follow-up support. Eligible Veterans and spouses receive priority access to programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Veterans must have served on active duty (other than training) and received an honorable discharge, and certain spouses or surviving spouses of disabled or deceased Veterans are also eligible.
The Virginia Workforce Connection webpage offers a dedicated Veterans Services tab with resources for Veterans and their families, including employment assistance, military occupational code (MOC) based job searches, disability resources, Veterans organizations, VA services, and more.
Virginia Boots to Suits provides two complimentary career outfits to Virginia Veterans within 60 days of leaving the U.S. Armed Forces, helping them prepare for civilian job interviews. Eligible military spouses who are the primary household provider and job-seeking may also participate.
The Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VNGSTAP) provides up to $7,000 per fiscal year for tuition toward one degree or credential at each level up to a doctorate, at accredited not-for-profit schools in Virginia.
For details or to apply, visit the VNGSTAP Information and Application webpage or contact the State Education Office at 434-298-5975, 434-298-5833, or by email.
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides eligible spouses, surviving spouses, and children with up to eight semesters of tuition and mandatory fee waivers at Virginia public colleges and universities. Those whose service member spouse or parent was killed, missing in action, taken prisoner of war, or a Veteran disabled from combat operations (90% or greater) may be eligible to receive a stipend to help cover room, board, books, and supplies. Specific eligibility requirements apply.
Applications are submitted online through the VMSDEP portal. For details, call 804-225-2083 or email vmsdep@dvs.virginia.gov
Virginia awards honorary high school diplomas to Veterans who left school before graduating to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II (1939–1945), the Korean War (1950–1953), or the Vietnam War (1959–1975). Eligible Veterans must have received an honorable discharge, and requests can be made by the Veteran, a family member, or a Veterans’ organization.
For more information, call 804-225-2924
Virginia offers in-state residency for tuition and financial aid to service members, Veterans, and dependents in several situations, including:
Waiver of One-Year Waiting Period – Active duty service members who establish legal residence in Virginia and their dependents qualify immediately.
Residency When on Active Service for 180 Days or More – Active duty, reserve, or mobilized service members on orders for 180+ days who live in Virginia.
Permanent Duty Station in Virginia – Nonresident service members and dependents assigned to Virginia, even if they live elsewhere.
Assigned to a Neighboring State – Nonresident service members and dependents stationed in Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, or Tennessee who live in Virginia.
Veterans and Surviving Spouses – Honorably discharged Veterans or surviving spouses living in Virginia who have not met residency requirements.
VA Education Assistance – Veterans using VA education benefits.
Eligibility continues as long as students remain enrolled at a Virginia institution of higher education.
Removes barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates three Veterans Care Centers offering affordable, high-quality skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services. These facilities are dedicated to providing Veterans with compassionate, dignified, and comfortable long-term or short-term care.
Location: 4550 Shenandoah Avenue NW Roanoke, VA 24017
Phone Number: 540-982-2860
Location: 1601 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23224
Phone Number: 804-371-8000
Location: 2641 Nimmo Pkwy Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone Number: 757-630-3100 / 5418
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates three Veterans cemeteries that offer a dignified and honorable final resting place for Veterans and their eligible family members.
Location: 10300 Pridesville Road Amelia, VA 23002
Phone Number: 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387)
Location: 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone Number: 757-255-7217 or 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387)
Location: 5550 Bagging Plant Road Dublin, VA 24084
Phone Number: 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387)
Virginia National Guard service members who are injured, become ill, disabled, or die in the line of duty while on duty (paid or unpaid) or performing voluntary service at their commander’s request may be eligible for medical coverage and compensation under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.
Virginia offers a $20,000 death benefit to the beneficiaries of a state employee who is a reserve component service member killed in action while serving on federal active duty during armed conflict.
The Virginia DMV offers a webpage with resources for Veterans, service members, and their families relocating to Virginia, covering common topics such as military special license plates, driver’s licenses, commercial licensing, vehicle title and registration, and more.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers free and discounted lifetime hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping licenses to eligible disabled Veterans who are Virginia residents with a VA service-connected disability rating. License fees vary based on the Veteran’s disability percentage, with free licenses for those who are totally and permanently disabled and reduced fees for those with VA disability ratings between 30% and 99%.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offers discounted annual hunting and freshwater fishing licenses to eligible nonresident disabled Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating. License fees vary by disability percentage, with reduced rates for Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled or have a 70% or higher VA disability rating.
Nonresident service members and their families stationed and living in Virginia are eligible to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources offers a free one-year freshwater fishing and trout license to resident or nonresident disabled active duty service members receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment at a hospital in Virginia, a neighboring state, or Washington, D.C. This license cannot be reissued.
Virginia State Parks offers a free Veteran Disability Passport for Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA. The pass provides free parking, boat launch, and admission for the pass holder and vehicle occupants, along with a 50% discount on camping, swimming, shelters, multi-night yurt stays, and equipment rentals, and a 25% discount on one-night yurt stays.
The Virginia National Guard Passport provides free entry to all Virginia state parks for National Guard service members and their immediate family traveling in the same vehicle. Service members may request a pass through their chain of command and must present it for free entry. The pass is valid through the end of the calendar year listed on it.
The Virginia Veterans Network is a free online hub of resources and services for Veterans, service members and family members. The network provides direct access to resources and services ranging from job training, employment, health care and wellness from vetted and trusted Veterans Service Organizations, nonprofits, and state agencies.
The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program helps Veterans, service members, and their families manage challenges related to military service, transition, PTSD, behavioral health, TBI, and other injuries. VVFS offers personalized care coordination, peer mentoring, caregiver support, and assistance for justice-involved Veterans. Services are available to Virginia Veterans (regardless of discharge), National Guard and Reserve members not on federal active duty, and their family members or caregivers.
The Virginia Military and Veteran Legal Resource Guide, created by the Virginia Attorney General, helps service members, military families, and Veterans understand their legal rights, protections, and available resources.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services Military Spouse Liaison provides outreach and advocacy for military spouses and their families, helping connect them to resources for licensure reciprocity, employment, benefits, childcare, and community support.
Ohio provides eligible Veterans with a free five-year hunting and fishing license, which includes all major permits such as fishing, hunting, deer, turkey, fur taker, and wetlands habitat stamps. To qualify, Veterans must have been Ohio residents for at least six months, received an honorable discharge, and meet one of the following: rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA, receiving a VA pension or compensation, have an Ohio Disabled Veteran license plate, or be a former Prisoner of War (POW).
Service members on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are on leave or furlough are not required to purchase a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit, though all other licenses and permits are still required. Nonresident service members stationed in Ohio on active duty may purchase Ohio hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Ohio offers free watercraft registration for resident Veterans who are 100% disabled, Medal of Honor recipients, or former prisoners of war (POWs). Eligible Veterans must provide documentation such as a VA Benefit Summary Letter confirming a 100% service-connected disability, official proof of receiving the Medal of Honor, or proof of former POW status with an honorable discharge or current active-duty service.
Active duty and retired service members are eligible for a 10% discount on all overnight facilities at Ohio State Parks, including every night of the week, with no residency restrictions.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides free camping for resident former POWs and honorably discharged Veterans with a total and permanent disability rating from the VA. This benefit applies to a single campsite per stay and cannot be used for multiple sites during the same time period.
