West Virginia veterans benefits

West Virginia offers disabled veterans the Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit, first claimed for tax year 2024. Honorably discharged veterans rated 90% to 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled by the VA may claim a credit equal to the actual real property tax paid on a homestead used or occupied exclusively for residential purposes (used or occupied at least 6 months). It is a refundable income-tax credit, per WV Tax Division publication TSD 455 (Rev. January 2026). The credit is claimed on Form DV-1 / IT-140 Line 21(B); property taxes must be paid timely (first half before Oct 1, second half before Apr 1).

Honorably discharged veterans with a 90-100% combined VA disability rating may claim a refundable state income tax credit equal to the property tax timely paid on their West Virginia homestead (single-family residence used/occupied exclusively for residential purposes). The credit is claimed on the state income tax return. First available on 2024 returns filed in 2025. Property taxes must be paid on time (first half by Oct 1, second half by Apr 1).

All military retirement income (regular Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard, and uniformed services such as PHS and NOAA), including survivorship annuities, is fully exempt from West Virginia personal income tax as a decreasing modification to federal AGI for tax years beginning after Dec 31, 2017/2018. The earlier $20,000/$30,000 caps were repealed; it is now 100% exempt.

VA disability compensation is not subject to West Virginia income tax. West Virginia uses federal adjusted gross income as its starting point, and VA disability compensation is excluded from federal gross income, so it is never taxed at the state level. No special state modification is needed.

All West Virginia public higher education institutions charge the in-state tuition rate to nonresident GI Bill recipients who enroll within three years of discharge (effective July 2015). Institutions also participate in the VA Yellow Ribbon Program.

All West Virginia public institutions of higher education waive tuition and mandatory fee charges for WV resident veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart.

State-funded program providing up to a $500 per semester stipend to West Virginia veterans enrolled in a certified post-secondary education course. May also assist with vocational and non-traditional education on a case-by-case basis. Administered through the WV Department of Veterans Assistance.

Children (under age 26) and surviving spouses of qualifying deceased/disabled veterans receive a waiver of tuition and fees at West Virginia state post-secondary institutions, plus up to $1,000 per semester (maximum $2,000 per year) for educational expenses.

Under W. Va. Code §6-13, qualifying veterans receive a 5-point preference added to a passing state employment examination score. Disabled veterans (meeting the 'disabled veteran' definition / compensable service-connected disability) receive a 10-point preference. DD-214 documentation required. Administered by the WV Division of Personnel.

Special license plates are available at no fee to veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating or who qualify for the federal VA automobile grant, as well as to former POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and Pearl Harbor survivors. Other honorably discharged veterans may obtain a veteran plate for $10 over the regular registration fee.

Free hunting and fishing licenses for West Virginia resident veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating, those who qualify for the federal VA automobile grant, and former POWs. Active duty service members on leave/furlough may hunt and fish without a license.

Veterans and active-duty military receive a 10% discount on all standard lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites at West Virginia state parks, year-round.

State-operated 125-bed facility in Barboursville providing residential, nursing, and rehabilitative care to elderly and chronically ill West Virginia veterans and eligible family members. Authorized by the Legislature in 1975, opened 1981. Operated by the WV Department of Veterans Assistance.