Virginia Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Virginia, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Virginia veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
It's no coincidence that the Commonwealth of Virginia is named the same as the department that serves veterans — the state's connection to the military is unmatched. Home to the Pentagon, the world's largest naval base (Naval Station Norfolk), Quantico, Fort Barfoot, and Langley Air Force Base, Virginia offers a veteran benefits package that reflects its status as the most military-connected state in the country.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans
Veterans with 100% P&T service-connected disability (including IU if permanent and total) are exempt from real property taxes on primary residence and up to 1 acre. No value cap. Apply through local Commissioner of the Revenue with VA Summary of Benefits letter. Surviving unremarried spouses also exempt.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Virginia fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2022. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free lifetime hunting/fishing for 70%+ disabled veterans
Virginia provides free lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for resident veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Reduced fees at 50%.
Education Benefits
VMSDEP — up to 8 semesters tuition-free
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides up to 8 semesters of tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges for children and spouses of veterans who were killed, MIA, POW, or rated 90%+ service-connected permanently disabled.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment; Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program
Virginia grants veterans preference in state employment. The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program trains employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans — over 2,000 certified V3 employers. Virginia Employment Commission provides dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists in workforce centers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; free personal property tax on one vehicle; free driver license; toll exemptions
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. 100% P&T disabled veterans receive free vehicle personal property tax exemption on one passenger car or pickup truck. Free driver license for disabled veterans. Toll exemptions for DV plates on Virginia toll roads.
State Parks
Free parking for disabled veterans
Virginia state parks provide free parking for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 41 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Virginia Veterans Care Centers; VHDA mortgage programs
Virginia operates 2 Veterans Care Centers (Richmond and Virginia Beach) providing skilled nursing, memory care, and assisted living. Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers mortgage programs with competitive rates for veterans.
Veteran Business Programs
Virginia SWaM+V procurement certification
Virginia Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) program includes veteran-owned small business certification for state procurement preferences. Certified veteran-owned businesses receive bid preferences on state contracts.
Veterans in Virginia
Virginia is home to over 700,000 veterans, the eighth-largest veteran population nationally, with the highest density in the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia areas. The concentration of military installations is staggering: Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Barfoot (formerly Fort Pickett), the Pentagon, and more. Virginia's VA healthcare network includes the Hampton VA Medical Center, the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, and the Salem VA Medical Center. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates two state veterans care centers and runs the Virginia Veteran and Family Support program for crisis intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Veteran Benefits
Does Virginia offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans. Veterans with 100% P&T service-connected disability (including IU if permanent and total) are exempt from real property taxes on primary residence and up to 1 acre. No value cap. Apply through local Commissioner of the Revenue with VA Summary of Benefits letter. Surviving unremarried spouses also exempt.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Virginia?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Virginia fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2022. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Virginia offer veterans?
VMSDEP — up to 8 semesters tuition-free. Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides up to 8 semesters of tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges for children and spouses of veterans who were killed, MIA, POW, or rated 90%+ service-connected permanently disabled.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Virginia?
Free lifetime hunting/fishing for 70%+ disabled veterans. Virginia provides free lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for resident veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Reduced fees at 50%.
Does Virginia give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment; Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. Virginia grants veterans preference in state employment. The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program trains employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans — over 2,000 certified V3 employers. Virginia Employment Commission provides dedicated LVER and DVOP specialists in workforce centers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Virginia?
Virginia Veterans Care Centers; VHDA mortgage programs. Virginia operates 2 Veterans Care Centers (Richmond and Virginia Beach) providing skilled nursing, memory care, and assisted living. Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers mortgage programs with competitive rates for veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Virginia?
Free parking for disabled veterans. Virginia state parks provide free parking for veterans with service-connected disability. Covers all 41 state parks.
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Virginia benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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