West Virginia Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in West Virginia, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: West Virginia veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
West Virginia offers full military retirement pay exemption, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and a state veterans home system.
Getting help in West Virginia
Accredited claims help
West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
Phone: (304) 558-3661
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance has local offices — Benefits Offices
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Real Property Tax Credit for 90%+ or IU disabled veterans; $20,000 homestead exemption for permanently and totally disabled
Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit: honorably discharged veterans rated 90% or more service-connected disabled, or who meet the VA's individual unemployability requirements, can claim a credit on the WV income tax return (Form DV-1) equal to the real property tax timely paid on their homestead. Late, delinquent or back taxes do not count. Separately, the Homestead Exemption removes the first $20,000 of assessed value from tax for owners who are 65 or older or certified as permanently and totally disabled.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
West Virginia fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Hunt, trap and fish without a license with a total permanent disability pension
West Virginia law lets a resident who was honorably discharged and receives a veteran's pension based on total permanent service-connected disability, as certified by the VA, hunt, trap or fish without a license. A resident disabled veteran certified by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles as exempt from vehicle registration fees has the same privilege (W. Va. Code 20-2-28).
Education Benefits
Free tuition for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients (up to 8 semesters)
All WV state-supported institutions of higher education waive tuition and mandatory fees for veterans awarded the Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart. Eligible veterans can receive the waiver for up to eight semesters.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
West Virginia grants veterans preference in state employment. West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance operates benefits offices statewide, where its accredited Veterans Service Officers assist with employment and benefits.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free day-use for disabled veterans
West Virginia state parks offer free day-use admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg
The West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg provides skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
Veterans in West Virginia
West Virginia's roughly 115,000 veterans represent a significant share of the state's 1.8 million population. While the state has no major active-duty installations, the West Virginia National Guard maintains a strong presence, and many veterans have roots in the state from service at nearby installations in Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, the Huntington VA Medical Center, and the Beckley VA Medical Center provide healthcare coverage. West Virginia operates two state veterans nursing facilities and the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance coordinates benefits counseling through regional offices.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Veteran Benefits
Does West Virginia offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Real Property Tax Credit for 90%+ or IU disabled veterans; $20,000 homestead exemption for permanently and totally disabled. Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit: honorably discharged veterans rated 90% or more service-connected disabled, or who meet the VA's individual unemployability requirements, can claim a credit on the WV income tax return (Form DV-1) equal to the real property tax timely paid on their homestead. Late, delinquent or back taxes do not count. Separately, the Homestead Exemption removes the first $20,000 of assessed value from tax for owners who are 65 or older or certified as permanently and totally disabled.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in West Virginia?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. West Virginia fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does West Virginia offer veterans?
Free tuition for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients (up to 8 semesters). All WV state-supported institutions of higher education waive tuition and mandatory fees for veterans awarded the Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart. Eligible veterans can receive the waiver for up to eight semesters.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in West Virginia?
Hunt, trap and fish without a license with a total permanent disability pension. West Virginia law lets a resident who was honorably discharged and receives a veteran's pension based on total permanent service-connected disability, as certified by the VA, hunt, trap or fish without a license. A resident disabled veteran certified by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles as exempt from vehicle registration fees has the same privilege (W. Va. Code 20-2-28).
Does West Virginia give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. West Virginia grants veterans preference in state employment. West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance operates benefits offices statewide, where its accredited Veterans Service Officers assist with employment and benefits.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in West Virginia?
West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg. The West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg provides skilled nursing for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in West Virginia?
Free day-use for disabled veterans. West Virginia state parks offer free day-use admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
West 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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