West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs

Mountain State Honor: West Virginia's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of West Virginia, with a deep-rooted history of patriotism and service, offers a strong and practical package of benefits to honor its veterans. Administered by the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA), these programs provide significant advantages in taxation, education, and long-term care. While the personal value of each benefit can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering support.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs:

1. Full Exemption of Military Retirement Pay from State Income Tax: A major financial advantage for career veterans, West Virginia completely exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes. This policy allows retired service members to keep 100% of their hard-earned pension, providing a significant boost to their annual income.
2. West Virginia Veterans Home: A critical component of the state's long-term care solution, the West Virginia Veterans Home in Barboursville provides high-quality, affordable skilled nursing and domiciliary care. Access to this dedicated, veteran-centric facility is an invaluable resource for aging or disabled veterans.
3. Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: West Virginia provides a significant property tax benefit for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. The Homestead Exemption exempts the first $20,000 of the home's assessed value from property taxes for all eligible homeowners over 65 or who are 100% disabled, a substantial savings for veterans.
4. Veterans' Bonus Program: West Virginia offers a one-time cash bonus to veterans who served on active duty during specific periods of conflict, including post-9/11 service. The bonus amount varies based on service location. This direct financial payment is a tangible "thank you" from the Mountain State for their service and sacrifice.
5. Free Tuition for Children of Deceased Veterans: The state provides a tuition and fee waiver at any state-supported college or university for the children of veterans who died in service during a period of war. This powerful benefit removes a significant financial barrier to higher education for families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
6. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans receive a hiring preference when applying for state civil service jobs. Five points are added to the examination scores of qualified veterans, and ten points are added for disabled veterans, providing a substantial advantage in securing stable government careers.
7. Free Hunting and Fishing Privileges: West Virginia honors its resident disabled veterans and former POWs with free recreational licenses. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible to hunt and fish for free, a valuable perk that enhances quality of life.
8. Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery: Located in Institute, the state's beautiful Veterans Cemetery provides a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. The state provides the plot, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care at no cost to the family, alleviating a significant financial and emotional burden.
9. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For no additional fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" designation placed on their West Virginia driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the state.
10. Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program: This innovative program helps veterans interested in farming by providing resources, education, and support to start or expand an agricultural business. This unique benefit creates a pathway to a new career in one of the state's foundational industries.

These premier benefits showcase West Virginia's strong commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.

West Virginia Department of Veteran Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
Cabinet Secretary’s Office 
1900 Kanawha Blvd E
Charleston, WV 25305

Phone: 304-558-3661 

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory