Virginia veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 35 Virginia programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Virginia; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Virginia Veterans Cemetery Burial and Pre-Application (Amelia)
Virginia runs state veterans cemeteries, and a veteran can apply ahead of time to confirm eligibility for burial. Eligible dependents may also be interred.
Who it may help: You submit a pre-application with proof of military service such as a DD 214, plus a marriage certificate if a spouse is included. Contact the cemetery office to confirm who qualifies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Suffolk)
A Virginia state veterans cemetery in Suffolk. Veterans can submit a pre-application before death to find out whether they are eligible for interment.
Who it may help: The page refers to veterans and eligible dependents but does not define who qualifies. A pre-application with proof of military service (such as a DD214) and a marriage certificate if applicable is requested. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the cemetery office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Dublin)
A Virginia state veterans cemetery in Dublin. Veterans can apply before death to determine eligibility, and the page says a limited number of columbarium spaces were available when it was read.
Who it may help: The page refers to veterans and eligible dependents but does not define either term. A pre-application with a DD214 or equivalent and a marriage certificate if applicable is requested. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the cemetery office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
Waives tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia public colleges and universities for eligible spouses and children of certain disabled, killed, missing or captured service members. Some dependents may also get a per-semester stipend.
Who it may help: The veteran or service member must meet Virginia domicile rules and the service or disability conditions of the tier. Applicants are spouses or children (certain stepchildren under Tier 2) and must be verified through DVS and apply through the state portal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program
A state grant for Virginia National Guard members that helps with tuition only. The page says it is not a guaranteed benefit and the cap changes each semester based on available funds and applicants.
Who it may help: Virginia National Guard service members whose eligibility is verified by the State Education Office. Apply through the state TA portal each semester you want assistance and follow the instruction packet. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
In-State Tuition Provisions for Veterans and Military (SCHEV)
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia lists provisions under which veterans and certain military-connected students can receive in-state tuition rates, including for veterans who live in Virginia while enrolled.
Who it may help: For veterans, the document says a DD-214 must show a characterization other than dishonorable and the student must physically live in Virginia during enrollment (commuting or out-of-state online study does not count). Other provisions cover active duty, surviving spouses of certain service members and National Guard members called up from another state, each with its own conditions. These provisions do not by themselves give access to state financial aid. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Service-Disabled Veteran Business Designation (SWaM)
Veteran business owners can get a service-disabled veteran designation in Virginia's small business vendor database, which helps with state contracting visibility. DVS certifies the veteran and the Small Business and Supplier Diversity office handles the SWaM certification.
Who it may help: First obtain eligibility from DVS, then hold or obtain SWaM certification from the state. Both steps are free. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program
A Virginia state program that helps veteran job seekers identify, apply for and start jobs, and helps employers recruit, hire and retain veterans. Employers can become V3 certified through a free training and certification program.
Who it may help: Aimed at Virginia veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. The page does not set formal personal eligibility rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Licensing Credit for Military Training (DPOR)
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation says honorably discharged veterans may apply substantially equivalent military training, education or experience toward certain Virginia license requirements.
Who it may help: The page says honorably discharged veterans may apply substantially equivalent military training, education or experience toward certain Virginia license requirements. It does not describe the review process; contact DPOR for specifics. The page also mentions possible VA reimbursement of licensing or certification exam fees. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
V3 Transition Program (formerly VTAP)
Virginia Department of Veterans Services offers peer-to-peer help to transitioning service members and their spouses, including referrals for resume review, V3-certified employers and other state programs. The page also lists Boots to Suits for people within 60 days of separation.
Who it may help: Aimed at transitioning service members and their spouses. The page does not list formal eligibility rules for V3 Transition itself; Boots to Suits is listed for Virginia veterans within 60 days of separation and for job-seeking military spouses who are the main household provider. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Veteran Preference in Virginia State Hiring
Under DHRM Policy 2.10, state agencies give hiring preference to veterans, National Guard members, and surviving spouses or children of a veteran killed in the line of duty. Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating receive additional preference.
Who it may help: Applies to applicants for Virginia state agency jobs who are veterans, National Guard members, or the listed survivors. Preference is applied through scored-test credit or during screening, depending on the recruitment, and applicants generally must first meet the qualifications. Status is noted on the application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Expedited and Temporary Licensing for Military Spouses (DPOR)
DPOR lets military spouses request expedited processing of a license, and spouses already licensed in another state may receive a temporary 12-month license if they need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements.
Who it may help: The page ties expedited processing to spouses of military members assigned to Virginia, a neighboring state or D.C., and also lists military retirees within one year of separation. The temporary license is for spouses licensed in another state. Requirements vary by license type. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Gold Star or Next of Kin License Plate
Virginia DMV offers a Gold Star or Next of Kin license plate with no added plate fee beyond standard registration; personalization costs extra.
Who it may help: Applicants submit the DMV Gold Star or Next of Kin applicant certification form (VSA 10A). The page does not spell out who qualifies; confirm on the form or with DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Virginia exempts the principal home and a limited amount of land from local real estate tax for certain totally disabled veterans and some surviving spouses. You apply through your local Commissioner of the Revenue.
Who it may help: The home must be your principal residence. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans who have not remarried, and surviving spouses of service members killed in action, may also qualify. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Benefits Subtraction (State Income Tax)
Virginia lets taxpayers subtract eligible military retirement pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments to surviving spouses, from state taxable income up to an annual limit. The limit has been rising in recent tax years.
Who it may help: The amounts must be included in your federal taxable income. Military retirement pay and survivor payments qualify; TSP withdrawals and civilian federal retirement such as CSRS or FERS do not. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Virginia Military Family Relief Fund
A state fund, run by the Office of the Adjutant General, that helps pay basic living costs such as food, housing, utilities and medical services for Virginia service members and their families during extended duty.
Who it may help: Assistance is for Virginia National Guard members, Virginia residents serving in the reserves of the U.S. armed forces, and their families. The statute sets minimum duty lengths (federal active duty must exceed a set number of days; state-supported missions have a shorter threshold) and says help can continue for a period after release. The statute page does not explain how to apply; confirm with the Virginia National Guard / Adjutant General's office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Virginia Income Tax Filing Extensions for Military Members
Virginia Tax describes extra time to file and pay state income tax for service members in a combat zone, stationed overseas on the due date, or on noncombat deployment outside the U.S.
Who it may help: Depends on where the service member is serving: combat zone service (spouses also qualify), being outside the U.S. on the filing date, or noncombat deployment abroad. The page asks filers to mark the return with a specific phrase for each situation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Virginia Deduction for Military Basic Pay
Eligible military personnel on extended active duty may subtract part of their basic pay from Virginia taxable income. The deduction phases out as basic pay rises.
Who it may help: The page ties this to personnel on extended active duty of more than 90 days, and says Guard members on active duty for 90 or more consecutive days may also qualify. Dollar limits and phase-out are on the page and may change. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Virginia National Guard Pay Income Exemption
Virginia exempts a limited amount of pay for active and inactive Virginia National Guard service from state income tax.
Who it may help: The page limits this to Virginia National Guard members in ranks O-6 and below, with the exempt amount capped by a number of service days or a dollar amount, whichever is less. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Virginia Subtraction for Combat and Hazardous Duty Pay
Pay earned on active duty in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area can be subtracted on the Virginia return, to the extent it was included in federal adjusted gross income.
Who it may help: For service members with combat zone or qualified hazardous duty pay included in federal adjusted gross income. Combat pay already excluded federally (shown as Code Q on the W-2) cannot be subtracted, and the same income cannot be used for two military subtractions. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Puller Veterans Care Center (Virginia)
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is preparing the Puller Veterans Care Center, a skilled nursing facility in Fauquier County. The page says it is moving closer to opening and describes a waitlist and application packet.
Who it may help: The page lists an honorable discharge, Virginia residency at admission or entry into active duty from Virginia, and meeting nursing home medical requirements. Additional service-length and VA health care requirements are described on the page; confirm with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS)
A DVS program that coordinates behavioral health, rehabilitative and other support services, with peer and family support and care coordination. It places special focus on stress-related conditions and traumatic brain injury.
Who it may help: Veterans of any era who are Virginia residents regardless of discharge status, Virginia National Guard members, Armed Forces Reserve members, transitioning service members, and family members and caregivers of service members and veterans. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center (Roanoke)
A state veterans care center in Roanoke offering nursing, short-term rehabilitative and long-term care. The page also lists on-site lab, x-ray, rehabilitative therapy and podiatry services.
Who it may help: The page lists an honorable discharge, at least six months of active-duty service (not counting training), Virginia residency at admission or entry into active duty from Virginia, and meeting medical requirements for nursing home care. The page does not list costs; contact the center's admissions office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center (Virginia Beach)
A state veterans care center in Virginia Beach providing long-term nursing home care. The page is dated May 2024 and describes the center as newly opened with applications for long-term residents expected to open, so current admission status needs confirming.
Who it may help: The page lists an honorable discharge, Virginia residency at admission or entry into active duty from Virginia, and meeting medical requirements for nursing home care. Contact the center's admissions director to confirm whether applications are being accepted and what else applies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (Richmond)
A 200-bed state veterans care center in Richmond, operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services on the campus of the Richmond VA Medical Center. It has skilled nursing units and a 40-bed secure dementia/memory care unit. It accepts private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and most veterans also qualify for the VA per diem credit.
Who it may help: The page lists admissions criteria: honorable discharge; Virginia residency at admission or entry into active duty from Virginia; and meeting medical requirements for nursing home care. Service-length rules apply (24 continuous months or the full period called to active duty if enlisted after Sept 7, 1980 or entered active duty after Oct 16, 1981). Reserve/Guard members must have been called to active duty by federal order. Contact admissions at (804) 371-8434 or see the application PDF. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Housing
Virginia Housing Military and Veteran Homebuyer Programs
Virginia Housing lists resources for military members and veterans, including onsite homebuyer education classes, a VA-guaranteed loan it offers, a closing cost assistance grant for those eligible for that loan, and a rental search tool for veterans and VASH recipients.
Who it may help: The page gives only general eligibility and does not list income, credit or purchase price limits, grant amounts, or whether funds are currently available. Contact Virginia Housing to confirm current terms. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Granting Freedom Home Modification Grants for Disabled Veterans
A Virginia Housing and DVS partnership that funds home modifications such as widened doorways, ramps and grab bars for disabled veterans and service members. Homeowners and renters may both be eligible.
Who it may help: Virginia veterans and service members with a service-connected disability from a line-of-duty injury. Applications go through an accepted Granting Freedom agent listed by region. The page does not say whether the program is currently open or list income limits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
DVS Free Benefits Claim Assistance
The Department of Veterans Services has benefits offices across Virginia that help veterans and families with federal, state and local benefit claims at no charge. You can find an office or make an appointment online.
Who it may help: The page ties most federal and state benefits to discharge from active service under other than dishonorable conditions. Contact a DVS benefits office to confirm who can be helped. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Virginia Veterans Treatment Dockets
Specialized criminal court dockets, authorized by the Supreme Court of Virginia, that coordinate court supervision with treatment for veterans whose cases involve substance dependency or mental illness. Participants get treatment, frequent court appearances and a veteran mentor.
Who it may help: Participants must be current or former members of active duty, the National Guard or the reserves, be assessed as high risk and high need by a screening tool, have treatment needs the program can meet, be willing to participate, and be able to consent. Participation is voluntary. The brochure does not describe how an individual enters; ask your attorney or the local court. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Legal Services Clinic (Wills, Powers of Attorney)
The Virginia Attorney General's office, with DVS and the Virginia State Bar, runs a pro bono clinic helping veterans prepare simple wills, powers of attorney and advance medical directives. Appointments are by intake questionnaire.
Who it may help: The page lists a veteran, or a veteran's spouse or partner, who is a Virginia resident, has proof of military service such as a DD214, and lacks easy access to a lawyer for estate planning. Space is limited and clinics are by appointment only. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Veteran Indicator on Driver License or ID Card
Virginia DMV can add a veteran designation to your driver license or ID card so you can show veteran status without carrying discharge papers. The indicator is free, though standard license fees apply.
Who it may help: DMV's current veteran-indicator page says you must be a Virginia resident with an honorable discharge who served on active duty, or more than 180 days in the Virginia National Guard or U.S. Reserves, and hold an unexpired Virginia license, learner's permit or DMV ID card. Submit a copy of a DD 2, DD 214, DD 256, WD AGO or NGB 22 within 45 days or the card is issued without the indicator. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Recreation
Veteran Disability Passport (Virginia State Parks)
A free state parks pass for veterans rated fully disabled. It covers parking and entry for the holder and any needed assistant and gives discounts on camping and some other park services.
Who it may help: Apply with the park form and attach VA paperwork showing the rating. Check the page for what the pass includes and how to submit the application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Resident Disabled Veterans
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources offers a nontransferable lifetime hunting, freshwater fishing and/or trapping license to certain Virginia resident veterans with a service-connected disability. The fee depends on the veteran's VA rating tier.
Who it may help: Virginia residency (shown by a Virginia driver's license or DMV ID) and a service-connected disability as defined by the VA, shown by a VA certification or a validated Veterans' Certificate of Disability. A VA identification card is not accepted as proof. Hunting also requires hunter education proof or prior hunting license history. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Veterans with a VA-certified service-connected disability can buy Disabled Veteran plates. Veterans with certain losses of limb or sight, or a permanent and total VA rating, may get one set free, and some unremarried surviving spouses can too.
Who it may help: You need proof of a service-connected disability, either a certificate signed by a veteran service officer or a VA benefit letter. Regular registration, emissions and personalization fees may still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Purple Heart License Plates
Under state law, a Purple Heart recipient who submits written proof of the award can receive special plates, with no plate fee for one vehicle the applicant owns and uses personally.
Who it may help: Requires an application and written proof of a Purple Heart award. Unremarried surviving spouses of eligible persons may also receive the plates. Additional sets carry the regular state plate fee. This is the statute page; confirm current application steps with Virginia DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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