West Virginia veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 34 West 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 West Virginia; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery
A state veterans cemetery in Dunbar. Burial for eligible veterans carries no charge for the items the page lists, and a fee applies for spouses and other eligible family members.
Who it may help: The page says eligibility follows federal VA National Cemetery Administration policy: generally veterans who died on active duty or were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, plus eligible spouses and certain dependent children. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
West Virginia War Orphan Education Program
Helps pay tuition and fees at West Virginia state schools beyond what federal Dependents' Educational Assistance covers, and may include a limited stipend for expenses.
Who it may help: Surviving spouses and children under 26, as listed on the page. Apply through a Veterans Service Officer; the page links an application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Tuition Waiver
Undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees may be waived at West Virginia state higher education institutions for qualifying recipients, reduced by certain other aid.
Who it may help: West Virginia residents honorably discharged who received the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart (with additional wound or disability conditions in the second category in the statute). The waiver is limited to eight semesters. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
High School Diplomas for War-Era Veterans
West Virginia veterans of World War II, Korea or Vietnam who did not graduate from high school may be awarded a high school diploma by a county.
Who it may help: West Virginia veterans who served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam and did not graduate from high school. The diploma may be issued by the county of current residence or of the school attended. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Re-education Assistance
A state-funded per-semester stipend for veterans in certified post-secondary courses, with case-by-case help for some vocational or non-traditional education.
Who it may help: Veterans enrolled in a certified post-secondary education course; the page lists no other requirements. Additional requirements may apply; confirm with the Department of Veterans Assistance. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
National Guard Educational Encouragement Program
A state tuition assistance program for West Virginia National Guard members that can cover tuition and approved fees at accredited West Virginia schools, up to an annual cap per member.
Who it may help: Applicants must be West Virginia National Guard members enrolling at an approved in-state school, have no adverse action or flag, provide a degree plan, finish funded courses before their term of service ends, and use federal tuition assistance first when eligible. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Office of Veterans Education and Training
A Higher Education Policy Commission office aimed at helping veterans, eligible persons, Guard members and Reservists in West Virginia learn about and access education programs.
Who it may help: The page does not list specific services or application steps. It gives office contact details for questions about education programs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Academic Credit for Military Training at State Colleges
State law directs public colleges to develop policies granting academic credit for armed forces experience and to tell student veterans about prior-learning credit options. Community and technical colleges are to create veteran-friendly degree programs recognizing military training.
Who it may help: The code does not set how much credit is given; each institution decides. Ask the school's veterans or admissions office about its policy. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
WorkForce West Virginia Veterans Services
Priority of service for eligible veterans and spouses, with career counseling, resume help, job placement assistance and training information.
Who it may help: Veterans and eligible spouses who meet the program's eligibility rules; the page says to register and complete the military history section to check eligibility. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Certified Veteran Owned Business Program
The West Virginia Secretary of State certifies businesses that are majority-owned by veterans or military personnel. Certified businesses receive an official decal and logo to display on premises, records and marketing.
Who it may help: The business must be at least 51 percent owned by an honorably discharged veteran, a member of any U.S. military branch, or the spouse of either. The page does not list fees or required documents; apply through the Secretary of State's Business Division. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Preference Points for State Jobs
Qualifying veterans can have preference points added to a passing score on West Virginia Division of Personnel exams. Additional points may apply for a service-connected disability or a Purple Heart.
Who it may help: Applicants generally need active-duty service with an honorable-conditions discharge, or qualifying National Guard or Reserve full-time training, and must provide a DD Form 214. Disability points require VA verification. The page does not address survivors or spouses; call the Division of Personnel with questions. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Occupational Licensing for Military-Trained Applicants and Spouses
State law requires licensing boards to issue a license when a military-trained applicant or military spouse meets the listed conditions, and to issue a temporary practice permit to those licensed in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards. Boards may not charge an initial application fee under these sections.
Who it may help: Military-trained applicants need a relevant military occupational specialty, training substantially equivalent to board requirements, and recent active practice, or can use notarized records and a proficiency exam. Spouses must be spouses of active-duty members assigned in West Virginia and hold a qualifying out-of-state license. Law and medicine are excluded. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
WV Veterans to Teachers Program
The Department of Education lists a Veteran's Option as one of five pathways to a Professional Teaching Certificate in West Virginia, under its Veterans to Teachers Program page. The page gives no details on who qualifies.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility criteria for the Veteran's Option. It says general licensure requirements can include background checks, education, testing and coursework; contact the listed Department of Education coordinator. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Military Family and Student Supports (MIC3 and Purple Star Schools)
The Department of Education lists supports for military-connected students, including a state Interstate Compact (MIC3) liaison and Purple Star schools that assign a military family contact.
Who it may help: The page says MIC3 applies to qualifying military children moving between member-state school districts and only to public schools; it does not define qualifying or say whether Guard or Reserve families are covered. It lists contacts and no application process; ask your school district. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit
A state tax credit tied to real property taxes paid on a disabled veteran's home, claimed on the West Virginia income tax return.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged veteran who owns the home and has a combined VA rating in the stated range. The homestead exemption form must be filed with the county assessor by the deadline on the page, property taxes must be paid on time, and only the primary residence counts. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Homestead Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans
The page lists an exemption from certain property taxes for veterans the VA rates as permanently and totally disabled.
Who it may help: Veteran rated 100 percent permanent and total by the VA. The page does not give filing steps; it points to the county assessor's office or a local Department of Veterans Assistance benefits office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Income Exemption (State Income Tax)
Military retirement income is subtracted from federal adjusted gross income for West Virginia income tax purposes, so it is not taxed by the state.
Who it may help: Retirees from the regular Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard and other uniformed services, plus certain Public Health Service and NOAA Commissioned Corps retirees. Anyone claiming the modification based on military orders must resubmit the orders each year. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Income Tax Modifications for Active Duty and Separation Pay
A West Virginia Tax Division guide explains income tax modifications for certain active-duty pay and for the year a servicemember permanently separates, along with rules for military spouses.
Who it may help: Resident servicemembers called up under qualifying orders may subtract certain pay, and those with 30 or more days of active duty may take a modification in the year of separation with a DD 214. Combat pay generally does not qualify. Orders must be resubmitted yearly; confirm with the Tax Division. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Financial Assistance Directory
The Department of Veterans Assistance lists federal and nonprofit financial help for veterans and families, such as VA hardship assistance and several charity grants. Most listed programs are not run by the state.
Who it may help: Each program has its own rules, such as hardship, service era, Title 10 service or woman veteran status. Read each program's own terms before applying. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Resident Veteran Vendor Bid Preference (Vehicles and Highway Equipment)
State purchasing law gives qualifying resident veteran vendors a bid margin in competitive bidding for certain motor vehicle and construction equipment purchases.
Who it may help: The preference covers specific purchases and requires West Virginia residency, a written preference claim and, for some vendors, employee residency certification. Contact the Purchasing Division. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility (Clarksburg)
A veterans-only nursing home in Clarksburg with private and semi-private rooms, a dementia unit and 24-hour nursing.
Who it may help: The page does not list specific eligibility criteria or an application process; Additional requirements apply; confirm with the facility at the phone number on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Families
A West Virginia team of state, VA and community partners working to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families. The page directs anyone in crisis to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then pressing 1.
Who it may help: The page describes a coordinating team rather than an application benefit. It serves service members, veterans and families in West Virginia; contact the listed co-leads for resources or to join. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
RAFT Suicide Prevention Program
The Department of Veterans Assistance runs the Resource Availability Family Tapestry program to support suicide prevention, intervention and postvention for service members, veterans and families. It also works on awareness, stigma and training for community partners.
Who it may help: The page says it serves service members, veterans and their families, and lists no application steps or direct RAFT contact. Use the department's Contact Us page, or the county crisis lines listed on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Housing
West Virginia Veterans Home (Barboursville)
A state veterans residence in Barboursville with a domiciliary program and a program for veterans experiencing homelessness. It is described as not a treatment facility and not for veterans needing daily skilled care.
Who it may help: Honorable or general-under-honorable-conditions discharge, ambulatory and independent in daily activities, minimum active-duty or reserve service as listed on the page, eligibility for VA medical center care, and completion of pre-admission medical tests. Residents contribute a share of monthly income as described on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Project-214 Homeless Veteran Program
A program at the West Virginia Veterans Home that offers homeless veterans 60 days of services at no cost as a temporary residence.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility details beyond serving homeless veterans. It refers readers to the Department of Veterans Assistance benefits offices for application help; additional requirements may apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Housing and Homelessness Resource Page
The Department of Veterans Assistance lists housing help for veterans, including a Huntington resource center for homeless or at-risk veterans, a statewide homelessness entry line, and federal programs such as SSVF.
Who it may help: Needs differ by program. The page names SSVF for very low-income veteran families in or seeking permanent housing, and the Huntington center for homeless or at-risk veterans. The page states no requirements for the statewide intake line. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Legal
Department of Veterans Assistance Benefits Offices
Accredited Veterans Service Officers at state benefits offices help veterans and families understand benefits and file VA claims, and can represent a veteran who disagrees with a claim decision.
Who it may help: Veterans and their families seeking help with benefits and claims; the page does not list further requirements. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
State Active Duty Servicemembers Civil Relief Protections for Guard
West Virginia law gives National Guard members on state active duty the same protections and benefits as people on federal active duty under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Who it may help: Applies to West Virginia National Guard members called by the Governor to state active duty for at least thirty days. Consult a legal assistance attorney for specifics. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Hunting and Fishing License Exemptions for Disabled Veterans
State law lets certain disabled veteran residents hunt, trap and fish without a license, and lets residents on active-duty leave do the same with their leave papers.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged residents receiving a pension for total permanent service-connected disability, or disabled veterans certified by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the registration fee exemption. The page says the Division of Natural Resources sets certification and ID rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Former Prisoner of War Hunting and Fishing License Exemption
Former prisoners of war may fish, hunt or trap without a license while carrying written proof.
Who it may help: West Virginia residents honorably discharged who were prisoners of war as defined in the statute. Proof such as a separation record or a military branch letter must be carried. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Transportation
Disabled Veteran Special License Plate
A special plate for qualifying disabled veterans, issued on a ten-year cycle with personalization available. Fees are on the application form.
Who it may help: Veterans with a 100 percent total and permanent service-connected disability. Apply through the WV DMV. The page shows an expiration date that may be outdated, so confirm current terms with the DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Gold Star Family License Plate
A special plate for family members of a deceased service member, applied for with the DMV on a form that the Department of Veterans Assistance certifies.
Who it may help: The form says the applicant must be a parent, spouse or other listed relative of a deceased service member. The application is certified by the Department of Veterans Assistance, and the vehicle must meet the form's insurance, title and class requirements. Fees are set out on the form; confirm current fees and any waiver with the DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Purple Heart License Plate
A special plate for Purple Heart recipients, applied for with the DMV after the Department of Veterans Assistance confirms the award. The form lists no registration fee for one Purple Heart plate, with some smaller fees.
Who it may help: The applicant must be a recipient of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the veteran's name must appear on the vehicle registration. The form also asks for insurance proof and a personal property tax receipt or assessor affidavit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veteran Designation on Driver's License
West Virginia veterans can request a Veteran designation on their driver's license at a DMV regional office. The DMV page says there is no charge when it is the only transaction.
Who it may help: Applicants must show proof of military service, such as a DD 214, other military identification, or a registration card showing a current military plate, plus standard REAL ID identity documents. The page does not define further eligibility and carries no date, so confirm details with the DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
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