West Virginia Veteran Benefits

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Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How West Virginia compares

West Virginia offers a solid middle-tier package with 9 tracked benefits and decent support in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare

🏠 Property Tax

2 tracked items

Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit

Rating: 90%

Tax credit for honorably discharged disabled veteran homeowners with 90-100% combined VA disability rating. Claimed on WV income tax return (first available 2024 return filed 2025). Widowed spouses may now claim if deceased veteran claimed prior year.

Eligibility: 90-100% combined VA disability, homeowner Source

100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100%

Veterans rated 100% P&T disabled by VA may be exempt from certain property taxes.

Eligibility: 100% P&T disabled Source

💰 Income Tax

2 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Military retired pay not taxed in West Virginia. Guard/Reserve activated for OEF or domestic security by President are exempt.

Eligibility: Military retirees; activated Guard/Reserve Source

Social Security Income Tax Phase-Out

Rating: None

Social Security income subtraction increasing: 35% in 2024, 65% in 2025, 100% in 2026 for incomes over $50K single/$100K joint.

Eligibility: All Social Security recipients above income thresholds Source

🎓 Education

1 tracked item

Medal of Honor/Purple Heart Tuition Waiver

Rating: None (award required)

All state-supported institutions waive tuition and mandatory fees for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients.

Eligibility: Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

State Employment Preference

Rating: None

Veterans receive preference in state government employment.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans Source

🎣 Recreation

1 tracked item

Free Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License

Rating: 100%

Free licenses for veterans with 100% P&T disability, those qualifying for VA auto grant, or former POWs. Active duty on leave can hunt, fish, and trap without license.

Eligibility: 100% P&T disabled, VA auto grant, or former POW Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Disabled Veteran License Plates

Rating: 100% for free plates

Special plates and disabled veteran tags free for 100% P&T disabled, VA auto grant recipients, former POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and Pearl Harbor survivors. Regular veteran plates $10 one-time fee.

Eligibility: 100% P&T for free; all veterans for $10 Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

West Virginia Veterans Homes

Rating: None

Veterans home in Barboursville and nursing facility in Clarksburg. Requires 30+ days WV residency, honorable discharge, 12+ months active duty. Charges based on income.

Eligibility: WV resident 30+ days, honorable discharge, 12+ months active duty Source
⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.