Washington Disabled Veteran Benefits

If you're a disabled veteran living in Washington, this page walks you through every state-level benefit tied to your VA disability rating, step by step. We start with the property tax exemption because it's the biggest dollar benefit and the one with the most confusing eligibility rules, then cover state income tax (there isn't one), vehicle and Department of Licensing benefits, recreation passes, education benefits for you and your dependents, and emergency financial help. Every step below tells you exactly which office to contact and links you to the real, official page to do it. This is education, not legal or financial advice, and we're not affiliated with the VA, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), or any government agency.

Property tax exemption for disabled veterans

What it is: Washington offers a property tax exemption (and a related deferral program) for qualifying seniors, people retired due to disability, and disabled veterans who own and occupy their home as their primary residence. For veterans specifically, Washington recognizes two ways to qualify on disability grounds, confirmed directly against the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR):

Pathway 1: Schedular rating of 80% or higher. You qualify if the VA has given you a service-connected disability evaluation of at least 80%, even if you are not paid at the 100% rate.

• Pathway 1: Schedular rating of 80% or higher. You qualify if the VA has given you a service-connected disability evaluation of at least 80%, even if you are not paid at the 100% rate.

Pathway 2: Paid at the 100% rate. You qualify if you are receiving VA compensation at the 100% rate for a service-connected disability. The DOR's own program language uses the phrase "100% rate" and "total disability rating for a service-connected disability without regard to evaluation percent," which is broad enough to cover a schedular 100% rating and Individual Unemployability, also written Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (Individual Unemployability / Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), when it is paid at the 100% rate. If your award letter shows you are compensated at the 100% rate for any reason, bring that letter and let the county assessor apply this pathway.

• Pathway 2: Paid at the 100% rate. You qualify if you are receiving VA compensation at the 100% rate for a service-connected disability. The DOR's own program language uses the phrase "100% rate" and "total disability rating for a service-connected disability without regard to evaluation percent," which is broad enough to cover a schedular 100% rating and Individual Unemployability, also written Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (Individual Unemployability / Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), when it is paid at the 100% rate. If your award letter shows you are compensated at the 100% rate for any reason, bring that letter and let the county assessor apply this pathway.

No separate statutory pathway for blindness, loss of limbs, or paraplegia. Unlike some states, Washington's DOR page for this exemption does not list a separate qualifying condition for legal blindness, loss of use of limbs, or paraplegia below the 80% threshold. If you have one of those conditions, your VA rating itself is almost certainly 80% or higher (or paid at the 100% rate), so you'll still qualify through Pathway 1 or 2 above. There is also no distinct Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant pathway to this specific property tax exemption; SAH is a separate federal home-modification benefit (see the Vehicle and Recreation sections below for other state benefits tied to adaptive needs).

• No separate statutory pathway for blindness, loss of limbs, or paraplegia. Unlike some states, Washington's DOR page for this exemption does not list a separate qualifying condition for legal blindness, loss of use of limbs, or paraplegia below the 80% threshold. If you have one of those conditions, your VA rating itself is almost certainly 80% or higher (or paid at the 100% rate), so you'll still qualify through Pathway 1 or 2 above. There is also no distinct Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant pathway to this specific property tax exemption; SAH is a separate federal home-modification benefit (see the Vehicle and Recreation sections below for other state benefits tied to adaptive needs).

Surviving spouse continuation. If you were the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a qualifying veteran and were already enrolled in this exemption at the time of the veteran's death, you can continue to receive it if you are at least 57 years old.

• Surviving spouse continuation. If you were the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a qualifying veteran and were already enrolled in this exemption at the time of the veteran's death, you can continue to receive it if you are at least 57 years old.

Separate surviving-spouse grant program. Washington also runs a Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows/Widowers of Veterans, a grant (not a loan) for a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, was rated 100% disabled by VA for 10 years before death, was a former prisoner of war rated 100% disabled for one year before death, or died while on active duty or in training status. You must be age 62 or older (or retired from regular work due to disability), not remarried, own and occupy a Washington home, and have combined disposable income at or below the program's limit. This program has its own March 31 application deadline and its own form. Confirm the current income limit directly with the DOR (link in the steps below), since it is set by statute and can be revised.

• Separate surviving-spouse grant program. Washington also runs a Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows/Widowers of Veterans, a grant (not a loan) for a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, was rated 100% disabled by VA for 10 years before death, was a former prisoner of war rated 100% disabled for one year before death, or died while on active duty or in training status. You must be age 62 or older (or retired from regular work due to disability), not remarried, own and occupy a Washington home, and have combined disposable income at or below the program's limit. This program has its own March 31 application deadline and its own form. Confirm the current income limit directly with the DOR (link in the steps below), since it is set by statute and can be revised.

Income limit: both the exemption and the deferral programs require your household's "combined disposable income" to fall under a threshold set per county, tied to that county's median household income (DOR calls these Income Threshold 1/2/3). Two rules matter a lot for veterans: VA disability compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are excluded from this income calculation, which helps many otherwise-qualifying veterans stay under the cap, but military retirement pay does count toward it. Because the exact dollar thresholds vary by county and are being revised for tax years 2027 to 2029 under a 2026 state law (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6162), don't rely on a number you saw somewhere else. Get your county's current threshold directly from your county assessor or the Washington DOR income threshold page.

What you actually get: depending on which income tier you land in, the program provides some combination of exemption from regular property tax on part of your home's assessed value, exemption from voter-approved special levies, and a freeze on your home's assessed value for tax purposes. The lowest-income tier gets the most complete relief. The exact tier mechanics are set by county-specific threshold tables, not one flat statewide number, so your county assessor will tell you which tier you land in and what it's worth in dollars.

Step 1 - Confirm which pathway you qualify under. Download your current VA Benefit Summary Letter (it shows your combined rating and whether you're paid at the 100% rate) at VA.gov, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

• Step 1 - Confirm which pathway you qualify under. Download your current VA Benefit Summary Letter (it shows your combined rating and whether you're paid at the 100% rate) at VA.gov, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

Step 2 - Find your county assessor's office using the Washington DOR county assessor directory and interactive map, which lists all 39 counties with direct links, then come back here and continue with Step 3.

• Step 2 - Find your county assessor's office using the Washington DOR county assessor directory and interactive map, which lists all 39 counties with direct links, then come back here and continue with Step 3.

Step 3 - Download the Application for Property Tax Exemption, form REV 63 0001, from the Washington DOR forms page, then come back here and continue with Step 4.

• Step 3 - Download the Application for Property Tax Exemption, form REV 63 0001, from the Washington DOR forms page, then come back here and continue with Step 4.

Step 4 - Download the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet, form REV 63 0036, from the Washington DOR forms page; this is what your county uses to check you against the income threshold. Then come back here and continue with Step 5.

• Step 4 - Download the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet, form REV 63 0036, from the Washington DOR forms page; this is what your county uses to check you against the income threshold. Then come back here and continue with Step 5.

Step 5 - Gather your proof of disability rating: your VA Benefit Summary Letter (from Step 1) showing your rating percentage and/or that you're paid at the 100% rate. Some counties will also accept a Washington DOR Proof of Disability Statement in place of a VA letter; ask your county assessor which they need.

• Step 5 - Gather your proof of disability rating: your VA Benefit Summary Letter (from Step 1) showing your rating percentage and/or that you're paid at the 100% rate. Some counties will also accept a Washington DOR Proof of Disability Statement in place of a VA letter; ask your county assessor which they need.

Step 6 - Gather proof of income for the disposable-income calculation (Social Security statements, retirement income statements, and the like), remembering that your VA disability compensation and DIC do not count but military retirement pay does.

• Step 6 - Gather proof of income for the disposable-income calculation (Social Security statements, retirement income statements, and the like), remembering that your VA disability compensation and DIC do not count but military retirement pay does.

Step 7 - Gather proof you own and occupy the home as your primary residence in Washington (deed or title, plus something showing you live there).

• Step 7 - Gather proof you own and occupy the home as your primary residence in Washington (deed or title, plus something showing you live there).

Step 8 - Confirm your specific county's income threshold tier and application deadline directly with your county assessor's office (found via the Step 2 link), since deadlines and dollar thresholds vary by county and Washington is transitioning to new thresholds for 2027 to 2029.

• Step 8 - Confirm your specific county's income threshold tier and application deadline directly with your county assessor's office (found via the Step 2 link), since deadlines and dollar thresholds vary by county and Washington is transitioning to new thresholds for 2027 to 2029.

Step 9 - Submit the completed REV 63 0001 application, the REV 63 0036 worksheet, and your supporting documents to your county assessor by December 31 of the assessment year, unless your county assessor gives you a different specific deadline.

• Step 9 - Submit the completed REV 63 0001 application, the REV 63 0036 worksheet, and your supporting documents to your county assessor by December 31 of the assessment year, unless your county assessor gives you a different specific deadline.

Step 10 - If you are not currently eligible for the outright exemption because of income, ask your county assessor about the separate deferral program, which lets you defer part of your property tax as a lien against the property instead of paying it now.

• Step 10 - If you are not currently eligible for the outright exemption because of income, ask your county assessor about the separate deferral program, which lets you defer part of your property tax as a lien against the property instead of paying it now.

Step 11 - If you are a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a qualifying veteran, ask your county assessor whether you qualify to continue the exemption (age 57+, already enrolled at time of death) or should instead apply for the separate Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows/Widowers of Veterans grant (its own form, due by March 31); find the current form and instructions on the Washington DOR property tax exemptions and deferrals page.

• Step 11 - If you are a surviving spouse or domestic partner of a qualifying veteran, ask your county assessor whether you qualify to continue the exemption (age 57+, already enrolled at time of death) or should instead apply for the separate Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows/Widowers of Veterans grant (its own form, due by March 31); find the current form and instructions on the Washington DOR property tax exemptions and deferrals page.

You can also reach the WDVA Property Tax Relief page for a veteran-focused summary, or call the DOR Property Tax Division at (360) 534-1400 with questions before you file.

State income tax

What it is: Washington has no state personal income tax at all, for veterans or anyone else. There is no state tax on military retirement pay, no state tax on VA disability compensation, and no state income tax return to file, because there is no tax base for the state to tax. Your VA disability compensation is also federally tax-free everywhere in the country, which is a federal rule, not something Washington grants you.

Step 1 - There is nothing to file or apply for at the state level. If you moved to Washington from a state with an income tax, stop filing that state's return once you've established Washington residency and confirm the cutover with a tax preparer.

• Step 1 - There is nothing to file or apply for at the state level. If you moved to Washington from a state with an income tax, stop filing that state's return once you've established Washington residency and confirm the cutover with a tax preparer.

Step 2 - Keep claiming the federal exclusion of VA disability compensation on your federal return; if you need documentation, your VA Benefit Summary Letter at VA.gov is the standard proof.

• Step 2 - Keep claiming the federal exclusion of VA disability compensation on your federal return; if you need documentation, your VA Benefit Summary Letter at VA.gov is the standard proof.

Vehicle and Department of Licensing benefits

What it is: Washington offers a Disabled American Veteran (DAV) license plate, a fee exemption tied to that plate, a disabled veteran parking permit, and narrower sales tax exemptions for VA-reimbursed adaptive equipment. Here is every qualifying path:

DAV plate eligibility: you qualify for the DAV plate if you meet any one of these: loss of use of both hands or one foot; blindness in both eyes resulting from military service; or a 100% VA or military disability rating with service-connected compensation expected to last more than one year.

• DAV plate eligibility: you qualify for the DAV plate if you meet any one of these: loss of use of both hands or one foot; blindness in both eyes resulting from military service; or a 100% VA or military disability rating with service-connected compensation expected to last more than one year.

Fee exemption: once you have DAV plates, one vehicle (car, truck, motor home, or motorcycle used for personal, non-commercial use, regardless of weight) is exempt from license fees for your lifetime.

• Fee exemption: once you have DAV plates, one vehicle (car, truck, motor home, or motorcycle used for personal, non-commercial use, regardless of weight) is exempt from license fees for your lifetime.

Parking permit eligibility: a disabled veteran parking permit is available if you have a 70% or higher combined disability rating and use a federally defined service animal; this is a separate program from the plate and lasts five years before renewal.

• Parking permit eligibility: a disabled veteran parking permit is available if you have a 70% or higher combined disability rating and use a federally defined service animal; this is a separate program from the plate and lasts five years before renewal.

Adaptive equipment sales tax relief: Washington exempts certain VA-reimbursed adaptive housing modifications and VA-reimbursed automotive adaptive equipment from sales/use tax. This is narrower than a blanket vehicle sales tax exemption, so confirm the current scope and any dollar cap with the Washington Department of Revenue before you rely on it for a specific purchase.

• Adaptive equipment sales tax relief: Washington exempts certain VA-reimbursed adaptive housing modifications and VA-reimbursed automotive adaptive equipment from sales/use tax. This is narrower than a blanket vehicle sales tax exemption, so confirm the current scope and any dollar cap with the Washington Department of Revenue before you rely on it for a specific purchase.

Step 1 - Download your current VA Benefit Summary Letter or rating decision letter at VA.gov showing your rating and/or qualifying condition, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

• Step 1 - Download your current VA Benefit Summary Letter or rating decision letter at VA.gov showing your rating and/or qualifying condition, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

Step 2 - For the DAV plate, download the Military Services and Veterans License Plate Application from the Washington Department of Licensing forms page and mark the Disabled American Veteran plate or tabs box, then come back here and continue with Step 3.

• Step 2 - For the DAV plate, download the Military Services and Veterans License Plate Application from the Washington Department of Licensing forms page and mark the Disabled American Veteran plate or tabs box, then come back here and continue with Step 3.

Step 3 - Mail the completed application, your VA rating letter, and any required fee to the Special Plate Unit, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9909, Olympia, WA 98507-8500, or bring it to a Washington vehicle licensing office. You cannot get DAV plates issued on the spot at a local licensing office; this application goes to the Special Plate Unit. Call 360-902-3770 with questions.

• Step 3 - Mail the completed application, your VA rating letter, and any required fee to the Special Plate Unit, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9909, Olympia, WA 98507-8500, or bring it to a Washington vehicle licensing office. You cannot get DAV plates issued on the spot at a local licensing office; this application goes to the Special Plate Unit. Call 360-902-3770 with questions.

Step 4 - For the parking permit, download the Disabled Parking Application for Veterans from the Washington Department of Licensing forms page and attach your VA or military letter showing a 70% or higher rating, then come back here and continue with Step 5.

• Step 4 - For the parking permit, download the Disabled Parking Application for Veterans from the Washington Department of Licensing forms page and attach your VA or military letter showing a 70% or higher rating, then come back here and continue with Step 5.

Step 5 - Bring the completed parking application and documents to a vehicle licensing office, or mail it to Department of Licensing, PO Box 9043, Olympia, WA 98507. Plan on roughly 7 to 10 days for the placard or tabs and 2 to 3 weeks for the ID card, and renew every five years.

• Step 5 - Bring the completed parking application and documents to a vehicle licensing office, or mail it to Department of Licensing, PO Box 9043, Olympia, WA 98507. Plan on roughly 7 to 10 days for the placard or tabs and 2 to 3 weeks for the ID card, and renew every five years.

Step 6 - If you have a VA-reimbursed home modification or vehicle adaptive equipment purchase coming up, ask the retailer about the sales tax exemption at time of purchase, and confirm current terms with the Washington Department of Revenue beforehand so the paperwork is ready at checkout.

• Step 6 - If you have a VA-reimbursed home modification or vehicle adaptive equipment purchase coming up, ask the retailer about the sales tax exemption at time of purchase, and confirm current terms with the Washington Department of Revenue beforehand so the paperwork is ready at checkout.

Step 7 - Optional: ask your local licensing office to add a "Veteran" designation to your standard Washington driver's license or ID card at the same visit.

• Step 7 - Optional: ask your local licensing office to add a "Veteran" designation to your standard Washington driver's license or ID card at the same visit.

Recreation

What it is: Washington gives disabled veterans a free lifetime state parks pass, reduced-rate hunting and fishing licenses, and access to the federal lifetime recreation pass.

Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass (Washington State Parks) eligibility: a Washington resident veteran with a 30% or greater combined service-connected disability rating. It covers free day-use parking (no Discover Pass needed), free camping and moorage, and free boat launch/trailer dump at State Parks, plus free day-use parking at Department of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources sites. It does not cover Sno-Parks or federal sites. Camping stays free, but as of October 1, 2025 an $8 online (or $10 phone) reservation/change fee applies.

• Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass (Washington State Parks) eligibility: a Washington resident veteran with a 30% or greater combined service-connected disability rating. It covers free day-use parking (no Discover Pass needed), free camping and moorage, and free boat launch/trailer dump at State Parks, plus free day-use parking at Department of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources sites. It does not cover Sno-Parks or federal sites. Camping stays free, but as of October 1, 2025 an $8 online (or $10 phone) reservation/change fee applies.

Reduced-rate hunting/fishing license eligibility: a Washington resident, honorably discharged veteran with at least a 30% service-connected disability, or a veteran age 65+ with any service-connected rating. Additional reduced or free options exist for wheelchair users, the visually impaired, and residents with developmental disabilities.

• Reduced-rate hunting/fishing license eligibility: a Washington resident, honorably discharged veteran with at least a 30% service-connected disability, or a veteran age 65+ with any service-connected rating. Additional reduced or free options exist for wheelchair users, the visually impaired, and residents with developmental disabilities.

Federal America the Beautiful Access Pass: a free lifetime federal pass for veterans with a permanent disability (any rating that meets the federal permanent-disability standard), covering entrance and amenity fees at National Parks and other federal lands, including Washington's own Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades.

• Federal America the Beautiful Access Pass: a free lifetime federal pass for veterans with a permanent disability (any rating that meets the federal permanent-disability standard), covering entrance and amenity fees at National Parks and other federal lands, including Washington's own Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades.

Step 1 - Confirm your current combined rating is 30% or higher and download your VA Benefit Summary Letter at VA.gov, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

• Step 1 - Confirm your current combined rating is 30% or higher and download your VA Benefit Summary Letter at VA.gov, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

Step 2 - Gather proof of at least 3 consecutive months of current Washington residency (a valid Washington driver's license, state ID card, or voter registration card).

• Step 2 - Gather proof of at least 3 consecutive months of current Washington residency (a valid Washington driver's license, state ID card, or voter registration card).

Step 3 - Download the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass Application from Washington State Parks, or call (360) 902-8844 or email infocent@parks.wa.gov to have one mailed or emailed to you, then come back here and continue with Step 4.

• Step 3 - Download the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass Application from Washington State Parks, or call (360) 902-8844 or email infocent@parks.wa.gov to have one mailed or emailed to you, then come back here and continue with Step 4.

Step 4 - Mail the completed application with your VA award letter and residency proof to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Information Center, PO Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504. Do not send original documents, and submit only one application. Allow up to 30 days for processing.

• Step 4 - Mail the completed application with your VA award letter and residency proof to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Information Center, PO Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504. Do not send original documents, and submit only one application. Allow up to 30 days for processing.

Step 5 - For reduced-rate hunting/fishing licenses, bring your discharge paperwork and VA rating letter to a Washington Fish and Wildlife licensing location or licensed vendor and ask for the disabled veteran license category.

• Step 5 - For reduced-rate hunting/fishing licenses, bring your discharge paperwork and VA rating letter to a Washington Fish and Wildlife licensing location or licensed vendor and ask for the disabled veteran license category.

Step 6 - For the federal Access Pass, apply online, by mail, or in person at a federal recreation site through the official America the Beautiful pass program, which requires documentation of a permanent disability (a VA award letter showing a permanent rating typically qualifies).

• Step 6 - For the federal Access Pass, apply online, by mail, or in person at a federal recreation site through the official America the Beautiful pass program, which requires documentation of a permanent disability (a VA award letter showing a permanent rating typically qualifies).

Education, for you and your dependents

What it is: Washington law authorizes public colleges and universities to waive tuition for veterans and, separately, requires them to waive undergraduate tuition and fees for dependents of the most severely disabled or deceased veterans.

Veterans' tuition waiver (Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28B.15.621): state law authorizes, but does not universally mandate at a fixed rate, community colleges, technical colleges, colleges, and universities to waive all or part of tuition and fees for eligible veterans or National Guard members. Each institution runs its own program and sets its own scope.

• Veterans' tuition waiver (Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28B.15.621): state law authorizes, but does not universally mandate at a fixed rate, community colleges, technical colleges, colleges, and universities to waive all or part of tuition and fees for eligible veterans or National Guard members. Each institution runs its own program and sets its own scope.

Dependents of a 100% disabled veteran, or of a service member who died from military service: eligible dependents get all undergraduate tuition and fees waived at Washington public colleges and universities, up to 200 quarter credits (or the semester equivalent). Graduate-level waivers are encouraged but not required by state law. A book stipend of $500 per year applies when funded by the Legislature, divided across terms.

• Dependents of a 100% disabled veteran, or of a service member who died from military service: eligible dependents get all undergraduate tuition and fees waived at Washington public colleges and universities, up to 200 quarter credits (or the semester equivalent). Graduate-level waivers are encouraged but not required by state law. A book stipend of $500 per year applies when funded by the Legislature, divided across terms.

Step 1 - Confirm your rating status; the dependent waiver requires the veteran-parent (or the deceased service member) to meet the 100% disabled, or died-from-service, standard. Pull your VA Benefit Summary Letter at VA.gov to document this, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

• Step 1 - Confirm your rating status; the dependent waiver requires the veteran-parent (or the deceased service member) to meet the 100% disabled, or died-from-service, standard. Pull your VA Benefit Summary Letter at VA.gov to document this, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

Step 2 - Find the school your veteran or dependent plans to attend using the Washington Student Achievement Council's list of participating colleges and institutions, then come back here and continue with Step 3.

• Step 2 - Find the school your veteran or dependent plans to attend using the Washington Student Achievement Council's list of participating colleges and institutions, then come back here and continue with Step 3.

Step 3 - Contact that school's veterans services or financial aid office directly (each institution runs its own waiver program) to get its specific application, deadline, and documentation checklist.

• Step 3 - Contact that school's veterans services or financial aid office directly (each institution runs its own waiver program) to get its specific application, deadline, and documentation checklist.

Step 4 - Submit the veteran's VA rating documentation (or the service member's death-from-service documentation) along with the school's own application by the deadline that office gives you.

• Step 4 - Submit the veteran's VA rating documentation (or the service member's death-from-service documentation) along with the school's own application by the deadline that office gives you.

Step 5 - In parallel, check your eligibility for federal education benefits, GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), or federal student loan discharge for total and permanent disability, at VA.gov education and training benefits, since these run alongside the state waiver, not instead of it.

• Step 5 - In parallel, check your eligibility for federal education benefits, GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), or federal student loan discharge for total and permanent disability, at VA.gov education and training benefits, since these run alongside the state waiver, not instead of it.

Emergency and financial assistance

What it is: WDVA and your county veteran service office administer emergency financial assistance grants for veterans and families in need, covering things like food, rent, utilities, transportation, medical costs, burial or cremation, home/appliance/auto repair, and clothing. Specific dollar caps vary by county program, so don't assume a number until your county office confirms it.

Step 1 - Find your county veteran service office using the WDVA County Services directory, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

• Step 1 - Find your county veteran service office using the WDVA County Services directory, then come back here and continue with Step 2.

Step 2 - Call or visit that office and describe your specific need (rent, utilities, food, medical, burial, repair, or clothing) so they can point you to the right fund and current dollar caps.

• Step 2 - Call or visit that office and describe your specific need (rent, utilities, food, medical, burial, repair, or clothing) so they can point you to the right fund and current dollar caps.

Step 3 - Bring your DD Form 214 (or equivalent discharge document), a copy of your VA award letter if the request relates to your disability, and documentation of the specific expense (bill, estimate, or invoice).

• Step 3 - Bring your DD Form 214 (or equivalent discharge document), a copy of your VA award letter if the request relates to your disability, and documentation of the specific expense (bill, estimate, or invoice).

Step 4 - If your county office cannot fully meet the need, ask them to refer you to the statewide WDVA Financial Assistance program or call WDVA directly at 1-800-562-2308.

• Step 4 - If your county office cannot fully meet the need, ask them to refer you to the statewide WDVA Financial Assistance program or call WDVA directly at 1-800-562-2308.

Print-and-take checklist

☐ VA Benefit Summary Letter or current rating decision letter, downloaded and printed

☐ DD Form 214 or equivalent discharge document

☐ Deed or title proving you own your Washington home, plus proof you occupy it as your primary residence

☐ Proof of income for the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet (Social Security statement, retirement income statements; remember VA compensation and DIC don't count, military retirement pay does)

☐ REV 63 0001, Application for Property Tax Exemption, filled out

☐ REV 63 0036, Combined Disposable Income Worksheet, filled out

☐ Your county assessor's confirmed income threshold and deadline for this tax year (call ahead, don't guess)

☐ If surviving spouse: age and remarriage status confirmed, plus the Property Tax Assistance Program for Widows/Widowers of Veterans application if pursuing the grant (due March 31)

☐ Military Services and Veterans License Plate Application, if applying for DAV plates

☐ Disabled Parking Application for Veterans, if applying for a parking permit (70%+ rating and service animal)

☐ Proof of 3 months current Washington residency (driver's license, state ID, or voter registration), if applying for the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass

☐ Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass Application, if 30%+ rated

☐ School-specific dependent tuition waiver application, if pursuing the education benefit for a dependent

☐ Local county veteran service office contact info saved, in case you need emergency assistance later

This page is education only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and Rated, Now What is not affiliated with the VA, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, or any government agency. If you're trying to file a new VA disability claim or get your rating increased, do that through a free, VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO), never a paid claims agent; find one through the WDVA County Services directory or VA's accredited representative search. Be careful of anyone who contacts you offering to help with your VA claim for a fee, or who pitches you an annuity or investment product as a way to protect your disability compensation; those are red flags for pension-poaching and predatory sales schemes targeting veterans, and legitimate help with your rating is always free.

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