Virginia offers a wide array of benefits for veterans, spanning financial assistance, education, employment support, and recreational opportunities. Here are some highlights:
Housing and Financial Benefits
- Real Property Tax Exemption: Virginia provides a complete property tax exemption for eligible disabled veterans or their surviving spouses, applicable to the primary residence and up to one acre of land​​.
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans with a service-connected, 100%, permanent and total disability rating are eligible for a sales and use tax exemption on the purchase of one vehicle​​.
Education Benefits
- Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VNGSTAP): Offers up to $7,000 per fiscal year for tuition toward one degree or credential at each level up to a doctorate, for service members of the Virginia National Guard​​.
- Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP): Provides educational financial assistance for eligible spouses/surviving spouses and children of certain service members and disabled veterans, covering all tuition and mandatory fees for eight semesters at a Virginia public college or university​​.
Employment Support
- Virginia Veteran & Family Support (VVFS): Offers resources, care coordination, and supportive services to Virginia’s veterans, National Guard, Armed Forces Reserves, family members, and caregivers, with a focus on challenges resulting from stress-related conditions or traumatic brain injuries connected to military service​​.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Licenses: Disabled veterans eligible for free permanent licenses, and active duty and reserve component service members on active duty for 120 or more consecutive days qualify for free one-year fishing, hunting, or combination licenses​​.
- Green Mountain Passport Lifetime Pass: Virginia resident veterans who received an honorable discharge are eligible for a $2 lifetime Green Mountain Passport, authorizing free day entry at Vermont State Parks, historic sites, and fully state-sponsored events​​.
Additional Services and Programs
- Veterans Care Centers: Virginia operates multiple veterans care centers providing a range of medical services for eligible veterans​​.
- Veterans Services Foundation: Supports veterans and their families through programs and services not covered by state or federal funds​​.