Washington D.C. Veteran Benefits

Discover 14 state benefits available to Washington D.C. veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

14
State Benefits
6
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Washington D.C.

🏛️Tax Benefits(2)

Military Disability Retirement Pay -- DC Income Tax Exclusion

Any Veteran

Military disability retirement pay and VA disability compensation are excluded from DC taxable income.

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Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction (Property Tax)

100%+

Up to $445,000 deducted from assessed home value for property tax purposes for 100% disabled veterans meeting income requirements.

Value: ~$4,250/year at DC tax rates

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🏠Housing & Home Loans(1)

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

Any Veteran

Housing vouchers and supportive services for homeless veterans, including a local DC program for those not qualifying for federal HUD-VASH.

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🎓Education & Training(2)

DCNG State Tuition Assistance (Wherley Program)

Any Veteran

Up to $20,000 per fiscal year toward tuition at any U.S.-accredited institution for DC National Guard members.

Value: Up to $20,000/year

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DC National Guard Scholarship

Any Veteran

Reimburses up to $6,000 of tuition and fees per school year for DC Army National Guard members.

Value: Up to $6,000/year

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💼Employment(3)

Call for Hire: DC Government Veterans Hiring Program

Any Veteran

Non-competitive hiring pathway for DC government positions at Grade 12 and below for eligible veterans.

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DC Veteran Preference Points (Employment)

Any Veteran

5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on competitive DC government examination scores.

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Priority of Service at American Job Centers

Any Veteran

Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority over non-veterans for all services at DC American Job Centers.

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🚗Transportation(4)

VetsRide Program (Free Transportation)

Any Veteran

Free transportation for DC veteran residents with income below $45,000 seeking educational, health, employment, or housing services.

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Veterans Specialty License Plates

Any Veteran

Specialty "Veteran" plates with fees donated to the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund.

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Reduced Fare SmarTrip Card (WMATA/Metro)

60%+

Approximately 50% reduction on Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC, MTA, and other participating transit fares for veterans rated 60%+.

Value: ~50% savings on Metro fares

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Disabled American Veteran (DAV) License Plates

100%+

DAV specialty plates with no annual registration fee for veterans with total and permanent service-connected disability.

Value: ~$72-$115/year registration fee waived

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📋Other Benefits(2)

Veteran Designation on DC Driver License/ID

Any Veteran

Free "Veteran" designation on DC driver license or non-driver ID card.

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Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs -- Benefits Counseling

Any Veteran

Free claims assistance and benefits counseling for veterans, service members, retirees, and families.

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Washington D.C. veterans.

RatingVeteran AloneWith Spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Washington D.C. Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Washington D.C. offer?
Washington D.C. offers 14 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for Washington D.C. veteran benefits?
Washington D.C. veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 11 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does Washington D.C. offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Washington D.C. offers 2 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Disability Retirement Pay -- DC Income Tax Exclusion: Military disability retirement pay and VA disability compensation are excluded from DC taxable income.
What education benefits are available to Washington D.C. veterans?
Washington D.C. offers 2 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: DCNG State Tuition Assistance (Wherley Program), DC National Guard Scholarship.
How do I apply for Washington D.C. veteran benefits?
Each Washington D.C. veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Washington D.C. residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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