State / Territory Benefits - West Virginia
State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Special Vehicle License Plates
Health and Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
Resource Locator
Wounded Warrior Benefits
Survivor Benefits
Army National Guard Benefits
US Army Reserve Benefits
Resources
Summary: West Virginia offers special benefits for military Service members and Veterans including State Tax Exemptions, State Employment Preferences, Education and Tuition Assistance, Special Vehicle Tags, as well as Hunting and Fishing License privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Tax Advantage:
Service members, whose legal residence was West Virginia at the time they entered into military service, are considered residents of West Virginia. They must file a return and pay WV taxes unless they did not maintain a physical presence in WV for more than 30 days during the taxable year. [WV Tax Law Report, p. 65; WV Code 11-21-7(a)]
--If, during 2010, you spent more than 30 days in WV: you are a considered a WV resident for income tax purposes and must file a resident return and report all of your income to WV
--If, during 2010, you did NOT spend more than 30 days in WV but had income from a WV source: you may be required to file an income tax return with WV as a nonresident, depending on the type of income received.
Combat pay received during 2012 is not taxable on the federal income tax return and is therefore not taxable on the WV state tax return.
Active Duty military pay received by West Virginia National Guard and Reserve forces for service in Operation Enduring Freedom or domestic security duty as the result of a federal order to active duty can be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing West Virginia state taxes. [West Virginia Tax Code, Chapter 11, Article 21, Section 12e]
Eligibility: Military Personnel
Retired Military Pay: The taxable amount, not to exceed $2,000, of military retirement income from the regular armed forces, National Guard or Reserves, or of survivor annuities, reported on federal return is deducted from federal adjusted gross income. An additional modification, up to a maximum of $20,000, of military retired pay (from the regular armed forces, National Guard or reserve, or from survivor annuities) is to be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing WV state taxes. Please see the West Virginia Tax Code Chapter 11 Article 21 Sections 12-[(c)(5)], [(7)(A&B)] and WV tax form Schedule M for more information.
Eligibility: Military Retiree or Surviving Spouse
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: Due to the passage of the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act in November of 2009, spouses of military Service members may be exempt from West Virginia income tax on wages received from services performed in West Virginia.
Eligibility: Spouses may be exempt if (a) the Service member is present in West Virginia in compliance with military orders; (b) the spouse is in West Virginia solely to be with the Service member; and (c) the spouse maintains domicile in another state.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Homestead Exemption for Certain Eligible Veterans: Service members who are residents of West Virginia at the time they enter military service and maintain that residency until retirement from military service or earlier separation due to a permanent and total physical or mental disability are deemed to satisfy the residency test and are allowed a $20,000 homestead exemption if they return to WV and purchase a homestead and are otherwise qualified.
National Guard Education Benefits: The West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program (WVEEP) provides up to 100% tuition assistance for certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's level courses and up to $6, 500 per year for Soldiers attending in-state institutions. For students who have full scholarship under the Promise Scholars Program, WVEEP will pay them the money that would have been paid to the school.
The Army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance Program will pay for Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's and Master's level up to $4,500 per year. The two programs may be used concurrently to cover up to $11,000 per year in tuition assistance. The State of West Virginia will pay up to 100% of in-resident tuition and fees at any state-supported college/university. Out-of-state students pay tuition at the in-state rates at state supported schools.
Eligibility: Available only to National Guard Service members. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for continued participation in the program.
Veterans Re-education Act Fund: Tuition assistance to those Veterans who need a new vocation due to dislocation or unemployment. See the WV Army National Guard page for more information on the WV Veterans Re-education Act Fund and other Education Scholarships and Grants.
Eligibility: Must be and honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces that has served at least 181 consecutive days of military service, is a WV resident, and is Federal Pell Grant eligible or unemployed. Veteran must have exhausted the G.I. Bill and be in need of tuition assistance.
State War Orphans Education: Provides at least $2,000 each fiscal year (1 July to 30 June) for attendance at a post-secondary or training institution to certain children of deceased Service members.
Eligibility: Student must be at least sixteen and not more than twenty-five years of age, enrolled in a post-secondary education or training institution in this state and must be a child of a Veteran who served on active duty in the armed forces at some time during one of the following periods: World War I - April 6, 1917 to July 2, 1921, World War II - December 1, 1941 to December 31, 1946, Provided that if a Veteran was on active duty on December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947 shall be considered wartime service for the purpose of this program, Korean War - June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955, Vietnam Era - August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975, Kosovo - November 20, 1995 - December 31, 2000, Iraq - March 19, 2003 - Date to be determined. Afghanistan - October 7, 2001 - Date to be determined and killed in action or died due to disease or disability resulting from their war service. This includes children of Reservists called to active duty under Title 10 for the purpose of going into armed combat. [WV code 18-19-1 / WV code 18-19-2]
State Operation Recognition-Diploma Program: Provides for the awarding of high school diplomas, either by the county board in the county in which the Veteran resides or the county in which the Veteran would have received his or her diploma, whichever location the Veteran chooses, to any surviving World War II, Korean Conflict, or Vietnam Conflict Veteran who meets the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility: Any surviving World War II, Korean Conflict or Vietnam conflict who: (1) Left school prior to graduation and served in the armed forces of the United States: Provided, That a Veteran of the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Conflict must have been attending high school at the time he or she left prior to graduating and served in the armed forces of the United States; (2) Did not receive a high school diploma; (3) Was discharged from the armed services under honorable conditions; and (4) Completes the application process as provided by the joint rules of the state board and the Veterans' council.
Veterans Preference: Veterans applying to State jobs will have five (5) points added to a final passing score. An additional five (5) points are added to a Veteran's score if Veteran is a recipient of the Purple Heart or has a compensable service-connected disability.
Eligibility:
--Under the West Virginia Civil Service System all Veterans who have served under honorable conditions in the armed forces of the United States during hostile conflict are eligible for Veterans Preference.
--Veteran must be Purple Heart recipient or have compensable service-connected disability in order to receive additional five (5) points to final passing score.
--Estimate your Veterans preference on the WV State Government Job Opportunities site.
--Proof of service dates, disability and Purple Heart Award or Campaign Badge must be verified by DD-214. Disability must be verified by a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
State Employment: State employees receive 30 days military leave for training and drills. In addition, upon mobilization, an additional 30 days of paid military leave is provided for each instance of call to active duty. Employee may elect to maintain State Employee Health Insurance while on State or Federal Active Duty.
Eligibility: National Guard and US Army Reserve Service members who are State employees.
Special Vehicle License Plates:
The state of West Virginia offers a large selection of specialized vehicle license plates for Veterans, Disabled Veterans, and Military Service members. The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and following link provides a complete list of special military plates:
National Guard Plates: National Guard license plates can be purchased for a one-time $10 fee in addition to the $30 regular registration fee.
Eligibility: WV Army and Air National Guard members.
Armed Forces Reserve Plates: Armed Forces Reserve license plates can be purchased for a one-time $10 fee in addition to the $30 regular registration fee.
Eligibility: Army Reserve Service members.
Disabled Veteran: No fee for Disabled Veteran plates.
Eligibility: Any Veteran in receipt of an auto grant or who is 100% disabled due to service-connected causes as rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Combat Veteran: No fee for a Combat Veteran license plate
Eligibility: The applicant must certify that they were honorably discharged from one of the Armed Services and during their duty, were involved in active combat against an enemy.
Medal of Honor Plate: No fee for Medal of Honor license plate.
Eligibility: Must be a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Purple Heart Tag: No fee for Purple Heart Tags for those wounded in action.
Eligibility: Must have been awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Pearl Harbor Survivor: To qualify for a no-fee Pearl Harbor license plate, an applicant must certify that they were an honorably discharged member of one of the Armed Services of the U.S. and while serving, were present during the attack on the Island of Oahu on December 7, 1941 between the hours of 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
Prisoner of War: To qualify for a no-fee Former Prisoner of War license plate, an applicant must have been held as a prisoner of war during an armed conflict. An applicant must submit all documentation to be certified by the West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs in Part II of the application. The vehicle on which the plate will be placed must be a Class A passenger car or truck and may not be used for commercial purposes. The vehicle must be currently titled in West Virginia in the applicant's name. In the event of the death of the Prisoner of War plate holder, the license plate may be retained by the surviving spouse until remarriage, non-renewal or death.
Veteran Plate: Veteran Plate for Veterans for a onetime fee of $10.00 over and above the regular license fee.
Eligibility: Must be an honorably discharged Veteran.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
State Group Insurance: Army and Air National Guard Service members, their spouses and dependents are eligible for special State Group Life Insurance rates.
Service Member:
$5,000.00/$2.00 month; $10,000.00/$3.67 month; $15,000.00/$5.33 month; $20,000.00/$7.00 month; $25,000.00/$8.67 month; $35,000.00/$12.00 month; $50,000.00/$17.00 month
Spouse: $5,000.00/$2.00 month; $10,000.00/$3.66 month; $15,000.00/$6.00 month
Dependent:$2,000.00/$1.33 month; $5,000.00/$3.33 month
Eligibility: Available Only to West Virginia National Guard Service members.
Medical Benefits: Worker's Compensation when on state active duty; Tricare when on federal active duty.
Eligibility: West Virginia National Guard Service members.
Injury/Death Benefits: Compensation to survivors as provided by state legislation
Eligibility: WV National Guard Service members.
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Certain Veterans are not required to purchase hunting and fishing licenses. However, for certain classes of hunting this does not apply. Veterans must carry and identification card issued by the director.
Eligibility: Residents honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces receiving total permanent service connected disability benefits or former prisoners of war as determined by the Veterans Administration or resident disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8 and are exempted from payment of a motor vehicle registration fee by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, may hunt or trap without a license during open seasons. See the Disabled Veterans and Prisoners of War Application for Hunting and Fishing Privileges.
[Hunting and fishing licenses are not required for active duty military on leave; leave papers must be carried while hunting, trapping or fishing.]
West Virginia Veterans Bonus: Approved applicants are eligible for either a $600or $400 bonus. If the approved applicant served in the combat zone and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal they are eligible for the $600 bonus. If the applicant had active service outside the combat zone during the time periods specified for Afghanistan and Iraq they may be eligible for the $400 bonus. Surviving relatives are eligible for a $2,000.00 bonus if a Veteran's death was service connected and resulted from Afghanistan, Iraq or Kosovo service during the specified time periods. The person receiving the bonus shall not be required to include the bonus as income for state income tax purposes. Please Note: A Veteran may not receive more than a total of $600 through this program. Each deployment and/or conflict does not garner an additional payment.
Eligibility:
--Veterans who were bona fide residents of the State of West Virginia at the time of their entry into active service and for a period of at least six months immediately prior.
--Veterans who were separated from service under honorable conditions.
--Veterans of the armed forces of the United States or who were members of reserve components called to active duty by the President of the United States. A surviving spouse or children may request an application by calling 1-888-838-2332, or by email at WVDVA@state.wv.us , or by mail at the address listed below. All applications will be mailed to: West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs, 1321 Plaza East Suite 101, Charleston, WV 25301
Veterans Homes:
West Virginia Veterans Home: The WV Veterans Home is a 150 bed facility located in Barboursville, WV. The home began operations in 1981 and accepts honorably discharged Veterans
Eligibility: Veterans with an honorable discharge that served on active duty since September of 1980 for at least 24 consecutive months; resident of WV for 30 days immediately prior to application or have entered the military from WV; must be able ambulatory and independently perform all activities of daily living.
Veterans Nursing Facility: The Veteran's Nursing Facility is a 120 bed facility located in Clarksburg, West Virginia which began operation in 2007. The facility includes a 20 bed unit for Alzheimer patients. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a warm, attractive, and comfortable facility for West Virginia Veterans in need of nursing home care. Visitation to the home is encouraged.
Eligibility: Veterans who have served on active duty or performed active service in a reserve component of the armed forces for a period of at least 12 consecutive months; or who have been medically discharged for a service connected injury prior to 12 months service. Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980 must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty unless they were medically discharged for a service connected injury prior to 24 months service. Must be honorably discharged and have been a continuous citizen of West Virginia for 30 days prior to application to WVVNF or a resident of WV at the time they initially entered active military service. Veterans must be physically unable to maintain themselves in their own home and meet the criteria for intermediate or skilled nursing care under Medicare and Medicaid regulations. Non-Veteran spouses may be considered for admission ONLY when the Veteran's nursing facility capacity is greater than 75% of the total licensed beds and when there are no Veterans awaiting admission on the interest list.
State Veteran's Cemetery: The Donnel Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery is a 354 acre facility located at Dunbar, West Virginia designed to provide an honorable, dignified resting place for West Virginia's cherished Veterans and their closest family members.
Eligibility: Follows Federal guidelines and requirements for eligibility.
Includes, but is not limited to: any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty; any Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and served a minimum of 24 months of active duty; spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran; the minor children of eligible Veteran who are unmarried and under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age and pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
State Tax Advantage:
Service members, whose legal residence was West Virginia at the time they entered into military service, are considered residents of West Virginia. They must file a return and pay WV taxes unless they did not maintain a physical presence in WV for more than 30 days during the taxable year. [WV Tax Law Report, p. 65; WV Code 11-21-7(a)]
--If, during 2010, you spent more than 30 days in WV: you are a considered a WV resident for income tax purposes and must file a resident return and report all of your income to WV
--If, during 2010, you did NOT spend more than 30 days in WV but had income from a WV source: you may be required to file an income tax return with WV as a nonresident, depending on the type of income received.
Combat pay received during 2012 is not taxable on the federal income tax return and is therefore not taxable on the WV state tax return.
Active Duty military pay received by West Virginia National Guard and Reserve forces for service in Operation Enduring Freedom or domestic security duty as the result of a federal order to active duty can be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing West Virginia state taxes. [West Virginia Tax Code, Chapter 11, Article 21, Section 12e]
Eligibility: Military Personnel
Retired Military Pay: The first $20,000 of military retired pay is to be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing WV state taxes. Please see the West Virginia Tax Code Chapter 11 Article 21 Sections 12-[(c)(5)], [(7)(B)] and WV tax form Schedule M for more information.
Eligibility: Military Retiree
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Homestead Exemption for Certain Eligible Veterans: Service members who are residents of West Virginia at the time they enter military service and maintain that residency until retirement from military service or earlier separation due to a permanent and total physical or mental disability are deemed to satisfy the residency test and are allowed a $20,000 homestead exemption if they return to WV and purchase a homestead and are otherwise qualified.
Veterans Re-education Act Fund: Tuition assistance to those Veterans who need a new vocation due to dislocation or unemployment. See the WV Army National Guard page for more information on the WV Veterans Re-education Act Fund and other Education Scholarships and Grants.
Eligibility: Must be and honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces that has served at least 181 consecutive days of military service, is a WV resident, and is Federal Pell Grant eligible or unemployed. Veteran must have exhausted the G.I. Bill and be in need of tuition assistance.
Veterans Preference: Veterans applying to State jobs will have five (5) points added to a final passing score. An additional five (5) points are added to a Veteran's score if Veteran is a recipient of the Purple Heart or has a compensable service-connected disability.
Eligibility:
--Under the West Virginia Civil Service System all Veterans who have served under honorable conditions in the armed forces of the United States during hostile conflict are eligible for Veterans Preference.
--Veteran must be Purple Heart recipient or have compensable service-connected disability in order to receive additional five (5) points to final passing score.
--Estimate your Veterans preference on the WV State Government Job Opportunities site.
--Proof of service dates, disability and Purple Heart Award or Campaign Badge must be verified by DD-214. Disability must be verified by a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Disabled Veteran: No fee for Disabled Veteran plates.
Eligibility: Any Veteran in receipt of an auto grant or who is 100% disabled due to service-connected causes as rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Combat Veteran: To qualify for a no-fee Combat Veteran license plate, an applicant must certify that they were honorably discharged from one of the Armed Services and during their duty, was involved in active combat against an enemy.
Purple Heart Tag: No fee for Purple Heart Tags for those wounded in action.
Eligibility: Must have been awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Veteran Plate: Veteran Plate for Veterans for a onetime fee of $10.00 over and above the regular license fee.
Eligibility: Must be honorably discharged Veteran.
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Certain Veterans are not required to purchase hunting and fishing licenses. However, for certain classes of hunting this does not apply. Veterans must carry and identification card issued by the director.
Eligibility: Residents honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces receiving total permanent service connected disability benefits or former prisoners of war as determined by the Veterans Administration or resident disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8 and are exempted from payment of a motor vehicle registration fee by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, may hunt or trap without a license during open seasons. See the Disabled Veterans and Prisoners of War Application for Hunting and Fishing Privileges.
[Hunting and fishing licenses are not required for active duty military on leave; leave papers must be carried while hunting, trapping or fishing.]
Veterans Nursing Facility: The Veteran's Nursing Facility is a 120 bed facility located in Clarksburg, West Virginia which began operation in 2007. The facility includes a 20 bed unit for Alzheimer patients. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a warm, attractive, and comfortable facility for West Virginia Veterans in need of nursing home care. Visitation to the home is encouraged.
Eligibility: Veterans who have served on active duty or performed active service in a reserve component of the armed forces for a period of at least 12 consecutive months; or who have been medically discharged for a service connected injury prior to 12 months service. Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980 must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty unless they were medically discharged for a service connected injury prior to 24 months service. Must be honorably discharged and have been a continuous citizen of West Virginia for 30 days prior to application to WVVNF or a resident of WV at the time they initially entered active military service. Veterans must be physically unable to maintain themselves in their own home and meet the criteria for intermediate or skilled nursing care under Medicare and Medicaid regulations. Non-Veteran spouses may be considered for admission ONLY when the Veteran's nursing facility capacity is greater than 75% of the total licensed beds and when there are no Veterans awaiting admission on the interest list.
West Virginia Veterans Bonus: Approved applicants are eligible for either a $600or $400 bonus. If the approved applicant served in the combat zone and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal they are eligible for the $600 bonus. If the applicant had active service outside the combat zone during the time periods specified for Afghanistan and Iraq they may be eligible for the $400 bonus. Surviving relatives are eligible for a $2,000.00 bonus if a Veteran's death was service connected and resulted from Afghanistan, Iraq or Kosovo service during the specified time periods. The person receiving the bonus shall not be required to include the bonus as income for state income tax purposes. Please Note: A Veteran may not receive more than a total of $600 through this program. Each deployment and/or conflict does not garner an additional payment.
Eligibility:
--Veterans who were bona fide residents of the State of West Virginia at the time of their entry into active service and for a period of at least six months immediately prior.
--Veterans who were separated from service under honorable conditions.
--Veterans of the armed forces of the United States or who were members of reserve components called to active duty by the President of the United States. A surviving spouse or children may request an application by calling 1-888-838-2332, or by email at WVDVA@state.wv.us , or by mail at the address listed below. All applications will be mailed to: West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs, 1321 Plaza East Suite 101, Charleston, WV 25301
Retired Military Pay: The taxable amount, not to exceed $2,000, of military retirement income from the regular armed forces, National Guard or Reserves, or of survivor annuities, reported on the federal return is deducted from federal adjusted gross income. An additional modification, up to a maximum of $20,000, of military retired pay (from the regular armed forces, National Guard or reserve, or from survivor annuities) is to be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing WV state taxes. Please see the West Virginia Tax Code Chapter 11 Article 21 Sections 12-[(c)(5)], [(7)(A&B)] and WV tax form Schedule M for more information.
Eligibility: Military Retiree or Surviving Spouse
State War Orphans Education: Provides at least $2,000 each fiscal year (1 July to 30 June) for attendance at a post-secondary or training institution to certain children of deceased Service members.
Eligibility: Student must be at least sixteen and not more than twenty-five years of age, enrolled in a post-secondary education or training institution in this state and must be a child of a Veteran who served on active duty in the armed forces at some time during one of the following periods: World War I - April 6, 1917 to July 2, 1921, World War II - December 1, 1941 to December 31, 1946, Provided that if a Veteran was on active duty on December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947 shall be considered wartime service for the purpose of this program, Korean War - June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955, Vietnam Era - August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975, Kosovo - November 20, 1995 - December 31, 2000, Iraq - March 19, 2003 - Date to be determined. Afghanistan - October 7, 2001 - Date to be determined and killed in action or died due to disease or disability resulting from their war service. This includes children of Reservists called to active duty under Title 10 for the purpose of going into armed combat. [WV code 18-19-1 / WV code 18-19-2]
Prisoner of War: To qualify for a no-fee Former Prisoner of War license plate, an applicant must have been held as a prisoner of war during an armed conflict. An applicant must submit all documentation to be certified by the West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs in Part II of the application. The vehicle on which the plate will be placed must be a Class A passenger car or truck and may not be used for commercial purposes. The vehicle must be currently titled in West Virginia in the applicant's name. In the event of the death of the Prisoner of War plate holder, the license plate may be retained by the surviving spouse until remarriage, non-renewal or death.
West Virginia Veterans Bonus: Approved applicants are eligible for either a $600or $400 bonus. If the approved applicant served in the combat zone and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal they are eligible for the $600 bonus. If the applicant had active service outside the combat zone during the time periods specified for Afghanistan and Iraq they may be eligible for the $400 bonus. Surviving relatives are eligible for a $2,000.00 bonus if a Veteran's death was service connected and resulted from Afghanistan, Iraq or Kosovo service during the specified time periods. The person receiving the bonus shall not be required to include the bonus as income for state income tax purposes. Please Note: A Veteran may not receive more than a total of $600 through this program. Each deployment and/or conflict does not garner an additional payment.
Eligibility:
--Veterans who were bona fide residents of the State of West Virginia at the time of their entry into active service and for a period of at least six months immediately prior.
--Veterans who were separated from service under honorable conditions.
--Veterans of the armed forces of the United States or who were members of reserve components called to active duty by the President of the United States. A surviving spouse or children may request an application by calling 1-888-838-2332, or by email at WVDVA@state.wv.us , or by mail at the address listed below. All applications will be mailed to: West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs, 1321 Plaza East Suite 101, Charleston, WV 25301
Veterans Nursing Facility: The Veteran's Nursing Facility is a 120 bed facility located in Clarksburg, West Virginia which began operation in 2007. The facility includes a 20 bed unit for Alzheimer patients. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a warm, attractive, and comfortable facility for West Virginia Veterans in need of nursing home care. Visitation to the home is encouraged.
Eligibility: Veterans who have served on active duty or performed active service in a reserve component of the armed forces for a period of at least 12 consecutive months; or who have been medically discharged for a service connected injury prior to 12 months service. Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980 must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty unless they were medically discharged for a service connected injury prior to 24 months service. Must be honorably discharged and have been a continuous citizen of West Virginia for 30 days prior to application to WVVNF or a resident of WV at the time they initially entered active military service. Veterans must be physically unable to maintain themselves in their own home and meet the criteria for intermediate or skilled nursing care under Medicare and Medicaid regulations. Non-Veteran spouses may be considered for admission ONLY when the Veteran's nursing facility capacity is greater than 75% of the total licensed beds and when there are no Veterans awaiting admission on the interest list.
State Veteran's Cemetery: The Donnel Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery is a 354 acre facility located at Dunbar, West Virginia designed to provide an honorable, dignified resting place for West Virginia's cherished Veterans and their closest family members.
Eligibility: Follows Federal guidelines and requirements for eligibility.
Includes, but is not limited to: any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty; any Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and served a minimum of 24 months of active duty; spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran; the minor children of eligible Veteran who are unmarried and under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age and pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
State Tax Advantage:
Combat pay received during 2010 is not taxable on the federal income tax return and is therefore not taxable on the WV state tax return.
Active Duty military pay received by West Virginia National Guard and Reserve forces for service in Operation Enduring Freedom or domestic security duty as the result of a federal order to active duty can be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing West Virginia state taxes. [West Virginia Tax Code, Chapter 11, Article 21, Section 12e]
Eligibility: Military Personnel
Retired Military Pay: The taxable amount, not to exceed $2,000, of military retirement income from the regular armed forces, National Guard or Reserves, or of survivor annuities, reported on federal return is deducted from federal adjusted gross income. An additional modification, up to a maximum of $20,000, of military retired pay (from the regular armed forces, National Guard or reserve, or from survivor annuities) is to be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing WV state taxes. Please see the West Virginia Tax Code Chapter 11 Article 21 Sections 12-[(c)(5)], [(7)(A&B)] and WV tax form Schedule M for more information.
Eligibility: Military Retiree or Surviving Spouse
National Guard Education Benefits: The West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program (WVEEP) provides up to 100% tuition assistance for certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's level courses and up to $6, 500 per year for Soldiers attending in-state institutions. For students who have full scholarship under the Promise Scholars Program, WVEEP will pay them the money that would have been paid to the school.
The Army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance Program will pay for Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's and Master's level up to $4,500 per year. The two programs may be used concurrently to cover up to $11,000 per year in tuition assistance. The State of West Virginia will pay up to 100% of in-resident tuition and fees at any state-supported college/university. Out-of-state students pay tuition at the in-state rates at state supported schools.
Eligibility: Available only to National Guard Service members. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for continued participation in the program.
Veterans Re-education Act Fund: Tuition assistance to those Veterans who need a new vocation due to dislocation or unemployment. See the WV Army National Guard page for more information on the WV Veterans Re-education Act Fund and other Education Scholarships and Grants.
Eligibility: Must be and honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces that has served at least 181 consecutive days of military service, is a WV resident, and is Federal Pell Grant eligible or unemployed. Veteran must have exhausted the G.I. Bill and be in need of tuition assistance.
Veterans Preference: Veterans applying to State jobs will have five (5) points added to a final passing score. An additional five (5) points are added to a veteran's score if veteran is a recipient of the Purple Heart or has a compensable service-connected disability.
Eligibility:
--Under the West Virginia Civil Service System all veterans who have served under honorable conditions in the armed forces of the United States during hostile conflict are eligible for Veterans Preference.
--Veteran must be Purple Heart recipient or have compensable service-connected disability in order to receive additional five (5) points to final passing score.
--Estimate your Veterans preference on the WV State Government Job Opportunities site.
--Proof of service dates, disability and Purple Heart Award or Campaign Badge must be verified by DD-214. Disability must be verified by a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
State Employment: State employees receive 30 days military leave for training and drills. In addition, upon mobilization, an additional 30 days of paid military leave is provided for each instance of call to active duty. Employee may elect to maintain State Employee Health Insurance while on State or Federal Active Duty.
Eligibility: National Guard and US Army Reserve Service members who are State employees.
National Guard Plates: National Guard license plates can be purchased for a one-time $10 fee in addition to the $30 regular registration fee.
Eligibility: WV Army and Air National Guard members.
State Group Insurance: Army and Air National Guard Service members, their spouses and dependents are eligible for special State Group Life Insurance rates.
Service Member:
$5,000.00/$2.00 month; $10,000.00/$3.67 month; $15,000.00/$5.33 month; $20,000.00/$7.00 month; $25,000.00/$8.67 month; $35,000.00/$12.00 month; $50,000.00/$17.00 month
Spouse: $5,000.00/$2.00 month; $10,000.00/$3.66 month; $15,000.00/$6.00 month
Dependent:$2,000.00/$1.33 month; $5,000.00/$3.33 month
Eligibility: Available Only to West Virginia National Guard Service members.
Medical Benefits: Worker's Compensation when on state active duty; Tricare when on federal active duty.
Eligibility: West Virginia National Guard Service members.
Injury/Death Benefits: Compensation to survivors as provided by state legislation
Eligibility: WV National Guard Service members.
West Virginia Veterans Bonus: Approved applicants are eligible for either a $600.00 or $400 bonus. If the approved applicant served in the combat zone and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal they are eligible for the $600 bonus. If the applicant had active service outside the combat zone during the time periods specified for Afghanistan and Iraq they may be eligible for the $400 bonus. Surviving relatives are eligible for a $2,000.00 bonus if a Veteran's death was service connected and resulted from Afghanistan, Iraq or Kosovo service during the specified time periods. The person receiving the bonus shall not be required to include the bonus as income for state income tax purposes. Please Note: A Veteran may not receive more than a total of $600 through this program. Each deployment and/or conflict does not garner an additional payment.
Eligibility:
--Veterans who were bona fide residents of the State of West Virginia at the time of their entry into active service and for a period of at least six months immediately prior.
--Veterans who were separated from service under honorable conditions.
--Veterans of the armed forces of the United States or who were members of reserve components called to active duty by the President of the United States. A surviving spouse or children may request an application by calling 1-888-838-2332, or by email at WVDVA@state.wv.us , or by mail at the address listed below. All applications will be mailed to: West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs, 1321 Plaza East Suite 101, Charleston, WV 25301
State Veteran's Cemetery: The Donnel Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery is a 354 acre facility located at Dunbar, West Virginia designed to provide an honorable, dignified resting place for West Virginia's cherished Veterans and their closest family members.
Eligibility: Follows Federal guidelines and requirements for eligibility.
Includes, but is not limited to: any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty; any Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and served a minimum of 24 months of active duty; spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran; the minor children of eligible Veteran who are unmarried and under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age and pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
State Tax Advantage:
Service members, whose legal residence was West Virginia at the time they entered into military service, are considered residents of West Virginia. They must file a return and pay WV taxes unless they did not maintain a physical presence in WV for more than 30 days during the taxable year. [WV Tax Law Report, p. 65; WV Code 11-21-7(a)]
--If, during 2010, you spent more than 30 days in WV: you are a considered a WV resident for income tax purposes and must file a resident return and report all of your income to WV
--If, during 2010, you did NOT spend more than 30 days in WV but had income from a WV source: you may be required to file an income tax return with WV as a nonresident, depending on the type of income received.
Combat pay received during 2010 is not taxable on the federal income tax return and is therefore not taxable on the WV state tax return.
Active Duty military pay received by West Virginia National Guard and Reserve forces for service in Operation Enduring Freedom or domestic security duty as the result of a federal order to active duty can be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing West Virginia state taxes. [West Virginia Tax Code, Chapter 11, Article 21, Section 12e]
Eligibility: Military Personnel
Retired Military Pay: The taxable amount, not to exceed $2,000, of military retirement income from the regular armed forces, National Guard or Reserves, or of survivor annuities, reported on federal return is deducted from federal adjusted gross income. An additional modification, up to a maximum of $20,000, of military retired pay (from the regular armed forces, National Guard or reserve, or from survivor annuities) is to be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income when filing WV state taxes. Please see the West Virginia Tax Code Chapter 11 Article 21 Sections 12-[(c)(5)], [(7)(A&B)] and WV tax form Schedule M for more information.
Eligibility: Military Retiree or Surviving Spouse
Veterans Re-education Act Fund: Tuition assistance to those Veterans who need a new vocation due to dislocation or unemployment. See the WV Army National Guard page for more information on the WV Veterans Re-education Act Fund and other Education Scholarships and Grants.
Eligibility: Must be and honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces that has served at least 181 consecutive days of military service, is a WV resident, and is Federal Pell Grant eligible or unemployed. Veteran must have exhausted the G.I. Bill and be in need of tuition assistance.
Veterans Preference: Veterans applying to State jobs will have five (5) points added to a final passing score. An additional five (5) points are added to a Veteran's score if Veteran is a recipient of the Purple Heart or has a compensable service-connected disability.
Eligibility:
--Under the West Virginia Civil Service System all Veterans who have served under honorable conditions in the armed forces of the United States during hostile conflict are eligible for Veterans Preference.
--Veteran must be Purple Heart recipient or have compensable service-connected disability in order to receive additional five (5) points to final passing score.
--Estimate your Veterans preference on the WV State Government Job Opportunities site.
--Proof of service dates, disability and Purple Heart Award or Campaign Badge must be verified by DD-214. Disability must be verified by a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
State Employment: State employees receive 30 days military leave for training and drills. In addition, upon mobilization, an additional 30 days of paid military leave is provided for each instance of call to active duty. Employee may elect to maintain State Employee Health Insurance while on State or Federal Active Duty.
Eligibility: National Guard and US Army Reserve Service members who are State employees
Armed Forces Reserve Plates: Armed Forces Reserve license plates can be purchased for a one-time $10 fee in addition to the $30 regular registration fee.
Eligibility: Army Reserve Service members.
Veteran Plate: Veteran Plate for Veterans for a onetime fee of $10.00 over and above the regular license fee.
Eligibility: Must be honorably discharged Veteran.
West Virginia Veterans Bonus: Approved applicants are eligible for either a $600.00 or $400 bonus. If the approved applicant served in the combat zone and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal they are eligible for the $600 bonus. If the applicant had active service outside the combat zone during the time periods specified for Afghanistan and Iraq they may be eligible for the $400 bonus. Surviving relatives are eligible for a $2,000.00 bonus if a Veteran's death was service connected and resulted from Afghanistan, Iraq or Kosovo service during the specified time periods. The person receiving the bonus shall not be required to include the bonus as income for state income tax purposes. Please Note: A Veteran may not receive more than a total of $600 through this program. Each deployment and/or conflict does not garner an additional payment.
Eligibility:
--Veterans who were bona fide residents of the State of West Virginia at the time of their entry into active service and for a period of at least six months immediately prior.
--Veterans who were separated from service under honorable conditions.
--Veterans of the armed forces of the United States or who were members of reserve components called to active duty by the President of the United States. A surviving spouse or children may request an application by calling 1-888-838-2332, or by email at WVDVA@state.wv.us , or by mail at the address listed below. All applications will be mailed to: West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs, 1321 Plaza East Suite 101, Charleston, WV 25301
State Veteran's Cemetery: The Donnel Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery is a 354 acre facility located at Dunbar, West Virginia designed to provide an honorable, dignified resting place for West Virginia's cherished Veterans and their closest family members.
Eligibility: Follows Federal guidelines and requirements for eligibility.
Includes, but is not limited to: any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty; any Veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and served a minimum of 24 months of active duty; spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran; the minor children of eligible Veteran who are unmarried and under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age and pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?state=wv&dnum=all
http://www.goang.com/benefits/
https://www.wvguardtuition.com/
http://www.veterans.wv.gov/assistance/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.nasvh.org/dir_statehomes/stateInfo.cfm
http://www.transportation.wv.gov/
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-new-york-wyoming#WESTVIRGINIA
Document Review Date: 20 February 2013