District of Columbia Veteran Benefits (2026)
What District of Columbia offers veterans on top of federal VA benefits — property tax relief, state income-tax treatment of retirement pay, and education programs. Compiled from official state sources.
Property tax exemption
DC's Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction, effective October 1, 2022, reduces the assessed value of an eligible veteran's principal residence by $445,000. The veteran must be rated by the VA as totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected condition (or paid at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability), hold at least 50% ownership, and meet a household income cap (federal AGI under $163,500 for 2026).
Military retirement pay & state income tax
The District taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income; residents age 62 or older may exclude up to $3,000 of military retired pay, pension, or annuity income received from the federal or DC government.
Education benefits
DC has no broad state tuition waiver named in official sources for veterans generally, but DC National Guard members in good standing can receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year toward tuition plus up to $500 in fees through the DC National Guard Retention and College Access Program (DCTA).
Also worth knowing
The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs provides trained service representatives who help veterans and families find and apply for federal and local benefits (OVA@DC.gov, 202-724-5454).
Where to apply & verify
- Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs — the official state agency for these programs
- Verified veteran services in District of Columbia — directory of local organizations
- District of Columbia veteran resources & news
- VA disability pay dates 2026 · 2026 VA disability rates
Latest District of Columbia veteran news
National Guard says it is ‘actively addressing’ incident of troops near DC ballot drop box
Task & Purpose · Oct 9
Golden Age Games celebrate 40 years of competition, camaraderie and healthy aging
VA News · Jun 30
DC reaches settlement with man who played ‘Star Wars’ music at troops
Task & Purpose · Jun 27
Other states
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About this information: Compiled July 2026 from official state sources and verified references. Benefit rules change through legislation — always confirm details with Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.