Virginia Veteran Benefits (2026)
What Virginia 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
Virginia fully exempts from real property tax the principal residence (plus up to one acre, more where local ordinance allows) of veterans rated by the VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition; qualifying unremarried surviving spouses also keep the exemption. Since January 1, 2021, one vehicle owned and used primarily by or for a 100% service-connected, totally and permanently disabled veteran is also exempt from local personal property tax.
Military retirement pay & state income tax
Virginia taxes military retirement pay but allows a Military Benefits Subtraction of up to $40,000 per year (tax year 2025 and later) for military retirement income and qualifying Survivor Benefit Plan payments, with no age requirement.
Education benefits
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) waives all tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters at Virginia public colleges and universities for spouses and children of veterans rated at least 90% permanently disabled from service (or service members killed, missing in action, or taken prisoner).
Also worth knowing
Eligible surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans have been able to move within Virginia and keep the real property tax exemption since July 1, 2019.
Where to apply & verify
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services — the official state agency for these programs
- Verified veteran services in Virginia — directory of local organizations
- Virginia veteran resources & news
- VA disability pay dates 2026 · 2026 VA disability rates
Latest Virginia veteran news
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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 Virginia Department of Veterans Services or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.