Military veterans are often entitled to discounts on Veteran's Day in November, but what about the rest of the year? Discounts, benefits and advantages are available to veterans in the state every day, though certain stipulations may apply.
Disabled veterans are eligible for a discounted combination fishing license (for fresh water, salt water and shellfish) and/or hunting license. Veterans with at least a 30-percent service-connected disability as verified by a Veteran's Affairs, or VA, letter and veterans 65 years of age or older with a service-connected disability as verified by a VA letter are eligible. To apply for disability status, complete the recreational disability application and mail it to 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA, 98501. For a complete list of discounted rates, visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requirements.html#disability_fees.
Disabled veterans who reside in Washington can also receive an annual lifetime pass for free camping and moorage, campsite reservations through the State Parks central reservations system, watercraft launching and a trailer dump. There must be a documented service-connected disability of at least 30 percent, and proof of identification will be required at check-in.
There are many job search sites that cater to veterans, but the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or VR&E, VetSuccess Program can help eligible veterans with disabilities prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs. For those veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately work, VetSuccess offers services to improve the ability for them to live as independently as possible.
Services include an evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment; vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services; employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance; assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations; On the Job Training, or OJT, apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences; post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school; supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals; and independent living services for veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities.
Veterans who have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable or have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent (or a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs) may apply for VetSuccess services. Eligibility is valid for 12 years from the date of active separation from the service or the date of first notification by VA of a service-connected disability rating. Call (800) 562-2308 for more information.
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission has a homeowner assistance program, House Key Veterans, just for in-state veterans. It offers down payment assistance in the form of a second mortgage loan program with a 3-percent interest rate and a 10-year loan term for veterans who have served our country.
To be eligible, the veteran must have received an honorable or medical discharge from the active duty military, Washington National Guard or Reserve. Spouses who have not remarried and the children of deceased veterans are also eligible. Borrowers must be either first-time homebuyers or buying in a targeted area, as defined by the census. Furthermore the first mortgage must be a VA, FHA House Key Loan, House Key Teacher, MyCommunityMortgage or Freddie Mac Home Possible loan.
Lastly, to be eligible for a House Key Veterans loan, applicants must not exceed an annual income of $71,900 in Thurston County and $70,400 in Pierce County. Eligible households can qualify for up to a $10,000 maximum loan. For more information, call (206) 287-4413 or (800) 767-4663.
The Washington State Legislature passed three bills to issue high school diplomas to veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam as part of "Operation Recognition," which is being instituted through individual school districts as a way to thank these individuals for the sacrifices they made.
Veterans who left high school to join the military during WWII, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam era (between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975) are eligible for Operation Recognition as long as they were honorably discharged from the U.S. military and were scheduled to graduate from high school but left before graduation to serve.
Veterans who received a GED are still eligible to receive a high school diploma, and diplomas can be awarded posthumously. An application may be downloaded from www.dva.wa.gov/PDF%20files/Operation%20Recognition%20new%20Application.pdf.
After receiving a high school diploma, some veterans may want to pursue higher education. In addition to the benefits of the GI Bill, the Washington State Legislature authorized state community colleges, colleges and universities to waive "all or a portion of tuition and fees" for eligible veterans or members of the National Guard. An eligible veteran or National Guard member is defined as one who is a Washington resident and has received an honorable discharge from U.S. military service and served in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil, international waters or in another location in support of those serving on foreign soil.
However, each college or university establishes and operates its own veterans waiver program, so details vary by institution; a comprehensive list of schools is available at www.hecb.wa.gov/links/colleges/collegesindex.asp.
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs ,or WDVA, Veterans Estate Management Program offers protective payee services for veterans and family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. This program exists so that representatives can ensure that basic needs like housing, food, clothing and medical care are covered and is offered at no additional cost to the veteran. Services can also include protecting client income and assets from undue creditor claims and protection from loss or diversion; ensuring all clients are fully advised of all potential federal and state benefits to which they may be entitled; and advising clients about their maximum investment and savings opportunities. For more information, call (360) 725-2200 or (800) 562-2308.
The Thurston and Pierce counties Veterans' Assistance Fund helps eligible veterans or family members by providing financial assistance to pay for things like rent, mortgage, power, water, garbage, food, bus passes and burial costs. To be eligible, applicants must be honorably discharged and meet the legal definition of a veteran, according to the state Veteran Affairs Department. They must also be a resident of Washington State for at least six months prior to applying; a resident in Thurston or Pierce Counties, respectively, for at least 31 days prior to applying; and able to provide documentation verifying financial need.
In Thurston County, call (360) 867-2625 to schedule an appointment; in Pierce County, call (253) 798-7449.
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