Email: benefits@dva.wa.gov
Phone: 1-800-562-2308
Website: https://cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/
If you are a veteran or know a veteran who needs help connecting to the Veterans Benefits they earned, please let us know how we can reach them!
Contact us directly at benefits@dva.wa.govor 1-800-562-2308
Visit www.dva.wa.gov to sign up for monthly e-mail or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Burial Benefits
Washington State is home to both and National Veterans Cemetery (operated by the Federal VA) and a State Veterans Cemetery operated by WDVA. Both cemeteries provide Military Funeral Honors for veterans and their final resting place.
Visit: https://cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/ for additional information
Claims assistance
The Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs is a full-service state agency that assists veterans, their family members and survivors. The department is an advocate for veterans and their families, and aggressively pursues all federal and state benefits and entitlements on their behalf.
Contact WDVA at benefits@dva.wa.gov or visit https://www.dva.wa.gov/resources to find a service officer nearest you.
CDL
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) skills test waiver is available to service members who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the last 90 days in the military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). This waiver allows a qualified service member to apply for a CDL without skills testing. CDL knowledge test cannot be waived. Veterans who have separated within the last 12 months may also be eligible to have the military training count towards state training requirements for CDL.
For additional information about this program, visit http://www.dva.wa.gov
Counseling
The Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs provides confidential counseling services to Washington State veterans and family members with war-era and PTSD- related issues.
Find a provider in your area by visiting: http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/counseling
Education
Washington state schools are committed to helping veterans be successful in their higher education goals. Many provide special Veteran Representatives and are partners with WDVA through the Vet Corps or other programs. For dependents of 100% disabled veterans, tuition waivers may be available.
Visit: http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/employment
Employment
There are many resources out there to help with your job search! The first step for veterans is a visit to your local WorkSource office where fellow veterans are available to help with your job search needs.
Visit: www.wa.gov/esdto find a local veterans employment representative or disabled veterans outreach program staff nearest you. Many additional resources are available at:
http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/employment
Free or Reduced Passes
Disabled veterans may be eligible for free license plate, discounted hunting and fishing licenses as well as state federal parks passes.
Visit: http://www.dva.wa.gov/program/free-or-reduced-rate-passes
Homeless Veterans and Transitional Housing Services
WDVA operates a transitional housing program for veterans who are struggling with homelessness. In addition we provide referrals to many other programs across Washington State.
Visit: http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/homeless-services-and-transitional-housing
Incarcerated Veteran Services and Veterans Courts
The Veterans Incarcerated Reintegration Services is a joint project working with King, Thurston and Clark counties to address the needs of veterans incarcerated in County correctional facilities, offering alternatives to jail and referral to housing, employment services, and treatment.
Find out more at: dva.wa.gov/veterans-service-members-and-their-families/veterans-benefits/reentry-program-vet-court
License plates
Washington State offers many veteran and military license plates. The Armed Forces license plate collection provides funding for the State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA, as well as providing funding for homeless veteran services.
Find out about Armed Forces and veterans license plates at: http://www.dva.wa.gov/program/license-plates
Returning Veteran Programs and Services
For veterans who are experiencing financial hardship due to deployment, the Veterans Innovations Program may be able to help. The VIP was created to provide assistance to veterans and their families facing financial hardships due to deployments in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Learn more at: http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/veterans-innovations-program
State Veterans Homes
Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs serves veterans and several State Veterans Home, where veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and settings that provide a sense of belonging unique to veterans.
Learn about State Veteran Homes: http://www.dva.wa.gov/veteran-homes/veterans-homes
Veterans Conservation Corps and VetCorps
The Veterans Conservation Corps assists veterans by providing training and volunteer opportunities that help to restore and protect Washington States natural resources. In addition, a team of VetCorps members, funded through an AmeriCorps grant, are available on colleges and universities around Washington State. These VetCorps members help veterans achieve their higher education goals.
Find out more at: dva.wa.gov/node/677
Women Veterans
The WDVA Women Veterans Advisory Committee helps connect Washington’s women veterans to the federal and state veterans services and benefits that they earned. Our counseling program also connects women veterans to providers who can assist with issues such as military sexual trauma.
More information is available at: dva.wa.gov/councils-committees/women-veterans