There are just over 26,000 veterans living in the nation’s capital. The District of Columbia is in a unique situation: it’s not a state, but a federal district. If you live there, you're an American, but without voting rights and representation. Benefits for veterans are mostly provided by the VA and federal programs. Local programs for veterans that are provided by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs.
Taxes
The District of Columbia follows federal tax rules, so military retirement pay is taxed in DC. Survivor benefits are taxed as well.
- Homestead/Senior Citizen deduction. A veteran must be over 65 years old or disabled to qualify for a property tax exemption in DC. The exemption reduces the veterans’ property tax by 50 percent. The veteran must own at least 50 percent of the property and the annual income can’t exceed $130,550. Here’s the application.
Education
There are several colleges and universities in DC. Find one that you are interested in and type “veterans” in the search field. Most will have a program specifically for veterans. Here are just a couple:
- The University of the District of Columbia is the only Service Members Opportunity College in the Capital. The Office of Military and Veteran Services can help with tuition assistance and education benefits programs.
- The George Washington University has the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services and the VetSuccess on Campus Counselor who will help veterans, active duty and family members coordinate on-campus benefits.
Career
- Veterans with more than 180 consecutive days of active duty are eligible for preference in District government jobs. Typically an honorable discharge gives veterans 5 preference points; a service connected disability of 30 percent or more gives veterans 10 extra points. Some spouses and surviving spouses of disabled veterans can receive the preference as well.
- DC’s Department of Employment Services gives priority to veterans and eligible spouses. You can contact the Veterans Program Coordinator at (202) 422-4460.
Family
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program helps low-income DC residents facing housing emergencies. The amount paid depends on the household's income and available resources.
Entertainment
- There is a lot to do in DC that’s fun. And free! The Smithsonian Museums are free and feature over 9,000 veteran specific exhibits and pieces of art.
- The Price of Freedom: Americans at War is a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
- There are more than 100 museums in the District. Make sure you ask for either the military or veterans’ discount when purchasing tickets.
Housing
Armed Forces Retirement Home is a retirement community for veterans who served a minimum of 20 years. Disabled veterans have special eligibility, married couples are welcome but both must be eligible for residency. Fees do apply.
Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing must be DC resident and chronically homeless.
DC’s VA Medical Center’s Community Resource and Referral Center isn’t a shelter but it provides services to assist veterans and family members. The building has a primary care clinic, a complete kitchen, laundry and shower facilities, food pantry and a play room for children.
Knollwood Military Retirement Community in NW DC is a owned and funded by the Army Distaff Foundation and provides residential and healthcare for retired military officers and their families.
Ceremonial and Burial
- Eligibility Determination Form. Pre-needs determination is intended to simplify and assist the veteran’s next-of-kin at the time of death. This does not reserve a plot or niche at the cemetery. There is no cost for this.
Links and Resources
- Resume Writing Assistance
- DC Veteran Voters
- VetsRide. Rides for veteran residents of DC with annual income less than $30k
