Just a little over half a million veterans call Washington home, and they're a smart bunch too. On the national level about 25 percent of veterans have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, that number almost hits 30 percent if you just look at Washington vets. (Seattle actually has the highest percentage rate of residents with a college degree!)
There are a few firsts that we owe to this state. The first gas station in the world opened in 1907 in Seattle. Seattle was also the first American city to put police on bikes. One has to wonder if the line at the gas station was too long for the cops, but I digress. The games Pictionary, Pickle-ball and Cranium were all invented in Washington. And in 1980 the state gave us something very, very important... the world’s first expresso cart!
For veterans wanting to live in Washington, there are a few laws you need to know about before moving there. It’s illegal to destroy someone else’s beer bottle if you live in Washington. Same for walking around in public if you have a cold. In Wilbur, it’s against the law to ride an ugly horse. There’s a law in Vancouver that requires all motor vehicles to carry an anchor as an emergency brake. And in Seattle, women who sit on men’s laps while on a bus or train, without putting a pillow between them face an automatic six months in jail. Also on Seattle busses, don’t bring a fishbowl or aquarium that’s filled with water. The sound of sloshing water may disturb the other passengers and that’s illegal.
Taxes
Washington does not have personal income tax.
- Property Tax Relief.Veterans with a 100 percent, VA rated disability may receive income based property tax exemptions and deferrals.Contact your County Assessor for more information.Unmarried spouses of deceased, 100 percent disabled veterans may also qualify for grant assistance. More info can be found here. The form for widows/widowers of Veterans is here.Disabled persons must provide proof of disability.
Education
- Vet Corps helps veterans and their family members navigate Washington’s higher education and training programs.
- Washington Career Bridge has over 5,000 education programs.
- Washington Student Achievement Council – find a list of Colleges and Universities in the state.
- List of Veterans Service Offices at community and technical colleges.
- Tuition waivers for veterans and dependents
Career
- Veterans receive preference points when testing for open and open non-promotional examinations.You need an honorable discharge to take advantage of this.Spouse of honorable discharged vets who have a 100 percent, service-connected disabilities may receive this preference as well.
- Find a Veterans Employment Representative at your local WorkSource Office.
- Port jobs in Seattle
Family
Several organizations in the state provide financial utility bill assistance for vets and their family members. You can find county services here.
- Estate Management. Protective payee services for veteran sand family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs.
Entertainment
- Fishing/Hunting licenses. Reduced fees for honorably-discharged vet with at least a 30 percent, VA rated disability.
- Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass is for free camping, moorage and campsite reservations through state parks.
Housing
- There are four Veterans Homes for vets with honorable discharges.Spouse of a resident or widow/widower of an eligible vet may also live here. Same for Gold Star parents. Go here for more information.
Cemetery and Burial
- Veterans residing in the state are eligible to receive certain end of live benefits. For more information. Forms are here.
- 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 or Resources
