District of Columbia Veteran Benefits

Service members have a 180 day extension to file and pay their Washington, D.C. taxes after they return from service in a combat zone or contingency operation. Spouses filing a joint return are also offered this extension. Washington, D.C. Tax Extension Forms (under Forms select Submit an Extension)

Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

SBP, RCSBP, RSFPP annuities are excluded from Washington, D.C. gross income for survivors who are 62 years old or older.

Social Security benefits are exempt from Washington, D.C. income taxes.

DCTA is offered to Washington, D.C. National Guard service members to cover the costs of higher education that are not covered by Federal Tuition Assistance. DCTA may be used towards an associate, bachelor's, master's or professional degree (only one of each degree level).

UI provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement for lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income. Benefits are not based on financial need.

Persons younger than 16 or 65 years of age or older may fish in Washington, D.C. without a fishing license.

Certain disabled Veterans who own property in Washington, D.C. may be eligible for a homestead tax deduction of up to $445,000.

Washington, D.C.government employees who are service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are authorized 15 days military leave per fiscal year for active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty training.

The rate that a Washington, D.C. employee accrues annual leave depends on an employee's creditable service.

The Call for Hire program allows Washington, D.C. government agencies to non-competitively hire applicants who register for a qualified talent pool made up of only Veterans and their spouses.

DOES helps Veterans, service members who are leaving the U.S. Armed Forces and eligible spouses by providing employment training and placement services.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements.

Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium.

The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains one national cemetery in Washington, D.C. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.

The Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a "Veteran" designation on a Washington, D.C. driver licenses or ID cards for Veterans who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Washington, D.C. Veteran license is available for eligible Veterans, their spouse and surviving spouse. Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. Veterans License Plates? To be eligible applicants must be a Washington, D.C. resident and meet one of the requirements:

The CDL skills test may be waived for service members who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the last 90 days in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. CDL knowledge (written) tests cannot be waived.

Metrobus, Metrorail and participating transit agencies offer discounted fares for disabled Veterans. Eligible Veterans receive the following discounts:

The VetsRide program provides convenient, free transportation for Washington, D.C. Veterans. VetsRide can provide rides to:

The VA has numerous resources and locations throughout the state available to assist Veterans and family members. To find a VA location in Washington D.C. enter Washington D.C.