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Virginia

State Population: 6,624,367
Veteran Population: 641,144

Education

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In Virginia, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to state-funded education benefits to support their educational pursuits. These include the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), which provides education benefits to eligible children and spouses of military service members who were killed, missing in action, or permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) offers financial assistance to Virginia residents attending eligible private, non-profit colleges or universities in the state. Additionally, the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program provides tuition assistance to eligible members of the Virginia National Guard attending accredited institutions in Virginia. These state-funded programs aim to help veterans, National Guard members, and their families access higher education opportunities. For more information and specific eligibility requirements, individuals should contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services or visit their official website.
  • Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
    • Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (VNG STA). The VNG STA provides eligible members of the Virginia National Guard with financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition expenses at eligible Virginia colleges and universities. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. Under the VNG STA, eligible Virginia National Guard members may receive up to a specified dollar amount per credit hour, up to a maximum annual limit. The program has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. We recommend contacting the Virginia Department of Military Affairs or the Virginia National Guard Recruiting Office to get detailed information about the current program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for state-funded tuition assistance for National Guard members in Virginia. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities.
  • Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
  • Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
    • Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). Under the VMSDEP, eligible children and spouses of military service members who died, became missing in action, or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service may receive financial assistance to cover tuition and fees at eligible Virginia colleges and universities. Additionally, Virginia also offers the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program, which provides financial assistance to Virginia residents attending eligible private colleges and universities in Virginia. It's important to note that specific eligibility criteria and application processes may vary for each program. We recommend contacting the Virginia Department of Veterans Services or the Veterans Services Office at your chosen college or university in Virginia to get detailed information about the current programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for tuition assistance for veterans. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities.
  • Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
    • (State must recognize military spouse license if home state has equivalent training) State agencies shall issue expedited licenses to military spouses licensed in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent education and training requirements. Said license shall allow the military spouse to practice in Virginia if they accompany their spouse to live in Virginia, the District of Columbia, or any adjacent state. If the state agency is unable to make a determination to issue the license within 20 days of application, the agency shall issue the military spouse a temporary license that lasts up to 12 months to allow the military spouse to practice while the board makes the final determination and/or the military spouse completes any remaining requirements.
  • Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022

Business Benefits

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Virginia offers a range of programs to support veteran-owned businesses. The state provides a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) certification program through the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), which helps veteran-owned businesses gain recognition and access to procurement opportunities. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) offers financing programs and loan guarantee programs with favorable terms and rates to support veteran-owned businesses in obtaining capital for business development, expansion, or equipment acquisition. Virginia also has procurement preferences for veteran-owned businesses, giving priority consideration to certified veteran-owned businesses in its procurement processes. Additionally, the state provides business development services, including one-on-one counseling, training workshops, and assistance with business planning, marketing, and financial management, through the Virginia SBSD. The Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) serves as a resource for veteran entrepreneurs in Virginia, providing counseling, training, and assistance with starting and growing businesses. To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in Virginia, I recommend visiting the official website of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) at https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/. The SBSD website should provide information on programs, certifications, financing options, and other resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Virginia for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.
  • Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
  • Small Business Loan Program
    • Freedom First Federal Credit Union’s Small Business Fund
  • Offers State Funding opportunity or Financial Assistance
  • Business Resource and Education Programs
  • Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
    • - State Department: Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
      - Program Types: Loan Participation Program Loan Guarantee Program Collateral Support Program Equity Capital Program (Funds) Equity Capital Program (Direct)
      - Program Names: SSBCI Loan Participation Program SSBCI Loan Guaranty Program SSBCI Cash Collateral Program SSBCI Venture Capital Program SSBCI Venture Capital Program (Direct)
      - Contact Information: [email protected]  [email protected] 

Taxes, Land, and Real Estate Benefits and Programs

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In the state of Virginia, veterans, military spouses, and dependents can benefit from various tax, land, and real estate programs. Firstly, there are property tax exemptions available for disabled veterans and surviving spouses on their primary residence, providing financial relief. Secondly, Virginia exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes, offering additional financial advantages to retired service members. Additionally, the state operates veterans cemeteries, ensuring burial options for veterans and their eligible dependents, honoring their service and sacrifice. These programs collectively aim to support veterans, military spouses, and dependents by easing their tax burdens and providing dignified final resting places for those who have served their country.
  • Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
    • A disabled veteran in Virginia may receive a full property tax exemption on his/her primary residence if the veteran is 100 percent disabled as a result of service. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 100%)
  • Offers complete homestead property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and surviving spouses
  • Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
    • No special tax Treatment of military retirement pay
  • Offers a Military Family Relief Fund or Program
    • Program Name: Virginia Military Family Relief Fund
      Program Description:
      Eligible Groups: - Veterans / Service Members
      - Military Families
      - Surviving Families
      - Wounded / Injured

State Employment Programs

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In the state of Virginia, there are several state programs, preferences, and benefits available for veterans and guard and reserve members. The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program assists employers in recruiting and hiring veterans, while the Virginia Transition Assistance Program (VTAP) provides employment assistance to transitioning service members and their spouses. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) offers job placement assistance, counseling, and vocational rehabilitation services. The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) provides priority job referrals, job fairs, and workshops for veterans. Additionally, the Virginia Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program helps military medics and corpsmen transition to civilian healthcare careers. These programs aim to support veterans and reservists in their employment endeavors and provide resources to enhance their career opportunities.
  • Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
    • The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) provides provisions for military service credit for eligible members. Here are some key points about military service credit in the Virginia Retirement System: Eligibility: To be eligible for military service credit, you must be a member of the Virginia Retirement System and have served in the military. Types of Military Service Credit: VRS offers two types of military service credit: a. Vesting Credit: If you served in the military before becoming a VRS member, you may be eligible to receive vesting credit. This credit counts towards the total years of service needed to become vested in the retirement system. b. Benefit Credit: You may also be able to purchase benefit credit for your military service. This credit can increase your retirement benefit calculation. Cost and Calculation: The cost of purchasing military service credit and the calculation method can vary. It is typically based on actuarial calculations and considers factors such as the length of your military service and your salary. It's important to note that the specific rules, eligibility criteria, and costs for military service credit in the Virginia Retirement System may vary. It's advisable to contact VRS directly for detailed information and personalized guidance regarding military service credit in Virginia.
  • Offers Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses or business taxes

State DMV Programs

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No summary available.
  • Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
  • Offers Free or Discounted Public Transportation Programs or Parking

Recreation Programs

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Veterans can potentially benefit from a range of state recreation programs and benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended you contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Offers discounted or free Hunting & Fishing Licenses

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