Military Retired Pay
Retired pay is a monthly benefit for military service members based on the years served and their pay at the time of discharge. Normally, this would only be granted after 20 years of active service or equivalent. However, those with medical retirements and those who were offered early retirement during force drawdown may draw this benefit with less than 20 years of service. Here are the retirement plans that have been used over the years:
Retired pay is administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). A retired service member may follow this link to
access their DFAS account electronically. On this site, you can change your account information, download electronic monthly Retirement Account Statements, and download electronic tax statements.
REAL PROPERTY TAX CREDIT
In 2023, the West Virginia Legislature passed the Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit. Taxpayers are eligible to claim this credit beginning January 1, 2024 however, the first opportunity to use the credit is on the 2024 WV income tax return, which is filed in 2025.
This tax credit can be claimed by honorably discharged Disabled Veteran homeowners from any branch of the U.S. Armed Services who have a 90-100% Combined Disability Rating from thefederal Department Veteran Affairs. To ensure eligibility, the homestead exemption form must be filed with the County Assessor in a timely manner (for individuals, this is before October 1.) Additionally, real property taxes need to be paid in a timely manner, with the first half of the assessment paid before October 1 and the second half before April 1. If a veteran owns several properties within West Virginia, the credit is only applied to the property where they primarily live.
This Credit will replace the existing $20,000 property tax exemption. Get more information here.HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Veteras rated100 percent permanent and totally disabled by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs may be exempt from certain property taxes. Details are available in West Virginia State Code §11-6B. Veterans who believe they qualify should contact their County Assessors' Office or their local Department of Veterans Assistance benefits office.
Disability and Death Compensation
There are several financial benefits that a veteran client may have earned and that their dependents may also be entitled to through the veteran’s service. The list below does not convey every circumstance a veteran may be dealing with. For questions about your eligibility and how to file to claim the benefits you have earned, please contact your nearest Veterans Benefits Office. Department Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can explain what benefits you’ve earned and can help you claim them. Our service officers are accredited through multiple service organizations, including the American Legion, American Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, and more.
VA Pension
Veterans of periods of conflict and their surviving spouses may be eligible for a
Non-Service-Connected Pension or a survivor pension. These are tax-free benefits for veterans and their survivors who are low-income. For more information, visit our Pension page here.
VA Home Loan Program
The VA Home Loan Program helps service members, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. This benefit helps eligible participants buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for personal occupancy.
VA home loans are loans provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, where the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide participants with more favorable terms that generally do not require a down payment. Participating financial institutions should have all of the information you need. If you have questions about the process, contact one of our benefits offices near you.
Federal VA financial hardship assistance
Service Organizations and other Non-Profits
American Legion
This program has been in existence since 1925 and provides assistance to a veteran family in need. A qualifying veteran is one who was a member of the US Armed Forces who served on federal orders under Title 10 of the United States Code or any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in the American Legion. A one-time non-repayable temporary financial assistance grant of up to $1.5 K will be permitted for the veteran's minor child(ren).
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Unmet Needs offers a grant to active duty service members, including Gard and Reserve members, who have unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury.
Operation Family Fund
Operation Family Fund is a private non-profit charitable organization. It is sponsored totally by private donations and run by volunteers; there are no paid staff. Their goal is to assist families of those who have been injured as part of the Global War on Terrorism with grants for transitioning to their new circumstances and attaining financial self-sufficienc
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Semper Fi & America's Fund has several programs to help veterans. These include their Service Member and Family Support program, designed to give direct financial assistance to combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members and military families during hospitalization and recovery; Transition Program to help wounded and critically ill service members and veterans thrive beyond injury to recovery; Integrative Wellness Program, to provide a holistic approach to long-term health by providing tools to improve body mind and spirit.
Operation First Response
Can offer assistance to veterans and first responders with personal and financial needs. Financial aid varies from case to case but is based on individual needs, which can include help with rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and medically necessary travel expenses.
USA Cares
The USA Cares,
Veteran and Family Support System can provide
possible immediate financial support, and also financial education to veteran families who are facing financial difficulty.
Wounded Warrior Project
Dixon Center
Women Veteran Financial Assistance
https://dixoncenter.org/woman-veterans-program/
The
Dixon Center Women Veteran Financial Assistance Program is available to assist with the unmet expenses of women veterans, their spouse, their caregiver, and their children. They can provide help with utilities, infant supplies, vehicle repair and upkeep. The veteran must apply for aid herself and must be employed or actively seeking employment.