Complete Guide to D.C. Veterans Resources

Where to Get Help in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. veterans can access help through three primary channels: the Washington DC VA Medical Center (50 Irving St. NW), the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) at 202-724-5454, and the National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office (1722 I St. NW). MOVA provides free claims assistance, and the VA Medical Center operates eight locations across the region.

Quick Facts

Federal VA Benefits Available in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. veterans have full access to all federal VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, education benefits, home loans, and healthcare. The National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office at 1722 I St. NW serves as the primary federal benefits processing center for the District. This office helps veterans, service members, and their families access disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, and home loans.

The VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 1722 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20421. The office can be reached through the VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000.

VA Disability Compensation

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability may qualify for additional benefits, including commissary and exchange privileges.

To apply, veterans submit VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. This form can be filed online through VA.gov or by mail to the VA Regional Benefit Office. The D.C. Office of Veterans Affairs assists veterans with VA Disability Compensation Claims at no cost.

Veterans filing under PACT Act presumptive conditions do not need a nexus letter connecting their condition to service. The VA presumes the connection based on qualifying service locations and eras.

VA Pension

VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older. As of 2026, Veterans Pension provides a single veteran up to $17,441 annually. Veterans who require assistance with daily activities or who are more seriously disabled may qualify for higher rates, including aid and attendance benefits up to $29,000 annually.

Veterans apply using VA Form 21-527EZ. MOVA assists with VA Non-Service Connected Pension Claims.

VA Home Loans

Washington, D.C. veterans can use VA-backed home loans to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home. These loans typically require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. The VA funding fee applies to most borrowers, though veterans with service-connected disabilities may be exempt.

Survivor and Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), VA pension, education assistance, and home loan benefits. MOVA assists with VA Burial and Death Benefit Claims.

Washington, D.C. Local Veterans Benefits

The District of Columbia offers several local benefits for veterans, including a significant property tax deduction for disabled veterans, employment preferences for government jobs, and specialty vehicle tags. Eligibility for most local benefits requires D.C. domicile and proof of veteran status.

Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction

The Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction reduces the assessed value of a disabled veteran’s primary residence by up to $445,000. This is one of the most generous property tax benefits available to veterans anywhere in the United States.

Who qualifies:

• Veterans classified by the VA as having a total and permanent disability as a result of a service-incurred or service-aggravated condition

• Veterans paid at the 100% disability rating level as a result of unemployability (IU)

• Eligible spouses (as amended by D.C. Council Bill 26-0010)

• Active-duty service members who submit Form DD-2058 designating D.C. as their domicile

Requirements:

• Property must be occupied by the disabled veteran and contain no more than five dwelling units

• Property must be the principal residence

• Veteran must have at least 50% ownership of the property

• Veteran must be domiciled in the District

• Total household federal adjusted gross income cannot exceed $163,500 for tax year 2026

How to apply: File the Veterans Homestead Tax Deduction Application through MyTax.DC.gov. Properties receiving this deduction are not eligible for the standard Homestead Deduction, Senior Citizen/Disabled Tax Relief, or tax cap credit.

Proposed expansion: D.C. Council Bill B26-0476 proposes replacing the $445,000 deduction with a 100% property tax exemption for all disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, and removing the income threshold entirely.

Government Employment Preference

The District of Columbia grants veterans preference in government employment. Veterans who served on active duty for more than 180 consecutive days and separated under honorable conditions receive an additional 5 points on civil service examinations.

Disabled veterans may receive 10-point preference. Veterans over 55 years of age claiming disability preference are also eligible for additional consideration.

The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) requires that Priority of Service be given to veterans and eligible spouses at American Job Centers. This includes a 24-hour “Veterans Only” hold on all new job orders.

Vehicle Tags and License Plates

The DC DMV offers several specialty vehicle tags for veterans:

• DC Veteran tags: One-time application fee of $52, annual display fee of $26

• Combat Wounded Veteran Purple Heart tags: No annual fee; one-time $10 application fee that funds the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs Fund

• Disabled American Veteran (DAV) tags: Available for veterans with VA documentation of total and permanent disability

Education Benefits

The District of Columbia offers education benefits for veterans and National Guard members:

Veterans Appreciation Scholarship Fund: D.C. residents who are veterans may be granted reimbursement of tuition, fees, books, and other materials from the Fund for undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of the District of Columbia for a period of 4 years after their return from active duty.

Major General David F. Wherley Jr. D.C. National Guard Retention and College Access Program: Provides members of the D.C. National Guard up to $12,500 per fiscal year at an approved college, university, or educational institution while funding is available.

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB): Catholic University was awarded $1.4 million in federal grant funding to launch this program, which helps 125 veterans annually prepare for and achieve higher education. The program is free to qualified veterans and is administered through the Metropolitan School for Professional Studies.

Tax Benefits

Military Retired Pay: Washington, D.C. fully taxes military retired pay. The District offers no reduction in taxes for military retired pay, unlike many states. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) distributions do not have state or local income tax withheld but are reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R.

Combat Zone Extension: Service members serving in a combat zone have a 180-day extension for filing D.C. income tax returns.

Disability Retirement Pay: Disability retirement pay for service-related injuries is not taxable in D.C..

Washington, D.C. VA Offices and Facilities

Washington, D.C. has a comprehensive network of VA healthcare and benefits offices. The Washington DC VA Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility, supported by community-based outpatient clinics across the region. The National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office handles federal benefits claims.

Washington DC VA Medical Center

Address: 50 Irving Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20422-0001

Phone: 202-745-8000

Hours: 24/7

The Washington DC VA Medical Center provides primary care and specialty health services, including bariatric surgery, mental health care, palliative and hospice care, suicide prevention, and women’s health care. The facility offers valet service at the main entrance for veterans with appointments, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Transportation services:

• Passenger shuttle service to and from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Satellite Parking Lot, Columbia Heights, and Brookland Metro Stations

• DAV vans providing transportation for veterans and authorized caregivers to scheduled medical appointments

• Beneficiary travel benefits including round-trip transportation, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

The VA Washington DC Healthcare System operates eight locations across the Washington, D.C. area. These include:

National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office

Address: 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

The National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office processes disability compensation claims, pension claims, education benefits, and other VA benefits for D.C. veterans. The office helps veterans, service members, and their families access VA benefits and services.

VA Central Office

Address: 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420

The VA Central Office is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and serves as the central administration for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Washington, D.C. Veterans Support Programs

Washington, D.C. offers a range of support programs for veterans, including homeless services, legal assistance, mental health resources, and employment services. These programs complement federal VA benefits and address specific needs of the District’s approximately 30,000 veterans.

Homeless Veteran Services

The VA Washington DC Healthcare System provides comprehensive homeless veteran care through the Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC).

CRRC Contact: (202) 745-3012, option #8

Location: 1500 Franklin St. N.E., Washington, DC 20018

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last walk-in accepted by 3:45 p.m.)

Services include:

• Immediate food and shelter, including transitional and permanent housing

• Job training, life skills development, and education

• Support with justice system navigation and community re-entry from jail

• Financial support to prevent homelessness

• Treatment for addiction and depression

• Health and dental care

The DC VA Medical Center’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program connects veterans to permanent, supportive, or transitional housing solutions. In a recent initiative, the DC VAMC connected 37 veterans to housing and assisted 76 veterans with employment counseling and legal aid.

Friendship Place Veterans First Program: Provides rapid rehousing and homeless prevention services for veterans and their families in Washington, D.C. Call 202-658-9599 to apply.

Access Housing: Located at 820 Chesapeake Street Southeast, offers temporary and permanent housing and support for veteran families, including case management, employment referrals, housing referrals, meals, and transportation assistance.

Legal Assistance

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program offers free legal advice and referral clinics at the D.C. VA Medical Center. These in-person clinics are walk-in only and allow D.C., Maryland, and Virginia veterans the opportunity to speak to an attorney for free.

Mental Health Resources

The Washington DC VA Medical Center provides mental health consultation, evaluation, and treatment. Veterans can receive mental health care virtually through smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, press 1. Available 24/7/365. This service is private, free, and available day or night.

MOVA Claims Assistance

The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) provides free claims assistance to D.C. veterans. MOVA’s District Veterans Service Officer and team of trained service representatives assist with:

• VA Disability Compensation Claims

• VA Healthcare Enrollment

• VA Non-Service Connected Pension Claims

• VA Burial and Death Benefit Claims

Contact MOVA:

• Phone: 202-724-5454

• District Veterans Service Officer: Fallon Williams

• Email: ova@dc.gov

MOVA provides outreach and community resources to D.C.’s 30,000 veterans. The office assists with federal VA claims and benefits and develops district-level veteran programs.

VetsRide Program

The MOVA VetsRide program provides free taxicab rides to D.C. veterans for medical appointments, education courses, food distribution sites, and employment interviews. The program has provided over 39,522 free rides to thousands of D.C. veterans. During 2023-2024, VetsRide provided 1,165 D.C. veterans with 14,427 trips.

Employment Services

The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) provides priority of service to veterans and eligible spouses at American Job Centers. Veterans receive priority over non-covered persons for the full array of services.

How to Apply for Washington, D.C. Veterans Benefits

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

• DD-214 or separation papers (discharge document)

• Current, unexpired photo ID

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Medical records relevant to your claim

• Proof of D.C. domicile (for local benefits)

• VA rating decision letter (if applicable)

• Property deed (for Homestead Deduction)

• Form DD-2058 (for active-duty service members)

Step 2: Determine Which Benefits You Qualify For

Use the decision tree below:

1. Do you have a service-connected disability? → File for VA disability compensation (Form 21-526EZ) and apply for the Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction.

2. Are you a wartime veteran with limited income? → Apply for VA pension (Form 21-527EZ).

3. Do you want to buy a home? → Explore VA home loan options through approved lenders.

4. Are you a D.C. National Guard member? → Apply for the Wherley College Access Program.

5. Are you a veteran seeking education? → Apply for the Veterans Appreciation Scholarship Fund at UDC.

6. Are you homeless or at risk? → Contact the CRRC at (202) 745-3012, option #8.

7. Are you seeking employment? → Visit a D.C. American Job Center for priority of service.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Online: Most federal VA benefits can be applied for at VA.gov. Property tax deduction applications are submitted through MyTax.DC.gov.

By mail: Disability claims can be mailed to the VA Regional Benefit Office at 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20421.

In person: Visit MOVA at 202-724-5454 for free claims assistance. The VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 1722 I St NW.

Step 4: Track Your Claim

VA disability claims can be tracked online through VA.gov. For questions about claim status, contact the VA Regional Benefit Office or MOVA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the property tax filing deadline: File the Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction between October 1 and March 31 to get the full year.

• Not using free MOVA assistance: MOVA provides free claims assistance. There is no need to pay for claim preparation.

• Forgetting Form DD-2058: Active-duty service members must submit Form DD-2058 with their Disabled Veterans Homestead application.

• Exceeding income limits: The Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction has a household income limit of $163,500 for 2026.

• Failing to file annually: The Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction requires annual filing. Do not assume it rolls over automatically.

Appeals Process

If a VA claim is denied, veterans can request a decision review through three options: a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a Board of Veterans’ Appeals appeal. VA-accredited representatives and Veterans Service Organizations can assist with the appeals process at no cost. MOVA can provide information about decision review options.

Common Questions

1. What is the Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction in Washington, D.C.?

It reduces the assessed value of a disabled veteran’s primary residence by up to $445,000. Veterans must have a total and permanent disability from a service-incurred condition or be paid at the 100% disability rating level due to unemployability. The property must be the principal residence, and household income cannot exceed $163,500.

2. How do I contact the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs?

Call 202-724-5454 or email ova@dc.gov. MOVA’s District Veterans Service Officer provides free assistance with VA Disability Compensation Claims, VA Healthcare Enrollment, VA Non-Service Connected Pension Claims, and VA Burial and Death Benefit Claims.

3. Where is the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C.?

The Washington DC VA Medical Center is located at 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422-0001. The main phone number is 202-745-8000. The facility is open 24/7 and provides primary care, mental health care, women’s health care, and specialty services.

4. Does Washington, D.C. tax military retirement pay?

Yes. Washington, D.C. fully taxes military retired pay. The District offers no reduction in taxes for military retired pay. However, disability retirement pay for service-related injuries is not taxable.

5. How do I apply for VA disability compensation in D.C.?

Submit VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov or mail it to the VA Regional Benefit Office at 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20421. MOVA provides free assistance completing the form. Include your DD-214 and relevant medical records.

6. What homeless veteran services are available in D.C.?

Contact the Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC) at (202) 745-3012, option #8. Located at 1500 Franklin St. N.E., the CRRC provides immediate food and shelter, job training, financial support to prevent homelessness, and treatment for addiction and depression.

7. What education benefits are available for D.C. veterans?

The Veterans Appreciation Scholarship Fund provides reimbursement of tuition, fees, books, and materials at the University of the District of Columbia for D.C. resident veterans. The Wherley College Access Program provides up to $12,500 per fiscal year for D.C. National Guard members.

8. Does Washington, D.C. offer veterans employment preference?

Yes. Veterans who served on active duty for more than 180 consecutive days and separated under honorable conditions receive an additional 5 points on civil service examinations. Disabled veterans may receive 10-point preference.

9. What is the VetsRide program?

VetsRide provides free taxicab rides to D.C. veterans for medical appointments, education courses, food distribution sites, and employment interviews. The program has provided over 39,522 free rides to thousands of D.C. veterans.

10. What vehicle tags are available for D.C. veterans?

The DC DMV offers DC Veteran tags ($52 application fee, $26 annual display fee), Combat Wounded Veteran Purple Heart tags (no annual fee, $10 application fee), and Disabled American Veteran (DAV) tags for veterans with total and permanent disability documentation.

11. What is the income limit for the Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction?

Total household federal adjusted gross income for 2026 must be less than $163,500. Properties receiving the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Deduction are not eligible for the Homestead, Senior Citizen/Disabled Tax Relief, or tax cap credit.

12. How do I get free legal help for VA claims in D.C.?

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program offers free legal advice and referral clinics at the D.C. VA Medical Center. These in-person clinics are walk-in only and allow D.C., Maryland, and Virginia veterans to speak to an attorney for free.

13. What is the VA Regional Benefit Office address in D.C.?

The National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006. The office helps veterans access disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, and home loans.

Key Takeaways

• Washington, D.C. offers a $445,000 Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction—one of the most generous property tax benefits for veterans in the U.S.

• MOVA provides free claims assistance at 202-724-5454, including help with disability compensation, pension, healthcare enrollment, and burial benefits.

• The Washington DC VA Medical Center at 50 Irving Street NW operates 24/7 and is supported by eight community-based outpatient clinics.

• D.C. fully taxes military retired pay, but disability retirement pay for service-related injuries is not taxable.

• Veterans receive 5-point preference on D.C. government civil service examinations; disabled veterans may receive 10-point preference.

• The CRRC at (202) 745-3012, option #8 provides homeless veteran services including shelter, job training, and addiction treatment.

• The VetsRide program provides free taxicab rides to D.C. veterans for medical, education, and employment purposes.

• The Disabled Veterans Homestead Deduction has a household income limit of $163,500 for 2026.

• D.C. Council Bill B26-0476 proposes a 100% property tax exemption for all disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

• Free legal assistance for VA claims is available through the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program at the D.C. VA Medical Center.

Official Resources

• VA.gov — Apply for disability compensation, education benefits, home loans, and healthcare

• VA Washington DC Healthcare System — 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422

• National Capital Region VA Regional Benefit Office — 1722 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

• Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) — 202-724-5454; ova.dc.gov

• DC Department of Employment Services — does.dc.gov

• MyTax.DC.gov — Property tax deduction applications

• VA Veterans Crisis Line — 988, press 1

• National Homeless Veteran Call Center — (877) 424-3838

• SSA.gov — Social Security benefits

• USA.gov — Government services and information

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