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Veterans · WA

Life insurance and burial benefits for Washington veterans

About 487,000 veterans live in Washington. Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent is open for burials, Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery now accepts cremated remains only, and the Washington State Veterans Cemetery serves the east side of the state from Medical Lake. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 80%, or paid at the 100% rate, may qualify for a property tax exemption on their home if they meet county income limits; apply through the county assessor. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs can help with state benefits, and planning ahead for final costs can take pressure off family later.

Facts checked against the sources listed below.

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Veterans in the state

487,000

Estimate, 2026

VA national cemeteries

2

Located in Washington

State veterans cemeteries

1

Built with VA grants

State agency

WA

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

Life insurance options for Washington veterans

Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.

Veterans cemeteries in Washington

VA national cemeteries

State veterans cemeteries

  • Washington State Veterans Cemetery — Medical Lake

Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration: Find a Cemetery (Washington)

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A licensed agent can check private options side by side with VGLI and VALife. Free, with no obligation.

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Washington state benefits for veterans

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 80%, or paid by the VA at the 100% rate, who own and occupy their primary residence and meet county income limits can qualify for a property tax exemption; apply through the county assessor. Source: Washington Department of Revenue: Property tax exemption for seniors, people retired due to disability, and veterans with disabilities

For help applying, contact the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Washington.

Frequently asked questions

Where can veterans be buried in Washington?

Washington has 2 VA national cemeteries and 1 state veterans cemetery, including Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs can confirm.

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Can Washington veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?

SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.

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Do disabled veterans get a property tax break in Washington?

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 80%, or paid by the VA at the 100% rate, who own and occupy their primary residence and meet county income limits can qualify for a property tax exemption; apply through the county assessor.

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Sources

  1. VA National Cemetery Administration: Find a Cemetery (Washington)
  2. VA VetPop2023 state estimates (Veteran Population by State: FY2026)
  3. Washington Department of Revenue: Property tax exemption for seniors, people retired due to disability, and veterans with disabilities
  4. Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans guides for other states