How to apply for Property Tax Assistance for Widows & Widowers of Veterans — Washington

Who it's for

Washington pays a grant toward the property tax on the home of a widow or widower of a veteran. You may qualify if your spouse died as a result of a service-connected disability, or was rated 100% disabled by the VA for the 10 years before death, or was a former prisoner of war rated 100% disabled for the year before death, or died on active duty or in training. You must be at least 62 by 31 December of the year the tax is due, or retired from regular work because of disability, and you must not have remarried. You must own and live in your home in Washington. The grant amount depends on your income, the value of your home and local levy rates. You do not pay it back, as long as you go on living in the home until at least 15 December of the year you receive it. You reapply each year. Call the Department of Revenue Property Tax Division on 360-534-1400.

What you'll need

• Property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans
• Combined Disposable Income Worksheet
• If you qualify through disability rather than age: written acknowledgment from Social Security or the Veterans Administration, or a Proof of Disability Affidavit

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Property Tax Assistance for Widows & Widowers of Veterans — Washington. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans, combined Disposable Income Worksheet, if you qualify through disability rather than age: written acknowledgment from Social Security or the Veterans Administration, or a Proof of Disability Affidavit — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check your eligibility before applying. You must be at least 62 by December 31 of the tax year, or retired due to disability. You must own and live in your Washington home, and you must not have remarried. Your late spouse must have died from a service-connected disability, been rated 100% disabled by the VA for the 10 years before death, been a former prisoner of war rated 100% disabled for the year before death, or died on active duty or in training.
2. Check your county's income threshold. The income limit is set per county — not statewide. Starting in 2025, the test is 'Income Threshold 3 or less for your county.' Do not rely on any single dollar figure. Contact the Washington State Department of Revenue Property Tax Division at 360-534-1400 or your county assessor's office to confirm the limit for your county.
3. Gather your required documents. You will need the Property Tax Assistance Claim Form for Widows/Widowers of Veterans and the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet. Note that combined disposable income is a specific calculation using the Department of Revenue's worksheet — it is not simply your taxable income. If you qualify through disability rather than age, also gather a written acknowledgment from Social Security or the VA, or a completed Proof of Disability Affidavit.
4. Complete the Property Tax Assistance Claim Form and the Combined Disposable Income Worksheet carefully. Fill in all required fields. If you are qualifying through disability, attach your disability documentation.
5. Apply online or by phone. Submit your completed forms through the online application channel or call the Department of Revenue Property Tax Division at 360-534-1400 for assistance applying by phone.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the Department of Revenue will review your claim and make the final eligibility decision. Processing times vary, so contact the Property Tax Division at 360-534-1400 if you need an estimate. If approved, the grant is applied toward your property tax and does not need to be paid back — as long as you continue living in the home through at least December 15 of the year you receive it. If you move out before that date, the grant becomes repayable. Because this program requires annual renewal, you will need to reapply and resubmit your income worksheet each year to continue receiving the benefit.

Renewals

annual