Washington residents who qualify for veteran's education benefits are those who served as active, full-time members of any branch of the United States military. This can also refer to a member of the National Guard who was called to active duty during wartime. If you were discharged from service, you must have received an honorable discharge.
All Washington state schools, including community colleges, colleges and universities, have been authorized by the Washington State Legislature to waive tuition, all or in part, to eligible veterans. Because it's up to the individual school to determine how it handles veterans' benefits, the wisest option is to contact your school's registrar or financial aid office for specific information.
Education benefits are extended to dependents of veterans who became completely disabled or who died as a result of their military service. For these qualifying dependents, the State Legislature requires that tuition at state schools for up to 200 credits be completely waived. This includes fees related to the student's participation in coursework and other school-related activities. In some cases, tuition for graduate credits may also be waived.
To qualify as a dependent, a child must be between the ages of 17 and 26. Surviving spouses and domestic partners of veterans who died as a result of service are eligible for the same benefits for up to 10 years provided that they do not remarry or register as a member of another domestic partnership. If the veteran's death was a result of complete disability, the surviving spouse will remain eligible for education benefits for up to 10 years.