State / Territory Benefits - Oregon
Department of Motor Vehicles Benefits
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities
Summary: Oregon offers special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including, State Employment Preferences, Education and Tuition Assistance, Vehicle Tags, Special Access Pass for Veterans with disabilities and Active Military on Leave, as well as Hunting and Fishing License privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
State Tax Advantage: None
Retired Military Pay: Retired military personnel may be able to subtract some or all of their federal pension income. This includes benefits paid to the retiree or to the surviving spouse. For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.
Disabled War Veteran or Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption: Disabled war Veterans or surviving spouses of war Veterans may be entitled to exempt $17, 389 or $20, 867 of the homestead property's assessed value from property taxes. The exemption amount increases by 3 percent each year. The exemption is first applied to the home and then to taxable personal property.
Eligibility: A disabled war Veteran or the non-remarried surviving spouse of a war Veteran who is officially certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces and owns and lives on their homestead property.
Veterans Education Program: Educational benefits for Oregon Veterans to pursue an approved course of study or professional training in or in connection with any accredited state or other public school or accredited private school or accredited college. Benefits are paid for as many months as the Veteran spent in active service, up to a maximum of 36 months. Eligible Veterans are entitled to receive up to $150 per month. Application for Oregon Veterans Educational Aid Form (1005-ME)
Eligibility: Active Duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for not less than 90 days and; released from military service under honorable conditions and; is a resident of Oregon when applying for State Educational Aid and; is a citizen of the U.S. and; served during the Korean War (June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955) or after June 30, 1958. Eligibility Form (1004-ME)
Benefit for Dependents of Deceased, Disabled Oregon Veterans: Oregon's State Legislature passed a law that provides a full-tuition waiver for a bachelor's or master's degree at an Oregon University System institution for children or spouses of Service members who died on active duty, became 100 percent disabled in connection with military service, or died as a result of a disability sustained on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001. Information on the tuition waiver as well as the application form can be found Oregon University System website under "Featured Documents and Links."
High School Diploma: Under ORS 332.114, Veterans may request either the school district where they live now or the school district where they would have graduated from to issue a high school diploma. Diplomas can also be issued to a representative of a deceased Veteran.
Eligibility: A Veteran is eligible to receive a high school diploma if they meet the following criteria:
- Attended a high school before serving in the Armed Forces
- Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. at any time during:
- World War I;
- World War II;
- Korean War;
- Vietnam War; or
- Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. and was physically present in:
- Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada);
- Operation Just Cause (Panama);
- Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (the Persian Gulf War);
- Operation Restore Hope (Somalia);
- Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan);
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq); or
- Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. in an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States.
- Discharged or released under honorable conditions.
Oregon Veterans Preference Points: All State of Oregon agencies apply Veteran Preference Points in accordance with ORS 408.230 and 408.235. Veterans seeking employment should use the State of Oregon jobs homepage located at www.oregonjobs.org. Federal job opportunities are listed on www.usajobs.gov. An Oregon Veteran must provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these additional preference points. Preference points are awarded to eligible Veterans with additional preference for disabled Veterans seeking employment with all state agencies and are awarded as follows:
•· A five (5) point preference for eligible Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made any time after discharge under honorable conditions.
•· A ten (10) point preference for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made throughout the lifetime of the disabled Veteran.
Oregon Veterans Reemployment Rights: Enforced by the United States Department of Labor, Uniformed Services Employment, and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA protects all members of the uniformed services from discrimination in employment regardless of whether their uniformed service was in the past, present or future.
Eligibility: Any Service member - active duty, active duty for training, inactive duty training (such as drills), initial active duty training, and funeral honors duty performed by National Guard and Reserve Members, as well as the period for which a person is absent from a position of employment for the purpose of an examination to determine fitness to perform any such duty - who performed duty, voluntarily or involuntarily, recently separated Veterans and Veterans who served on active duty during wartime.
Employment Assistance: State employees receive 15 calendar days of military leave each year.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member.
Department of Motor Vehicles Benefits
Oregon Veteran Recognition License Plates: Veterans may purchase a license plate set displaying the word VETERAN for a $10 surcharge in addition to normal fees from a local Oregon Division of Motor Vehicles office.
Eligibility: Those who can show proof of military service under honorable conditions (DD214 or DD215). For service related medals, DD214/215 must indicate the medal was awarded. You must also certify eligibility using the Application for Veteran Recognition Plates (Form 735-7307)
National Guard Plate: No additional fees other than regular plate fees.
Eligibility: Active National Guard Service members. Certificate of eligibility, AGO Form 4309, required when submitting DMV application.
Disabled Veteran: Issued to disabled Veterans who have a service-connected disability. Does not, in itself, grant special parking privileges. The registration fee for Disabled Veteran Plates is $15 regardless of vehicle type. No additional fees other than regular plate fees or replacement plate fees. Only one set of plates may be issued per qualifying Veteran.
Eligibility: A disabled Veteran whose disability results from causes connected with service in the Armed Forces of the United States and has been a member of and discharged or released under honorable conditions and whose service was for not less than 90 consecutive days or who was discharged or released on account of a service-connected injury or illness prior to the completion of the minimum period of service.
Ex-POW Plate Tag: Issued to persons qualifying as former Prisoners of War. Does not, in itself, grant special parking privileges. No additional fees other than regular plate fees or replacement plate fees (if applicable).
Eligibility: Must have been a former Prisoner of War to be eligible for POW Tag. Proof of POW status must be provided before plates can be issued.
Purple Heart Tag: Intended to honor recipients of the Purple Heart Award that were wounded in action. $10.00 per two-year period registration period, $20.00 for four-year registration period (new vehicles). Fee goes to Department of Oregon Military Order of Purple Heart.
Eligibility: Must be wounded-in-action to be eligible for Purple Heart plate. Proof of Purple Heart award must be provided before plates can be issued.
Gold Star Family: Intended to honor the Families of Veterans killed in the line of duty. $10.00 per two-year period, $20.00 for four-year registration period (new vehicles) with additional fee going to Vietnam Veterans of America, Oregon State Council.
Eligibility: Must be parent, spouse, or dependent of a person who was killed in action during an armed conflict while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Congressional Medal of Honor: Intended to honor Veterans who have been awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor. Configurations available are MOH or CMH followed by next number in series.
Eligibility: Available only to Veterans who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Proof of eligibility is letter from US Dept of Veterans' Affairs certifying award of the medal.
Non-Commission Officers Association: $10.00 fee per two-year period, $20.00 for four-year registration period (new vehicles) with fees going to NCOA Oregon State Advisory Council Chapter 1300.
Eligibility: No restrictions.
Vietnam Veterans of America: Intended to honor Vietnam Veterans. $10.00 fee per two-year period with fees going to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Oregon State Council.
Eligibility: No restrictions.
Health and Insurance Benefits:
Injury and Death Benefits: State worker's compensation
Eligibility: National Guard State Active Duty and state military employee.
Injury: Worker's Compensation
Eligibility: National Guard State Active Duty and state military employee.
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: A free lifetime Oregon hunting and angling license.
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans with a service connected disability of 25% or more and more than 6 months Oregon residency. Veteran's Application
Disabilities Permit for Hunting and Fishing: The free and permanent disabilities permit is not a license or a tag. Veterans must also obtain a Permanent Combination License.
Eligibility: Available to disabled Veterans rated at 65% or more with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Application requires proof in the form of a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must state the Veteran's service-connected disability percentage.
Special Access Pass for Veterans with Disabilities & Refunds for Active Military on Leave: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) offers free camping and day-use to US Veterans with a service-connected disability and active duty US military on leave.
Eligibility: RV sites, tent campsites, and standard horse camp sites.
Veterans with a service-connected disability must:
•1. Obtain a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (100 SW Main Street, Floor 2, Portland OR 97204) stating you have a service-connected disability
•2. Fill out and submit a one-page Oregon Parks and Recreation Department application. The application is available in three different ways: online at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/docs/2006_vet_app.pdf, from state park offices and by calling 1-800-551-6949 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
•3. Mail or bring the application and a copy of the letter from Veterans Affairs to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Veteran's Park Pass
2501 SW 1st Ave. Suite 100
Portland, OR 97201-4751
Active duty military on official leave will not be issued a Special Access Pass. You will need to pay for your stay up front. After your visit, send (see address below) in:
•· the camping receipt for the dates of your stay, and
•· a letter from your CO on official letterhead stating you were on leave for the dates you camped.
The refund request must arrive no later than 30 days after departure date of your stay. A refund of your fees will be sent within three weeks of our receipt of your request.
Send your letter and camping receipt to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Reservations Northwest
2501 SW 1st Ave. Suite 100
Portland, OR 97201-4751
Burial and End of Life: Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery.
Veteran Burial Benefits: Burial benefits include a gravesite in national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Contact 1-800-452-7500 for additional questions.
Oregon's Veteran's Home: Known as "The place where honor lives." the Oregon Veterans' Home is a skilled nursing care facility for Oregon Veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses, and parents all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The 151-bed long term-care facility provides skilled nursing, Alzheimer's and other dementia care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. The Oregon Veterans' Home information number is 1-800-846-8460.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) discharged under honorable conditions or the spouse, or surviving spouse as defined by the USDVA, or a parent, all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Oregon Conservatorship Program: Estate and financial management program for certain Veterans, dependents, and survivors. Managing the financial affairs of these protected persons, helps meet their current and future needs. Most of the clients have disabilities such as schizophrenia, head injury, and Alzheimer's disease that can negatively affect judgment and reasoning abilities. They are also easy targets for unscrupulous people who take advantage of them financially.
Home Loans: The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan Program is now a lifetime benefit (effective Jan 2011) for eligible Veterans that provides low-interest home purchase and home improvement loans in accordance with Oregon's Constitution and other applicable laws. The maximum loan amount for Veterans is presently $417,000 (effective January 2, 2006). Interest rates generally run about one percent below market.
Eligibility: To be eligible a veteran must have served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces and meet one of the following criteria:
•· Beginning on or before Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 90 days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Beginning after Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions and has a disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
•· Served at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions.
Veterans are also eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
•· Received a combat, campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal for service and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Is receiving a nonservice-connected pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Home Improvement Loans: Home improvement loans are available with no loan fee. Minimal costs include escrow closing and title fees.
Eligibility: To be eligible, the Veteran must be honorably discharged and have served at least 210 consecutive days on active duty for purposes other than training, unless discharged due to a service-connected injury. If honorably discharged and has less than the above mentioned 210 consecutive days of active duty service, the Veteran may still qualify if served in a theater of operations for which a campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal is authorized by the United States. Terms, conditions, and eligible improvements relating to the Home Improvement Loan are contained in Oregon Statuses, chapters 406 and 407.
Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP): This program is for Oregon Veterans and their immediate Family (spouse, unremarried surviving spouse, child, or stepchild) who are in need of emergency financial assistance. OVEFAP Application Form
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.
Disabled War Veteran or Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption: Disabled war Veterans or surviving spouses of war Veterans may be entitled to exempt $17,389 or $20,867 of the homestead property's assessed value from property taxes. The exemption amount increases by 3 percent each year. The exemption is first applied to the home and then to taxable personal property.
Eligibility: A disabled war Veteran or the non-remarried surviving spouse of a war Veteran who is officially certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces and owns and lives on their homestead property.
Veterans' Dependent Tuition Waiver - Offered by Oregon University System and State Community Colleges
This benefit is offered by the State of Oregon University System and local community colleges and provides a full tuition waiver (not fees) for a bachelor's or master's degree at an OUS institution for a child or spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who either died in active duty, became 100% disabled in connection with military service, or died as a result of a disability sustained in active duty. Contact the Oregon University System website for more information.
Oregon Veterans Preference Points: All State of Oregon agencies apply Veteran Preference Points in accordance with ORS 408.230 and 408.235. Veterans seeking employment should use the State of Oregon jobs homepage located at www.oregonjobs.org. Federal job opportunities are listed on www.usajobs.gov. An Oregon Veteran must provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these additional preference points. Preference points are awarded to eligible Veterans with additional preference for disabled Veterans seeking employment with all state agencies and are awarded as follows:
•· A five (5) point preference for eligible Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made any time after discharge under honorable conditions.
•· A ten (10) point preference for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made throughout the lifetime of the disabled Veteran.
Disabled Veteran: Issued to disabled Veterans who have a service-connected disability. Does not, in itself, grant special parking privileges. The registration fee for Disabled Veteran Plates is $15 regardless of vehicle type. No additional fees other than regular plate fees or replacement plate fees.
Eligibility: A disabled Veteran whose disability results from causes connected with service in the Armed Forces of the United States and has been a member of and discharged or released under honorable conditions and whose service was for not less than 90 consecutive days or who was discharged or released on account of a service-connected injury or illness prior to the completion of the minimum period of service.
Purple Heart Tag: Intended to honor recipients of the Purple Heart Award that were wounded in action. $10.00 per two-year period registration period, $20.00 for four-year registration period (new vehicles). Fee goes to Department of Oregon Military Order of Purple Heart.
Eligibility: Must be wounded-in-action to be eligible for Purple Heart plate. Proof of Purple Heart award must be provided before plates can be issued.
Disabled Veteran: Issued to disabled Veterans who have a service-connected disability. Does not, in itself, grant special parking privileges. The registration fee for Disabled Veteran Plates is $15 regardless of vehicle type. No additional fees other than regular plate fees or replacement plate fees. Only one set of plates may be issued per qualifying Veteran.
Eligibility: A disabled Veteran whose disability results from causes connected with service in the Armed Forces of the United States and has been a member of and discharged or released under honorable conditions and whose service was for not less than 90 consecutive days or who was discharged or released on account of a service-connected injury or illness prior to the completion of the minimum period of service.
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: A free lifetime Oregon hunting and angling license.
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans with a service connected disability of 25% or more and more than 6 months Oregon residency. Veteran's Application
Disabilities Permit for Hunting and Fishing: The free and permanent disabilities permit is not a license or a tag. Veterans must also obtain a Permanent Combination License.
Eligibility: Available to disabled Veterans rated at 65% or more with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Application requires proof in the form of a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must state the Veteran's service-connected disability percentage.
Special Access Pass for Veterans with Disabilities & Refunds for Active Military on Leave: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) offers free camping and day-use to US Veterans with a service-connected disability and active duty US military on leave.
Eligibility: The Special Access Pass applies to US military Veterans with service related disabilities visiting the 26 parks that charge a day-use fee or staying at RV sites, tent campsites, and standard horse camp sites.
Veterans with a service-connected disability must:
•1. Obtain a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (100 SW Main Street, Floor 2, Portland OR 97204) stating you have a service-connected disability
•2. Fill out and submit a one-page Oregon Parks and Recreation Department application. The application is available in three different ways: online at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/docs/2006_vet_app.pdf, from state park offices and by calling 1-800-551-6949 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
•3. Mail or bring the application and a copy of the letter from Veterans Affairs to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Veteran's Park Pass
2501 SW 1st Ave. Suite 100
Portland, OR 97201-4751
Active duty military on official leave will not be issued a Special Access Pass. You will need to pay for your stay up front. After your visit, send (see address below) in:
•· the camping receipt for the dates of your stay, and
•· a letter from your CO on official letterhead stating you were on leave for the dates you camped.
The refund request must arrive no later than 30 days after departure date of your stay. A refund of your fees will be sent within three weeks of our receipt of your request.
Send your letter and camping receipt to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Reservations Northwest
2501 SW 1st Ave. Suite 100
Portland, OR 97201-4751
Home Loans: The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan Program is now a lifetime benefit (effective Jan 2011) for eligible Veterans that provides low-interest home purchase and home improvement loans in accordance with Oregon's Constitution and other applicable laws. The maximum loan amount for Veterans is presently $417,000 (effective January 2, 2006). Interest rates generally run about one percent below market.
Eligibility: To be eligible a Veteran must have served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces and meet one of the following criteria:
•· Beginning on or before Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 90 days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Beginning after Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions and has a disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
•· Served at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions.
Veterans are also eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
•· Received a combat, campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal for service and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Is receiving a nonservice-connected pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Home Improvement Loans: Home improvement loans are available with no loan fee. Minimal costs include escrow closing and title fees.
Eligibility: To be eligible, the Veteran must be honorably discharged and have served at least 210 consecutive days on active duty for purposes other than training, unless discharged due to a service-connected injury. If honorably discharged and has less than the above mentioned 210 consecutive days of active duty service, the Veteran may still qualify if served in a theater of operations for which a campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal is authorized by the United States. Terms, conditions, and eligible improvements relating to the Home Improvement Loan are contained in Oregon Statuses, chapters 406 and 407.
Specially Adapted Housing Grant
Veterans who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment which affords the Veteran a level of independent living that he or she may not have otherwise enjoyed.
The SAH grant is generally used to create a wheelchair accessible home. This grant is currently limited to $50,000. Veterans with service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:
The loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, or Blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, or The loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair or, The loss or loss of use of both upper extremities such as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbow.
Special Home Adaptation Grant
Veterans who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant for the purpose of modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The Special Home Adaptations (SHA) grant is generally used to assist Veterans with mobility throughout their homes. This grant is currently limited to $10,000.
The SHA grant is available to Veterans who have service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to: Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less or, The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow.
How Can You Apply? You can apply for the SAH and SHA grants by completing VA Form 26-4555, Veterans Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant, and submitting it to your local VA regional office.
Apply for a HISA grant by completing VA Form 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations, and submitting it to your local VA medical center.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.
Disabled War Veteran or Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption: Disabled war Veterans or surviving spouses of war Veterans may be entitled to exempt $17,389 or $20,867 of the homestead property's assessed value from property taxes. The exemption amount increases by 3 percent each year. The exemption is first applied to the home and then to taxable personal property.
Eligibility: A disabled war Veteran or the non-remarried surviving spouse of a war Veteran who is officially certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces and owns and lives on their homestead property.
Veterans' Dependent Tuition Waiver - Offered by Oregon University System and State Community Colleges
This benefit is offered by the State of Oregon University System and local community colleges and provides a full tuition waiver (not fees) for a bachelor's or master's degree at an OUS institution for a child or spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who either died in active duty, became 100% disabled in connection with military service, or died as a result of a disability sustained in active duty. Contact the Oregon University System website for more information.
Benefit for Dependents of Deceased, Disabled Oregon Veterans: Oregon's State Legislature passed a law that provides a full-tuition waiver for a bachelor's or master's degree at an Oregon University System institution for children or spouses of Service members who died on active duty, became 100 percent disabled in connection with military service, or died as a result of a disability sustained on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001. Information on the tuition waiver as well as the application form can be found Oregon University System website under "Featured Documents and Links."
Oregon's Veteran's Home: Known as "The place where honor lives." the Oregon Veterans' Home is a skilled nursing care facility for Oregon Veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses, and parents all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The 151-bed long term-care facility provides skilled nursing, Alzheimer's and other dementia care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. The Oregon Veterans' Home information number is 1-800-846-8460.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) discharged under honorable conditions or the spouse, or surviving spouse as defined by the USDVA, or a parent, all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Burial benefits spouses and dependents: Benefits are available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran's headstone, at no cost to the family.
Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran.
Oregon Conservatorship Program: Estate and financial management program for certain Veterans, dependents, and survivors. Managing the financial affairs of these protected persons, helps meet their current and future needs. Most of the clients have disabilities such as schizophrenia, head injury, and Alzheimer's disease that can negatively affect judgment and reasoning abilities. They are also easy targets for unscrupulous people who take advantage of them financially.
State Tax Advantage: None
Retired Military Pay: Retired military personnel may be able to subtract some or all of their federal pension income. This includes benefits paid to the retiree or to the surviving spouse. For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.
High School Diploma: Under ORS 332.114, Veterans may request either the school district where they live now or the school district where they would have graduated from to issue a high school diploma. Diplomas can also be issued to a representative of a deceased Veteran.
Eligibility: A Veteran is eligible to receive a high school diploma if they meet the following criteria:
-
Attended a high school before serving in the Armed Forces
-
Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. at any time during:
-
World War I;
-
World War II;
-
Korean War;
-
Vietnam War; or
-
-
Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. and was physically present in:
-
Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada);
-
Operation Just Cause (Panama);
-
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (the Persian Gulf War);
-
Operation Restore Hope (Somalia);
-
Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan);
-
Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq); or
-
-
Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. in an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States.
-
Discharged or released under honorable conditions.
Oregon Veterans Preference Points: All State of Oregon agencies apply Veteran Preference Points in accordance with ORS 408.230 and 408.235. Veterans seeking employment should use the State of Oregon jobs homepage located at www.oregonjobs.org. Federal job opportunities are listed on www.usajobs.gov. An Oregon Veteran must provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these additional preference points. Preference points are awarded to eligible Veterans with additional preference for disabled Veterans seeking employment with all state agencies and are awarded as follows:
•· A five (5) point preference for eligible Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made any time after discharge under honorable conditions.
•· A ten (10) point preference for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made throughout the lifetime of the disabled Veteran.
Oregon Veterans Reemployment Rights: Enforced by the United States Department of Labor, Uniformed Services Employment, and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA protects all members of the uniformed services from discrimination in employment regardless of whether their uniformed service was in the past, present or future.
Eligibility: Any Service member - active duty, active duty for training, inactive duty training (such as drills), initial active duty training, and funeral honors duty performed by National Guard and Reserve Members, as well as the period for which a person is absent from a position of employment for the purpose of an examination to determine fitness to perform any such duty - who performed duty, voluntarily or involuntarily, recently separated Veterans and Veterans who served on active duty during wartime.
Employment Assistance: State employees receive 15 calendar days of military leave each year.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member.
National Guard Plate: No additional fees other than regular plate fees.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member, Certificate of eligibility and AGO Form 4309, required when submitting DMV application.
Injury and Death Benefits: State worker's compensation
Eligibility: National Guard State Active Duty and state military employee.
Injury: Worker's Compensation
Eligibility: National Guard State Active Duty and state military employee.
Burial and End of Life: Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery.
Veteran Burial Benefits: Burial benefits include a gravesite in national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the Family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Contact 1-800-452-7500 for additional questions.
Oregon's Veteran's Home: Known as "The place where honor lives." the Oregon Veterans' Home is a skilled nursing care facility for Oregon Veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses, and parents all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The 151-bed long term-care facility provides skilled nursing, Alzheimer's and other dementia care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. The Oregon Veterans' Home information number is 1-800-846-8460.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) discharged under honorable conditions or the spouse, or surviving spouse as defined by the USDVA, or a parent, all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Oregon Conservatorship Program: Estate and financial management program for certain Veterans, dependents, and survivors. Managing the financial affairs of these protected persons, helps meet their current and future needs. Most of the clients have disabilities such as schizophrenia, head injury, and Alzheimer's disease that can negatively affect judgment and reasoning abilities. They are also easy targets for unscrupulous people who take advantage of them financially.
Home Loans: The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan Program is now a lifetime benefit (effective Jan 2011) for eligible Veterans that provides low-interest home purchase and home improvement loans to eligible Veterans in accordance with Oregon's Constitution and other applicable laws. The maximum loan amount for Veterans is presently $417,000 (effective January 2, 2006). Interest rates generally run about one percent below market.
Eligibility: To be eligible, a Veteran must have served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces and meet one of the following criteria:
•· Beginning on or before Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 90 days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Beginning after Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions and has a disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
•· Served at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions.
Veterans are also eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
•· Received a combat, campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal for service and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Is receiving a nonservice-connected pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Home Improvement Loans: Home improvement loans are available with no loan fee. Minimal costs include escrow closing and title fees.
Eligibility: To be eligible, the Veteran must be honorably discharged and have served at least 210 consecutive days on active duty for purposes other than training, unless discharged due to a service-connected injury. If honorably discharged and has less than the above mentioned 210 consecutive days of active duty service, the Veteran may still qualify if served in a theater of operations for which a campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal is authorized by the United States. Terms, conditions, and eligible improvements relating to the Home Improvement Loan are contained in Oregon Statuses, chapters 406 and 407.
Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP): This program is for Oregon Veterans and their immediate Family (spouse, unremarried surviving spouse, child, or stepchild) who are in need of emergency financial assistance. OVEFAP Application Form
State Tax Advantage: None
Retired Military Pay: Retired military personnel may be able to subtract some or all of their federal pension income. This includes benefits paid to the retiree or to the surviving spouse. For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.
High School Diploma: Under ORS 332.114, Veterans may request either the school district where they live now or the school district where they would have graduated from to issue a high school diploma. Diplomas can also be issued to a representative of a deceased Veteran.
Eligibility: A Veteran is eligible to receive a high school diploma if they meet the following criteria:
- Attended a high school before serving in the Armed Forces
- Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. at any time during:
- World War I;
- World War II;
- Korean War;
- Vietnam War; or
- Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. and was physically present in:
- Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada);
- Operation Just Cause (Panama);
- Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (the Persian Gulf War);
- Operation Restore Hope (Somalia);
- Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan);
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq); or
- Served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. in an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States.
- Discharged or released under honorable conditions.
Oregon Veterans Preference Points: All State of Oregon agencies apply Veteran Preference Points in accordance with ORS 408.230 and 408.235. Veterans seeking employment should use the State of Oregon jobs homepage located at www.oregonjobs.org. Federal job opportunities are listed on www.usajobs.gov. An Oregon Veteran must provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these additional preference points. Preference points are awarded to eligible Veterans with additional preference for disabled Veterans seeking employment with all state agencies and are awarded as follows:
•· A five (5) point preference for eligible Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made any time after discharge under honorable conditions.
•· A ten (10) point preference for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans.
Eligibility: Application is made throughout the lifetime of the disabled Veteran.
Oregon Veterans Reemployment Rights: Enforced by the United States Department of Labor, Uniformed Services Employment, and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA protects all members of the uniformed services from discrimination in employment regardless of whether their uniformed service was in the past, present or future.
Eligibility: Any Service member - active duty, active duty for training, inactive duty training (such as drills), initial active duty training, and funeral honors duty performed by National Guard and Reserve Members, as well as the period for which a person is absent from a position of employment for the purpose of an examination to determine fitness to perform any such duty - who performed duty, voluntarily or involuntarily, recently separated Veterans and Veterans who served on active duty during wartime.
Hunting and Fishing Privileges: A free lifetime Oregon hunting and angling license.
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans with a service connected disability of 25% or more and more than 6 months Oregon residency. Veteran's Application
Disabilities Permit for Hunting and Fishing: The free and permanent disabilities permit is not a license or a tag. Veterans must also obtain a Permanent Combination License.
Eligibility: Available to disabled Veterans rated at 65% or more with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Application requires proof in the form of a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must state the Veteran's service-connected disability percentage.
Burial and End of Life: Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery.
Veteran Burial Benefits: Burial benefits include a gravesite in national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the Family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Contact 1-800-452-7500 for additional questions.
Oregon's Veteran's Home: Known as "The place where honor lives." the Oregon Veterans' Home is a skilled nursing care facility for Oregon Veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses, and parents all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The 151-bed long term-care facility provides skilled nursing, Alzheimer's and other dementia care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. The Oregon Veterans' Home information number is 1-800-846-8460.
Eligibility: A Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces as defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) discharged under honorable conditions or the spouse, or surviving spouse as defined by the USDVA, or a parent, all of whose children died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Oregon Conservatorship Program: Estate and financial management program for certain Veterans, dependents, and survivors. Managing the financial affairs of these protected persons, helps meet their current and future needs. Most of the clients have disabilities such as schizophrenia, head injury, and Alzheimer's disease that can negatively affect judgment and reasoning abilities. They are also easy targets for unscrupulous people who take advantage of them financially.
Home Loans: The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan Program is now a lifetime benefit (effective Jan 2011) for eligible Veterans that provides low-interest home purchase and home improvement loans to eligible Veterans in accordance with Oregon's Constitution and other applicable laws. The maximum loan amount for Veterans is presently $417,000 (effective January 2, 2006). Interest rates generally run about one percent below market.
Eligibility: To be eligible, a Veteran must have served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces and meet one of the following criteria:
•· Beginning on or before Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 90 days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Beginning after Jan. 31, 1955 served more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability; or
•· Served 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions and has a disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
•· Served at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions.
Veterans are also eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
•· Received a combat, campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal for service and was discharged or released under honorable conditions; or
•· Is receiving a nonservice-connected pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Home Improvement Loans: Home improvement loans are available with no loan fee. Minimal costs include escrow closing and title fees.
Eligibility: To be eligible, the Veteran must be honorably discharged and have served at least 210 consecutive days on active duty for purposes other than training, unless discharged due to a service-connected injury. If honorably discharged and has less than the above mentioned 210 consecutive days of active duty service, the Veteran may still qualify if served in a theater of operations for which a campaign or expeditionary ribbon or medal is authorized by the United States. Terms, conditions, and eligible improvements relating to the Home Improvement Loan are contained in Oregon Statuses, chapters 406 and 407.
Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP): This program is for Oregon Veterans and their immediate Family (spouse, unremarried surviving spouse, child, or stepchild) who are in need of emergency financial assistance. OVEFAP Application Form
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Oregon:
VA Health Care System
Roseburg: VA Roseburg Healthcare System, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, 541-440-1000 / 800-549-8387
VA Medical Centers
Portland: Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd, 503-220-8262 / 800-949-1004
Domiciliary
White City: VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics, 8495 Crater Lake Hwy, 541-826-2111 / 800-809-8725
Outpatient Clinic
Burns: Burns OPC (Extension Clinic), 271 N Egan Ave, 541-573-3339
Newport: Newport Clinic, 1010 SW Coast Hwy, 541-265-4182
The Dalles: The Dalles OPC, 704 Veterans Dr, 503-220-8262
West Linn: West Linn Clinic, 1750 SW Blankenship Rd, Suite 300, 503-210-4900
Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Bend: Bend CBOC, 2115 NE Wyatt Ct, Suite 201, 503-220-8262
Brookings: Brookings CBOC, 555 - 5th St, 541-412-1152
Eugene: Eugene CBOC, 100 River Ave, 541-607-0897
Hillsboro: Hillsboro CBOC, 1925 Amberglen Pkwy, 3rd Fl, 503-906-5000
Klamath Falls: Klamath Falls CBOC, 2819 Dahlia St, 541-273-6206
La Grande: La Grande CBOC, 202 12th St, 541-963-0627
North Bend: North Bend CBOC, 2191 Marion St, 541-756-8002Portland: East Portland CBOC, 10535 NE Glisan St, 503-220-8262
Portland: Portland Vet Center, 1505 N.E. 122nd Ave, 503-688-5361 / 877-927-8387
Salem: Salem CBOC, 1660 Oak St SE, Suite 100, 503-220-8262 / 800-949-1004
Warrenton: North Coast CBOC, 91400 Rilea, Neacoxie St. Bldg, 7315
Camp Rilea Military Reservation, 503-220-8262 / 800-949-1004
Vet Center
Bend: Central Oregon Vet Center, 1645 NE Forbes Rd, Suite 105, 541-749-2112 / 877-927-8387
Eugene: Eugene Vet Center, 1255 Pearl St, Suite 200, 541-465-6918 / 877-927-8387
Grants Pass: Grants Pass Vet Center, 211 S.E. 10th St, 541-479-6912 / 877-927-8387
Portland: Portland Vet Center, 1505 NE 122nd Ave, Suite 110, 503-688-5361 / 877-927-8387
Salem: Salem Vet Center, 2645 Portland Rd, Suite 250, 503-362-9911
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?State=OR&dnum=ALL
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-new-york-wyoming#OREGON
http://cms.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/platevet.aspx
Document Review Date: 2 August 2012