The state of Oregon provides several veteran benefits. This page explains those benefits.
Oregon Veterans Housing Benefits
Oregon Veterans Homes
Oregon runs two veterans homes in The Dalles and Lebanon. Admission is open to all veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge and their spouses. Gold Star parents are also eligible for admission.
Applicants must be in need of skilled nursing care and able to pay their share of the cost of care.
Oregon Veterans Home Loan
The Oregon veterans home loan is separate and distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty.
Currently, ODVA's home loan program offers eligible veterans fixed-rate financing for:
- Owner-occupied, single-family residence
- Purchase only (no refinancing is available)
- Up to four (4) home loans maximum life benefit
Oregon Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
All active-duty pay earned outside Oregon and up to $6,000 of active-duty pay earned in Oregon is tax-free.
If you had military service before Oct. 1, 1991, you may be able to deduct a portion of your retirement pay. If you didn't have military or federal service prior to Oct. 1, 1991, your military retirement is taxed normally. Survivor Benefit Program payments follow the same rule.
Oregon Property Tax Exemption
Veterans rated at 40% or more disabled by the VA may qualify for a property tax exemption.
Oregon Veterans' Emergency Assistance
Oregon offers emergency financial assistance for veterans and their immediate family. Valid emergencies include: emergency or temporary housing and related housing expenses, expenses for utilities, insurance, house repairs, rent assistance, emergency medical or dental expenses and emergency transportation.
All payments are made directly to payees/creditors. Assistance is granted one time only and average award amounts vary.
Oregon State Veterans Employment Preference
When taking a test for state employment veterans get 5 points added to their final score, disabled veterans get 10 points.
Disabled Veteran License Plate
Any veteran who has any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rated disability (even 0%) is eligible for a permanent Disabled Veteran license plate that does not have to be renewed. There is a small one-time fee. The plate also exempts those in certain areas from emissions inspections.
Oregon Education Benefits
National Guard Education Assistance
The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program provides 100% funding for tuition to eligible Oregon Army and Air National Guard members for up to 120 semester credits at Oregon state institutions.
Oregon Veterans Recreational Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Service-connected resident disabled war veterans rated 25% or more can get free hunting and fishing licenses. Disabled veterans are also eligible for an Oregon Elk tag at a reduced cost.
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Active-duty members can get hunting and fishing licenses for the resident rate.
Oregon State Parks
You do not have to be an Oregon resident to qualify for these benefits.
Service-connected disabled veterans get free parking and camping at state parks. You may camp for free in a tent, RV or standard horse camp site for 10 nights at a time at a single state park, or a total of 10 nights in a 30-day period regardless of the location. If you stay longer than 10 nights at a park, you will pay the standard rate and reservation fee for the extra days.
Active-duty members get the same benefit, but they have to pay up front and then file for reimbursement. Additionally, all active-duty service members can visit Oregon state parks for free on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
Visit the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
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