Oregon offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits.
Oregon Veterans Housing Benefits
Oregon Veterans Homes
Oregon operates two veterans homes located in The Dalles and Lebanon. Eligibility for admission extends to all veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge and their spouses. Additionally, Gold Star parents are eligible for admission. Applicants must require skilled nursing care and be capable of contributing to the cost of their care.
Oregon Veterans Home Loan
The Oregon veterans home loan program stands apart from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty.
Presently, ODVA’s home loan initiative provides qualified veterans with fixed-rate financing for:
- Owner-occupied, single-family residences
- Purchase purposes only (refinancing is not an option)
- A maximum of four (4) home loans over the course of eligibility.
Oregon Veteran Financial Benefits
Income Tax
All active-duty pay earned outside of Oregon and up to $6,000 of active-duty pay earned within Oregon are exempt from taxes.
If you served in the military before October 1, 1991, you might qualify to deduct a portion of your retirement pay. Conversely, if you didn’t have military or federal service prior to October 1, 1991, your military retirement is subject to regular taxation. The same principle applies to Survivor Benefit Program payments.
Oregon Property Tax Exemption
Veterans rated at 40% or higher disabled by the VA might meet the criteria for a property tax exemption.
Oregon Veterans’ Emergency Assistance
Oregon provides emergency financial aid for veterans and their immediate families. Eligible emergencies encompass temporary or emergency housing and associated expenses, utility bills, insurance costs, home repairs, rental support, emergency medical or dental fees, and emergency transportation.
All payments are issued directly to payees or creditors. Assistance is provided on a one-time basis, with average award amounts differing.
Oregon State Veterans Employment Preference
During state employment tests, veterans receive an additional 5 points added to their final score, while disabled veterans are granted 10 extra points.
Disabled Veteran License Plate
Any veteran with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rated disability, regardless of percentage (even 0%), qualifies for a permanent Disabled Veteran license plate that does not require renewal. A small one-time fee is applicable. Additionally, the plate grants exemptions from emissions inspections in specific regions.
Oregon Education Benefits
National Guard Education Assistance
The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program offers full funding for tuition to qualifying members of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard for up to 120 semester credits at Oregon state institutions.
Oregon Veterans Recreational Benefits
Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Resident disabled war veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 25% or higher are eligible for complimentary hunting and fishing licenses in Oregon. Additionally, disabled veterans qualify for an Oregon Elk tag at a reduced cost.
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Active-duty members are eligible to obtain hunting and fishing licenses at the resident rate.
Oregon State Parks
These benefits are not restricted to Oregon residents.
Service-connected disabled veterans receive complimentary parking and camping privileges at state parks. Camping is permitted for up to 10 consecutive nights at a single state park, regardless of accommodation type (tent, RV, or standard horse campsite), or a total of 10 nights within a 30-day period across various parks. Exceeding the 10-night limit incurs standard rates and reservation fees for additional days.
Similarly, active-duty members are entitled to the same benefits, though they must pay upfront and subsequently seek reimbursement. Furthermore, all active-duty service members can enjoy free access to Oregon state parks on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
