As a veteran, you have earned for yourself and potentially for your family, benefits as a result of your service to the country. This website contains brief overviews of some of the benefits for which you may qualify. Remember, you must apply for your benefits to receive them. Some benefits have time limitations in which they must be used. Please visit your local county veterans service office or a  Veterans' organization national service officer with a copy of your DD-214 or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs to find out more about your veterans' benefits.
 
Oregon State Benefits Checklist
 
 Small Busines Repair Loan
The Oregon Veterans’ Small Business Repair Loan is a zero-percent loan intended to help recently returning servicemembers recover their businesses that had suffered a setback during their deployments. Veterans can apply for up to $20,000 if they are the majority owner of their business. For more information call 1-800-692-9666.
 
ORVET Home Loan
ODVA offers a state veterans' home loan that is an additional and distinctively separate benefit from the USDVA (Federal VA) Home Loan Guaranty Program. The maximum loan amount for honorably discharged veterans is presently $417,000 (effective January 2, 2006).
 

www.oregon.gov/ODVA/HOMELOANS

 

Interest rates generally run about one percent below market — call 1-888-673-8387 to get a rate quote and request an application packet. All loans are made at fixed rates and veterans may choose up to a maximum loan term of 30 years. In some cases we can loan up to 100 percent of the appraised property value.
 
Service-Connected Disabled Veterans License Plates
One time permanent motor vehicle registration fee. No additional fees other than regular plate fees or replacement plate fees. Issued to honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Service members discharged or released under honorable conditions;
• The service was for not less than 90 consecutive days (or the discharge or release was based on a service connected injury or illness prior to completion of the minimum period of service), and;
• The disability is service related.

Application for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans
 
Disabled Veteran License Plates 

 License Plates - Military Veteran Recognition For $10 every two years, an eligible veteran may register a Veteran Recognition Plate with Military Insignia or Blank Veteran Recognition Plate. The veteran must provide proof of military service and/or proof of award of a military related medal. Service-related medals and branch of service insignias: (Click to view):

• Congressional Medal of Honor
• Purple Heart
• Bronze Star
• Navy Cross
• Distinguished Service Cross
• Silver Star
• Air Force Cross
• Afghanistan Campaign - Operation Enduring Freedom
• Iraq Campaign - Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
• Southwest Asia Service - Desert Storm/Gulf War
• Korea Service
• Vietnam Service
• World War II Victory
• Army
• Marines
• Navy
• Air Force
• Coast Guard 

   Veteran Recognition plates with service related medals can only be issued to individuals that were awarded that medal. This proof must be provided in the form of a DD214 or DD215.

Application for Veteran Recognition Plates

Disabled War Veteran or Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption
If you are a disabled war veteran or the surviving spouse of a war veteran, you may be entitled to exempt $15,814 or $19,096 of your homestead property’s assessed value from property taxes. The exemption amount increases by 3 percent each year. If you are a 40% or more disabled war veteran, you may be entitled to exempt a portion of your homestead property's assessed value from property taxes.

Learn More and Download the Information Sheet

 Unemployment Compensation

Veterans who do not begin civilian employment immediately after leaving military service may receive weekly unemployment compensation for a limited time. The purpose of Training Unemployment Insurance (TUI) is to allow eligible dislocated workers to attend school and receive unemployment insurance benefits at the same time so that they can continue to care for their families and obtain employment. The amount and duration of payments are determined by the Oregon Employment Department, http://www.employment.oregon.gov
 
Oregon Employment Department
Main Office 1-800-237-3710 (Toll Free)
or 503-947-1394
www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/VETS
 
 Disabled Veterans' and Local Employment Representatives
Veterans can find employment information, education and training opportunities, job counseling, job search workshops, and resume preparation assistance at state Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers. These offices also have specialists to help disabled veterans find employment. Disabled Veterans´ Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) assist Veterans' in applying for Federal, State, Local Government and private sector employment. 
 
Find a Local Vet Employment Rep
 
 Oregon Veterans' Employment 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. 

Learn more about the law and access information about specific and general discriminatory practices

Veterans' 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:
 

10 points (Disabled Veteran) -To receive 10 points a veteran must be:

• Awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat; or
• In receipt of disability compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
• Discharged or released from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

There is no limit on the number of times a disabled veteran may use these points, and there is no time limit; the points do not expire.
 

5 points (Veteran) -To receive 5 points a veteran must have served on active duty in the Armed Forces:

• Received a combat or campaign ribbon for service in the Armed Forces; or
• For at least one day in a combat zone; or
• For more than 178 consecutive days

Veterans in reciept of a combat or campaign ribbon must also;

• Make application within 15 years of discharge or release from service in the Armed Forces; and
• Have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions

There is no limit on the number of times you can use these points within the 15 year time limit.

Veterans must submit as verification of eligibility a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) with the State of Oregon Application. Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.
 
Veterans' Preference laws are applied in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235; OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015.

All State of Oregon agencies apply Veteran Preference Points. 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. 

Oregon State Parks Permits - Special Access Pass for Veterans with Disabilities & Active Military On Leave
Service-connected disabled veterans and U.S. Armed Forces active-duty personnel on leave have free day-use parking and free overnight rental of RV and tent campsites for up to five consecutive days and no more than 10 days total in a calendar month.

Application for Oregon State Parks Permit

 Hunting and Fishing Licenses (Permanent Combination License)
A free hunting and angling license for disabled war veterans rated at 25% or more with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veteran must be an Oregon resident for at least six months.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
3406 Cherry Ave. NE
Salem, OR 97303
(503) 947-6101

Application requires proof in the form of a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must state the veterans service-connected disability percentage. Call 1-800-827-1000 to order your letter.

Application for Hunting and Fishing License

 Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit
Available to disabled veterans rated at 65% or more with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The disabilities permit is not a license or tag. Veterans must also obtain a Permanent Combination License. Application requires proof in the form of a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must state the veterans service-connected disability percentage. Call 1-800-827-1000 to order your letter. The letter should be submitted with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Application Form

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
3406 Cherry Ave. NE
Salem, OR 97303
(503) 947-6101

 Emergency Financial Assistance Program
The Oregon Veterans' Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP)
program is for veterans and their immediate family (spouse, unremarried surviving spouse, child, or stepchild) who are in need of emergency financial assistance. Assistance needs includes, but are not limited to:

• Emergency or temporary housing and related housing expenses, such as expenses for utilities, insurance, house repairs, rent assistance or food;
• Emergency medical or dental expenses;
• Emergency transportation;
• Expenses related to starting a business, such as business licenses or occupational licenses;
• Temporary income after military discharge; and
• Legal assistance.

Learn more about OVEFAP and download an application

 Home Improvement Loans
Available with no loan fee. Minimal costs include escrow closing and title fees. The Department must be the first lien holder on all loans issued. Terms, conditions, and eligible improvements relating to the Home Improvement Loan are contained in ORS 406 and 407.

Learn More about Home Improvement Loans

 Oregon Veterans’ 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, Alzheimers and other dementia, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. The Oregon Veterans´ Home is a Medicare and Medicaid certified facility. Toll free information number 1-800-846-8460.

Learn more about the Oregon Veterans' Home

 U.S. Armed Forces Service Records
Help in obtaining free certified copies of public records marriage, death, divorce, and birth records for VA claims purposes. Also note that county clerks will record veterans' discharge papers (DD Form 214) and provide copies of recorded documents free of charge to veterans and next of kin.

More information about Requesting Military and Veterans' Records

 Oregon Veterans' High School Diploma
A school district may issue diplomas under ORS 332.114 to veterans who did not graduate from a high school because they were serving in a war with the U.S. Armed Forces. Diplomas can also be issued to a representative of a deceased veteran.

Learn more through the Oregon Department of Education

 Oregon Veterans' Educational Aid
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs provides educational benefits for pursuit of approved training courses. Benefits will be paid for as many months as the veteran spent in active service, up to a maximum of 36 months. Veterans' who qualify for the program are entitled to receive up to $150 per month. Benefits are paid for classroom instruction, home study courses, and for vocational training from an accredited educational institution. 

Learn more about Education Benefits for Veterans

 Burial and End of Life
Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a government headstone or marker.

Oregon Military Funeral Honors Program

A burial allowance (if receiving or entitled to receive USDVA benefits at time of death), burial flag, grave marker and, if desired, burial in a national cemetary.

Burial Flags

Veterans and family members are also eligible for Burial At Sea. Anyone desiring burial at sea should indicate that preference in writing (in a will or other legal document).

Burial At Sea Program

 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 our clients have disabilities such as schizophrenia, head injury, and Alzheimer’s disease that can negatively affect judgement and reasoning abilities. They are also easy targets for unscrupulous people who take advantage of them financially.

Learn more about the Conservatorship program