If your loved one has become wounded, injured, or ill as a member of the armed forces, a formal set of rules is in place to make sure they receive all of the benefits for which you are eligible. WarriorCare.MIL serves as a portal to Wounded Warrior resources for the US Armed Forces.

 

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) and Service Officers throughout the state provide free benefits counseling and claims service to military spouses and dependents. We honor the opportunity to provide assistance to spouses and dependents of veterans who honorably served in our Nation's armed forces.

 
 Gold Medal of Remembrance
The Gold Medal of Remembrance is unique in that it is the only medal that recognizes and honors the children who have recently lost a parent in service to our country. It is a tangible reminder that casualties are found on the home front as well as on the battlefield. Designed by the Institute of Heraldry, which provides special services to the US Armed Forces, federal agencies, and the Office of the President, this uniquely beautiful medal has become a truly special American tradition.
 
The medal’s gold denotes optimism and wisdom, and embodies the emotional riches gained from a close relationship with family and friends. The flame symbolizes remembrance, hope, and freedom. The laurel wreath is the ancient symbol of honor and victory, and the gold flame within a star is the official emblem of the White House Commission on Remembrance. Call (202) 783-1168 or Download the Gold Medal of Remembrance Application -- Complete the form and return it to:

Gold Medal of Remembrance Program
The White House Commission on Remembrance
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 1776
Washington, DC 20006
Fax: 202-783-1168
Email: c_laspada@remember.gov
On the web:

http://www.remember.gov/GoldMedalofRemembrance/tabid/163/Default.aspx

 

Employment Preference
Since the time of the Civil War, Veterans and Spouses of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to Federal jobs. In addition to all Federal agencies, employment preference is extended to now apply to employee positions in the Government Accounting Office, Office of the President, certain legislative and judicial positions, and in Reduction In Force (RIF) situations, the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA). Ten points are added to the passing examination score of:

• An unmarried spouse of a deceased veteran that served during the period beginning April 28, 1952 and ending July 1, 1955, or serve on active duty in the armed forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal was authorized, including Lebanon Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia (Desert Storm/Shield), Somalia, Haiti, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
• A spouse of a veteran who (1) has a service-connected disability and (2) has been unable to qualify for any appointment in the civil service or in the government of the District of Columbia.
  
• The mother of a veteran who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the armed forces during the period beginning April 28, 1952 and ending July 1, 1955, or serve on active duty in the armed forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal was authorized, including Lebanon Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia (Desert Storm/Shield), Somalia, Haiti, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
• The mother of a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran.

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Veterans' Employment and Training Service developed an "expert system" to help spouses and mothers receive the preferences to which they are entitled. Spouses and mothers who believe that they have not been accorded the preference to which they are entitled may file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS).

http://www.usajobs.gov/EI3.asp

 VA Home Loan
A VA loan guaranty to acquire a home may be available to an unmarried spouse of a veteran or service member who died as a result of service-connected disabilities, a surviving spouse who remarries after age 57, or to a spouse of a service member officially listed as MIA or who is currently a POW for more than 90 days. Spouses of those listed MIA/POW are limited to one loan.

 

Veterans who are not Native American, but who are married to Native American non-veterans, may be eligible for a direct loan under this program. To be eligible for such a loan, the qualified non-Native American veteran and the Native American spouse must reside on Federal Trust Land, and both the veteran and spouse must have a meaningful interest in the dwelling or lot.

www.homeloans.va.gov/eligibility.htm

 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Education and training program for eligible spouses and dependent children of certain disabled and deceased veterans. Benefits can be applied by the spouse, son, or daughter of a service member or veteran that is eligible:

• A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
• A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
• A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
• A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
• A servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006.

Benefits may be awarded for pursuit of associate, bachelor or graduate degrees at colleges and universities, independent study, cooperative training, study abroad, certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools, apprenticeships, on-the-job training programs and farm cooperative courses. The benefit may be used for college or university degree, certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. VA provides educational assistance to qualifying dependents as follows:

1. The spouse or child of a service member who either died of a service-connected disability, or who has permanent and total service-connected disability, or who died while such a disability existed.
2. The spouse or child of a service member listed for more than 90 days as currently Missing in Action (MIA), captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, or detained or interned by a foreign government or power.
3. The spouse or child of a service member who is hospitalized or is receiving outpatient care or treatment for a disability that is determined to be totally and permanently disabling, incurred or aggravated due to active duty, and for which the servicemember is likely to be discharged.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - Chapter 35
1-888-442-4551

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

This benefit program provides a monthly payment to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran because of a service-connected death of a veteran. For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the veteran’s death must have resulted from one of the following causes:

• A service-connected disability or a condition directly related to a service-connected disability.
• An injury, heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty for training.
• A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on active duty or active duty for training.

DIC also may be paid to certain survivors of veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their deaths. The survivor qualifies if the veteran was:

• A former POW who died after Sept. 30, 1999, and who was continuously rated totally disabled for a period of at least one year immediately preceding death; or
• Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death; or
• Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately preceding death

Death Pension is payable to some surviving spouses and children of deceased wartime veterans. The benefit is based on financial need. Parents’ DIC is payable to some surviving parents. The benefit is based on financial need.

Benefits for Surviving Spouse 

Benefits for Dependent Children 

Benefits for Parents 

 Aid and Attendance for Housebound Veterans

A veteran evaluated at 30 percent or more disabled is entitled to receive an additional payment for a spouse who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person. A veteran who is determined by VA to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, or a veteran who is permanently housebound, may be entitled to additional disability compensation or pension payments.

 

 Death Gratuity Payment
Military services provide payment, called a death gratuity, in the amount of $100,000 to the next of kin of service members who die while on active duty or retirees who die within 120 days of retirement as a result of service-connected injury or illness. Parents, brothers or sisters may be provided the payment, if designated as next of kin by the deceased. The payment is made by the last military command of the deceased. If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, application may be made to the military service concerned.

 

 VA Life Insurance
Insurance programs were developed to provide insurance benefits for veterans and service members who may not be able to get insurance from private companies because of the extra risks involved in military service, or a service connected disability.

Filing a Death Claim (except SGLI/VGLI)

 Veteran Records - The National Archives
The National Archives can help families, next-of-kin and descendants of veterans to obtain copies of Military Service Records such as separation documents (DD-214)and medical records, and to get started with genealogical or historical research. A variety of important benefits and services are available to surviving spouses, their families, and next-of-kin from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies. Call the National Archives at 1-866-272-6272 and select Option 4.

Learn about the National Archives
 
eVetRecs: Request Copies of Military Personnel Records

 Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United States are available to unremarried surviving spouses of members or retired members of the armed forces, recipients of the Medal of Honor, and their dependents and orphans. Reservists and their dependents also may be eligible. Privileges overseas are governed by international law and are available only if agreed upon by the foreign government concerned.
 

 CHAMPVA Medical Program
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you cannot be eligible for TRICARE/CHAMPUS and you must be in one of these categories:

• the spouse or child of a veteran who has been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office, or
• the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a VA-rated service connected disability, or
• the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who was at the time death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service connected disability, or
• the surviving spouse or child of a military member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA).

www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/champva.asp

 Counseling and Outreach Services
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans and family members who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. There are four Vet Centers serving Oregon:

 

-- Salem Vet Center
-- Portland Vet Center
-- Grants Pass Vet Center
-- Eugene Vet Center

 

 Bereavement Counseling

The VA offers bereavement counseling as assistance and support to spouses and dependents with emotional and psychological stress after the death of a servicemember. Bereavement counseling includes a broad range of transition services, including outreach, counseling, and referral services to family members.

This includes federally activated members of the National Guard and reserve components. Bereavement services may be accessed by calling (202) 461-6530.

www.vetcenter.va.gov/Bereavement_Counseling.asp

 Social Security
Possible increase in benefits for survivors, due to service credits. Also, supplemental benefits for low-income persons.

www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/irs.htm

 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Death Benefit
VA will pay a special MGIB death benefit to a designated survivor in the event of the service-connected death of a servicemember while on active duty or within one year after discharge or release. The deceased must either have been entitled to educational assistance under the MGIB program or a participant in the program who would have been so entitled but for the high school diploma or length-of-service requirement. The amount paid will be equal to the participant’s actual military pay reduction, less any education benefits paid.
 

 No-Fee Passports
No-fee passports are available to immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters) for the expressed purpose of visiting their loved one's grave or memorialization site at the American military cemeteries on foreign soil. For additional information, write to:

American Battle Monuments Commission

Courthouse Plaza II, Suite 500

2300 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA  22201

Or call (703) 696-6897 and learn more online at www.abmc.gov/home.php.

 

 Military Funeral Honors
Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any national cemetery 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. The core elements conducted for military funeral honors ceremonies include Flag folding, Flag presentation, and Playing of Taps. The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag.

Burial and End of Life

 Naturalization Preference
If a service member dies as a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated by service during a time of combat, the service member's survivor(s) can apply for the deceased service member to receive posthumous citizenship at any time within two years of the service member's death. The issuance of a posthumous certificate of citizenship does not confer U.S. citizenship on surviving relatives. Call 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645) for assistance.

www.uscis.gov/military

 

 Claims and Counseling Service 
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) and Service Officers throughout the state provide free benefits counseling and claims service to military spouses and dependents. We honor the opportunity to provide assistance to spouses and dependents of veterans who honorably served in our Nation's armed forces.

 

 Spouse and Dependent Tuition Waiver

Full tuition waiver for a bachelor's or master's degree at an Oregon University System institution. The program is open to qualified dependent (legal child under the age of 23, spouse, or un-remarried surviving spouse) of an active duty Military Service veteran, as defined in Chapter 39, 2008 Oregon Laws, who:

1. died while on active duty after 9/11/01, or
2. died due to a service-connected condition sustained after 9/11/01, or
3. is rated 100% disabled by the Department of Veteran Affairs for a service-connected disability sustained after 9/11/01.

Download the Dependent Tuition Waiver Application

 Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses
ORS 307.250 grants an exemption to any qualified surviving spouse of a war veteran. To qualify, you cannot remarry. If you do remarry, you will become disqualified. The deceased war veteran must have been a member of and discharged or released under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces and have completed a minimum period of service.

 
Complete a Surviving Spouse Exemption Claim form (150-303-086). File the application form with the county assessor on or before April 1, to claim a property tax exemption on your primary residence for the following tax year, beginning July 1. The surviving spouse, must attach proof of marriage to the deceased war veteran and the veteran’s military discharge or release papers (DD214). You also cannot have remarried.

 

 Gold Star License Plates

Available through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles for $10 every 2 years for the surviving parent, spouse or dependent of a person who was killed in action during an armed conflict while serving the Armed Forces of the United States.

www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/platevet.shtml

 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 and Download the Application

 Public Records
Help in obtaining copies of records necessary for veterans' benefits claims.

 

 Oregon Veterans Home
In addition to providing nursing home care for veterans, the Oregon Veterans Home provides nursing home care for the veteran's spouse/surviving spouse, and certain gold-star parents who are now in need of nursing home and/or Alzheimer's Disease care.
 
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