Oregon Veteran Financial Benefits
Military Retirement Pay and State Taxes:
Oregon allows retired Service members to deduct military retired pay earned before October 1, 1991, from state income taxes. Retirement pay earned on or after that date is taxable. For Service members with time served both before and after October 1991, a percentage of pension income may be subtracted, based on the proportion of months served before that cutoff date.
Withdrawals from a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) after retirement may also qualify for this subtraction, depending on service dates. However, withdrawals made before retirement or funds moved into non-federal accounts are not eligible.
Military Pay Income Adjustments:
Oregon provides several adjusted gross income (AGI) subtractions for resident Service members:
- Military pay earned while stationed outside Oregon is tax-free.
- Pay for National Guard and Reserve members assigned away from home for 21 days or more is exempt.
- Up to an additional $6,000 of remaining taxable military income may be subtracted.
- Military allowances and pay excluded from federal AGI are not taxed by Oregon.
Nonresident Military Spouse Exemption:
Nonresident spouses of Service members are exempt from Oregon income tax on wages earned in the state.
Military Disability Retirement Pay:
Military Disability Retirement Pay, including compensation for service-connected disabilities, VA disability pensions, housing or vehicle grants for disabled Veterans, and dependent-care assistance benefits, is fully exempt from Oregon income tax.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):
DIC payments made to eligible survivors of Service members or Veterans who died from service-related causes are tax-free.
Survivor Benefit Plans (SBP, RCSBP, RSFPP):
Surviving spouses may subtract annuity income tied to service before October 1, 1991, from state income taxes. As with retired pay, a prorated calculation applies if service spans before and after this date.
Homestead Property Tax Exemption:
Oregon provides property tax exemptions of $24,071 or $28,886 (depending on qualification) for disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses/partners. The Veteran or surviving spouse must own and live in the homestead to qualify.
State Sales and Fuel Taxes:
- Sales Tax: None statewide
- Gasoline Tax: 55.22 cents per gallon (state, local, and federal combined)
- Diesel Fuel Tax: 60.45 cents per gallon (state, local, and federal combined)
Recreation
Oregon Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Benefits for Veterans and Service Members
Free Hunting, Angling, and Shellfish License for Disabled Veterans:
Oregon resident disabled Veterans may receive a free annual combination license that covers hunting, fishing, shellfish harvesting, the Columbia River Basin Endorsement, and a $25 elk tag. This license must be renewed each year.
Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit:
This five-year permit is not a license or tag but provides additional accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including the ability to:
- Fish with assistance from another person
- Fish from anchored craft in restricted waters
- Use an electric-powered reel in a rod holder
- Access the Nehalem Hatchery Barrier-Free Fishing Platform
- Clam dig with assistance
- Hunt from a parked motor-propelled vehicle (excluding public roads)
- Hunt with the assistance of another person
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Benefits for Veterans and Service Members:
- Veterans and Service Members Waterfowl Hunt: Open only to Veterans and active/reserve Service members on federal active duty (other than training). Proof of status and all required licenses/validations are needed.
- Reduced-Price Hunting Licenses for Residents: Resident Service members can buy big game and game bird licenses for $17, with the option to purchase general season tags after the deadline without late fees.
- Resident-Price Licenses for Nonresident Service Members: Nonresidents serving in the military may purchase hunting, fishing, or shellfish licenses at resident rates.
- Controlled Deer, Elk, and Bear Tags for Service Members on Leave: Resident Service members stationed outside Oregon may apply for controlled hunt tags while home on leave. Each ODFW district office may issue up to 20 tags, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Required documentation includes:
- Active duty military ID
- Current leave papers
- Valid Oregon resident hunting license
Oregon Parks and Recreation Special Access Pass:
- For Disabled Veterans: Free camping (up to 10 nights per stay, or 10 nights within 30 days) at RV sites, tent sites, standard horse campsites, and free parking at day-use parks. Does not cover yurts, cabins, special facilities, reservation fees, or extra vehicle charges. The Special Access Pass is valid for 10 years.
- For Active Duty Service Members on Leave: Eligible Service members may apply for a refund for camping and day-use fees.
Oregon Military & Veterans Additional Benefits
Oregon Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP): This program offers one-time emergency financial relief to eligible Veterans and their families. The amount awarded varies based on need, and funds are paid directly to creditors. Applicants must show that, once the emergency is addressed, they will be able to manage their ongoing living expenses.
Types of covered assistance may include:
- Temporary or emergency housing costs, including utilities, insurance, and home repairs
- Rental support
- Urgent medical or dental bills
- Emergency transportation needs
Eligibility: Veterans who are Oregon residents with an honorable discharge, as well as their un-remarried surviving spouses, dependent children, or stepchildren, may qualify if they are facing an immediate financial crisis.
Education Programs
Oregon Military & Veteran Education Benefits
Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA):
ONGSTA helps Oregon National Guard members pay for college by covering in-state tuition at community colleges (up to 90 quarter credits), public universities, eligible private schools, and Oregon Health and Science University (up to 180 quarter credits). Tuition is covered up to the average resident rate at Oregon’s seven public universities. In addition, members can receive:
- A book allowance of up to $1,000 per year
- Fee coverage: $361 per term at community colleges, $716 at public universities (including OHSU), and $526/$351 per term at private schools (semester/quarter).
Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and applied after Federal Tuition Assistance.
Eligibility requirements for ONGSTA:
- Completion of basic training
- Good standing with the Oregon National Guard and no adverse actions
- Actively drilling and attending required training
- No bachelor’s degree or higher already earned
- Not in default on federal student loans
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above with satisfactory progress
Resident Tuition for Service Members & Families:
Active-duty and reserve Service members, their spouses, and children qualify for Oregon resident tuition if they:
- Live in Oregon while on duty station assignment
- Entered the military as Oregon residents and haven’t claimed another state of residence
- Return to Oregon within six months after discharge
- Continue living in Oregon after separating from the military
VA Education Benefits Resident Rates:
Veterans using VA benefits, dependents using transferred benefits, or Fry Scholarship recipients are charged resident tuition if they live in Oregon while attending school—regardless of official state residency.
Oregon Veterans Dependent Tuition Program:
Provides a full tuition waiver (excluding fees) at Oregon public universities/colleges for the spouse or children of eligible Veterans. Covers:
- Up to 4 years of full-time study for a bachelor’s degree
- Up to 2 years of full-time study for a master’s degree
Oregon Veterans Bridge Grant:
Administered by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, this grant provides up to $5,000 to help Veterans complete their degrees when required courses are unavailable on time.
Voyager Tuition Assistance Program:
For Oregon Guard and Reserve members who served in a combat zone after 9/11. This “last dollar” program applies after federal education benefits and typically covers up to 4 years of undergraduate study (a 5th year possible in some programs).
- Must be pursuing a first bachelor’s degree
- Up to 15 additional credits beyond the degree requirement allowed
- Not transferable to spouses or dependents
- Not valid for distance/online programs
Darlene Hooley Scholarship:
A need-based award of up to $3,000 per year for Oregon public university students who:
- Are Oregon residents
- Currently serve or previously served in the Oregon Guard/Reserves (post-9/11, honorable discharge if separated)
- Deployed overseas for the Global War on Terror
- Are enrolled at least half-time
Oregon High School Diploma for Wartime Veterans:
Veterans who left high school to serve during:
- WWII, Korean War, or Vietnam War
- Or who served in combat zones such as Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan, or Iraq
…may apply for a diploma from their local school district (or where they would have graduated). Diplomas may also be awarded posthumously.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3):
Oregon participates in MIC3 to ease transitions for children of military families by:
- Ensuring timely enrollment and transfer of records
- Reducing disadvantages caused by varying state rules on age, attendance, grading, or course content
- Protecting access to programs, extracurriculars, and athletics
- Supporting on-time graduation
- Promoting collaboration between families, schools, and states
Housing: Locations for Veterans’ Homes
Oregon Veterans’ Homes: The state operates two nursing facilities dedicated to caring for Oregon Veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses, and parents of Service members who lost their lives in active duty. These homes offer long-term skilled nursing, specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care, as well as both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.
Oregon State Veterans Home at Ardmore
Oregon State Veterans Home at Claremore
Eligibility for Care at an Oregon Veterans’ Home
To qualify for admission into an Oregon Veterans’ Home, individuals must meet certain criteria:
- Be a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces with a discharge status of general or honorable.
- Be the spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran.
- Be a Gold Star Parent — the parent of a Service member who lost their life in wartime combat.
Additional requirements include:
- Ability to cover the resident’s share of care costs, if applicable.
- A physician and the VA must confirm the need for skilled or intermediate nursing care.
- The applicant’s medical needs must fall within the range of services the facility can provide.
- Applicants must not exhibit violent behavior that could endanger themselves, fellow residents, staff, or others.
Employment and Job Training: Veteran Preference
Oregon Veterans’ Preference in State Employment:
Oregon law requires that eligible Veterans receive preference in state hiring. This preference also applies to promotions for state employees seeking higher-paying civil service positions.
- To qualify, applicants must meet all job requirements, pass initial screenings, and complete any required exams.
- Preference is applied by adding points to scores:
- 5 points for Veterans
- 10 points for disabled Veterans
- For positions without a scoring system, Veterans must be given special consideration during the hiring process.
- Veterans not selected for a position may request a written explanation for why they were not hired.
Federal Veteran Hiring Preferences:
Federal law also gives Veterans priority in civil service hiring and retention, particularly for those with service-connected disabilities or who served in specific time periods or campaigns. Points are added to examination scores depending on eligibility:
- 5-Point Preference: For Veterans who served during certain wartime periods, specific campaigns, or more than 180 consecutive active days (outside of training).
- 10-Point Preference: Awarded to Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans.
Additional rules ensure that eligible family members may also receive hiring preference under certain conditions.
USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act):
USERRA protects the civilian employment rights of Veterans and reserve component members. Key protections include:
- Reemployment Rights: Service members returning from duty must be reinstated to their previous job (or equivalent) with the same pay, benefits, and seniority.
- Job Protection: Absences for military duty (up to five years, with exceptions) do not result in job loss.
- Disability Accommodation: Employers must make reasonable accommodations for service-connected disabilities.
- Health & Pension Coverage: Extended coverage options are available for service members and their families.
Oregon-Specific Employment Protections and Support:
- Paid Military Leave for State Employees: Oregon state employees in the reserve components are entitled to 15 days of paid military leave each year for required training.
- Oregon Military Family Leave Act (OMFLA): Employers must provide 14 days of unpaid leave for spouses or domestic partners of Service members called to active duty.
- WorkSource Oregon (WSO): Offers training, job placement, and career services for Veterans, transitioning Service members, and eligible spouses. Priority of service ensures Veterans receive access to programs first.
- LVERs (Local Veteran Employment Representatives): Connect with employers to create opportunities for Veterans.
- DVOP Specialists (Disabled Veteran Outreach Program): Provide one-on-one assistance for Veterans with significant barriers to employment.
Professional Licensing Recognition:
Oregon allows military training and experience to count toward state professional licenses, certifications, and registrations—reducing barriers for Veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
Burials and Memorials
It’s important to ensure your wishes regarding interment in a national cemetery and the use of a VA-issued headstone are recorded and stored with your personal documents and medical files.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors eligible Veterans and their loved ones by offering a dignified final resting place and a permanent memorial recognizing the Veteran’s service to the country.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-provided headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate — all without cost to the family. Certain Veterans may also qualify for a burial allowance. Cremated remains are treated with the same honor and dignity as casketed remains and may be placed in national cemeteries.
These benefits also extend to spouses and eligible dependents, who may be laid to rest with the Veteran. The spouse’s or dependent’s name, along with dates of birth and death, are added to the Veteran’s headstone at no charge. Importantly, they remain eligible for burial even if they predecease the Veteran or are interred in a different national cemetery.
Oregon Military Funeral Honors Program: This program coordinates and provides military funeral honors at no cost for deceased Veterans. Each service includes, at minimum, the playing of Taps and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the U.S. flag. Retired Service members and those who served on active duty receive additional recognition, with at least two uniformed personnel participating — one representing the Veteran’s branch of service.
Eligibility: Military Funeral Honors are available for deceased members of the U.S. Armed Forces (active or reserve), retired Service members, and Veterans. Families may request honors through their funeral director, who will work with the appropriate military branch to arrange the ceremony.
National Cemeteries include:
Eagle Point: Eagle Point National Cemetery
Portland: Willamette National Cemetery
Roseburg: Roseburg National Cemetery
Oregon VA Benefit Resources
Oregon VA Regional Benefits Office
- Portland: Portland Regional Office
Oregon VA Medical Centers
- Roseburg: Roseburg VA Health Care System
- White City: White City or VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center
Key Details on Oregon Veteran Benefits:
If you’re applying for VA benefits for the first time, you’ll need to provide a copy of your DD 214 (discharge document). This record confirms your discharge classification, name, Social Security number, branch of service, and service dates. Most VA benefits are available to Veterans with an honorable or general discharge.
Be sure to store your discharge papers and medical files securely in a place where both you and your family can easily access them. Ideally, keep them in a safe or another protected location to prevent loss, damage, or tampering.
Eligibility for the majority of VA benefits depends on being discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Active duty includes full-time service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, as well as commissioned officer roles in the Public Health Service, Environmental Services Administration, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Veterans discharged under “Dishonorable” conditions due to bad conduct via a general court-martial may be ineligible for VA benefits. However, incarcerated Veterans or those on parole might still qualify for certain programs. VA regional offices can provide guidance for those with complex discharge situations or multiple discharge classifications.
Information current as of November 2023
Oregon Veterans Benefits
Disabled Veterans in Oregon with a VA disability rating of 90% or lower may qualify for extra benefits. Reach out to Vital Veterans Consultants for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Our team can review your claim to see if you’re eligible for additional support.
