Oregon Exclusive State Benefits
Factoid: Oregon is home to over 300,000 veterans and is known for its strong progressive benefits network, including property tax exemptions, free college tuition for certain veterans, and robust veteran specific small business and healthcare initiatives. The state maintains one of the most comprehensive county based veteran service systems in the nation.
Key Contact:
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA)
📍 700 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/odva | 📞 (503) 373 2389
⚕️ State Veterans’ Homes
🟩 Two facilities — The Dalles and Lebanon — provide skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitative services to eligible veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents.
🟩 Priority admission for service connected disabled veterans.
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/veterans-homes.aspx | 📞 (541) 296 7190 (The Dalles) | 📞 (541) 497 7265 (Lebanon)
🚗 Driver License & ID Benefits
🟩 Free “Veteran” designation on Oregon driver’s licenses and state ID cards for honorably discharged veterans.
🟩 Specialty plates available for veterans, disabled veterans, and military award recipients.
📍 Oregon DMV – Multiple statewide offices
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV | 📞 (503) 945 5000
🏠 Property Tax Exemption
🟩 Disabled veterans (40% or greater) or their surviving spouses may qualify for a partial property tax exemption.
🟩 Higher exemption for 100% disabled veterans or those receiving VA unemployability benefits.
📍 Apply through your local county assessor’s office
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/DOR/programs/property/pages/veterans.aspx | 📞 (503) 945 8262
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💵 State Income Tax Benefits
🟩 Military pay earned outside Oregon is exempt from state income tax.
🟩 VA disability benefits are tax free.
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/dor | 📞 (503) 378 4988
🎓 Education Benefits
🟩 Oregon Veterans’ Dependent Tuition Waiver provides free tuition at Oregon public universities for dependents of veterans who died in service or are 100% disabled due to service.
🟩 Veterans receive in state tuition rates regardless of residency status.
🟩 Credit for military training is applied toward degree programs at public colleges.
📍 Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion
🌐 https://www.oregonstudentaid.gov | 📞 (800) 452 8807
💼 Employment Services
🟩 Veterans receive preference in state hiring.
🟩 WorkSource Oregon offers veteran employment specialists statewide for job placement and training.
🌐 https://www.worksourceoregon.org | 📞 (503) 947 1800
🌳 Recreation & Licenses
🟩 Free hunting and fishing licenses for 25%+ disabled veterans.
🟩 Oregon State Parks free parking permit for all disabled veterans.
🟩 Discounted camping at state parks for veterans.
📍 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife & Oregon State Parks
🌐 https://www.myodfw.com | 📞 (503) 947 6000
🌐 https://stateparks.oregon.gov | 📞 (800) 551 6949
⚖️ Legal Assistance
🟩 Oregon State Bar Military Assistance Panel provides pro bono legal help for veterans in civil matters.
🟩 Veteran Treatment Courts in multiple counties assist justice involved veterans.
🌐 https://www.osbar.org | 📞 (503) 620 0222
⚰️ State Veterans Cemeteries
🟩 Free burial for eligible veterans in the Oregon State Veterans’ Cemetery in White City, including perpetual care, grave marker, and military honors.
🟩 Nominal fee for spouses and dependents.
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/cemetery.aspx | 📞 (541) 830 5929
💡 Additional Oregon Specific Programs
🟩 ODVA Home Loan Program — low interest fixed rate mortgages for Oregon veterans purchasing a primary residence.
🟩 Veterans Small Business Assistance Program — ODVA assists veteran owned small businesses with certification and contracting opportunities.
🌐 https://www.oregon.gov/odva/services/pages/home-loans.aspx | 📞 (503) 373 2051
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Disclaimer:
This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL nor FFSC but created by Dr. Tony Astro, PhD, GCDF, CMCS, CCSP as part of his class & capstone counseling. To reach out for correction and additional information connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyastro. You can also subscribe to his Military Benefits and Transition page for an update on this at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro.