Oregon Veteran Benefits

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Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Oregon compares

Oregon offers a solid middle-tier package with 13 tracked benefits and decent support in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other 🏘️ Housing

🏠 Property Tax

3 tracked items

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Service-Connected)

Rating: 40%+

Exemption of $31,565 (2025-2026) from assessed value for service-connected disabled veterans. Increases 3% annually. Average savings ~$400/year.

Eligibility: Veterans certified by VA or military branch as 40%+ disabled. Surviving spouses also eligible. Source

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Non-Service-Connected)

Rating: 40%+ (physician-certified)

Exemption of $26,303 (2025-2026) for non-service-connected disabled veterans. Must be certified annually by licensed physician. File by April 1 each year.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans certified as 40%+ disabled by independent licensed physician. Source

Active Duty Residential Property Tax Exemption

Rating: N/A (active duty)

Property tax exemption for active duty service members including National Guard and Reserve.

Eligibility: Active duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members. Source

💰 Income Tax

2 tracked items

Pre-October 1991 Military Retirement Pay Subtraction

Rating: None

Subtract military retired pay earned for service prior to October 1, 1991 from Oregon income taxes. Pro-rated for service spanning that date.

Eligibility: Military retirees with service before October 1, 1991. Source

Military Retirement Pay Exemption (Starting 2026)

Rating: 100% or reserve/Guard

New law effective January 1, 2026: full exemption of federal military retirement pay for 100% disabled veterans and reserve/National Guard members.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% VA disability or reserve/National Guard members. Cannot duplicate other existing subtraction. Source

🎓 Education

1 tracked item

Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA)

Rating: N/A (Guard membership)

Tuition assistance for in-state rates: up to 90 credits at community colleges, up to 180 quarter/120 semester credits at universities. Note: book allowances not covered 2025-26 due to budget.

Eligibility: Oregon National Guard members at participating Oregon postsecondary institutions. Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

Veterans' Hiring Preference for State Employment

Rating: None for 5-pt; any disability for 10-pt

5 percentage points added to score for veterans; 10 percentage points for disabled veterans. Oregon National Guard members eligible starting January 1, 2026.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans, disabled veterans, and (starting 2026) current/former Oregon National Guard members. Source

🎣 Recreation

2 tracked items

Free Combination Hunting/Fishing License (25%+)

Rating: 25%+

Free combination license including hunting, fishing, shellfish, and Columbia River Basin Endorsement. Also eligible for $25 elk tag.

Eligibility: Service-connected disabled veterans with 25%+ rating. Source

Special Access Pass (State Parks)

Rating: Varies (qualifying disability)

Free camping and parking at day-use fee parks. Valid for 4 years with free year-round camping and day-use at 26 Oregon State Parks.

Eligibility: Veterans with disabilities. Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Veteran/Military License Plates

Rating: None (varies by plate type)

Privileged license plates for veterans, active duty, and disabled veterans. Disabled veteran plate has one-time fee; other veteran plates at no additional cost beyond regular fees.

Eligibility: Veterans, active duty military, disabled veterans. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Oregon State Veterans Homes

Rating: None

Two state veterans homes in Lebanon and The Dalles providing long-term care including nursing, basic health, and specialized dementia/cognitive disorder care.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans. Source

⭐ Other

1 tracked item

State Veterans Cemeteries

Rating: None

Two state veterans cemeteries in Eagle Point and The Dalles. Full military honors, burial flag, and government headstone. Eligible spouses and dependents can also be buried.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their spouses/dependents. Source

🏘️ Housing

1 tracked item

ODVA Home Loans

Rating: None

Low-interest home loans from Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs for purchase, refinance, or build. Designed to be competitive with market options.

Eligibility: Oregon veterans. Source
⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.