State file · OR
Veteran benefits in Oregon
Oregon has no sales tax, offers free hunting and fishing licenses at a 25% disability rating, and lets disabled veterans camp free in state parks for up to 10 nights at a stretch. Here's the full picture.
Back to the state mapOregon file
Financial benefits
Retired military pay subtraction
Veterans may subtract federal pension income based on months of service before and after October 1, 1991 — those whose service falls entirely before that date can subtract their entire pension, while service spanning both periods is prorated. Surviving spouses on the Survivor Benefit Plan use the same calculation.
Property tax exemption
Veterans rated at 40% or more disability may qualify for a property tax exemption on their home.
Military pay subtractions
Adjusted gross income subtractions are available for pay earned while stationed outside Oregon, for Guard and Reserve duty away from home lasting 21 days or more, and for up to $6,000 of other military pay. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors is tax-free.
No sales tax
Oregon levies no statewide sales tax. Fuel taxes run about 55.22 cents per gallon for gasoline and 60.45 cents per gallon for diesel.
Recreation
Free hunting & fishing licenses
Service-connected resident disabled war veterans rated 25% or more can get free hunting and fishing licenses, and active-duty members can buy licenses at the resident rate.
State park camping
Service-connected disabled veterans receive free parking and camping — up to 10 nights at a time at a single state park in a tent, RV, or standard horse campsite, or 10 nights total in a 30-day period. Active-duty members get a similar benefit plus free visits on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
Education programs
Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance
Roughly $2.5 million in grants supports Oregon National Guard members attending Oregon community colleges or public universities, covering up to 90 credits at community colleges and up to 180 credits at universities.
In-state tuition for student veterans
Non-resident veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces, received an honorable or general discharge, and establish a physical presence in Oregon within 12 months qualify for resident tuition rates.
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
Removes school transition barriers for military-connected students, including enrollment, placement, scheduling, and graduation.
Veteran housing
Oregon State Veterans Homes
Oregon's state veterans homes serve veterans discharged other than dishonorably who are disabled and in need of care; spouses and Gold Star Parents may also be eligible, and there is a fee for service.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
All honorably discharged veterans can have 5 points added to state employment examination scores; those with a VA service-connected disability get 10 points.
Military leave for state employees
State employees receive 15 calendar days of military leave each training year, and the Oregon Military Family Leave Act provides 14 days of unpaid leave per deployment for employees whose spouses are called to active duty.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and Reserve members.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Oregon
Options include Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Eagle Point National Cemetery, and Roseburg National Cemetery.
VA resources in Oregon
Portland Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving Oregon for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteVA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics
VA rehabilitation and clinic care based in White City.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
Oregon file open
Questions about what applies to you?
Programs are one thing — your situation is another. Tell us where you are and we'll help you get oriented, in plain language.