Oregon Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Oregon, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Oregon veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Oregon takes a thoughtful approach to veteran benefits, offering property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, a growing network of veteran services, and outdoor recreation benefits that match the state's natural beauty. While Oregon doesn't have a sales tax (a benefit for all residents), its income tax rates are among the highest in the country — making the military retirement pay exemption especially valuable.
Getting help in Oregon
Accredited claims help
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
Phone: (503) 373-2085
700 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Oregon has a veterans service office, though state law does not require one.
Financial help: county relief for veterans, where a county provides it — a county-appointed relief officer reviews every request (ORS 408.740)
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Exemption of $27,092 or $32,512 of assessed value for veterans with disabilities of 40% or more
Oregon exempts $27,092 of a homestead's assessed value for veterans certified by the VA or a branch of the Armed Forces as having disabilities of 40 percent or more, or $32,512 where the disabilities of 40 percent or more are service-connected (Oregon Department of Revenue, January 2026). The amounts rise 3 percent each year. Veterans certified by a physician instead of the VA face an income limit of 185 percent of the federal poverty level. A surviving spouse or partner who has not remarried may also qualify. File with the county assessor by April 1.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Oregon fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for 25%+ disabled veterans
Oregon provides free resident hunting, fishing, and shellfish licenses for veterans with 25%+ service-connected disability.
Education Benefits
Oregon Veterans Education Program tuition assistance
Oregon provides various education benefits including Oregon Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance and in-state tuition for veterans.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Oregon grants veterans preference in state employment — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Oregon Employment Department provides dedicated veteran employment representatives in WorkSource Oregon offices.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free day-use for all Oregonians; free camping for 100% DV
Oregon state parks offer free day-use admission for all Oregon residents (no veteran requirement). Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free camping at state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Oregon Veterans' Homes in The Dalles and Lebanon
The Oregon Veterans' Homes in The Dalles and in Lebanon (the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home) provide skilled nursing and memory care for eligible veterans. Oregon Housing and Community Services also offers veteran-specific housing programs.
Veterans in Oregon
Oregon is home to roughly 250,000 veterans. While the state has no major active-duty installations, the Oregon National Guard and Coast Guard maintain a presence, and many veterans relocate to Oregon for its quality of life. The VA Portland Health Care System and the VA Roseburg Healthcare System provide medical care, with clinics across the state. The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs operates two Oregon Veterans' Homes, in The Dalles and in Lebanon (the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home), and also runs a veterans' home loan program that has been serving Oregon veterans since 1945.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Veteran Benefits
Does Oregon offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Exemption of $27,092 or $32,512 of assessed value for veterans with disabilities of 40% or more. Oregon exempts $27,092 of a homestead's assessed value for veterans certified by the VA or a branch of the Armed Forces as having disabilities of 40 percent or more, or $32,512 where the disabilities of 40 percent or more are service-connected (Oregon Department of Revenue, January 2026). The amounts rise 3 percent each year. Veterans certified by a physician instead of the VA face an income limit of 185 percent of the federal poverty level. A surviving spouse or partner who has not remarried may also qualify. File with the county assessor by April 1.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Oregon?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Oregon fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Oregon offer veterans?
Oregon Veterans Education Program tuition assistance. Oregon provides various education benefits including Oregon Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance and in-state tuition for veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Oregon?
Free hunting/fishing for 25%+ disabled veterans. Oregon provides free resident hunting, fishing, and shellfish licenses for veterans with 25%+ service-connected disability.
Does Oregon give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Oregon grants veterans preference in state employment — 5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans. Oregon Employment Department provides dedicated veteran employment representatives in WorkSource Oregon offices.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Oregon?
Oregon Veterans' Homes in The Dalles and Lebanon. The Oregon Veterans' Homes in The Dalles and in Lebanon (the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home) provide skilled nursing and memory care for eligible veterans. Oregon Housing and Community Services also offers veteran-specific housing programs.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Oregon?
Free day-use for all Oregonians; free camping for 100% DV. Oregon state parks offer free day-use admission for all Oregon residents (no veteran requirement). Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive free camping at state parks.
Want the full picture?
Oregon benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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