Veteran Benefits In Oregon
Many VA benefits in Oregon are available under the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA). These veterans benefits include burial at the Willamette National Cemetery, education and training services, and long-term medical care at state Veterans’ Homes.
Federal Veterans Administration benefits are available under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include disability compensation, health insurance, pensions, and educational benefits. To learn more about state and federal assistance programs for veterans and how to apply, review the information below.
Disability Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Several types of VA disability pay are available to servicemembers with injuries or disabilities, including those with mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These disabled veterans benefits include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), general disability pay and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). To make DIC VA disability claims, veterans must complete Form 21-534EZ, or VA Form 21-526EZ to apply for general compensation.
To apply to the SMC program, veterans must complete Form 21-2680. Service members may also enroll in VA life insurance policies through the following programs:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Traumatic Injury Protection/li>
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life
- Veterans’ Group Life
To enroll in veterans life insurance, veterans must complete an application pertaining to the type of policy they wish to receive.
Health Insurance Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Eligible service members may obtain VA health care through the federal VA health care system. Through the VA health insurance plan, service members who meet eligibility requirements receive coverage for services like exams, education, genetic counseling and immunizations.
Other VA medical benefits include inpatient hospital services such as surgeries, specialized care and emergency aid. To apply for veterans health insurance in Oregon, service members may visit a local veteran medical center to apply in person, or they may call 1-877-222-8387 to enroll by telephone.
Alternately, patients may enroll in health insurance for veterans by completing an online application, or by printing an Application for Healthcare (VA Form 10-10EZ) and submitting it by mail to the address below.
Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
Additional healthcare for veterans includes access to long-term nursing care, transportation services, and access to local Vet Centers.
Pension Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Veterans who meet VA pension eligibility requirements may apply for veterans pension, survivors payments, Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound allowances.
To apply for va pension benefits in Oregon, servicemembers must complete an Application for Pension (Form 21P-527EZ), or an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (21P-534EZ).
To apply for veterans pension benefits under the A&A or Housebound programs, low-income servicemembers must submit proof of medical eligibility to the state’s Pension Management Center (PMC) at the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center Attn: St. Paul Pension Center P.O. Box 5365 Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Note: Additional compensation is available to financially-needy servicemembers under the state Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP). To apply for assistance, servicemembers must complete a Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program Application (VS1024).
Housing Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Federal and Oregon VA housing programs are available to eligible servicemembers and their families. These veterans housing assistance programs include the federal VA home loan guaranty and ODVA’s Home Loan Program.
To determine home loan eligibility, service members must complete a Veterans’ Home Loan Eligibility application (HL0409), or they may complete a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) to apply for a federal loan.
Note: To learn more about local VA home loan rates, veterans may contact the ODVA at 503-373-2051, or they may call the VA Home Loan Guaranty Office at 1-877-827-3702 to learn more about federal loans.
Additional VA housing assistance is available through the state’s two Veterans’ Homes in Lebanon and The Dalles. These VA housing assistance programs are available to qualifying veterans and their spouses in need of long-term nursing care.
To receive housing assistance for veterans, patients must complete an Admission Packet and submit it to the facility of their choice.
For admittance into the housing assistance program, patients require a physician’s referral.
Education Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Oregon VA education benefits include financial aid, scholarships for veterans, college credit for military training, in-state tuition status for nonresidents, and apprenticeships under the state Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Scholarships include the following:
- The Pat Tilman Foundation Military Scholarship
- The Voyager Tuition Assistance Program
- The Oregon Veteran Education Aid Program (suspended until June of 2019)
The GI bill along with its variants, like the post 911 GI bill, provide further educational benefits to qualifying veterans. Additional educational benefits include:
- Tuition Assistance Top Up
- The Yellow Ribbon Program
- The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
- The Survivors’ and Dependents Education Assistance Program (DEA)
- Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
To learn more about these benefits, visit a local Veteran Service Office (VSO).
Employment Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Oregon VA jobs resources are available to help service members find employment, training opportunities and apprenticeships. To help applicants find jobs for veterans, the state offers benefits such as professional licensing for military experience, priority referrals, and Oregon veterans’ preference.
Additionally, Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) are available to connect eligible veterans and their spouses with training opportunities and additional services.
Federal veteran jobs services include finding job placement for homeless service members, employment preference and the VR&E program.
Funeral Benefits for Veterans in Oregon
Current VA death benefits in Oregon include burial at the Willamette National Cemetery, in addition to federal VA burial benefits such as a flag, headstone or bronze medallion, Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) and optional funeral honors.
In some cases, veterans death benefits may include reimbursements for funeral expenses. To apply for additional benefits, surviving family members must complete an Application for Burial Benefits (VA Form 21P-530), or they may apply online.