If your loved one has become wounded, injured, or ill while serving as a member of the armed forces, a formal set of rules is in place to make sure they receive all of the benefits for which you are eligible. WarriorCare.mil serves as a portal to Wounded Warrior resources for the U.S. Armed Forces.

 

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) and Service Officers throughout the state provide free benefits counseling and claims service to military spouses and dependents. We honor the opportunity to provide assistance to spouses and dependents of honorably discharged veterans.

 
 Claims and Counseling Service 
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) and Service Officers throughout the state provide free benefits counseling and claims service to military spouses and dependents. We honor the opportunity to provide assistance to spouses and dependents of veterans who honorably served in our Nation's armed forces.
 
 Counseling and Outreach Services
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans and family members who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. There are four Vet Centers serving Oregon:

 

-- Eugene Vet Center

-- Grants Pass Vet Center

-- Portland Vet Center

-- Salem Vet Center

 

 Social Security
Possible increase in benefits for survivors, due to service credits. Also, supplemental benefits for low-income persons.  www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/irs.htm

 

Employment Preference
All Federal agencies employment preference is extended to spouses and mothers of veterans.  The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Veterans' Employment and Training Service developed an "expert system" to help spouses and mothers receive the preferences to which they are entitled. Those who believe that they have not been accorded the entitled preference, may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS).  http://www.usajobs.gov/EI3.asp

 Veteran Records - The National Archives
The National Archives can help families, next-of-kin and descendants of veterans to obtain copies of Military Service Records such as separation documents (DD-214)and medical records, and to get started with genealogical or historical research. Request Copies of Military Personnel Records
  

 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) 

Education and training program for eligible spouses and dependent children of certain disabled and deceased veterans. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - Chapter 35 -- 1-888-442-4551.

  Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses
ORS 307.250 grants an exemption to any qualified surviving spouse of a war veteran. To qualify, you cannot remarry. If you do remarry, you will become disqualified. The deceased war veteran must have been a member of and discharged or released under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces and have completed a minimum period of service.

 
Complete a Surviving Spouse Exemption Claim form (150-303-086). File the application form with the county assessor on or before April 1, to claim a property tax exemption on your primary residence for the following tax year, beginning July 1. The surviving spouse, must attach proof of marriage to the deceased war veteran and the veteran’s military discharge or release papers (DD214). You also cannot have remarried.