Category: Veterans

Cool -- Guide to Finding All Veterans Benefits in Every State

11/13/2019

Graphic of website search engine for veterans benefits

Click on the photo above to be taken to a cool search engine that compiles state-specific and federal benefits in one place for any state. Here's today's printout for Oregon (subject to updates of course):

"I Am Not Invisible Exhibit"Oregon | Commemoration/Acknowledgement
N/A or not disclosed
Female
Anti-Discrimination Law (Military Status and Spouses of Deploying Veterans)Oregon | Anti-Discrimination Law/Policy (Vet Status)
N/A or not disclosed
State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty, Dependents
College Credit for Military TrainingOregon | Educational Credit/Diploma
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Direct Professional Licensing for Military ExperienceOregon | License/Certification
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Employment ProtectionOregon | (Re-)Employment Protection
N/A or not disclosed
State National Guard/Reserve
Federal Pension Income Tax Subtraction for Military RetireesOregon | Income Tax
N/A or not disclosed
Retired
Free Camping at State Parks for Disabled Veterans and Active DutyOregon | Park/Camping/Lodging Admissions
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected), State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Free Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled War VeteransOregon | Fishing/Hunting License
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected), Served in Combat
Free Parking at State Parks for Disabled Veterans and Active DutyOregon | Toll/Travel Fare/Parking Discount
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected), State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
In-State Tuition for VeteransOregon | Tuition-Rate
Discount Equivalent to In-State/Resident Rate
All Veterans, Killed/Died (Service-Connected), Survivors
Income Tax Deduction for Active Duty Pay Earned Inside of StateOregon | Income Tax
Up to $6,000 deduction
State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty
Income Tax Exemption for Active Duty Pay Earned Outside of StateOregon | Income Tax
No income tax
Active Duty
Military and Veteran License PlatesOregon | Vehicle License Plates
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, 100% Disabled, Purple Heart, Killed/Died (Service-Connected), Served in Combat
ODVA Home Loan ProgramOregon | Loan/Financing
N/A or not disclosed
Other than Dishonorable Discharge
Oregon DVA Conservatorship ProgramOregon | Guardianship/Custodianship
N/A or not disclosed
Indigent/Unable to Care for Self
Oregon DVA Conservatorship ProgramOregon | Legal Assistance
N/A or not disclosed
Indigent/Unable to Care for Self
Oregon Service-Disabled Veteran CertificationOregon | Preferred Status (Business)
N/A or not disclosed
Disabled (Service-Connected)
Oregon Veterans' Emergency AssistanceOregon | Emergency Relief
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, Low Income/Homeless vet/Hardship, Dependents
Oregon Veterans' HomesOregon | Residential Housing
N/A or not disclosed
Honorable Discharge, Dependents
Oregon Veterans' HomesOregon | Residential Housing
N/A or not disclosed
Honorable Discharge, Dependents
Oregon Wounded Warrior Parking PlacardOregon | Toll/Travel Fare/Parking Discount
No fee
Disabled (Service-Connected)
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled VeteransOregon | Property
No property tax
Disabled (Service-Connected), Other than Dishonorable Discharge, Survivors
Resident Rate Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active DutyOregon | Fishing/Hunting License
Discount Equivalent to In-State/Resident Rate
Active Duty
State Council - Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenOregon | Primary/Secondary School Assistance
N/A or not disclosed
State National Guard/Reserve, Active Duty, Dependents
State Tuition Assistance for Oregon National GuardOregon | Scholarship/Tuition-Assistance
100% covered
State National Guard/Reserve
Statewide Apprenticeships (BOLI)Oregon | Training/Apprenticeship
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans
Veteran Volunteer ProgramOregon | Benefits Counseling/Determinations
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans
Veteran's Day Off for All VeteransOregon | Commemoration/Acknowledgement
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans
Veterans Designation on Driver's LicenseOregon | Driver's License/ID - Designation
N/A or not disclosed
Other than Dishonorable Discharge
Veterans PreferenceOregon | Preferred Status (Employment/Training)
N/A or not disclosed
Other than Dishonorable Discharge
Voyager Tuition Assistance ProgramOregon | Scholarship/Tuition-Assistance
To the "Last Dollar," or the difference between what federal aid programs cover and the actual cost of tuition
State National Guard/Reserve
Women Veterans CoordinatorOregon | Claims Assistance/Benefits Advocacy
N/A or not disclosed
Female
WorkSource Oregon Priority for Veterans and SpousesOregon | Preferred Status (Employment/Training)
N/A or not disclosed
All Veterans, Dependents
Troops to Teachers Grant Coordination OfficesOregon | Hiring Facilitation
N/A or not disclosed
Honorable Discharge, Active Duty

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On active duty? Or do you know someone on active duty? Share this with them.

8/5/2019

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What is the Military Lending Act and what are my rights?

The Military Lending Act (MLA) is a Federal law that provides special protections for active duty servicemembers like capping interest rates on many loan products.

What are my rights under the MLA?

Answer: The MLA applies to active duty servicemembers (including those on active Guard or active Reserve duty), spouses, and certain dependents. It limits the interest rates that may be charged on many types of consumer loans to no more than 36% and provides other important protections.

(continued) ...

Go to the CFPB website for the full Military Lending Act flyer

Or click below to download the flyer so you can share it with others.

cfpb_military-lending-act-know-your-rights_handout.pdf
File Size:	126 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Free Audio Books for Eligible Vets from National Library Service

7/1/2019

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The Braille and Talking Book Program
offers Veterans who have difficulty with regular print materials the return of the gift of reading.

The Joy and Freedom of Reading

Whether escaping into a great novel or staying current with popular magazines, the freedom and independence of reading are only a few steps away. This program, from the National Library Service (NLS) and the Library of Congress, provides talking books, audio magazines, and digital talking-book players free of charge.

Any honorably discharged Veteran who is

* blind
* has low vision, or
* a disability preventing the reading of traditional materials is eligible.

Participants choose whether their selected reading materials are delivered by mail, downloaded from the web-based service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) or through the BARD mobile app for smartphones and tablets.

NLS maintains a vast catalog of titles and publications from the latest best-sellers to timeless classics. Plus, Veterans have preferential status in the lending of materials and equipment.

The Braille and Talking Books Program is accomplished through a nationwide network of libraries to serve citizens and Veterans living inside the U.S. or abroad.

Applying for this service is easy.

Call the National Library Service at 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or
visit them on the web at www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead

Veterans served to protect freedom.
Now let National Library Service provide the freedom for all to read.

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Veterans - thinking of buying a house/condo?

2/4/2019

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Because I see clients who are at risk of or already embroiled in a foreclosure, I see a lot more of the dark and ugly side of mortgage borrowing than the average person does.

So I'm not at all convinced that our so-called "American Dream" of home ownership as an aspiration for everyone is a good idea. And I urge anyone thinking about buying property to do your homework very carefully, so that you as well informed and aware of the risks as you already are of the benefits.

That said, if you are a vet and have decided that buying rather than renting is for you, you should definitely know about the home loan option available through ODVA.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Home Loan Program had a banner year in 2018, with an outstanding $102,044,184 in new loan origination — a 21 percent increase over the previous year and the program’s highest total in over two decades.

Behind the numbers is the remarkable fact that 362 Oregon veterans and their families were able to achieve their dream of home ownership through the ODVA home loan program in 2018.

“It’s a great feat, and it’s really a testament to the ODVA team and their hard work,” Home Loans Program Manager Cody Cox said. “It shows their dedication to serving veterans and their home financing needs.”

Oregon is one of only five states that still offers a veteran home loan program. This Oregon benefit is separate and distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty and has lent approximately $8 billion in low-interest home loans to more than 334,000 veterans since 1945.

“The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs was originally created by the Legislature in 1945 to administer the home loan program, so it is an important part of our agency’s history and identity,” said ODVA director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “We are immensely proud of the work of Home Loans Program Manager Cody Cox and his team, and their service to our veterans.”
Today, Oregon’s veteran home loan portfolio contains just shy of 2,000 units and is valued in excess of $370 million.

Currently, ODVA's home loan program offers eligible veterans fixed-rate financing for:

Owner-occupied, single family residence
Loans up to the limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency
Purchase only (no refinancing is available)
Up to four (4) home loan maximum life benefit
For more information about the Oregon Veteran Home Loan Program, visit www.orvethomeloans.com or call toll-free (888)673-8387.

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John Gear Law celebrates 4th Birthday - Thanks to you

9/1/2014

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Today marks John Gear Law Office's fourth birthday.

I am very grateful to all the clients who have trusted me with their problems and given me the opportunity to help them find solutions. Thanks to your trust and confidence, I have been able to meet my primary practice goal: Making a modest living with a "values-based Oregon law practice" -- where "values-based" means I don't represent the folks trying to take advantage of others, my clients are the ones wronged by those who do.

It's not the easiest area of law and it's definitely not the most lucrative, but I think it's the most satisfying. As the Mrs. works towards her M. Div. and ordination as a minister, I am able to have a practice that reflects, rather than conflicts with, the values of a ministry.

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Macy's helps out with "Serving Our Veterans at Home"

7/17/2013

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When you donate $5 or more dollars before August 24th, 2013, you will receive an exclusive shopping pass, which gives you access to 25% off all day including sale and clearance items. You will also be helping a veteran return to a healthy productive life.

Click here to access our verified paypal page.

When donating make sure to enter your email address and write, "Shop for a Cause" in the comments section. We will then email your exclusive shopping pass within 48 hours.

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An opportunity to take the fight to the next level

5/14/2013

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Despite the cool certificate, the admission itself is nothing much -- it's what you can do with it that makes it worth having.
I have a client with a case that really needs to be brought in federal court. So, despite my strong preference for my walking commute and my distaste for hauling up and down the valley as part of the workday, it's off to federal court I go.

I appreciate the opportunity that my veteran client has given me to bring a substantial case that I think will right a substantial wrong. It even makes getting up in time to catch a train at 0642 worth it. Thank goodness for Amtrak.

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Scam d'jour, this one aimed at Vets

1/26/2012

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From a public-spirited attorney in Washington, Peter Fels, who passes on this warning from a Spokane attorney, Dick Sayre. No reason to think it stops North of the Columbia River.

Folks, the Attorney General is accepting complaints about VA scams which are spreading over Washington like a small plague. They are working with the VA, who is not at all amused by these goings on. Of particular interest to the AG are non lawyers selling insurance products and/or irrevocable trusts to disabled seniors with a purpose of shielding assets from VA so as to gain acceptance for Aid and Attendance benefits, but lawyers here and in other states taking part in the scams are also a target of their investigations.

As most of you know, VA does not have a lookback or penalty for gifting assets, making this what appears to be an easy sale for the annuity sellers, who charge for the 'service' and get commissions from the trusts and annuities. That will likely change as a consequence of this practice.

As many of you know, clients are being talked into making gifts to children, who then either put the funds into an irrevocable trust or buy an annuity 'to keep the funds safe'.   They then apply for Aid and Attendance benefits but, of course, when they later need Medicaid, they are faced with a huge penalty period and extended ineligibility. DSHS will deny eligibility or deem assets to be in a constructive trust; however, often the client cannot get them back - it's the worst of all worlds.

I have dealt with a number of these cases, and everyone ended badly for the clients. Here in Spokane, the VA experts are approaching AFH's and nursing homes for presentations, and are being given a warm welcome given that the money goes to the facility.   When the next one of these goes bad, I'll be visiting with some of the litigators on this list about the forseeability of injury when the facility sets these creeps up as experts for financial gain.

The agents pass themselves off as VA experts and have business entities with snappy titles. They make huge profits for advice and healthy commissions from crappy annuities sold to desperate people without any warning of the consequences of this approach. As most of you also know, the VA helps people apply for A&A without cost.

If you have complaints, please direct them to Brooks Clemmons or file a complaint as set out below. Here is contact information for Brooks:

brooksc@atg.wa.gov and (509) 456-3282 (direct line)

It would be helpful to the AG if people filed a complaint online at
www.atg.wa.gov as those complaints go straight into their bank of complaints and are coordinated with similar complaints. The AG would like to find out if there are persons or families that have been approached or have been taken in as a consequence of these unethical and fraudulent practices.

In Brooks words: It is our fervent desire to stop this practice and stop others from being harmed.

I have filed several complaints, and I know others have as well.   I've also created some havoc with annuity companies, but most won't budge absent litigation. Meanwhile, the client is without services or money.   It is now reaching epidemic levels, and I ask you all to refer cases to the AG so we can prevent more people from being irreparably harmed.

Dick Sayre
Sayre & Sayre, PS
Spokane

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Resources for Vets

10/26/2011

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Tools and Services for Veterans

Veterans Day gives everyone a moment to honor and remember those who have fought and served our country through their military service. While there are many resources and organizations that help veterans and their families, the federal government provides unique tools and services to help those who have done so much for our country. Here are some of the most popular resources for veterans and active duty personnel from USA.gov:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a new mobile website created for use on all mobile devices. Here, service members, veterans and their dependents can find services and information, including facility locations, benefits and tips for returning service members.

There’s now a way to manage military benefits online—all in one place. Check out the VA ebenefits page where veterans can apply for benefits, view their current status, access records or browse benefits links to learn more about what is available.
The mobile app PTSD Coach is available for iPhone and Android users. PTSD Coach was designed for Veterans and military service members who have, or may have, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD can cause severe anxiety and flashbacks after someone experiences a trauma or tragedy in their life. This app provides users with education about PTSD, information about professional care, a self-assessment guide, opportunities to find support, and tools that can help users manage the stresses of daily life with PTSD.

November 11 was once "Armistice Day" in the United States, and its purpose was to honor the soldiers of World War I. In 1954, it became "Veterans Day." Learn more about the history of the holiday and find out about new initiatives to honor America’s veterans.

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Salem Resources List: Free meal sites, Emergency Services, Social Services, Shelters etc

6/22/2011

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I found an old Salem Resources list with a number of useful listings. As a first step towards updating it, I made a legible version of it (see file below). Anyone knowing of newer or better information is invited to contact me with the updates so I can update the file. Please feel free to direct others to this resource list and to suggest additional resources for people in need.

jglo_pdf_4-page_salem_social_services_resource_list_6-2011.pdf
File Size:	125 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Cool -- Guide to Finding All Veterans Benefits in Every State

On active duty? Or do you know someone on active duty? Share this with them.

Free Audio Books for Eligible Vets from National Library Service

Veterans - thinking of buying a house/condo?

John Gear Law celebrates 4th Birthday - Thanks to you

Macy's helps out with "Serving Our Veterans at Home"

An opportunity to take the fight to the next level

Scam d'jour, this one aimed at Vets

Resources for Vets

Salem Resources List: Free meal sites, Emergency Services, Social Services, Shelters etc

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