Veterans' Services

There are over 40,000 veterans in Clackamas County and an additional 20,000+ dependent claimants (widows, children, and dependent parents).

Veterans Services include the preparation, case management and advocacy of claims; assistance and referrals regarding medical benefits; employment; and dissemination of information about veterans' programs. A priority is obtaining direct Veterans' Administration dollars for nursing home claimants. Additional priorities include monitoring eligibility for increased benefits and filing initial claims for people previously unaware of entitlement. Some of the benefits include compensation, pension, widows' benefits, nursing home payments and educational benefits.

The VA dollars this office obtains for county veterans and dependents come into the county as direct benefits to residents, enabling them to maintain residency, pay taxes and pay for services (food, medical care, home maintenance, etc.) Direct benefits translate to direct economic impact. This significant source of income for entitled low income and/or disabled veterans and their dependents is important to them and to the county as it precludes having to tap general assistance or Medicaid.

In 2009/2010 the office answered over 5,000 telephone calls, interviewed over 1,200 claimants, performed 50 outreach/educational program visits and brought direct dollars to resident veterans and widows of over $32,000,000.

For Information, call (503) 650-5631.