California Veteran and Military Resources
California offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, service members, and their families, including support for education, employment, housing, and more. The information provided here is only a general overview to help you explore additional resources that may be available in your state.
Each program listed includes a brief description and a direct link to the official source for more information and how to apply. Please note that we are not experts on these individual programs — this guide is intended to help point you in the right direction.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details, we recommend visiting the official program websites or contacting the California Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
Veteran and Military State Tax Benefits
-
The California Veterans’ Exemption provides up to a $4,000 property tax exemption for eligible service members, veterans, and their qualifying family members. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including property value limits of $5,000 or less if single and $10,000 or less if married, and must have been a California resident as of January 1 in the year of application.
-
The Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption reduces property taxes on the principal residence of eligible disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses. There are two levels: the Basic Exemption available to all eligible Veterans (one-time application), and the Low-Income Exemption for those with a combined household income of $78,718 or less, which requires annual application
Eligibility for veterans includes wartime service with an honorable discharge and a 100% VA service-connected disability rating or equivalent, blindness in both eyes, or loss of two or more limbs. Surviving spouses must be non-remarried and either the spouse of an eligible veteran, a veteran who would have qualified after January 1, 1977, or a Veteran who died from a service-connected injury or disease.
-
California taxes military retired pay. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) distributions are also subject to state taxes and reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. TSP does not withhold state or local taxes, and early withdrawals may result in higher taxes.
-
Military pay received by California resident service members stationed outside California is not taxed. Pay received by a resident service member stationed in California is subject to state income tax.
-
Military disability retirement pay for injuries or sickness from active service is not taxable. This includes disability compensation and pension payments to Veterans or their families, grants for wheelchair-accessible homes or vehicles for qualifying Veterans, and benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.
-
A nonresident service member’s spouse may be exempt from California income tax on income earned while stationed in the state if they meet these requirements: both are residents of another state or territory, the service member is in California under military orders, and the spouse is in California only to be with the service member.
-
Military pay earned by a California resident service member on active duty in a combat zone or Qualified Hazardous Duty Area (QHDA) is exempt from state income tax if it is excluded from federal adjusted gross income. Service members have 180 days from returning, plus the number of days served in a combat zone or QHDA, to file and pay state taxes without interest or penalties. Those serving overseas but not in a combat zone or QHDA also have 180 days from their return, and both extensions apply to the service member and spouse whether filing singly or jointly.
Veteran and Military Employment Benefits
-
California offers Veterans’ Preference to eligible Veterans, their spouse, or surviving spouse when applying for state employment, giving them priority on open, non-promotional applications. Eligible applicants include veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, service members within six months of separation, the surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran, and the spouse of a 100% disabled Veteran.
-
The California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program helps certified disabled veteran-owned businesses compete for state contracts, with a goal of awarding 3% of all contracts to DVBEs. State agencies can contract directly with certified DVBEs for goods, services, and IT. Certification lasts two years and offers business support.
Must have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, be a California resident, and have at least 51% ownership by one or more disabled veterans. The disabled veteran(s) must manage and control daily operations, and the home office must be in the U.S., not a branch of a foreign company.
-
Honorably discharged Veterans who sell goods, wares, or merchandise (excluding services and alcoholic beverages) are exempt from municipal, county, and state business license fees, taxes, or related charges. Veterans must provide proof of honorable discharge to the local licensing authority, and eligibility requirements may vary by jurisdiction.
-
California offers several types of military leave for state employees serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces:
Short-Term Military Leave
Long-Term Military Leave
Emergency Military Leave
War or National Emergency Leave
-
Reserve component service members called to federal active duty due to the War on Terror or a presidential national emergency after September 11, 2001, may receive differential pay. For War on Terror duty, differential pay can be received for up to 760 days, with eligibility for salary adjustments and continued health, dental, vision benefits for up to 730 days. For presidential determinations, differential pay is provided for up to 180 days, with continued eligibility for merit salary adjustments and all benefits as if not on active duty.
-
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) helps veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses with job training and placement. After an assessment, individuals are referred to self-service, group, or one-on-one support. Veterans get early access to job listings. Specialized staff include Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER), who provide tailored employment services.
To qualify for DVOP help, Veterans must have served active duty (not training) and have an honorable discharge, or be spouses of eligible Veterans or service members. EDD also offers the CalJOBS website for resume building, job searching, and translating military skills to civilian jobs.
-
This program provides hotel accommodations for required employment-related travel, including verifiable job interviews, training for a job or certification, and pre-employment testing like physicals or drug tests. Eligible participants can receive up to 100,000 Hilton Honors points for these activities and must have a Hilton Honors account to get the points.
-
Unemployment Insurance (UI) offers temporary financial help to workers unemployed through no fault of their own, providing partial wage replacement while they look for new jobs. To qualify, applicants must have earned enough wages, be unemployed through no fault of their own, be able and available to work, and actively seek employment.
Veteran and Military Education Benefits
-
The California College Fee Waivers for Veteran Dependents waive mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus, but do not cover books, parking, or room and board. All students must be California residents and qualify under one of four plans:
Plan A: For a veteran’s dependents when the veteran served at least one day on active duty during a wartime period or was awarded a campaign/expeditionary medal. Eligible dependents include children and spouses/non-remarried surviving spouses of veterans with a total service-connected disability, who died from a service-connected cause, or who are missing in action, captured, or detained. Cannot be used with VA educational benefits.
Plan B: For children of veterans with a service-connected disability, who had one at death, or who died from a service-connected cause. The child’s income must be below the California income tax filing requirement. No wartime service or age limit; may be used with VA educational benefits.
Plan C: For the spouse or child of a California National Guard member killed, disabled, or who died from a disability while serving on state active duty (spouses must remain non-remarried).
Plan D: For Medal of Honor recipients and their children under age 27 whose income is below the California income tax filing requirement. Limited to undergraduate studies and may be used with VA educational benefits.
-
The California Nonresident College Fee Waiver waives nonresident fees at California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California campuses for eligible veterans, service members, and dependents. Eligibility includes veterans stationed in California for over a year before discharge, active duty service members and their dependents stationed in California (with certain exclusions), and graduate students or their dependents with time limits on eligibility. For details, contact the admissions office of the respective institution.
-
The CMD GI Bill provides up to 100% tuition and fee coverage at California College System campuses and participating private, grant-eligible institutions for eligible California National Guard service members. It can be used to complete one degree at the bachelor, graduate, or doctoral level. Eligible applicants must be current California National Guard members who meet specific requirements.
-
The purpose of this program is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.
Veteran Housing Assistance and Loan Benefits
-
The CalVet Home Loans program helps service members and veterans become California homeowners by offering benefits such as low fees, low interest rates, low- to -no down payments, flexible guidelines, and comprehensive home protection insurance.
Eligible applicants include veterans who served at least 90 days on active duty (other than for training) and received an honorable discharge, as well as service members currently serving under the same conditions
CalVet Home Loans offers pre-approval online or by phone, and provides loan repayment deferrals for National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces members called to active duty, as well as loan term extensions for those experiencing financial hardship.
Veterans Homes of California (VHC)
California has eight Veterans Homes offering long-term care for Veterans and eligible spouses or partners. Care levels include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Care. Each home provides a home-like environment, activities, and outpatient clinics for medical assessments and ongoing care.
-
Location: 100 East Veterans Parkway Barstow, CA 92311
Phone Number: 760-252-6281
-
Location: 700 East Naples Court Chula Vista, CA 91911
Phone Number: 619-482-6010
-
Location: 2811 West Cesar Chavez Boulevard Fresno, CA 93706
Phone Number: 559-493-4400
-
Location: 45221 30th Street West Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone Number: 661-974-8141
-
-
-
Location: 11500 Nimitz Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90049-4704
Phone Number: 424-832-8200
-
Location: 260 California Drive Yountville, CA 94599
Phone Number: 707-944-4601
California Veteran Cemeteries
California has three state Veterans cemeteries and two Native American Veteran cemeteries providing dignified final resting places for Veterans and eligible dependents. Veteran burials are free, while spouse and dependent burials incur a fee. Additional burial costs, such as permits and funeral home expenses, are the responsibility of the Veteran or their family, though families experiencing financial hardship may qualify for a fee waiver by contacting cemetery staff.
-
-
Location: 260 California Drive Yountville, CA 94599
Phone Number: 707-944-4815
-
Location: 2900 Parker Flats Road Seaside, CA 93955
Phone Number: 831-393-9371
-
Location: 28263 Bald Hills Road Weitchpec, CA 95546
Phone Number: 707-482-1350
-
Location: 37387 Auberry Mission Road Auberry, CA 93602
Phone Number: 559-374-0066
Veteran and Military Health and Insurance Benefits
-
The California National Guard Surviving Spouses and Children Relief Act provides a $10,000 death benefit to the surviving spouse or designated beneficiary of a California National Guard service member who died in the line of duty.
-
California National Guard service members who are injured, become ill, disabled, or die while serving on state active duty are eligible for medical coverage and compensation under California Labor Code, Division 4, Workers' Compensation. Eligibility applies to all California National Guard service members serving on state active duty.
Veteran and Military Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
-
Eligible Veterans can add “VETERAN” to the front of their California driver’s license or ID card by visiting a County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) to obtain a Veteran Status Verification Form. After the CVSO verifies eligibility and completes the form, Veterans can take it to the DMV to apply. There is no fee for the designation.
-
The California DMV waives registration fees and provides a free license plate for one eligible vehicle—passenger car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle under 8,001 pounds—for Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled with significant mobility impairment, former prisoners of war, or Medal of Honor recipients, with official documentation required as proof of eligibility.
-
The California DMV offers CDL testing exemptions for service members and Veterans with qualifying military driving experience. Applicants must meet all standard CDL requirements.
The Even Exchange Program waives CDL knowledge and skills tests for those with specific Military Occupational Specialties who served in that role within the past year (excludes School Bus endorsements).
The Troops to Trucks Program waives the CDL driving test (but not the knowledge test) for those with military commercial driving experience in the past two years, even without an eligible MOS/Rating, for vehicles similar to the commercial class applied for (excludes school bus or passenger endorsements).
-
California resident service members deployed outside the state during a period of combat or homeland defense (as specified by a Presidential Executive Order) may qualify for a waiver of vehicle registration renewal penalties. Eligible applicants must be California residents serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve components called to active duty, and must renew registration within 60 days of returning from deployment.
-
Former service members moving to California after discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to immediately register their passenger vehicles or trailer coaches if they have valid out-of-state plates and registration. Vehicles must be registered within 20 days of taking steps to become a California resident to avoid penalties.
-
Nonresident service members stationed in California are exempt from Vehicle License Fees and Transportation Improvement Fees for any personally owned or leased vehicle registered in California. This exemption does not apply to vehicles operated “for hire.” Service members must submit a completed California DMV Nonresident Military License Fee and Transportation Improvement Fee Exemption form to their nearest DMV office.
-
California offers seven special recognition license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, veterans, retired service members, and eligible family members. Applicants must meet specific eligibility and documentation requirements. Completed applications, required documentation, and any applicable fees should be mailed to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
-
California offers Disabled Veteran license plates to Veterans with a service-connected injury or disease received during active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. There is no registration, issue, or renewal fee for the first set of plates.
Eligible Veterans must meet one of the following: 100% service-connected disability rating that significantly impairs mobility, severe disability requiring an assistive device, loss of one or more limbs, or permanent blindness.
-
Veterans with a California Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor, or Purple Heart license plate may park vehicles weighing up to 6,000 lbs. free at metered spaces. Availability depends on local jurisdiction adoption and may not be offered in all areas.
Veteran and Military Recreation Benefits
-
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers reduced-fee fishing and hunting licenses for eligible service members and Veterans.
Disabled Veteran Licenses are available to honorably discharged Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, allowing them to purchase a Sport Fishing license for $10.29 or a Hunting license for $9.46.
Recovering Service Member Licenses are available to active or reserve service members receiving outpatient medical treatment for a serious service-connected injury or illness, allowing them to purchase a Sport Fishing license for $10.29 or a Hunting license for $9.46.
-
The California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass is a free lifetime pass for eligible veterans, granting access to all basic facilities, including day use, camping, and boating at no charge. To be eligible, veterans must be California residents, have served during a wartime period, received an honorable discharge, and meet one of the following: have a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA, be a former prisoner of war, or be a Medal of Honor recipient.
Veteran and Military Miscellaneous Benefits
-
The California Military Family Relief Fund (CMFRF) offers short-term financial assistance grants to eligible California National Guard members impacted by mobilization or deployment. Applicants must be California residents in good standing, called to federal active duty for 60+ consecutive days, and have experienced at least a 10% decrease in salary or household income during or within six months after active duty, or have been injured and discharged while seeking VA assistance.
Eligible service members or families can apply through their unit chain of command or by calling 800-449-9662.
-
The California Military Families Relief Act allows reserve component service members called to state or federal active duty for 30+ days to defer certain payments, including mortgages, credit cards, retail installment contracts, property taxes on a primary residence, utilities, and student loans. Deferrals may last up to 180 days in a 365-day period or the length of active duty plus 60 days, whichever is shorter.
-
The California Department of Veterans Affairs’ Women Veterans Division provides information, advocacy, outreach, and support for Women Veterans and their families. The division also maintains a roster of California Women Veterans and shares updates on benefits, programs, and resources.
For more information, email womenveterans@calvet.ca.gov or call 916-653-1402.
-
California Veterans Treatment Courts provide an alternative to traditional case proceedings by addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal activity among veterans. Through collaboration between the courts, veterans service agencies, and community providers, veterans are given treatment plans and must comply with probation terms as part of their rehabilitation.
-
Active-duty service members under age 21 can receive an age waiver to obtain a Texas License to Carry (LTC), though without the waiver, applicants must be at least 21. While under 21, they cannot purchase handguns but may legally possess them. Texas also offers a fee waiver for new and renewal LTC permits for active-duty service members.