Benefits Overview
College Tuition Fee Waivers For Veterans' Dependents
The Benefits
Waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University or University of California campus.
Who May Be Eligible
Plan A: The spouse, registered domestic partner, child (under the age of 27) or unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who is totally service-connected disabled, or who has died of service-connected causes may qualify.
Plan B: The child of a veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability. The child's income and value of support provided by a parent cannot exceed the national poverty level. To view this year's poverty level, visit our Education page. Note: All students must meet California residency requirements.
*Note that all students must meet California residency requirements.
Where to Apply
Contact your local County Veterans Service Office or the Admissions Office of any California system campus or go to www.cacvso.org for more information and to download an application.
Non-Resident College Fee Waiver
The Benefit
Waiver of non-resident fees (pay at California resident rate) at all State of California Community Colleges, California State University or University of California campuses for the length of time necessary to become a California resident for tuition purposes (a one-year period commencing immediately after discharge). This one-year waiver after the military person's discharge allows the time necessary to establish residence for tuition purposes. After the one-year waiver period, the student would have to provide evidence as to his or her California residence
Who May Be Eligible
- A student who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States that is stationed in California while on active duty for more than one year immediately prior to separation would be eligible to qualify. The veteran is entitled to the resident classification for the length of time immediately following discharge for the minimum time necessary to become a resident. NOTE: Veterans who leave the state for more than one year following discharge are no longer eligible, and would be subject to out of state fees. However, please be aware that any non-temporary absence from California or conduct inconsistent with a claim of California residence during the one-year waiver period, such as maintaining voter registration and voting in another state or declaring nonresidence for California income tax purposes, may result in the student not qualifying as a California resident for tuition purposes after the end of the one-year waiver period.
- An undergraduate student who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this state on active duty, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education.
- An undergraduate student who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse who is a dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in this state on active duty.
- A student seeking a graduate degree who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this state on active duty, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education. There is a two-year limit for graduate level studies.
- A student seeking a graduate degree who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse who is a dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in this state on active duty. There is a one-year limit for graduate level studies.
Where to Apply
At the Admissions Office of any California system campus.
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunities (DVBE)
The Benefits
Certified veteran owned businesses can participate in the state goal of awarding 3% of all state contracts to disabled veterans through the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program.
Who May Be Eligible
Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 10% or greater who own at least 51% of a business.
Where to Apply
Office of Small Business and DVBE Certification
707 3rd Street, 1st Floor, Room 400
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052
(916) 375-4940 or (800) 559-5529
http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/smbus
Other Govermental Agencies
The State DVBE Advocate
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services Division
1227 'O' Street, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-2573
http://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/DVBE.aspx
Veterans Homes of California
The Benefits
Professional and low cost residential, assisted living, and medical care facilities throughout California.
Who May Be Eligible
Aged or disabled U.S. veterans who are residents of California.
Where to Apply
To obtain additional information or an application, or to schedule a visit, contact one of our Veterans Homes:
- Veterans Home of California, Yountville (Napa County): 1-800-404-8387
- Veterans Home of California, Barstow (San Bernardino County): 1-800-746-0606
- Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista (San Diego County): 1-888-857-2146
- William J. "Pete" Knight Veterans Home of California, Lancaster: 1-661-974-7035 ext. 6
- Veterans Home of California, Ventura: 1-805-659-7502
- Veterans Home of California, West Los Angeles: 1-877-605-1332
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Home Division
1227 'O' street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.calvet.ca.gov/homes
1-800-952-5626
Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Waived
The Benefits
Waiver of registration fees and free license plates for one passenger motor vehicle, or one motorcycle, or one commercial motor vehicle of less than 8001 pounds unladen weight.
Who May Be Eligible
Medal of Honor recipients, American Ex-Prisoners of War and "disabled veterans" as defined in the "Disabled Veterans License Plate" section of this pamphlet.
How to Apply
Medal of Honor recipients should complete a DMV form REG 17A, and proof of receipt of the Medal of Honor.
Ex-Prisoners of War should complete a DMV form REG 17, and proof of former status as a POW.
Where to Apply
Applications and necessary documentation should be mailed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232
1-800-777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov
Disabled Veteran License Plates
The Benefits
Waiver of registration fees and free "DV" handicap parking license plates for one passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle, or commercial motor vehicle of less than 8001 pounds unladen weight.
Who May Be Eligible
A "disabled veteran" is any person who, as a result of injury or disease suffered while on active service with the Armed Forces of the United States, suffers any of the following:
(a) Has a disability which has been rated at 100 percent by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the military service from which the veteran was discharged, due to a diagnosed disease or disorder which substantially impairs or interferes with mobility or,
(b) Is so severely disabled as to be unable to move without the aid of an assistant device or,
(c) Has lost, or has lost use of, one or more limbs or,
(d) Has suffered permanent blindness, as defined in Section 19153 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
HOW TO APPLY
Have a VA Official complete the Medical Statement for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans (see below)which indicates that you have a service-connected disability with at least one of the above listed mobility impairments. Then complete and sign DMV for REG 256A and mail the completed forms to:
DMV PLACARD
Special Processing Unit, MS D238
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-0001
1-800-777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov
To obtain a copy of the Medical Statement for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans please select the closest Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) below based on your local VA facility location.
VISN 21- VA Central California, VA Northern California, VA Palo Alto, VA San Francisco and VA Sierra Nevada.
VISN 22-VA Greater Los Angeles, VA Loma Linda, VA Long Beach, VA San Diego and VA Southern Nevada.
Free License Plates
The Benefits
Free specialized license plates.
Who May Be Eligible
a) Legion of Valor plates for recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguish Service Cross, Navy Cross or the Air Force Cross.
b) Purple Heart Medal recipients
c) Pearl Harbor Survivors
d) Former Prisoners of War
How to Apply
Recipients should complete a DMV form REG 17A, and provide proof they received a medal as described above or the evidence of being stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Former POW's complete DMV form REG 17
Where to Apply
Applications and necessary documentation should be mailed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232
1-800-777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov
Veterans Preference in California Civil Service Examinations
The Benefit
Additional points added to the final score of a civil service examination as follows:
a) Open Entrance Exams: 15 points for a disabled veteran and 10 points for other veterans and surviving spouses.
b) Open Nonpromotional Entrance Exams: 10 points for disabled veterans and 5 points for other veterans.
Who May Be Eligible
a) Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 10% or greater.
b) "Wartime" veterans who served have served with honor.
c) A veteran who served under honorable conditions for a period of at least 181 days
d) Spouses of totally disabled service-connected veterans.
e) Unmarried, surviving spouses of a veteran who has died of service-connected causes.
Where to Apply
Please mail an application, discharge papers, and other documents to:
State Personnel Board
Veterans Preference Coordinator
P.O. Box 944201
Sacramento, CA 94244-2010
(916) 653-1502
www.spb.ca.gov
California Veterans Cemetery
The Benefit
Complete, professional burial services at no cost to veterans ($500 fee for spouses or dependents).
Who May Be Eligible
Veterans, dependents and survivors who meet USDVA eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery.
Where to Apply
Northern California Veterans Cemetery
P.O. Box 76
11800 Gas Point Road
Igo, CA 96047-0076
(866) 777-4533
Or visit www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/VeteransCemetery.aspx on our website.
Veterans Claims Representation at U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Regional Offices
The Benefit
Professional, accredited, USDVA claims and ratings review, and representation in appellate processes.
Who May Be Eligible
Any veteran, dependent or veteran's survivor applying for USDVA benefits.
Where to Apply
Any County Veterans Service Office (located in the county government listings in your telephone book) OR
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services Division
1227 'O' Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
1-800-952-5626
www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Claims.aspx on our website.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses
The Benefits
Reduced annual fees for fishing and hunting licenses.
Who May Be Eligible
Any veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability.
How to Apply
First time applicants must submit proof of their service-connected disability from the USDVA.
The California Department of Fish and Game
License and Revenue Branch
1740 N. Market Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone (916) 928-5805
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
OR any Department of Fish and Game Office.
Employment and Unemployment Insurance Assistance
The Benefits
Assistance in obtaining training and employment as well assistance in obtaining unemployment insurance.
Who May Be Eligible
All veterans.
Where to Apply
Service-connected disabled veterans should contact a Veterans Employment Service Specialist (VESS). Other veterans should contact a Veterans Workforce Specialist (VWS) located at a local Employment Development Department (EDD) Office (see the state government section of your local telephone book).
www.edd.ca.gov
Farm and Home Loans
The Benefit
Direct loans from the State of California, highly competitive rates, quick processing, unbeatable earthquake and disaster coverage, and proven ability to work well with our homeowner veterans.
Who May Be Eligible
A veteran who honorably served a minimum of 90 days or is currently serving under honorable conditions in the Armed Forces of the Unites States, who will reside in California may qualify to purchase a home or farm through the CalVet Home Loan program.
Where to Apply
Any CalVet District Office, or visiting us on our website under Home Loans.
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Farm and Home Loan Division
1227 'O' Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
1-800-952-5626
Or visit www.calvet.ca.gov/HomeLoans on our web site.
State Parks and Recreation Pass
The Benefits
A lifetime State of California Parks pass. The pass is free of charge and entitles the holder to the use of all basic State Park System operated facilities at no further charge.
Who May Be Eligible
Any war veteran (as defined in Public Resources Code section 5011.5) with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, or a former Prisoner of War. You must be a California resident to qualify for this pass.
How to Apply
To apply by mail, a veteran should submit: (1) a completed Department of Parks and Recreation form DPR 619 (Excel Document), (2) a letter from the USDVA verifying a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, or former Prisoner of War status, or evidence of the Medal of Honor award (3) a copy of the veterans drivers license to verify California residency.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Attn: Distinguished Veteran Pass Program
3930 Seaport Blvd.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 653-4272
http://www.parks.ca.gov/
Business License, Tax and Fee Waiver
The Benefit
Waiver of municipal, county and state business license fees, taxes and fees, for veterans who hawk, peddle or vend any goods, wares or merchandise owned by the veteran, except spirituous, malt, vinous or other intoxicating liquor, including sales from a fixed location.
Who May Be Eligible
Honorably discharged veterans who engage in sales (not services) activities may be eligible. Eligibility criteria differs based upon local jurisdiction.
How to Apply
Bring proof of honorable discharge to your local appropriate county/city licensing authority.
Property Tax Exemptions
The Benefits
Property tax exemptions on the assessed value of a home of:
a) Up to $115,060 if the total household income from all sources is over $51,669 per year. .
b) Up to $172,592 if the total household income from all sources is under $51,669 per year
Who May Be Eligible
a) Wartime veterans who are in receipt of service-connected disability compensation at the totally disabled rate.
b) Unmarried surviving spouses, or registered domestic partners, of veterans who are in receipt of service-connected death benefits.
c) Wartime veterans who are service-connected for loss of, or loss of use of, two or more limbs.
d) Wartime veterans who are service-connected for blindness.
Those applying for benefits should bring proof from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, verifying receipt of service-connected disability/death benefits.
How to Apply
The local County Assessors Office (located in the county government section of your telephone book) or at: www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/assessors.htm.