State veteran benefits

Veteran Benefits in California

California offers a disabled-veteran property tax exemption, income-limited military retirement tax relief, and education benefits for qualifying dependents and California military members. Veterans can also use state homes, recreation benefits, and state employment preference.

Checked against official state sources on October 3, 2026.

Free help in California

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)

CalVet helps California veterans and families obtain earned state and federal benefits.

Agency website (opens in a new tab) · Phone: 800-952-5626

Free help with VA claims

County Veterans Service Offices provide free benefits claims counseling and referrals for veterans, dependents, and survivors. Use the statewide office directory linked from the state resource page.

Find a local office (opens in a new tab)

Not sure what applies to you?

Answer seven questions and the Benefits Finder builds a checklist of federal and state benefits, deadlines and free help.

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Property tax relief

Disabled Veterans' Exemption

Who qualifies
Veterans meeting the service and discharge rules of Revenue and Taxation Code section 205.5, with service-connected blindness in both eyes, loss of use of two or more limbs, or total disability. Total disability includes a 100% rating or compensation at 100% because the veteran cannot maintain substantially gainful employment. The home must be the principal residence and be owned by the veteran, spouse, or both. Qualifying unmarried surviving spouses can also qualify.
What you get
For 2026, the basic exemption removes up to $180,671 of home value from property taxation. The low-income exemption is up to $271,009 when annual household income is no more than $81,131.
How to apply
Contact your county assessor for the application form and the filing requirements.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 205.5

Sources (4)

State income tax

Military retirement pay: Partly exempt

Military retirement income exclusion

Who qualifies
Recipients of federal retirement pay for uniformed service. Federal adjusted gross income must not exceed $250,000 for a surviving spouse or spouses filing jointly, or $125,000 for any other individual.
What you get
For tax years 2025 through 2029, qualifying taxpayers can exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement pay from California gross income. The remainder is generally taxable to residents.
How to apply
Use the military retirement exclusion instructions in the California resident tax adjustment schedule.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 17132.9

Sources (3)

Education and tuition

College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents, Plan B

Who qualifies
California-resident children of veterans with a service-connected disability, veterans killed in service, or veterans who died of a service-connected disability. The child’s annual income plus parental support must not exceed the statutory state poverty level.
What you get
Waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at participating California public colleges and universities.
How to apply
Apply through a California County Veterans Service Office.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Educ. Code 66025.3(a)(2), (d), (e)

Sources (2)

California Military Department GI Bill Award Program

Who qualifies
California residents actively serving in the California National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia and accepted, registered, or enrolled at an eligible institution. Applicants must pursue a credential they do not already hold, take at least three semester units or equivalent, submit FAFSA, agree to two years of further service, and agree to finish within ten years, subject to statutory extensions.
What you get
State education awards are based on the applicable Cal Grant maximum for the institution. The award cannot exceed remaining attendance costs after other covered financial aid.
How to apply
Submit an application to the Adjutant General through the program application process.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Educ. Code 69999.16 and 69999.18

Sources (1)

State jobs and hiring preference

Veterans’ preference for state civil service

Who qualifies
Veterans who served full time during a national emergency, state military emergency, or armed forces expedition and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; qualifying veterans' widows or widowers; and spouses of veterans whom VA rates 100% disabled because of service. Applicants must pass an entrance examination. Permanent civil service employees are ineligible for this preference.
What you get
Places an eligible passing applicant in the top rank of the examination eligibility list.
How to apply
Submit the completed CalHR 1093 form, Member 4 DD-214, and supporting documents as directed on the form.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Gov. Code 18540.4, 18973, 18973.1, and 18973.5

Sources (4)

Licenses, plates and parks

Disabled Veteran Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License

Who qualifies
Resident or nonresident honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 50%.
What you get
A reduced-price sport fishing license.
How to apply
Prequalify with CDFW by submitting a VA letter documenting eligibility.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (3)

Distinguished Veteran Pass

Who qualifies
Honorably discharged California-resident veterans with qualifying wartime service and a service-connected disability of at least 50%, former prisoners of war, or Medal of Honor recipients.
What you get
Free vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use at participating state park units.
How to apply
Apply electronically through ReserveCalifornia with the required documentation.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Pub. Res. Code 5011.5

Sources (3)

Veteran designation on driver’s license or identification card

Who qualifies
Veterans whose status is verified by a County Veterans Service Office.
What you get
Adds the word VETERAN to a California driver’s license or identification card.
How to apply
Have a County Veterans Service Office verify your status and sign the verification form, then present it to DMV with your request.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Cal. Veh. Code 12811(b)(5)

Sources (1)

Emergency financial help

We could not confirm this from an official source yet. Ask California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) or a free veterans service officer what applies to you.

State veterans homes

Before you apply

This page summarizes state law and agency guidance as checked on October 3, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Eligibility depends on your records, and laws change, so confirm the details on the official page linked with each benefit, or ask a free accredited representative. This page covers the main state programs. Your county veterans service officer can tell you about smaller or local benefits.

Federal VA benefits apply in every state. See the Veteran Resource Directory and the Benefits Finder.