California Veteran Benefits

Veterans in California are eligible for the same federal VA disability benefits as veterans in any other state. However, each state offers some of its own unique benefits for veterans who are considered disabled by the VA. We share some of these state benefits below.

California veteran home loan/mortgage benefits

Nearly all California veterans qualify for a CalVet home loan, including those who served during peacetime and even some individuals currently on active duty. The amount awarded to a veteran depends on what they can afford and the type of property the veteran owns or wants to purchase. The only requirements are 90 days of active duty service and an honorable or under honorable conditions discharge.

Veteran property tax benefits in California

California veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or who receive TDIU may be eligible for property tax exemption benefits. Those who qualify are divided into two categories: basic and low-income. In the basic category, a veteran can receive an exemption of up to $100,000, and in the low-income category, a veteran can receive an exemption of up to $150,000.

Veteran income tax benefits in California

California does not have any income tax benefits for veterans. All military retirement pay and pension income is taxable in the state of California. However, VA disability compensation is a tax-free benefit regardless of where the veteran resides.

Veteran vehicle registration benefits in California

California veterans who have a 100% VA disability rating from a condition that impairs their mobility are eligible for a vehicle registration fee waiver. Veterans who have been awarded a Medal of Honor or are former prisoners of war are also eligible to receive this waiver.

Veteran education benefits in California

California offers a variety of education benefits and programs to veterans. Most education benefits can be collected for up to 36 months from the time the vet starts the program, with some exceptions. 

Through these programs, veterans, dependents, and spouses may be eligible for tuition and fee waivers, in-state tuition rates, scholarships, career counseling, and other benefits. Only one program or benefit for training can be used at a time.

California State University specifically offers benefits and opportunities to veterans and family members including financial support, career and academic support, and priority admission and registration. Vets can also receive academic credit for military courses and experience.

For more information about education benefits in California, you may speak to a university’s Veteran Success Center.

California veteran hunting and fishing licenses

Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater are eligible for a discounted sport fishing and hunting license in California. The fee for qualifying veterans is $9.98 after discounts.

Low-income seniors (65 years or older) may also qualify for a sport hunting and fishing license at $9.53, regardless of whether they receive VA disability.

Finally, California offers free sport hunting and fishing licenses to residents who have certain visual impairments or are severely physically or developmentally disabled.

Other veteran benefits in California 

California also offers several other state benefits for veterans. The state has eight Veterans Homes for aging and disabled vets who require care. These homes offer memory care, independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing care.

In addition to the CalVet home loan and mortgage program and the California property tax benefits, there are multiple resources to help veterans and their families with housing and financial needs. 

VA facilities in California

Below we share information about where to find VA facilities in California including regional offices, medical facilities, vet centers, and VA cemeteries. 

VA regional offices in California

Each state has at least one VA regional office (VARO) that provides in-person services to help veterans with VA benefits and claims. Offices also offer information about veteran medical help, education and career counseling, memorial benefits, aid for homeless veterans, and more. Below is a list of VAROs in California.

VetSuccess offices in California

VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around California and the country. These partnerships between schools and the VA aid veterans in obtaining educational benefits and finding their best path forward when seeking a degree.

VA medical facilities in California

VA medical facilities offer medical information and assistance for veterans. Vets may also receive their compensation and pension (C&P) exam at many of these facilities. The VA uses the information gathered at a C&P exam to determine how severe a veteran’s condition is and whether it is service connected. Below is a list of VA medical facilities in California.

Vet Centers in California

Vet Centers provide veterans with counseling and referral services, many of which are community-based. These centers also offer services for family members of veterans.

VA cemeteries in California

VA cemeteries can be found all over the U.S. and are dedicated resting places for those who honorably served their country. Veterans or families can make arrangements to be laid to rest in a VA cemetery. Qualifying spouses of veterans may also be eligible. You can find eligibility requirements for VA cemeteries here. Below is a list of all VA cemeteries in California.

California military bases with toxic exposure

Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in California such as Fort Ord, Camp Pendleton, Alameda Naval Air Station, NAS Lemoore, and George Air Force Base. Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a California military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits.

For more information about toxins at California military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.

Woods & Woods: California VA disability appeal lawyers

Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability appeal lawyers serves California from San Francisco to San Diego and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. fight the VA for the benefits they deserve, including countless veterans in California, like B.C., a Navy veteran:

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If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability lawyer in California, call us today for your free case evaluation.

Frequently asked questions