State file · CA

Veteran benefits in California

California taxes military retirement pay but offsets that with broad fee waivers — free state park passes for disabled veterans, systemwide college tuition waivers for veterans' dependents, and eight state veterans homes across the state.

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California file

Financial benefits

Retired military pay

California follows federal tax rules on retirement income: private, local, state, and federal pensions, including military retirement pay, are fully taxed.

Military disability retirement pay

Disability payments can be exempt from state tax under certain conditions — entitlement before September 25, 1975, military membership on September 24, 1975, or injuries that are combat-related, from extra-hazardous service, or caused by an instrumentality of war.

DIC and survivor benefits

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free benefit for eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty; military Survivor Benefit Plan payments, by contrast, are generally subject to state income tax.

Veterans' property tax exemption

Honorably discharged veterans and unmarried surviving spouses can claim an exemption of up to $4,000 of assessed value, subject to property value limits of $5,000 for single claimants and $10,000 for married couples, with California residency on the January 1 lien date.

Disabled veterans' property tax exemption

A larger exemption reduces property taxes on the principal residence of veterans rated 100% disabled or compensated at the 100% rate for unemployability; unmarried surviving spouses may also claim it.

Business license, tax, and fee waiver

Municipal, county, and state business license fees and taxes are waived for veterans who hawk, peddle, or vend goods, wares, or merchandise they own.

Sales tax picture

The statewide rate is 7.25% (including a mandatory 1.25% local rate), with municipal additions of up to 3.0%; the combined average is roughly 8.36%.

Recreation

Reduced-fee hunting & fishing licenses

Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating may be eligible for fishing and hunting licenses at reduced fees.

State Parks and Recreation Pass

California resident veterans with an honorable discharge and a 50% or higher disability rating, former POWs, and Medal of Honor recipients receive a free pass covering day use and camping at California state parks, excluding units operated by local agencies, private operators, or concessionaires and special events.

Education programs

College fee waiver for veterans' dependents

Waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees for eligible dependents at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus.

Non-resident college fee waiver

Waives non-resident fees for eligible veterans at all California Community College, CSU, and UC campuses.

National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP)

Issues financial awards to qualifying members of the California Army and Air National Guard and State Military Reserve; the grant can pay up to 100% of fees.

Interstate Compact for military children

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children addresses enrollment barriers, student placement, program eligibility, and graduation timelines for military families.

Veteran housing

California State Veterans Homes

Eight state veterans homes serve California — in Barstow, Chula Vista, Fresno, Lancaster, Redding, Ventura, West Los Angeles, and Yountville. Admission requires an honorable discharge and age 55 or older, with the age requirement waived for disabled or homeless veterans needing long-term care.

Official site

Employment & job training

Top-rank placement on state exams

Veterans, their surviving spouses, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who pass a state employment test are automatically ranked in the top rank of the eligibility list.

USERRA protections

Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of veterans and members of Reserve components, including federal employees.

Burials & memorials

National cemeteries in California

California has nine national cemeteries: Bakersfield (Arvin), Sacramento Valley (Dixon), Los Angeles, Riverside, Golden Gate (San Bruno), Fort Rosecrans and Miramar (San Diego), San Francisco, and San Joaquin Valley (Santa Nella).

VA resources in California

VA regional offices

California is served by VA regional offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Oakland, with the Pacific District office also based in Oakland.

Official site

VA medical centers

VA medical centers operate across the state in Fresno, Livermore, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Mather, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and San Diego.

Before you apply

First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
“Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.

California file open

Questions about what applies to you?

Programs are one thing — your situation is another. Tell us where you are and we'll help you get oriented, in plain language.

(619) 786-0465