California Department of Veterans Affairs

Golden State Warriors: California's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

California offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to its nearly 1.6 million veterans, a robust portfolio managed by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). These programs provide significant financial advantages, educational opportunities, and long-term security, making the Golden State a supportive home for those who have served. While the individual value of each benefit can vary, a clear hierarchy emerges based on potential monetary impact, breadth of applicability, and life-altering support.

Here are the top ten most valuable veterans benefits available in California:

1. CalVet Home Loans: A cornerstone of California's veteran support system, the CalVet Home Loan program offers competitive interest rates and allows veterans to purchase a home with a low or no down payment. The program features expanded eligibility, excellent insurance protection, and is available to veterans at any stage of their life after service. This can translate into substantial long-term savings and a secure path to homeownership in one of the nation's most expensive housing markets.
2. Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption: For disabled veterans, this benefit provides a significant reduction or complete waiver of property taxes on their primary residence. The exemption amount is tiered based on the veteran's disability rating and income, with a basic exemption and a low-income exemption available. For a 100% disabled veteran, this can mean saving thousands of dollars annually, offering crucial financial stability.
3. College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veterans' Dependents (CVFW): This invaluable program waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for the children and spouses of eligible disabled or deceased veterans. This benefit can save families tens of thousands of dollars per year, making higher education attainable and opening doors to future opportunities.
4. Veterans' Employment Preference: When applying for state jobs, eligible veterans are granted a preference in the hiring process. After passing an examination, veterans are placed in the top rank of the eligibility list, increasing their likelihood of being selected for an interview and ultimately securing stable and rewarding state employment.
5. Veterans Homes of California: CalVet operates eight veterans homes across the state, providing affordable long-term care, including residential, assisted living, and skilled nursing services. For aging or disabled veterans, access to these facilities offers a secure and dignified living environment with comprehensive medical support, a benefit of immeasurable value to both veterans and their families.
6. Business License, Tax, and Fee Waiver: To encourage entrepreneurship, California offers a waiver of municipal, county, and state business license fees, taxes, and other fees for honorably discharged veterans who engage in peddling or vending goods (with some exceptions). This can significantly reduce the startup costs and overhead for veteran-owned businesses.
7. No State Income Tax on Military Retirement Pay: While California taxes most forms of income, military retirement pay is not taxed by the state. This is a significant financial advantage for career military members who choose to retire in California, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned pension.
8. State Parks and Recreation Pass (Distinguished Veteran Pass): Eligible disabled veterans and former prisoners of war can receive a free lifetime pass to all California state parks. This pass covers day-use fees, camping, and boat launch fees, providing veterans and their families with cost-free access to the state's stunning natural landscapes.
9. In-State Tuition Rates for Veterans: Veterans and their eligible dependents are granted immediate residency for tuition purposes at California's public colleges and universities. This allows them to pay in-state tuition rates without the customary waiting period, resulting in substantial savings on higher education costs.
10. Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver: Certain disabled veterans are exempt from paying motor vehicle registration fees and are eligible for special license plates. This benefit provides ongoing annual savings and increased accessibility for veterans with service-connected mobility issues.

These top-tier benefits underscore California's commitment to honoring and supporting its veteran population. For detailed eligibility requirements and to apply for these valuable programs, veterans are encouraged to visit the CalVet website or their local County Veterans Service Office.

California Department of Veterans Affairs

Contact Information:

Address: 
1227 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 

Phone: 800-952-5626

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory