California Military and Veteran Benefits

State Taxes
Education Benefits
Employment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance
Department of Motor Vehicles Benefits
Health Insurance Benefits
Parks and Recreation Benefits
Miscellaneous Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities in California
California Military Resource Locator
Resources

Summary of California Military and Veterans Benefits: California offers special benefits for service members, Veterans and their families including disabled Veteran property tax exemptions, California Military Department GI Bill, education and tuition assistance, military and Veteran vehicle license plates, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.

California Department of Veterans Affairs, County Veteran Service Offices (CVSO): CVSOs can assist service members, Veterans, retired service members and their families find and apply for Veterans benefits under federal, state, and local laws. All their services are provided free of charge.
CVSO Locations

Learn more about the California Department of Veterans Affairs, County Veteran Service Offices

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California Military and Veterans State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

What are my California Military and Veterans State Tax Benefits?

California Taxes on Military Retired Pay: Military retired pay received by California residents is taxed in California.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not withhold taxes for state or local income tax, but it is reported annually on IRS Form 1099-R. All TSP distributions are subject to state taxes and early distributions may incur higher taxes.

To request the 2023 Tax Information for Military Personnel please provide an email address to the following California Franchise Tax Board, online document request form.

California Taxes on Military Pay: Military pay received by California resident service members stationed outside California is not taxed. Pay received by a resident service member stationed in California is subject to state income tax.

To request the 2023 Tax Information for Military Personnel please provide an email address to the following California Franchise Tax Board, online document request form.

Learn more about California Taxes on Military Pay

California Taxes on Military Disability Retirement Pay: Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include:

Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or
Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program.

See IRS Publication 525 for more information.

Learn more about California Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Military Disability Retirement Pay

California State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free child kneeling by a grave monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.

Learn more about California State Taxes on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

California State Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities: SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are taxed in California.

To request the 2023 Tax Information for Military Personnel please provide an email address to the following California Franchise Tax Board, online document request form.

Learn more about California State Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities

California Income Tax Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses: A nonresident service member’s spouse may be exempt from paying California taxes on income earned while stationed in California.
Who is eligible for California Income Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses? A nonresident military spouse must meet the following requirements to be exempt from California income tax :

Service member must be a resident of another state or territory
Service member is in California in compliance with military orders
Spouse is in California only to be with the service member
Spouse is a resident of the same state or territory as the service member

To request the 2023 Tax Information for Military Personnel please provide an email address to the following California Franchise Tax Board, online document request form.

Learn more about the California Income Tax Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses

California Income Tax Exclusion for Combat Pay and Extension to File: Military pay received by a resident service member serving on active duty in a combat zone, or Qualified Hazardous Duty Area (QHDA) that is excluded from their federal adjusted gross income is also exempt from California income tax.

Service members have 180 days from their return from a combat zone, plus the number of days they were in a combat zone or QHDA during the filing period to file their state tax return.

To request the 2023 Tax Information for Military Personnel please provide an email address to the following California Franchise Tax Board, online document request form.

Learn more about California Income tax Exclusion for Combat Pay and Extension to File

California Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption: The California Veterans' Exemption provides a property tax exemption of up to $4,000 for eligible service members, Veterans and their eligible family members.

To qualify for this exemption, the applicant may not own property (real or personal) worth more than $5,000 if single, $10,000 if married. Those eligible must have lived in California on January 1 of the year they apply.
Who is eligible for the California Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption? To be eligible for the CaliforniaVeterans’ Exemption applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

Currently serving service member
Veteran who received an honorable discharge and meets one of the following requirements:
- Served during a wartime period
- Served during peace time in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal was authorized by Congress
- Discharged from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during peace time due to a service-connected disability
Service member serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who was called to federal active duty service
Unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased eligible Veteran
Parent of a deceased eligible Veteran

To apply for the Veterans' Exemption applicants must file each year by February 15 with the County Assessor where the property is located. Claim forms are available from the local County Assessor.
California County Assessor Directory

Learn more about the California Veteran's Property Tax Exemption

California Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption: The Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption reduces the property tax on the principal residence of eligible disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses.

There are two levels of the Disabled Veterans' Exemption:

Basic Exemption – $169,769, available to all eligible (only required to apply once)
Low-Income Exemption – $254,656, available to those who have a combined household income of $76,235 or less for the previous year (must apply each year)

Claim for Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption 26-G (Sample) (exemption amounts and income limit information)

Who is eligible for the California Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemptions? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

Served during a wartime period and received a discharge “other than dishonorable”
Has a service-connected disability rating from the VA or their branch of Service of 100% or rated Individually Unemployable and paid at the 100% rate

Surviving spouses must meet the one of the following requirements:

Unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible deceased Veteran
Unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran who would have qualified for the exemption if they had been alive on or after January 1, 1977
Unremarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died from a service-connected injury or disease

To apply for the Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption applicants must file an application with the County Assessor where the property is located. Claim forms are available from the local County Assessor.
California County Assessor Directory

Learn more about the California Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption

California Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption: California does not tax Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the California Social Security Benefits Tax Exemption

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What are my California Military and Veterans Education Benefits?

California College Tuition Fee Waivers for Veterans' Dependents: The California College Fee Waivers for Veterans’ Dependents waives mandatory system wide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University or University of California campus. This program does not cover books, parking, or room and board.
Who is eligible for the California College Tuition Fee Waivers for Veterans' Dependents? All students must be California residents and qualify under one of the four plans listed below:

Plan A:For a Veteran’s dependents to be eligible the Veteran must have served at least one day on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during a wartime period or duringany time the Veteran was awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal. This benefit cannot be used with VA educational benefits.

Child of a Veteran who has a total service-connected disability rating or who died from a service-connected cause
Child must be between 15 and 26 years old
If the eligible child is a Veteran, the age limit is extended to age 30; the Veteran parent’s qualifying event (date of disability award or date of death) must have occurred before the child turns 21
Spouse of a Veteran who has a total service-connected disability rating or the unremarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died from a service-connected cause (no age limit)
Spouse or child of a Veteran who in the line of duty has been declared missing in action, captured by hostile forces, or forcibly detained or interned by a foreign government or power

Plan B:Children are the only dependents eligible under this plan. The following requirements must be met for a Veteran’s child to be eligible:

Child of a Veteran who has a service-connected disability, had a service-connected disability at the time of death or died from a service-connected cause
Child's annual income, which includes their adjusted gross income and support provided by a parent, must be below the California income tax filing requirement
Wartime service is not required and there is no age requirement

May be used with VA educational benefits

Plan C: The spouse or child of a service member serving in the California National Guard is eligible in the following circumstances:

Service member was serving on state active duty who while in the line of duty:
- Was killed
- Died from a disability they received while serving on state active duty (surviving spouses must remain unremarried to be eligible)
- Permanently disabled from an event that occurred while serving on state active duty

Plan D: Medal of Honor recipients and children of Medal of Honor recipients (under age 27) who are below the Federal Poverty Level are eligible. Plan D benefits are limited to undergraduate studies only and may be used with VA educational benefits.

Please use the California Department of Veterans Affairs, College Fee Waiver Calculator to verify eligibility.

Completed applications may be submitted to the student’s local County Veterans Service Office.
California Department of Veterans Affairs, College Fee Waiver Program for Veteran Dependents Application
California Department of Veterans Affairs, County Veterans Service Office Locations
California Higher Education Institutions

Learn more about the California College Tuition Fee Waivers for Veterans' Dependents

California Nonresident College Fee Waiver: The California Nonresident College Fee Waiver will waive nonresident fees at all California Community Colleges, California State University, or University of California campuses for eligible Veterans, service members 163d ATKW drone and dependents.
Who is eligible for the California Nonresident College Fee Waiver? Students who meet the following requirements are eligible for the fee waiver:

Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and was stationed in California for more than one year immediately prior to discharge; valid for the length of time the Veteran lives in California, up to the minimum time needed to become a resident
Undergraduate student who is a service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in California, does not apply to service members assigned to a state-supported institution of higher education
Undergraduate student dependent of a service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in California
Graduate student who is an active duty service member stationed in California; does not apply to service members assigned to a state-supported institution of higher education; there is a two-year limit for graduate-level studies
Graduate student dependent of a service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in California, there is a one-year limit for graduate level studies

For more information, please contact the admissions office at the California Community Colleges, California State University, or University of California campuses.
California Higher Education Institutions

Learn more about the California Nonresident College Fee Waiver

California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI BILL): The CMD GI BILL offers educational financial assistance to eligible service members serving in the California National Guard. The CMD GI BILL will provide up to 100% of the tuition and fees at a California College System Campus and participating private, grant eligible, educational institutions.
California Grant Eligible Schools List
Who is eligible for the CMD GI BILL? Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

Actively serving in the California National Guard while receiving CMD GI BILL funds
Must enroll in at least three academic units per term
Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, annually
California resident for tuition purposes
May be used for a certificate, degree, or diploma that is currently not held
Serve two years in the California National Guard after completion of the last academic term they used CMD GI Bill funds
Complete course of study within 10 years of initial acceptance into the program
May be used to complete one degree at the bachelor, graduate, or doctoral level

To apply service members must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, then complete the CMD GI BILL Online Application.

For more information, please contact the California National Guard Civilian Education Branch at 866-338-2863.
CMD GI BILL Fact Sheet
CMD GI BILL Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program

California Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their girl writing at her desk parents by:

Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities
Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under this compact
Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student

MIC3 Assistance Request

Primary Point of Contact
Phone: 916-322-1762

Learn more about California Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

California Purple Star School Designation Program for Military-Friendly Schools: The California Purple Star School Designation Program recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.

For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Award they must appoint a school liaison who is specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families.
California Purple Star Schools

Learn more about the California Purple Star School Designation Program for Military-Friendly Schools

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What are my California Military and Veterans Employment Benefits?

California State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference: California offers Veterans' Preference to eligible Veterans and their spouse or surviving spouse when hiring for state employment. Preference can be applied to an eligible applicant’s open and open, non- 146th AW aircraft promotional applications.

Applicants with a passing civil service examination score are ranked at the top of the resulting eligibility list. Veterans' Preference is not granted once a person achieves permanent civil service status.
Who is eligible for California State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference? The following applicants are eligible for Veterans’ preference:

Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 30 days or more during a time of war, or in peace time when a campaign or expeditionary medal was authorized and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 181 consecutive days and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran
Spouse of a 100% disabled Veteran

To apply for Veterans' Preference, applicants must submit the following documents:

Copy of Veteran’s DD214
Completed California Department of Human Resources, Veterans' Preference Instructions and Application
Spouses and surviving spouses must also provide the following:
- Marriage certificate
- Veteran’s death certificate (if applicable)
- Veteran’s VA Benefit Summary Letter (if applicable)

Completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted to:

California Department of Human Resources
ATTN: Examination Unit
1515 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

Veterans’ Preference in Promotional Exams:Veterans who retired from the U.S. Armed Forces or were honorably discharged from active duty and are eligible to compete in civil service promotional examinations will have their names placed on the promotion eligibility list. Veterans must meet the minimum qualifications for the promotion and receive a passing score on the examination to be eligible.

Learn more about California State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference

California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program: TheCaliforniaDVBE Program helps certified disabled Veteran owned businesses compete for state contracts. California has established a goal of awarding 3% of all state contracts to certified DVBE businesses. The DVBE option allows state agencies to contract directly with a certified DVBE for goods, services, and information technology goods and services valued from $5,000.01 to $249,999.99 (up to $388,000 for public works contracts). Certification is typically issued for two years.

The DVBE Program provides the following assistance:

Assist certified DVBE businesses throughout the contracting process
Assist contract officers looking for DVBE businesses to participate in contracts and purchasing
Provide information to businesses or agencies regarding DVBE
Serve as an advocate for disabled Veteran businesses
Reporting violations of the California Military and Veterans Code

Who is eligible for the California DVBE Program? For a business to be certified as a DVBE they must meet the following requirements:

Veteran must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA of at least 10%
Veteran must be a California resident
Business must be at least 51% owned by one or more disabled Veterans
One or more disabled Veterans must wholly own limited liability companies
Daily business operations must be managed and controlled by one or more disabled Veterans
Disabled Veteran who manages and controls the business is not required to be an owner of the business
Home office must be in the U.S. and cannot be a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation, foreign firm, or other foreign based business

Veterans can apply online for DVBE certification at the Cal eProcure website. For questions or more information call 916-375-4940 or email OSDSHelp@dgs.ca.gov.
DVBE Certification Documentation Requirements
DVBE Program Eligibility Fact Sheet

Learn more about the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program

California Business License Fees, Taxes and Fee Waiver for Veterans: Honorably discharged Veterans who hawk, peddle, or vend any goods, wares, or merchandise (not services) are exempt from municipal, county, and state business license fees, taxes, or other fees. This exemption does not apply to alcoholic beverages.

Veterans must provide proof they received an honorable discharge to the local county/city licensing authority. Eligibility criteria may differ based upon local jurisdictions.

Learn more about the California Business License Fees, Taxes and Fee Waiver for Veterans

California State Employee Military Leave: California offers several different types of military leave for state employees who are serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. A short description of these types of leave are listed below.

Short-Term Military Leave: California state permanent, probationary, limited-term, or temporary employees who are members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for short-term military leave for six months or less.

Short term military leave can be granted for:

Annual training such as active duty military training, encampment, and special exercises
Inactive duty (unpaid) such as scheduled drill periods

Service members are authorized one additional day for travel unless their orders authorize more travel time.

Long-Term Military Leave: California state permanent and probationary employees who are members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and are ordered to active duty for six months or more are eligible for long-term military leave for up to five years. U.S. Code, Title 38, Section 4312 [c] does offer some exceptions to the five year time limit in certain circumstances.

Service members must begin their active duty service within 90 calendar days after the last day worked, or the last day of vacation or time off used before reporting for active duty. Service members are authorized to receive their state salary for the first 30 days of the long-term military leave. The service member has six months from the date of discharge from active duty to return to work.

Emergency Military Leave: California state employees who are members of the California National Guard and are ordered to state active duty are eligible for emergency military leave.

The length of emergency military leave is the period of active duty plus one day for travel going to and returning from the service member’s duty location unless their orders authorize additional travel time.

Service members must begin their active duty within 10 calendar days after the last day worked, or the last day of vacation or time off used before reporting for duty. Service members are authorized to receive their state salary for the first 30 days of the emergency military leave.

Permanent or probationary state employees must return to work within 14 calendar days after the end of their military leave. Limited-term or temporary state employee must return work within 10 calendar days after the end of their military leave.

War or National Emergency Leave: California state employees who are serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and are ordered to federal active duty are eligible for war or national emergency leave.

The length of emergency military leave is the period of federal active duty plus one day for travel going to and returning from the service members duty location unless their orders authorize additional travel time.

Service members must begin their active duty service within 10 calendar days after the last day worked, or the last day of vacation or time off used before reporting for duty. Service members are authorized to receive their state salary for the first 30 days of the emergency military leave.

Learn more about California State Employee Military leave

California State Employment Differential Pay for Reserve Component Service Members Ordered to Federal Active Duty: Reserve component service members are eligible for the difference between their military pay and their state salary when ordered to federal active duty due to the War on Terror or due to a presidential determination of national emergency following the September 11, 2001, attack.

War on Terror: State employees who are reserve component service members ordered to federal active duty after September 11, 2001, in support of the War on Terror, are authorized to receive the difference between their military pay and their state salary (not including hazardous duty pay, hostile fire pay, or imminent danger pay).

Service members can receive this differential pay for a total of 760 days. Service members will continue to be eligible for salary changes based on:

General salary adjustments
Labor marked adjustments
Merit salary adjustments
Special in-grade salary adjustments

Service members can continue to receive health, dental, and vision care benefits for up to 730 calendar days. Vacation and sick leave will continue to accrue during war or national emergency leave for up to 24 months.

Presidential Determination: State employees who are reserve component service members ordered to federal active duty by a presidential determination after September 11, 2001, are authorized to receive the difference between their military pay and their state salary for 180 days. The service member will continue to be eligible for merit salary adjustments and continue to be eligible for all benefits they are entitled to, had they not been called to active duty.

Learn more about California State Employment Differential Pay for Reserve Component Service Members Ordered to Federal Active Duty

California Employment Development Department, Employment Assistance for Veterans: The California Employment Development Department (EDD) helps Veterans, service members who are leaving the U.S. Armed Forces and eligible spouses by providing employment training and placement services. EDD staff will conduct an initial assessment and refer those to services that best suit their situation, which could include self-service, group services or one-on-one service. In addition, Veterans receive 24 hour access to job listings before they are posted for the general public.

EDD has Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists, Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) and Consolidated Veteran Representatives (combined responsibilities of LVERs and DVOP Specialists) who provide specialized services to Veterans, service members and spouses to help them return to work. These specially trained staff members offer a wide array of services including, employment services, job training, vocational education, supportive services, and participation in community college programs.

LVERs focus on individualized job development services for Veterans who are determined to be job-ready. They also conduct outreach to employers, assist Veterans in job development contacts, coordinate job search workshops, and establish job search groups.

DVOP Specialists focus on those who face significant barriers to employment and provide individualized career services to meet their specific needs. Those eligible can receive:

Education, skills, and abilities assessment
Assistance developing an individual employment plan
Development of interviewing skills
Group and individual career coaching
Short-term pre-vocational services may include:
- Learning and communication assistance
- Interviewing skill development
- Personal maintenance skills
- Professional conduct

Eligibility requirements to receive DVOP Specialist assistance:

Veteran who served at least one day on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (does not include active duty for training) and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
Spouse of one of the following:
- Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
- Veteran who has a total service-connected disability
- Veteran who died while a total service-connected disability was in existence
- Service member who died on active duty
- Service member who is declared missing in action or a prisoner of war for 90 days or more
Service member leaving the U.S. Armed Forces who has been identified as needing intensive services by their former chain of command
Service members who are wounded, ill, or injured and receiving treatment in a military treatment facility or warrior transition unit, as well as their spouse or other family caregiver

EDD also offers the CalJOBS Labor Exchange webpage that allows job seekers to create résumés that can be seen by employers, search the full-service employment center for job openings, and more. CalJOBS can also help Veterans translate their military training and specialties into marketable skills applicable to civilian jobs.
California EDD, Veterans Employment Services Fact Sheet
California EDD Office Directory

Learn more about California Employment Development Department, Employment Assistance for Veterans

Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences: By Federal law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-Veterans in hiring into the Federal civil service and in retention during reduction in force. Veterans may be entitled to 5 or 10 points included in any scoring process for examination or interviews.

5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:

During a war, or
During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference

10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference: Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.

10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

A Veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
A Veteran who received a Purple Heart

10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:

Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability

Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

Learn more about Federal Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preferences

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights to five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more airman working performing maintainence than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual's service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

Return to Work without Loss of Seniority: USERRA provides that returning service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.
Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits?Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

The Department of Labor, through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.
employees.
VETS Regional Office Locations

Learn more about Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

California Hilton Honors Military Rewards Program: The California Hilton Honors Military Rewards Program helps make the career transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program will provide hotel accommodations for travel greater than 50 miles while they are looking for a new job, training for a new job, or finding housing. Those eligible can receive up to a total of 100,000 hotel points for verifiable employment-related activities. Each state sets its own eligibility and residency requirements. Recipients must have a Hilton Honors account to receive the points. For more information, please email, WSBVeteranHiltonHonors@edd.ca.gov, or HiltonHonors@naswa.org, or contact the nearest American Job Center.
Hilton Honors Military Program Information

Learn more about the California Hilton Honors Military Rewards Program

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What are my California Military and Veterans Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

California Unemployment Insurance (UI): UI provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. UI is a partial, short-term replacement of lost wages while workers are seeking other work and is not intended to be a permanent source of income.

UI applicants are required to provide the following information:

Employer information for the last 18 months:
- Company name
- Supervisor’s name
- Business address (mailing and physical location) and phone number
- Last date worked and the reason no longer working
- Weekly gross earnings

DD214 (Member Copy 4) for applicants who were in the U.S. Armed Forces in the last 18 months
Standard Form 8 for applicants who were federal employees in the last 18 months

Applicants are encouraged to use theUnemployment Benefits Calculator to determine the benefit amount for which they are eligible.
Who is eligible for California UI? To be eligible for UI applicants must meet the following requirements:

Earned enough wages during their base period
Totally or partially unemployed through no fault of their own
Physically able, available, and willing to accept immediate work
Actively looking for work

Applicants can file for a claim online, by phone, fax or by mail. To file online go to California Employment Development Department, UI online claim portal. Online claims can be filed during the following hours:

Sunday 5 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Monday 4 a.m. -10 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday 2 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 2 a.m. – 8 p.m.

To file by phone call, 800-300-5616, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time) except on state holidays.

To file by mail or fax, download and complete the California Development Department, Unemployment Insurance Application. Completed applications can be faxed to 866-215-9159, or mailed to:

EDD
P.O. Box 989738
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9738

California Employment Development Department, UI Eligibility Information
California Employment Development Department, Filing a UI Claim Information

Learn more about California Unemployment Insurance

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What are my California Military and Veterans Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits?

Veteran Designation on California Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards: Eligible Veterans can add the word “VETERAN” to the front of their Drivers License with Veterans Designation California driver’s license or ID card.

Veterans must visit their nearest County Veteran Service Officer to request a Veteran Status Verification Form. The CVSO will verify eligibility and complete the form which the Veteran can then take to a California Department of Motor Vehicles office to apply. There is no fee when requesting a Veteran designation.
California Department of Motor Vehicles Directory
California Office of Veterans Affairs, County Veteran Service Office Directory
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Designation Fact Sheet

Learn more about the Veteran Designation on California Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards

California Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver: The California Department of Motor Vehicles waives registration fees and provides a free license plate for one passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle, or commercial motor vehicle (less than 8,001 pounds) for eligible Veterans.
Who is eligible for a California Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver? Veterans must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible:

Veteran who have a 100% service-connected disability that significantly impairs their mobility
Former prisoner of war
Medal of Honor recipient

The Veteran will be required to provide official documentation as proof of eligibility.
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver Information

Learn more about the California Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver

California Commercial Driver License (CDL) Driving Test Waivers: The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers CDL testing exemptions to service members and former service members based on their military training and experience.

The Even Exchange Program allows service members with certain Military Occupational Specialties/Ratings in the U.S. Armed Forces to have their CDL knowledge and skills testing waived. Applicants can apply for a CDL for the commercial vehicle class that is similar to the military vehicles they were license on. The Even Exchange program does not apply to the School Bus (S) endorsement. Service members must have worked in one of the following Military Occupational Specialties/Ratings in the past year to be eligible:

Army – 88M, 92F, 14T
Air Force – 2T1, 2F0, 3E2
Marine Corps – 3531
Navy – EO

The California Troops to Trucks Program authorizes the waiver of the CDL driving test for service members who have military commercial driving training and experience but do not have a Military Occupational Specialties/Ratings for the Even Exchange Program. Applicants must have been employed within the last two years in a duty position requiring the operation of a military vehicle similar to the commercial vehicle class they are applying for. This option only allows a waiver of the driving test and does not include the knowledge testing requirement. The driving test will not be waived for school bus or passenger endorsements.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

Not had more than one license (except for a military license) in the past two years
Not had any license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in the past two years
Not had any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses (listed on the application)
Not had more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations (listed on the application)
Have not had had any conviction for a violation of military, state or local laws relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) as a result of a traffic accident and has no record of an accident in which they were at fault

Applicants must submit the following documents to a California DMV Field Office:

California DMV, CDL Test Waiver for Military Members
Acceptable identity documents
Social Security Card, Medicare Card, or U.S. Armed Forces ID card
DD214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Veterans)

In addition applicants must complete the California Department of Motor Vehicles, CDL Online Application.

Learn more about the California Commercial Driver License Test Waivers

California Resident Deployed Service Member, Registration Renewal Penalty Waiver: California resident service members who are deployed to a location outside California may be eligible for a waiver of vehicle registration renewal penalties. Service members must have been deployed during a period when a Presidential Executive Order specifies the U.S. is engaged in combat or homeland defense. Deployment does not include temporary duty for training or processing, or a permanent change of station. Only penalties incurred during the deployment may be waived.

Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

California Resident
Service member serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
Reserve component service member called to active duty

Service members must renew their registration within 60 days after they return from their deployment to qualify for a waiver.

When applying for a waiver, service members must submit official deployment orders and complete the California Department of Motor Vehicles Form, Statements of Fact. Service members must write in Block G that they are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, or the National Guard and the termination date of their deployment.

Learn more about California Resident Deployed Service Member, Registration Renewal Penalty Waiver

California Vehicle Registration Extension for Discharged Service Members: Former service members entering California after their discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to register their passenger vehicles and trailer coaches if they have valid out-of-state plates and registration.

Vehicles must to be registered within 20 days following the date they take steps to become a California resident to avoid penalties.

Learn more about California Vehicle Registration Extension for Discharged Service Members

California Vehicle License Fee Transportation Fee Exemption for Nonresident Service Members: Nonresidentservice members stationed in California are exempt from payment of Vehicle License Fees and Transportation Improvement Fees for any vehicle owned or leased and registered in California. This does not apply to vehicles operated “for hire.”

Service members must submit a completed California Department of Motor Vehicles, Nonresident Military License Fee and Transportation Improvement Fee Exemption to the nearest California Department of Motor Vehicles Office.

Learn more about the California Vehicle License Fee Exemption for Nonresident Service Members

California Special Recognition Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates: California offers seven special recognition license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of service members, Veterans, retired service members and eligible family members. Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. Completed applications, copies of required documentation and any fees should be mailed to:

California Department of Motor Vehicles
Special Processing Unit – MS D238
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450

A short description of some these license plates is listed below.
California Department of Motor Vehicles, Special License Plate Fees
California Department of Motor Vehicles, Special Recognition License Plate Application

California Medal of Honor License Plates: Recipients of the Medal of Honor are eligible for the California Medal of Honor license plate. There is no registration fee, issue fee or renewal fee for the first set of plates. CA Medal of Honor plate

Veterans must provide a copy of their service record, or other official documentation indicating they were awarded the Medal of Honor. A surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran who was issued these license plates may continue to use them. Upon the death of the surviving spouse the Veteran’s family may keep one license plate as an heirloom. California Vehicle Code 5101.6

California Purple Heart License Plates: Recipients of the Purple Heart are eligible for the California Purple Heart license plate. There is no registration fee, issue fee or renewal fee for the first set of plates.

A Purple Heart recipient, who is also a qualified disabled Veteran (DV), may request the DV Fee Exemption for a set of Purple Heart license plates instead of DV license plates. A Veteran who chooses this option cannot have DV plates assigned to another vehicle.

Veterans must provide a copy of orders, their service record, or discharge papers indicating they were awarded the Purple Heart. A surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran who was issued these license plates may continue to use them. Upon the death of the surviving spouse the Veteran’s family may keep one license plate as an heirloom. California Vehicle Code 5101.8

California Gold Star Family Licenses Plate: The California Gold Star license plate is offered to eligible family members of a service member who was serving on active duty and was killed in the line of duty. The service members death must have occurred under one of Gold Star Family plate the following circumstances:

During wartime service
During an international terrorist attack against the U.S. or a friendly foreign nation
During military operations while serving outside the U.S., including commonwealths, territories, and possessions

As part of a peacekeeping force

Family members eligible for the Gold Star Family License plate are:

Surviving spouse
Parents (biological, adoptive, step or foster)
Child (biological, adoptive, step)
Sibling or half-sibling
Grandparent
Grandchild

There is no issue fee or renewal fee for the first set license plates. Applicants must take a copy of the service member’s DD1300 Report of Casualty and proof of family relationship to a California County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) for verification. The CVSO will complete a Project Gold Star License Plate Application then all documents and the Special Recognition License Plate Application can be submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
California Vehicle Code 5156(d)(1)

Learn more about California Special Recognition Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates

California Disabled Veteran License Plates: California Disabled Veteran license plates are offered to Veterans who have a service-connected injury or disease they received while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. There is no registration fee, issue fee or CA Disabled Veteran plate renewal fee for the first set of license plates. The California Disabled Veteran license plates authorizes:

Parking in spaces marked with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol)
Parking next to blue painted curbs (indicates disability parking)
Unlimited parking next to a green curb (indicates limited time parking)
Metered parking at no charge
Parking in an area that requires a resident or merchant permit
Service stations must refuel a disabled Veteran’s vehicle at self-service rates unless the service station has only one employee on duty

Veterans must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible:

Service-connected 100% disability rating from the VA or their branch of service that significantly impairs or interferes with mobility
Severely disabled and is unable to move without the help of an assistive device
Lost, or lost the use of, one or more limbs
Permanently blind, as defined in California Welfare and Institutions Code 19153

To apply disabled Veterans must provide a completed California Department of Motor Vehicles, Miscellaneous Certification, and official documentation of their disability to a California Department of Motor Vehicles Office.

Learn more about the California Disabled Veteran License Plates

Free Parking at Metered Parking Spaces for Eligible California Veterans: Veterans who have a California Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor, Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor, or Purple Heart license plate may park their motor vehicle (weighing not more than 6,000 lbs. gross weight) free of charge in metered parking spaces. Please note this benefit must be adopted by local jurisdictions and may not be available in all locations.
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Resource Book

Learn more about Free Parking at Metered Parking Spaces for Eligible California Veterans

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What are my California Military and Veterans Health and Insurance Benefits?

California National Guard Surviving Spouses and Children Relief Act: The California National Guard Surviving Spouses and Children Relief Act authorizes the payment of a $10,000 death benefit to the surviving spouse, or a designated beneficiary of a California National Guard service member who dies or is killed in the line of duty.

Learn more about the California National Guard Surviving Spouses and Children Relief Act

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance: The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military Service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)
Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance (S-DVI)
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Life Insurance

TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance: TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

Not on active duty orders
Not covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
Not eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program or currently covered under FEHB, either under their own eligibility or through a family member

This plan provides comprehensive health care coverage when a service member is not on active duty and covered by active duty TRICARE benefits.

Learn more about TRICARE Reserve Select Health Insurance

California National Guard Compensation for Injury, Illness, Disability and Death Incurred while on State Active Duty: California National Guard service members who are injured, become ill, disabled or die in the line of duty while serving on state active duty are eligible for medical coverage and compensation under California Labor Code, Division 4, Workers' Compensation.
Who is eligible for Compensation for Injury, Illness, Disability and Death Incurred while on State Active Duty? California National Guard service members serving on state active duty are eligible for coverage and compensation.

Learn more about California National Guard Medical Coverage for Injury, Illness and Death Benefits incurred while on State Active Duty

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What are my California Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits?

California Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers Disabled Veteran Fishing Disabled Veteran Sport Fishing and Hunting Licenses, and the Recovering Service Member Fishing and Hunting Licenses to eligible service members and Veterans.

California Disabled Veteran Sport Fishing and Hunting Licenses: Honorably discharged Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating from the VA of 50% or greater can purchase a reduced fee Disabled Veteran Sport Fishing or Hunting license for $9.46 each. Veterans are required to provide a VA Benefit Summary Letter certifying they received an honorable discharge and have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater.

California Recovering Service Member Sport Fishing and Hunting Licenses: Service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who are receiving medical treatment or therapy in an out-patient status while recovering from a service-connected serious injury or illness, can purchase a Recovering Service Member Sport Fishing or Hunting license for $9.46 each. Service members are required to provide a letter from their commanding officer or from a military medical doctor verifying their eligibility.

All applicants must provide the following to prequalify for these licenses:

Driver’s license
GO (Get Outdoors) ID number (new customers must register for an account to purchase licenses, GO ID registration webpage)
Required official documentation of eligibility
Telephone number
Email address (optional, may process quicker)
Proof of hunter education (for hunting licenses only)

Prequalifying requests may be submitted by:

Mail or in person at a CDFW license sales office
Fax to 916-419-7585
Request a secure document upload link by emailing LRB@wildlife.ca.gov

After prequalifying, applicants can purchase these licenses online at the CDFW Online License Sales and Services webpage or at any CDFW License Sales Office.
CDFW Reduced Fee Hunting License Information

Learn more about California Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

California State Parks, Free Lifetime Distinguished Veteran Pass: The California State Park Distinguished Veteran Pass is a free lifetime pass available to eligible Veterans. This pass authorizes use of all basic facilities, including day use, camping and boating at CA Distinguished Veteran Pass California State Parks at no charge. The Distinguished Veteran Pass must be renewed every five years.
Who is eligible for the California State Parks, Free Lifetime Distinguished Veteran Pass? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

California resident wartime Veteran
Received an honorable discharge
Has a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA, or
Former prisoner of war, or
Medal of Honor recipient

To apply for the California State Park Distinguished Veteran Pass, Veterans can apply online at ReserveCalifornia.com, or by mailing their completed application and copies of required documents (see section B of the application for a list of documents) to:

California State Parks
Attn: Distinguished Veteran Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

California State Parks that Accept the Distinguished Veteran Pass Parks
California Distinguished Veteran Pass Application Requirements
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Distinguished Veteran Pass Application

Learn more about the California State Parks, Free Lifetime Distinguished Veteran Pass

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What are my California Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?

California Department of Veterans Affairs CALVET Home Loans: The CalVet Home Loans program offers several loans and other benefits to help service members and Veterans become California homeowners.

Some of the Benefits offered include:

Low fees
Low rates
Low to no down payments
Flexible guidelines
Comprehensive home protection insurance

CalVet loans may be used in conjunction with the VA Home Loan Guarantee, however a Veteran does not need to be eligible for this VA benefit to qualify. The home loan benefit may be used again after a loan is paid in full.

CalVet Home Loans may be used for the following:

Single-family homes, condos, and mobile homes on land for up to 125% of Fannie Mae maximum loan limits (up to $957,000 in some counties)
Mobile homes for up to $175,000
Farm loans for up to 150% of Fannie Mae maximum loan limits (Up to $1,148,400 in some counties)
Home improvement loans for up to $150,000
Home rehabilitation loans
Construction loans

Who is eligible for California Department of Veterans Affairs CALVET Home Loans? The following individuals are eligible for CALVET Home Loans:

Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) for at least 90 days and received an honorable discharge
Service members who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) for at least 90 days and continue to serve

Service members and Veterans can start the pre-approval process by calling 866-653-2510or online at the CALVET Home Loans Online Portal.

National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces service members who have a loan through this program can defer loan repayments if they are called to active duty service.In addition, CalVet loan holders who have suffered a hardship and are unable to afford their loan payment may qualify for a loan term extension that will reduce the loan payment.

For more information, please use the CALVET Home Loans online contact page or call 866-653-2510 (new customers), or 866-653-2504 (current customer).
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Resource Book

Learn more about the California Department of Veterans Affairs CALVET Home Loans

Veterans Homes of California (VHC): California has eight VHC locations that offer affordable long-term care to aged and disabled Veterans as well as their eligible spouses or domestic partners. A highly trained staff provides first-class, compassionate care in a home like environment. Each VHC has a close-knit atmosphere that offers activities and amenities to enhance their residents’ quality of life.

System-wide, the VHC offers five levels of care (not all levels are offered at all VHC):

Independent Living - for residents able to perform activities of daily living with, with little to no assistance
Residential Care - Assisted Living - for residents who require minimal assistance and supervision with some activities of daily living
Skilled Nursing Care – for residents who require 24-hour services from licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants
Memory Care – for residents who require a supervised environment that specializes in caring for those with dementia, memory loss, or other cognitive impairments

In addition, each VHC has an outpatient clinic that can provide comprehensive medical assessments as well as ongoing primary care.

VHC locations:

VHC – Barstow
Veteran Home Barstow
Address: 100 East Veterans Parkway
Barstow, CA 92311
Phone: 800-746-0606 or 760-252-6200

VHC - Chula Vista
Veterans Home in Chula Vista
Address: 700 East Naples Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Phone: 888-857-2146, or 619-482-6010

VHC – Fresno
VHC Fresno
Address: 2811 West California Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706
Phone: 855-769-5792, or 559-493-4400

VHC – Lancaster
VHC - Lancaster
Address: 45221 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: 661-974-7035

VHC – Redding
VHC - Redding
Address: 3400 Knighton Road
Redding, CA 96002
Phone: 855-769-5791, or 530-224-3300

VHC – Ventura
VHC - Ventura
Address: 10900 Telephone Road
Ventura, CA 93004
Phone: 888-272-2104, or 805-659-7500

VHC - West Los Angeles

Address: 11500 Nimitz Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90049-4704
Phone: 877-605-1332, or 424-832-8200

VHC – Yountville

Address: 260 California Drive
Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: 707-944-4500, or 800-404-8387

Who is eligible for care in a Veterans Homes of California? To be eligible for admission applicants must meet the following requirements:

Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training purposes) and received an Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions Discharge
Aged 55 or older (no age limit for disabled or homeless Veterans)
California resident at the time of application

Non-Veteran spouses (or domestic partners) must meet the following requirements:

Submit a joint application with the Veteran
Surviving spouse or domestic partner of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient or former prisoner of war; these spouses are not required to submit a joint application with an eligible Veteran
Was married, or in a registered domestic partnership, and lived with the eligible Veteran for a year or longer
Aged 55 or older (no age limit for disabled or homeless applicants)
California resident at the time of application
Covered under a medical insurance policy

Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war, wartime Veterans, homeless Veterans, and those with a 70% or greater service-connected disability rating, are given priority for admission over other applicants.

Applicants can apply online by registering on the CALVET registration webpage (new users must create an account) or by submitting a hardcopy application. Please visit the VHC Applying for Admission Fact Sheet for more information on how to apply for admission.
VHC Admission Application

Learn more about the Veterans Homes of California

California Veterans Cemeteries: California has three state Veterans cemeteries and two Native American Tribal Cemeteries that offer a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible dependents.

Northern California Veterans Cemetery (NCVC)

Address: 11800 Gas Point Road
Igo, CA 96047
Phone: 866-777-4533

Yountville Veterans Cemetery
CA Veterans Cemetery Yountville
Address: 260 California Drive
Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: 707-944-4815
(only accepts Veterans Homes of California residents and their eligible dependents for burial)

California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (CCCVC)

Address: 2900 Parker Flats Road
Seaside, CA 93955
Phone: 831-393-9371

California also has two Native American Cemeteries that are partially financed through VA funds. For information regarding these two cemeteries please contact the cemetery directly.

Yurok Veterans Cemetery

Address: 28263 Bald Hills Road
Weitchpec, CA 95546
Phone: 707-482-1350

Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery

Address: 37387 Auberry Mission Road
Auberry, CA 93602
Phone: 559-374-0066

National Cemetery Administration, California Veteran Cemeteries Information

Veteran burials are provided free of charge, spouse and dependent burials are charged a fee. Any additional expenses associated with the burial (such as a burial permit and funeral home expenses) are the responsibility of the Veteran or their family. California does offer a fee waiver for families that are suffering financial hardship, those interested should contact the cemetery staff for more information.
California State Cemetery Fee Waiver Policy
Who is eligible for interment at a California Veterans Cemeteries? Eligibility requirements for burial at a California Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the VA, National Cemetery Administration Eligibility webpage. The following are the general eligibility requirements:

Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or
Died while serving on active duty, or
Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or
Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify)
Spouses and children (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, or a child who develops a lifelong disability prior to age 21)

All Veterans are encouraged to complete the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Eligibility for Burial Benefits Determination to establish eligibility prior to need.
California State Veterans Cemetery, Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Determination Information
California State Veterans Cemeteries Forms and Policies

Learn more about California Veterans Cemeteries

California Military Family Relief Fund (CMFRF): CMFRF provides short term, financial assistance grants to eligible service members serving in the California National Guard who have been financially impacted by mobilization and deployment.
Who is eligible for assistance from the CMFRF? Service members must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

California National Guard service member in good standing
California resident
Called to federal active duty service for 60 or more consecutive days
Salary has decreased by at least 10%
Household income has decreased by at least 10% after going on active duty
Income has decreased by at least 10%, within six months of returning from active duty
Was injured and discharged from federal active duty and is actively seeking assistance through the VA regarding disability compensation, treatment, or both (applications under this stipulation must be made within 18 months of being released from federal active duty).

Interested National Guard service members or their families should contact their unit chain of command or the California National Guard Service Member and Family Assistance Helpline at 800-449-9662 for more information and to apply.
California Military Department Family Programs

Learn more about the California Military Family Relief Fund

California Military Families Financial Relief Act: The California Military Families Relief Act allows reserve component service members who are called to state or federal active duty for 30 days or more to defer certain payments until the end of their period on active duty.

These payments includes but is not limited to:

Mortgages
Credit Card payments
Retail installment contracts
Property taxes on the service member’s primary residence
Utility company bills
Student loans

Deferrals can be for up to 180 days in a 365 day period, or for the duration of the service members active duty plus 60 calendar days, whichever is less.

Learn more about the California Military Families Financial Relief Act

California Department of Veterans Affairs, Division for Women Veterans: The California Department of Veterans Affairs, Division for Women Veterans provides information, advocacy, outreach, and support for Women Veterans and their families.

The Women Veterans Division also maintains a roster of California women Veterans and sends out information regarding benefits, programs, services, and resources throughout California.

For more information, please contact the Women Veterans Division by email at womenveterans@calvet.ca.gov, or call 916-653-1402.
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Women Veterans Roster Signup Page

Learn more about the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Division for Women Veterans

California Veterans Treatment Courts: California Veterans Treatment Courts offer alternatives to case proceedings that address underlying problems which contribute to criminal activity or other court involvement of Veterans. They achieve this through a coordinated effort among the Veterans service agencies, community-based providers, and the court. Participating Veterans are ordered to complete a recommended treatment plan and comply with any other terms and conditions of probation imposed by the court.
California Veterans Treatment Courts Directory

Learn more about California Veterans Treatment Courts

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in California

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in California: The VA has numerous resources available for Veterans and family members. Please see the local location listing for your nearest facility.

Learn more about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in California

VA Cemetery U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemeteries in California: The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains 10 national cemeteries in California. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.