California Veteran Benefits

🎓 Education & Tuition Assistance• CalVet College Fee Waiver (Plan A–D):Covers tuition at any CA State College (UC, CSU, Community College) for dependents of disabled, deceased, or MIA veterans. 🔗 https://www.calvet.ca.gov/education | ☎ (916) 503-8397• In-State Tuition for All Veterans:Eligible veterans and dependents using GI Bill receive in-state tuition at all public institutions.🔗 https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits | ☎ (888) 442-4551• California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP):Covers up to 100% tuition and fees for Guard members at eligible schools.🔗 https://nationalguard.csac.ca.gov | ☎ (888) 224-7268
💰 Property & Financial Benefits• Property Tax Exemption (Basic & Low-Income):CA provides property tax exemption up to $161,083 (basic) or $241,627 (low-income) for disabled veterans or surviving spouses. 🔗 https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/exempt.htm | ☎ (800) 400-7115• Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Program (DVBE):5% bid preference on state contracts for certified veteran-owned small businesses.🔗 https://caleprocure.ca.gov | ☎ (916) 375-4940
🧰 Employment & Career Support• Veterans’ Preference in Hiring:Extra points on state civil service exams and priority in hiring for veterans and eligible spouses.🔗 https://www.calcareers.ca.gov | ☎ (866) 844-8671• California Veterans Employment-Related Assistance Program (VEAP):Includes job training, resume help, apprenticeships, and job placement services.🔗 https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/VEAP | ☎ (916) 654-7799• Military Experience for State Licensure:Military training and experience may be used toward civilian licensing in certain trades and healthcare.🔗 https://www.dca.ca.gov/military | ☎ (800) 952-5210
🌲 Parks, Licenses & Recreation• Distinguished Veteran Pass:Free lifetime access to all CA state parks (camping, boating, hiking) for 50%+ SC disabled or Medal of Honor/Purple Heart recipients. 🔗 https://www.parks.ca.gov/passes | ☎ (800) 777-0369• Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses:Available to CA resident veterans with 50%+ SC disability or mobility impairments.🔗 https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing | ☎ (916) 928-5805• Veteran Specialty Plates:Numerous custom license plates (e.g., Women Veteran, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Legion of Valor).🔗 https://www.dmv.ca.gov | ☎ (800) 777-0133
🏠 Housing, Loans, Cemeteries & Support• CalVet Home Loan Program:Offers competitive, low-interest fixed-rate loans with no private mortgage insurance, available only to CA veterans. 🔗 https://www.calvet.ca.gov/home-loans | ☎ (866) 653-2510• California State Veterans Homes:Eight locations statewide (Yountville, Barstow, West LA, Chula Vista, etc.) offer residential and skilled nursing care.🔗 https://www.calvet.ca.gov/vet-homes | ☎ (916) 653-2091• State Veterans Cemeteries:Dignified burial for eligible veterans and spouses at Igo, Seaside, and Yountville.🔗 https://www.calvet.ca.gov/cemetery | ☎ (916) 653-8373• County Veteran Service Offices (CVSOs):Available in every county to help with VA claims, benefits, appeals, and CalVet forms.🔗 https://www.calvet.ca.gov/Find-CVSO | ☎ (800) 952-5626
🧠 California Veteran FactoidCalifornia is home to over 1.6 million veterans, the largest concentration in the U.S.—many served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. CalVet’s outreach spans all 58 counties with nearly 400 VSO staff.
⚠️ DisclaimerThis is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL, or FFSC. It was created by Dr. Tony Astro as part of his capstone counseling and education outreach.🔗 For corrections and updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro