California Veteran Benefits
Discover 13 state benefits available to California veterans based on your disability rating and service history.
Benefit Categories in California
🏛️Tax Benefits(2)
Military Retirement Pay Partial Tax Exclusion
Any VeteranExclude up to $20,000 of military retired pay from California state income tax (tax years 2024-2028 per SB 339).
Value: Up to $20,000 exclusion
Learn more →Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (100% Disabled)
100%+$180,671 reduction in assessed value (basic) or $271,009 (low-income) for 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
Value: $1,987-$2,981/year
Learn more →🏠Housing & Home Loans(1)
CalVet Home Loan Program
Any VeteranLow-interest, fixed-rate 30-year mortgages through CalVet with loan limits up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties.
Learn more →🎓Education & Training(1)
CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
Any VeteranTuition and fee waiver at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC campuses for dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.
Value: $5,000-$15,000+/year
Learn more →🏥Healthcare(1)
Veterans Homes of California (Long-Term Care)
Any VeteranAffordable long-term care from independent living to skilled nursing at eight locations statewide.
Learn more →💼Employment(2)
Veterans Preference in State Civil Service
Any VeteranVeterans are bumped from the 4th or lower rank to the 1st rank on state employment eligibility lists.
Learn more →Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program
10%+State certification providing access to the 3% DVBE contracting goal for businesses at least 51% owned by disabled veterans (10%+).
Learn more →🚗Transportation(3)
"Honoring Veterans" Specialty License Plates
Any VeteranSpecialty license plates with over 100 military branch and veteran organization insignias available to all California motorists.
Learn more →Special Honor License Plates (Free)
Any VeteranFree license plates for Medal of Honor, Gold Star Family, Purple Heart, Ex-POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and Legion of Valor recipients.
Learn more →Disabled Veteran License Plates & Registration Exemption
Any VeteranDV license plates are available to any veteran with a service-connected disability. Registration fee exemption applies to 100% disabled veterans with mobility impairments.
Value: $200-$500+/year (fee exemption at 100%)
Learn more →🌲Recreation & Parks(2)
Reduced-Fee Hunting & Fishing Licenses (50%+ Disabled)
50%+Reduced-fee sport fishing (~$10.54) and hunting (~$9.79) licenses for veterans rated 50% or higher.
Value: $10-$11/year per license
Learn more →Distinguished Veteran State Parks Pass (50%+ Disabled)
50%+Free lifetime pass for all California State Parks covering day use, camping, and boating — no renewal required.
Value: Free lifetime pass
Learn more →⚑Burial & Memorial(1)
California State Veterans Cemeteries (Free Burial)
Any VeteranFree burial for eligible veterans at California state veterans cemeteries.
Value: Free burial
Learn more →2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all California veterans.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 |
Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →
Frequently Asked Questions — California Veteran Benefits
How many state veteran benefits does California offer?▾
What disability rating do I need for California veteran benefits?▾
Does California offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?▾
What education benefits are available to California veterans?▾
How do I apply for California veteran benefits?▾
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