Veteran Benefits in California

By Business & Finance Last updated Friday, May/24/2024

Veterans who have honorably served their country can apply for benefits through the federal government that are handled through the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, many states offer benefits to Veterans. While some benefits are only offered to Veterans who are disabled, other benefits are available to all Veterans regardless of disability status. The state of California offers benefits for its Veterans.

Housing Benefits

The state of California offers disabled and elderly Veterans housing that includes the necessary medical care. Assisted living facilities as well as total care facilities are offered to Veterans at a low cost. Veterans who reside in California are eligible to apply for the CalVet program. This program allows Veterans to take advantage of attractive home mortgage rates and terms for farms and homes bought in the state of California.

Veterans who are 100% disabled, who have lost one or more limbs or who are blind can be eligible for property tax exemptions. If income is less than $49,979, the tax exemption is for the first $166,944 of assessed property value. If income is greater, the tax exemption is for the first $111, 296.

Medal of Honor recipients, disabled Veterans and POWs are eligible for free registration and license tags for one motor vehicle or motorcycle.

Veterans with a 50 percent or higher disability rating are eligible for reduced hunting and fishing license fees and lifetime state park pass.

Veterans are eligible for assistance in finding jobs as well as applying for unemployment payments. In addition, Veterans can declare a point preference on civil service applications for jobs.

All business license taxes and fees can be waived for Veterans who operate a business in the state of California. Disabled Veterans have a preference in the awarding of state contracts by the state of California as they strive to award three percent of all contracts to disabled Veterans.

Veterans who are residing in California but are not residents of the state may qualify for a waiver of all out-of-state tuition and fees. The Veteran will be able to attend at the in-state rate at all state and public colleges in the state of California.