Disabled veterans' property tax exemption ($180,671 / $271,009 for 2026)
100%+Property tax
Takes $180,671 (basic) or $271,009 (low-income, household income ≤ $81,131) off your home's assessed value for 2026. Amounts are indexed every year.
Who qualifies
California homeowner rated 100% service-connected, OR paid at 100% because of individual unemployability, OR blind in both eyes or lost use of 2+ limbs from service. Unmarried surviving spouses may qualify.
How to apply
File BOE-261-G with your county assessor along with your VA letter.
Deadline
Basic: file once, within 90 days of the qualifying event or by the next Jan 1 for the full amount. Low-income: refile every year by Feb 15 (Feb 16–Dec 10 gets 90%, after that 85%).
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 qualifies
To be eligible for the California Veterans’ 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 ; Served during peace time in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal was authorized by Congress; Discharged from active duty service 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.
How to apply
Those eligible must have lived in California on January 1 of the year they apply. 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.
Deadline
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.
Military retirement exclusion (up to $20,000, 2025–2029)
Any veteranTaxes & payFor retiree
Excludes up to $20,000 of military retirement pay (and up to $20,000 of SBP annuity) from California income tax for tax years 2025–2029. Until 2025, California taxed all of it.
Who qualifies
California resident military retiree with federal AGI of $125,000 or less ($250,000 married filing jointly).
Beginning in tax year 2025 (taxes filed after 1 January 2026, and before January 1, 2030), California has authorized a tax exclusion of $20,000 of military retired pay. This exclusion is limited to taxpayers with an income that is up to $125,000 for those filing single or head-of-household, and up to $250,000 for those filing jointly. 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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
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 for more information.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
DIC is a tax-free 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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
California State Taxes on Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities
Any veteranTaxes & payFor survivor
Beginning in tax year 2025 (taxes filed after 1 January 2026, and before January 1, 2030), California has authorized a tax exclusion of $20,000 of SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities. This exclusion is limited to taxpayers with an income that is up to $125,000 for those filing single or head-of-household, and up to $250,000 for those filing jointly.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Veteran Designation on California Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
Any veteranVehiclesSource-checked
Eligible Veterans can add the word “VETERAN” to the front of their California driver’s license or ID card. Veterans must visit their nearest County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) 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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans must visit their nearest County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) 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.
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 qualifies
Veterans must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible: Veteran with 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. Veterans are encouraged to contact a California County Veterans Service Office to start the application process.
How to apply
Veterans are encouraged to contact a California County Veterans Service Office to start the application process.
California Commercial Driver License (CDL) Driving Test Waivers
Any veteranVehiclesSource-checked
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 licensed on. The Even Exchange program does not apply to the School Bus (S) endorsement. Service members must have worked…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants can apply for a CDL for the commercial vehicle class that is similar to the military vehicles they were licensed on. The Even Exchange program does not apply to the School Bus (S) endorsement.
Free Parking at Metered Parking Spaces for Eligible California Veterans
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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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
California Special Recognition Military and Veteran Vehicle License Plates
Check eligibilityVehiclesSource-checked
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 of these license plates is listed below. For more information please call the California Department of Motor Vehicles…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. The CVSO will complete a then all documents and the Special Recognition License Plate Application can be submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
California Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans
50%+Outdoors & parks
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers 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 ($10.54) or Hunting license ($9.79). Veterans are required to provide a certifying they received an honorable discharge and have a service-connected…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Driver’s license; GO (Get Outdoors) ID number, new customers must register online using the to receive an ID number; Official documentation of eligibility for disabled Veterans; Recovering service members must submit a letter from their commanding officer or a military doctor; ; Telephone number; Email address (optional, may process quicker); Proof of hunter education (for hunting licenses only); Prequalifying information and documentation may be submitted by: Upload through the ; Mail to any ;
Waives mandatory tuition and fees at UC, CSU and community colleges for the children (and in some plans the spouse) of veterans with service-connected disabilities. Plan B is income-limited ($22,273 for AY 2025–26); other plans are not.
Who qualifies
Dependent of a veteran with a service-connected disability (any %); the plan rules differ by child age, rating and income.
How to apply
Apply through your County Veterans Service Office or CalVet.
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 and dependents.
Who qualifies
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
How to apply
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 s
California State Employment Veterans’ Hiring Preference
100%+JobsSource-checked
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, non-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 qualifies
The following applicants are eligible for Veterans’ preference: Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; Currently serving service member who is within six months of separation from the U.S. Armed Forces, must submit a ; 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 ; Spouses and surviving spouses must also provide the following: Marriage certificate; Veteran’s death certificate (if applicable); Veteran’s (if applicable); ; Veterans’ Preference in Promotional Exams: Veterans who are state employees may use related military experience to count towards meeting qualifications required in a promotional exam. Completed applications and supporting documents c
How to apply
Armed Forces, must submit a ; 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 ; Spouses and surviving spouses must also provide the following: Marriage certificate; Veteran’s death certificate (if applicable); Veteran’s (if applicable); ; Veterans’ Preference in Promotional Exams: Veterans who are state employees may use related military experience to
California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program
10%+JobsAuto-imported · verify
The California DVBE 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 valued from $5,000.01 to $249,999.99 (up to $461,000 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…
Who qualifies
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 . For questions or more information, please call 916-375-4940, or email Certification@dgs.ca.gov .
How to apply
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 .
California Business License Fees, Taxes and Fee Waiver for Veterans
Any veteranJobsAuto-imported · verify
Honorably dischargedVeterans 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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
This exemption does not apply to alcoholic beverages.
California offers several types of military leave for state employees who are serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. To be eligible the service member must have been a state employee for at least one year. Employees are eligible to receive their state pay for the first 30 days of their military leave. Short-Term Military Leave – Six months or less; Long-Term Military Leave - Ordered to active duty for six months or more; Emergency Military Leave - California National Guard and are ordered to state active duty; War or National Emergency Leave - Ordered to federal active…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
California Department of Veterans Affairs CalVet Home Loans
Any veteranHousingAuto-imported · verify
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 . 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);…
Who qualifies
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 866-653-2510 or online at the . 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 or call 866-653-2510 (new customers), or 866-653-2504 (current custome
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
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 four 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; Assisted Living - for…
Who qualifies
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; Covered under a medical insurance policy; 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); Califor
How to apply
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; Covered under a medical insurance policy; 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;
California has three state Veterans cemeteries and two Native American Veteran cemeteries that offer a dignified final resting place for Veterans and their eligible dependents. 11800 Gas Point Road Igo, CA 96047 Phone: 866-777-4533 260 California Drive Yountville, CA 94599 Phone: 707-944-4815 (only accepts Veterans Homes of California residents and their eligible dependents for burial) 2900 Parker Flats Road Seaside, CA 93955 Phone: 831-393-9371 California also has two Native American Veterans cemeteries that receive funding from the VA. For information regarding these two cemeteries…
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for burial at a California Veterans Cemetery are the same as for VA National Cemeteries. Exact eligibility requirements can viewed at the . 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 lifelo
How to apply
For information regarding these two cemeteries please contact the cemetery directly. California does offer a fee waiver for families that are suffering financial hardship, those interested should contact the cemetery staff for more information.
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 qualifies
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 after 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 by calling 800-449-9662 for
How to apply
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 assi
Deadline
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 returnin
California Department of Veterans Affairs, Division for Women Veterans
Any veteranOtherAuto-imported · verify
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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information, please contact the Women Veterans Division by email at womenveterans@calvet.ca.gov or call 916-653-1402.
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.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
CalTAP is designed to inform and connect Veterans to their earned federal and state benefits as well as provide continued support and assistance through five unique pathways. Each pathway has videos covering a broad range of benefits and services a Veteran may be eligible for. CalTAP Pathways: ; ; ; ; ; For more information, please email CalTap@calvet.ca.gov .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.