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CA · STATE BENEFITS
California
Every veteran benefit California offers — property tax, income tax, education, and more. Confirm current dollar amounts with the official source linked in each section.
At a glance
Property tax (100% P&T): No (capped)
Graduated by rating: Yes
Military retired pay tax: Taxed - partial exclusion
Education benefit: CalVet College Fee Waiver (Plans A-D)
Some income-tax details for California conflict between sources. Confirm current rules with the state revenue department linked below before relying on them.
Property Tax
Program
Disabled Veterans' Exemption
Full exemption at 100% P&T?
No (capped)
Graduated by rating?
Yes
Administered by
County assessor
Exemption amount / cap
VERIFY AT SOURCE
Income test?
VERIFY AT SOURCE
Key notes & traps
Two tiers: basic and low-income. Both amounts inflation-adjusted ANNUALLY - always verify current year.
Income Tax
Military retired pay
Taxed - partial exclusion
Active duty pay
Taxed (nonresident rules)
VA disability compensation
Not taxable (federal exclusion)
Confidence
SOURCES CONFLICT - VERIFY
Notes
Sources conflict on whether a partial exclusion is in effect and its amount/AGI caps. Verify with FTB directly.
Education
Program
CalVet College Fee Waiver (Plans A-D)
Who it covers
Dependents of disabled/deceased veterans
Benefit limit / amount
VERIFY AT SOURCE
Notes
Four distinct plans with different eligibility. Waives system-wide tuition/fees at UC, CSU, community colleges. Major benefit.
Employment & Licensing
Standard provisions
Veterans preference in state classified hiring (points or absolute preference); disabled veteran enhanced preference; military occupational credentialing/licensure reciprocity; spouse licensure portability
State-specific notes
Veterans preference points plus DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) contracting participation goal.
Recreation & Parks
Hunting & fishing
Reduced or free resident hunting/fishing license for disabled veterans - rating threshold varies
State parks
Reduced or free state park admission/camping for disabled veterans
State-specific notes
VERIFY AT SOURCE
Motor Vehicle & ID
Standard provisions
Disabled veteran and specialty military license plates (Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, campaign, branch); fee waiver or reduction commonly tied to rating; DV parking privileges; veteran designation on driver's license/ID
State-specific notes
VERIFY AT SOURCE
Homes, Burial & Aid
Homes & cemeteries
Eight CalVet Veterans Homes - the largest state veterans home system in the country.
Financial assistance programs
VERIFY AT SOURCE