State / Territory Benefits - California

Summary:  California offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions, California National Guard Tuition Scholarship Program, Education and Tuition Assistance, Vehicle Tags, as well as Hunting and Fishing License privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status. California National Guard families may be eligible for assistance from the California Military Family Relief Fund if their household income drops substantially (by 30 percent or more) due to a family member's extended deployment (at least 100 consecutive days).

State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

State Taxes:

State Tax Advantage: None

Retired Military Pay: Follows federal tax rules.

Military Disability Retired Pay:  Disability Portion - Length of Service Pay; Service member on September24, 1975 no tax;not a service member on September 24, 1975 - taxed, unless combat incurred. Retired Pay - Based solely on disability: Service member on September 24, 1975 - no tax; not a service member on September 24, 1975 -taxed, unless all pay based on disability and disability resulted from armedconflict, extra-hazardous service, simulated war, or an instrumentality of war.

VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.

Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions:  A veteran receives property tax exemptions on the assessed value of a home of up to $103, 107.00 if the total household income from all sources is over $46,302.00 per year and up to $154,661.00 if the total household income from all sources is under $46,302.00 per year.
Eligibility: A veteran who is any of the following: a wartime veteran who is in receipt of service-connected disability compensation at the totally disabled rate, a wartime veteran who is in receipt of a service-connected disability for loss the use of two or more limbs, a wartime veteran who is in receipt of a service-connected disability for blindness or the unmarried surviving spouses or registered domestic partners of veterans who are in receipt of service-connected death benefits. Those applying for benefits should bring proof from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, verifying receipt of service-connected disability/death benefits.

Business and Occupational License Exemptions:

Business License Tax and Fee Waiver: A veteran receives a waiver of municipal, county and state business license fees, taxes and fees, for veterans who hawk, peddle or vend any goods, wares or merchandise owned by the veteran, except spirituous, malt, vinous or other intoxicating liquor, including sales from a fixed location.
Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans who engage in sales not services business activities. Proof of honorable discharge must be made to the local appropriate county/city licensing authority.

Education Benefits:

College Tuition Fee Waivers for Veterans' Dependents: Waiver of mandatory system wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University or University of California campus.
Eligibility: The spouse, registered domestic partner, child under the age of 27 or unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who is totally service-connected disabled, or who has died of service-connected causes may qualify. The child of a veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability income and value of support provided by a parent cannot exceed the national poverty level.

California National Guard Tuition Program: " NG APLE" National Guard Assumption Program of Loans for Education. (Effective July 2004)
Eligibility: Army National Guard service member must be enlisted, WO1-CW3, or 2LT-CPT.

Employment Benefits:

Veterans Preference in California Civil Service Examinations: Additional points added to the final score of a civil service examination as follows (1) Open Entrance Exams-15 points for a disabled veteran and 10 points for other veterans and surviving spouses. (2) Open Non-promotional Entrance Exams-10 points for disabled veterans and 5 points for other veterans.
Eligibility: A veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 10% or greater, "Wartime" veterans who have served with honor, a veteran who served under honorable conditions for a period of at least 181 days, spouses of totally disabled service-connected veterans or the unmarried, surviving spouses of a veteran who died of service-connected causes.

Employment Assistance: State employee receives 30 days paid military leave per year.
Eligibility: State employee on orders for annual drill.

Employment and Unemployment Insurance Assistance:  A veteran receives assistance in obtaining training and employment as well as assistance in obtaining unemployment insurance.
Eligibility: All veterans of the U.S Armed Forces.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunities: Certified veteran owned businesses can participate in the state goal of awarding 3% of all state contracts to disabled veterans through the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program.
Eligibility: Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 10% or greater who own at least 51% of a business, and who meet other eligibility criteria.

Special Vehicle License Plates and Registration:

Special Vehicle License Plates:
The State of California offers special license plates to honor the service of the following categories of veterans: 100% service-connected disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, Recipients of other high decorations, Former American Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients.

Motor Vehicle Registration Fees: Waiver of registration fees and free license plates for one passenger motor vehicle, or one motorcycle, or one commercial motor vehicle of less than 8001 pounds unladed weight.
Eligibility: Medal of Honor recipients, American Ex-Prisoners of War and "disabled veterans" as defined in the "Disabled Veterans License Plate". The veteran must provide proof of the awarding of the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor recipients or100% Disabled Veteran status.

Ex-Prison of War: Former American Prisoners of War are eligible for one set of free commemorative license plates.
Eligibility: The veterans must provide proof that they were Former American Prisoners of War. Upon the death of a veteran who was issued special license plates, his or her surviving spouse may retain the special license plates. Upon the death of the spouse, the retained special license plates shall be returned to the department either (1) within 60 days following that death or (2) upon the expiration of the vehicle registration, whichever occurs first.

Pearl Harbor Survivor: Any veteran who was a member of the Armed Forces during Peal Harbor is eligible for one set of free commemorative special Pearl Harbor Survivor plates.
Eligibility: To qualify for issuance of the special plates, a veteran must show proof for all of the following:(1) The veteran was a member of the United States Armed Forces on December 7, 1941, and received an honorable discharge from military service.(2) The veteran was on station at Pearl Harbor, the Island of Oahu, or offshore within a distance of three miles, on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time, as certified by a California chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Upon the death of the spouse, the retained special license plates shall be returned to the department either (1) within 60 days following that death or (2) upon the expiration of the vehicle registration, whichever occurs first.

Purple Heart:  Any veteran who was the recipient of a Purple Heart is eligible for one set of free commemorative special Purple Heart plates.
Eligibility:  The veteran must provide proof of the awarding of the Purple Heart. Upon the death of a veteran who was issued special license plates, his or her surviving spouse may retain the special license plates. Upon the death of the spouse, the retained special license plates shall be returned to the department either (1) within 60 days following that death or (2) upon the expiration of the vehicle registration, whichever occurs first.

100% Disabled Veteran: Waiver of registration fees and free "DV" handicap parking license plates for one passenger motor vehicle, or one motorcycle, or one commercial motor vehicle of less than 8001 pounds unladed weight which permit free parking at all parking meters in the state with no time limit, and allows for parking in handicapped zones.
Eligibility: Service-connected disabled veterans with any of the following conditions: rated at 100% service-connected disability that substantially impair or interfere with mobility; require the use of an assistive device for mobility; have resulted in the loss of use of one or more limbs; or are permanently blind. Proof of service connected disability required.

Medal of Honor: Any California veteran who is a recipient of the Medal of Honor is eligible for one set of free commemorative license plates.
Eligibility: The veteran must provide proof that they were awarded the Medal of Honor. Upon the death of a person issued special license plates his or her surviving spouse may retain the special license plates.

Health and Insurance Benefits:

Medical Benefits: None
Eligibility: None

Group Insurance: National Guard Association of California offers group life insurance.
Eligibility: Member of Army/Air National Guard.

Worker's Compensation: Worker's Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard service member's injury occurs while serving on state active duty.

Injury/Death Benefits: Families of service members killed after March 1, 2003, will receive $10,000 from the state of California in addition to the death benefits provided by the federal government.
Eligibility: National Guard service member's injury/death occurs while serving on active Duty.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses:

Hunting and Fishing Privileges:  Reduced annual fees for fishing and hunting licenses.
Eligibility: Any veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability. First time applicants must submit proof of their service-connected disability from the USDVA.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

Farm and Home Loans (CALVET):  A veteran receives direct loans from the State of California, highly competitive rates often below market interest rates with low or no down payment that increase the veteran's purchasing power, quick processing, unbeatable earthquake and disaster coverage, and proven ability to work well with our homeowner veterans.
Eligibility: Any veteran who served honorably on Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, who resides in and wishes to purchase a farm or home in California.

Veterans Homes of California: A veteran receives professional and low cost residential, assisted living and medical care facilities throughout California.
     Veterans Home of California, Yountville (Napa County)
1-800-404-8387
     Veterans Home of California, Barstow (San Bernardino County)
1-800-746-0606
     Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista (San Diego County)
1-888-857-2146
Eligibility: Aged or disabled U.S. veterans who are residents of California.

Veterans Claims Representation at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Regional Offices: The veteran receives professional, accredited, USDVA claims and ratings review, and representation in appellate processes.
Eligibility: Any veteran, dependent or veteran's survivor applying for USDVA benefits.

California Veterans Cemetery: A veteran receives complete, professional burial services at no cost to veteran's family. Complete, professional burial services for spouses or dependent for a $500.00 fee.
Eligibility: Veterans, dependents and survivors who meet USDVA eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery.

State Parks and Recreation Pass: A lifetime State of California Parks passes for $3.50.
Eligibility: Any veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, or a former Prisoner of War. To apply by mail, a veteran should submit: (1) a completed Department of Parks and Recreation Form, (2) a letter from the USDVA verifying a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, or former Prisoner of War status (3) a copy of the veteran's driver's license to verify California residency, and (4) a check or money order for $3.50 made payable to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Military Installations and Veterans Affairs Facilities in California

Active Duty:

Army
Fort Irwin: http://www.irwin.army.mil/channels
Fort Hunter Liggett: http://www.liggett.army.mil/
Presidio of Monterey: http://www.monterey.army.mil/index.asp

Navy
Naval Base Point Loma:http://www.cnrsw.navy.mil/Subase2/index.asp
Naval Base Coronado: http://www.nbc.navy.mil/
Naval Base Ventura County: http://www.nbvc.navy.mil/
Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore: http://www.lemoore.navy.mil/
Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro: http://www.nafec.navy.mil/

Air Force
Beale Air Force Base (AFB): http://www.beale.af.mil/
Edwards AFB: http://www.edwards.af.mil/
Travis AFB: http://public.travis.amc.af.mil/
Vandenberg AFB: http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/
Los Angeles AFB: http://www.losangeles.af.mil/smc/smc%20homepage/smclinktopoffpg.htm

Marine Corps
Twentynine Palms: http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar: http://www.miramar.usmc.mil/
Camp Pendleton: http://www.cpp.usmc.mil/

National Guard:

California National Guard Joint Headquarters: http://www.calguard.ca.gov/
California Army National Guard: http://www.calguard.ca.gov/armydiv/

California Air National Guard: https://www.ca.ang.af.mil/

United States Army Reserve (USAR):

Regional Readiness Command (RRC) Headquarters, 63^rd RRC: http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/USARC/RRC/0063RRC

Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in California:

VA Medical Centers
Fresno: VA Central California Health Care System
Livermore: Livermore
Loma Linda: VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Long Beach: VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Los Angeles: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (GLA)
Menlo Park: Menlo Park
Palo Alto: VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Sacramento: VA Northern California Health Care System
San Diego: VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Francisco: San Francisco VA Medical Center

Outpatient Clinics
Atwater: VA Castle OPC
Auburn: Sierra Foothills Outpatient Clinic
Capitola: Capitola Clinic
Chico: Chico Outpatient Clinic
Eureka: Eureka Veterans Clinic
Fairfield: Fairfield Outpatient Clinic
French Camp: Stockton Clinic
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center
Los Angeles: West Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center
Martinez: Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Center for Rehabilitation & Extended Care
Modesto: Modesto Clinic
Oakland: Oakland Mental Health Clinic
Oakland: Oakland Outpatient Clinic
Redding: Redding Outpatient Clinic
Sacramento: McClellan Dental Clinic
Sacramento: McClellan Outpatient Clinic
Sacramento: Sacramento Mental Health Clinic S
an Diego: Mission Valley
San Francisco: VA 13th & Mission Outpatient Clinic
San Jose: San Jose Clinic
Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa Clinic
Seaside: Monterey Clinic
Sepulveda: Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center
Sonora: Sonora Clinic
Tulare: VA South Valley OPC
Ukiah: VA Ukiah Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Vallejo: Mare Island Outpatient Clinic

Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Anaheim: Anaheim
Bakersfield: Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Brawley: Imperial Valley
Chula Vista: Chula Vista (South Bay)
City of Commerce: East Los Angeles
Corona: Corona
Escondido: Escondido
Gardena: Gardena
Lancaster: Antelope Valley
Long Beach: Villages At Cabrillo
Lynwood: South Central Los Angeles
Oxnard: Oxnard
Palm Desert: Palm Desert
San Bruno: VA San Bruno Outpatient Clinic
San Gabriel: Pasadena
San Luis Obispo: San Luis Obispo - Pacific Medical Plaza
Santa Ana: Santa Ana - Bristol Medical Center
Santa Fe Springs: Whittier/Santa Fe Springs Clinic
Sun City: Sun City
Upland: Upland
Victorville: Victorville
Vista: Vista

Resources

California Vehicle Code Section 5007California Vehicle Code Section 5101.6California Vehicle Code Section 5101.5California Vehicle Code Section 5101.3California Vehicle Code Section 5101.8

http://www.retirementliving.com/RLstate1.html

http://www.gibill.va.gov/links.htm#State

http://www.goang.com/benefits/state/default.aspx?stateprovince=California

http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1

http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/outreachpublic/ca.html

http://www.cdva.ca.gov/default.asp

http://education.military.com/money-for-school/state-veteran/-benefits-west#California

http://www.cdva.ca.gov/cdva/benefits.asp

http://www.cdva.ca.gov/service/moreplates.asp

http://www.1800gogaurd.com/CA/index.php

Document Review Date: 01 June 2008