California Veteran Benefits: State Benefits Guide

• The principal place of residence of a veteran is exempt on the part of its full value that does not exceed the adjusted $100,000 figure (the 2026 basic amount is $180,671), as adjusted for the relevant assessment year, if the veteran is blind in both eyes, has lost the use of two or more limbs, or is totally disabled as a result of injury or disease incurred in military service. The calculator and the full rules are on the California disabled veteran property tax exemption page.

  “Property that constitutes the principal place of residence of a veteran, that is owned by the veteran, the veteran’s spouse, or the veteran and the veteran’s spouse jointly, is exempted from taxation on that part of the full value of the residence that does not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), as adjusted for the relevant assessment year as provided in subdivision (i), if the veteran is blind in both eyes, has lost the use of two or more limbs, or if the veteran is totally disabled as a result of injury or disease incurred in military service.” (Revenue and Taxation Code 205.5(a) (Internet Archive capture of July 31, 2025))

• For 2026 the basic exemption is $180,671, the low-income exemption is $271,009, and the household income limit for the low-income exemption is $81,131.

  “Applying this factor to the 2025 exemption amounts of $175,298 and $262,950 results in 2026 exemption amounts of $180,671 for the basic exemption and $271,009 for the low-income exemption. Applying this factor to the 2025 household income limit of $78,718 results in a 2026 household income limit of $81,131 for those claiming the low-income exemption.” (Board of Equalization, Letter To Assessors 2025/014)

• In lieu of the Section 205.5 exemption, except as provided in subparagraph (C), for lien dates on or after January 1, 2027 but before January 1, 2032, 50 percent of the part of the full value that does not exceed $1,000,000, as adjusted for the relevant assessment year, is exempt if both of the following conditions are met: the property is the principal place of residence of the veteran (owned by the veteran, the veteran’s spouse or both), and the veteran meets the blind, limb or total disability test.

  “In lieu of the property exemption in Section 205.5, except as provided in subparagraph (C), for property tax lien dates occurring on or after January 1, 2027, but occurring before January 1, 2032, 50 percent of that part of the full value of the property that does not exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000), as adjusted for the relevant assessment year as provided in subdivision (i) of Section 205.5 shall be exempt from taxation if both of the following conditions are met …” (SB 296 (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2026), R&T Code 205.5.1(a)(1)(A))

• For an eligible veteran whose household income does not exceed $83,474, as adjusted, the exemption is on 100 percent of the part of the full value that does not exceed $1,000,000, as adjusted.

  “In the case of an eligible veteran whose household income does not exceed the amount of eighty-three thousand four hundred seventy-four dollars ($83,474), as adjusted for the relevant assessment year as provided in subdivision (h) of Section 205.5, the exemption under subparagraph (A) shall be on 100 percent of that part of the full value of the property that does not exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000), as adjusted for the relevant assessment year as provided in subdivision (i) of Section 205.5.” (SB 296 (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2026), R&T Code 205.5.1(a)(1)(B))

• The property shall instead be eligible for the Section 205.5 exemption if both of the following conditions are satisfied: the property does not exceed $371,778 of full value, as adjusted, and the household income of the eligible veteran exceeds $83,474, as adjusted.

  “The property shall instead be eligible for the property exemption pursuant to Section 205.5 if both of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) The property does not exceed three hundred seventy-one thousand seven hundred seventy-eight dollars ($371,778) of the full value, as adjusted for the relevant assessment year as provided in subdivision (i) of Section 205.5. (ii) The household income of the eligible veteran exceeds eighty-three thousand four hundred seventy-four dollars ($83,474), as adjusted for the relevant assessment year as provided in subdivision (h) of Section 205.5.” (SB 296 (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2026), R&T Code 205.5.1(a)(1)(C))

• The separate Veterans’ Exemption is much smaller: up to $4,000 of property for a qualified veteran who owns limited property. The claimant may not own more than $5,000 of property if single, or $10,000 if married, and must have lived in California on the January 1 lien date.

  “The Veterans' Exemption provides exemption of property not to exceed $4,000 for qualified veterans who own limited property (see Revenue and Taxation Code section 205).” (CalVet, Property Tax Exemptions (capture of March 11, 2026))

• Taxed, with a $20,000 exclusion (for years before 2030) if federal AGI is $125,000 or less ($250,000 joint or surviving spouse). California taxes military retired pay of a California resident. See how every state taxes military retired pay.

  “Military retirement pay is taxable by California if it is received by a California resident.” (FTB Publication 1032 (2025))

• The $20,000 exclusion applies for tax years 2025 through 2029 and is limited by federal adjusted gross income.

  “The qualified taxpayer’s federal adjusted gross income (AGI) must not exceed $125,000 (or $250,000 for a surviving spouse or spouses filing a joint return).” (FTB Publication 1032 (2025), What’s New)

• The FTB caps the exclusion at $20,000 for a surviving spouse, for spouses filing a joint return and for any other individual under the limits. For spouses that is $20,000 per joint return, not for each spouse. The FTB text does not explain how this cap combines with the $20,000 “for each type” of payment, so this page does not add them.

  “The exclusion is capped at $20,000 for a surviving spouse, spouses filing a joint return, and any other individual who did not exceed the federal AGI limits.” (FTB Publication 1032 (2025), What’s New)

• A nonresident of California is not taxed on military retirement pay.

  “Nonresidents of California are not taxed on military retirement pay or other qualified retirement income.” (FTB Publication 1032 (2025))

• California follows federal law for VA disability benefits. The FTB page, last updated June 11, 2026, lists VA disability benefits and lump-sum retroactive payments as tax-exempt and not included in income. See the federal and state rules for VA disability pay.

  “California law conforms to Federal law, which determines the tax treatment of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits.” (FTB, Military filing situations (last updated June 11, 2026))

• Concurrent Retirement and Disability (CRDP) pay is different: the FTB lists it as included in income even if there is a VA disability determination, while Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is tax-exempt.

  “CRDP pay is: Included in income Even if there is a VA disability determination” (FTB, Military filing situations (last updated June 11, 2026))

• CRSC payments are tax-exempt and not included in gross income.

  “CRSC payments are tax-exempt and not included in gross income.” (FTB, Military filing situations (last updated June 11, 2026))

• A University of California, California State University or California community college campus may not charge mandatory systemwide tuition or fees, including enrollment, registration, differential and incidental fees, to four groups of people. University of California campuses are covered only to the extent the Regents make the provision applicable by resolution (the last rule in this section).

  “(a) Notwithstanding Section 76300, a campus of the University of California, the California State University, or the California Community Colleges shall not charge any mandatory systemwide tuition or fees, including enrollment fees, registration fees, differential fees, or incidental fees, to any of the following” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(a))

• Group 1: a dependent eligible for assistance under Military and Veterans Code sections 890 and following.

  “(1) A dependent eligible to receive assistance under Article 2 (commencing with Section 890) of Chapter 4 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(a)(1))

• Section 890 defines the dependent: the natural or adopted child of a veteran, a stepchild as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs defines it for compensation, the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran, or the spouse of a totally disabled veteran. Read Military and Veterans Code sections 890 to 896.1 on leginfo.

  ““Dependent of a veteran” means the natural or adopted child of a veteran, or stepchild of a veteran as defined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for compensation purposes, the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran, or the spouse of a totally disabled veteran.” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 890(b))

• The veteran can be a member of the armed forces killed in action in a period of hostilities in which the United States is engaged, or who died or was totally disabled as a result of active service during such a period or the induction period. Section 890 also lists earlier World War service and a California resident declared missing, captured or detained.

  “any member of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action during any period of hostilities in which the United States is engaged, or who died or was totally disabled at any time as a result of active service during any such period or during the induction period” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 890(a)(3))

• Group 2: a child of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, was killed in service or died of a service-connected disability, if the child’s annual income, including support from a parent, does not exceed the “state poverty level.” The Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) may determine eligibility for this group.

  “(2) (A) Any child of any veteran of the United States military who has a service-connected disability, has been killed in service, or has died of a service-connected disability, where the annual income of the child, including the value of any support received from a parent, does not exceed the state poverty level as defined in subdivision (d).” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(a)(2)(A), (B))

• The statute defines the state poverty level by reference to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 18501: the amount calculated for a single person with no dependents. This review has no dollar amount for it, so none is shown here; ask the campus financial aid or veterans office for the current figure.

  “As used in this section, the “state poverty level” means annual household income that is less than the amount calculated for a single person with no dependents pursuant to Section 18501 of the Revenue and Tax Code.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(d))

• Group 3: a dependent, or a surviving spouse who has not remarried, of a member of the California National Guard who, in the line of duty and in active service of the state, was killed, died of a disability from an event in that service, or is permanently disabled from such an event.

  “(3) A dependent, or a surviving spouse who has not remarried, of any member of the California National Guard who, in the line of duty, and while in the active service of the state, was killed, died of a disability resulting from an event that occurred while in the active service of the state, or is permanently disabled as a result of an event that occurred while in the active service of the state.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(a)(3))

• Group 4: an undergraduate who is a Medal of Honor recipient, or the undergraduate child of a recipient who is no more than 27 years old (up to 27). Both need annual income, including parental support, that does not exceed the state poverty level, and the recipient parent must be, or at death have been, a California resident.

  “(4) (A) An undergraduate student who is a recipient of a Medal of Honor, commonly known as a Congressional Medal of Honor, or an undergraduate student who is a child of a recipient of a Medal of Honor and who is no more than 27 years old, if both of the following requirements are met” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(a)(4)(A))

• Subdivision (a) does not apply to a dependent of a Section 890(a)(4) veteran: a person who was a California resident when entering service and was later declared missing in action, captured or forcibly detained. Section 891(e) adds that the residency and age limits in 891(a) and (b) do not apply to that group’s dependents.

  “Subdivision (a) shall not apply to a dependent of a veteran within the meaning of paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 890 of the Military and Veterans Code.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(f))

• The student must be a California resident under the state residency rules.

  “The waiver of tuition or fees under this section shall apply only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(e))

• A Section 890 dependent applying for aid must be over 14 or have entered the ninth grade, and be a native of California or have lived there for five of the nine years immediately before the application is filed.

  “A dependent of a veteran applying for aid under this article shall be over 14 years of age or shall have entered the ninth grade, and shall be a native of or shall have lived in this state for five of the nine years immediately preceding the date that the application is filed.” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 891(a))

• Age limit: a dependent who became eligible before age 21 can keep the benefit until the training is finished or age 27, whichever comes first.

  “Any dependent of a veteran who has attained eligibility pursuant to this article while under 21 years of age may continue to receive the benefits of this article until the needed training is completed or until they attain 27 years of age, whatever first occurs.” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 891(b))

• The age limit does not apply to a spouse, but a spouse or dependent surviving spouse or domestic partner is limited to 48 months of full-time training, or the part-time equivalent.

  “The eligibility limitations of subdivision (b) shall not apply to the spouse or dependent surviving spouse or domestic partner of a veteran. However, the spouse or dependent surviving spouse or domestic partner of a veteran shall be limited to not more than 48 months, of full-time training, or the equivalent thereof in part-time training.” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 891(c))

• A dependent who has honorably served in the Armed Forces may be granted an extension of training through age 30.

  “Notwithstanding the eligibility limitations of subdivision (b), a dependent who has honorably served in the Armed Forces of the United States may be granted an extension of training through 30 years of age.” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 891(d))

• You apply for each academic year; a waiver can be received for the year in which you apply, but not for a prior academic year.

  “A person who is eligible for a waiver of tuition or fees under this section may receive a waiver for each academic year during which the person applies for that waiver, but an eligible person may not receive a waiver of tuition or fees for a prior academic year.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(c))

• A Section 890 dependent of the kinds in paragraphs (1) to (3) cannot receive the Military and Veterans Code benefits while entitled to federal Chapter 35 educational benefits or duplicate assistance from another government source. See the federal Chapter 35 rates.

  “No dependent of a veteran, as defined in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 890, shall be eligible to receive the benefits of this article during the time that he is entitled to receive federal educational benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, as amended, or duplicate assistance from any other government source.” (Cal. Military and Veterans Code 896.1)

• University of California campuses are covered only to the extent the Regents of the University of California make a provision applicable by resolution.

  “The provisions of this section shall not apply to the University of California except to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make a provision applicable.” (Cal. Education Code 66025.3(g))

• A veteran who meets the Vehicle Code 295.7 definition can get DV plates. The definition needs an injury or disease from active service and one of four tests: a disability rated at 100 percent that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility, being unable to move without the aid of an assistive device, having lost the use of one or more limbs, or permanent blindness.

  “You have a disability rated at 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or the military service that discharged you) due to a diagnosed disease or disorder that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility.” (California DMV, DV License Plates)

• The statute defines a “disabled veteran” as a person who, as a result of injury or disease suffered while on active service with the armed forces, has any of four listed disabilities (Vehicle Code 295.7(a) to (d), as in the Internet Archive copy).

  “A “disabled veteran” is any person who, as a result of injury or disease suffered while on active service with the armed forces of the United States, suffers any of the following” (Cal. Vehicle Code 295.7)

• The DMV issues the special plate on application without additional fees.

  “The department shall, upon application and without additional fees, issue a special license plate or plates pursuant to procedures adopted by the department to all of the following” (Cal. Vehicle Code 5007(a))

• The DMV says DV plates exempt the veteran from paying vehicle registration and license fees.

  “DV License Plates exempt you from paying vehicle registration and license fees.” (California DMV, DV License Plates)

• The exemption covers all fees except fees for duplicate DV plates, certificates or cards if they are lost, stolen or damaged. It applies to one passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle or commercial vehicle of 8,000 pounds or less not used for hire, compensation or profit, which the veteran must own and which must display DV plates.

  “This fee exemption can only be used for one vehicle.” (California DMV, DV License Plates)

• For a disabled veteran the DMV accepts a certificate from a county veterans service officer, CalVet or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in place of a physician’s certificate.

  “For a disabled veteran, the department shall accept, in lieu of the certificate described in paragraph (1), a certificate from a county veterans service officer, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that certifies that the applicant is a disabled veteran as described in Section 295.7.” (Cal. Vehicle Code 5007(c)(3))

• The plate goes back to the DMV after the holder dies: within 60 days or when the registration expires, whichever comes first.

  “The special license plate shall, upon the death of the disabled person or disabled veteran, be returned to the department within 60 days or upon the expiration of the vehicle registration, whichever occurs first.” (Cal. Vehicle Code 5007(f))

• An honorably discharged veteran rated 50 percent or more service-connected can buy a reduced-fee sport fishing license, as a resident or a nonresident.

  “Reduced-fee licenses are available for any honorably discharged veteran of the US Armed Forces with a service–connected disability rating of 50% or greater.” (CDFW, Fishing licenses (capture of October 13, 2026))

• You prequalify first with a letter from the VA showing the honorable discharge and the rating. After CDFW verifies it, your customer record is updated and you can buy the license wherever licenses are sold.

  “To prequalify to purchase a disabled veteran license, submit a letter from the Veteran’s Administration documenting that you were honorably discharged from the US military and have a service–connected disability rating of 50% or greater.” (CDFW, Fishing licenses (capture of October 13, 2026))

• CDFW’s page captured October 13, 2026 lists the disabled veteran sport fishing license at $10.04 at CDFW offices and $10.54 from license agents. The hunting license fee for 2026 is not confirmed here, because the page read covers sport fishing licenses.

  “Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License - Disabled Veteran | $10.04 at CDFW Offices $10.54 from License Agents” (CDFW, Fishing licenses (capture of October 13, 2026))

• A veteran, a widow or widower of a veteran, or the spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who passes an entrance examination is ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list.

  “Any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran, who achieves a passing score in an entrance examination, shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list.” (CalVet, State Employment (capture of January 25, 2025))

• The preference ends once a person gets permanent civil service status.

  “Veterans’ Preference is not granted once a person achieves permanent civil service status.” (CalVet, State Employment (capture of January 25, 2025))

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released is not eligible.

  “Any veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released is not eligible for Veterans’ Preference.” (CalVet, State Employment (capture of January 25, 2025))

• The dollar amount of the “state poverty level” (defined by Revenue and Taxation Code 18501), which sets the income limit for two of the tuition waiver groups, and how CalVet labels its waiver categories (CalVet’s own page rejects automated requests).
• California veterans homes and veterans cemeteries: admission rules, fees and burial eligibility.
• State park passes for veterans, the 2026 hunting license fee, and the fee schedule for vehicle registration.
• The Government Code sections behind the state hiring preference.

Federal VA compensation is separate. For monthly VA pay by rating see the VA disability pay chart 2026.

• California disabled veteran property tax exemption calculator – 2026 and 2027 amounts and estimated savings
• Disabled veteran property tax exemption by state – all 50 states compared
• States that tax military retirement – every state’s rule for retired pay
• Is VA disability taxable? – federal and state income tax
• VA disability pay chart 2026 – federal monthly VA compensation by rating
• VA benefits by disability rating – what each rating unlocks

• Texas veteran benefits – Hazlewood tuition, plates, hunting and state parks
• Florida veteran benefits – property tax exemption, plates, licenses and state parks
• Virginia veteran benefits – property tax exemption, military pay subtraction, tuition waiver