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California has the largest veteran population in the country, with over 1.8 million veterans calling the state home. Around 28% of these veterans live with a service-connected disability. The VA provided more than $10 billion in federal benefits to California veterans in 2023, making the state a leader in veteran support.  

This guide breaks down the benefits available to disabled veterans living in California, including financial assistance, education, employment, transportation, and more. 

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

California offers two property tax exemptions for veterans:

  •  Basic Veterans’ Exemption: Available to all veterans who served during wartime, providing a modest reduction in assessed property value. 
  • Disabled Veterans’ Exemption: Offers a substantial exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 100%, those who are blind in both eyes, or have lost the use of two or more limbs. The exemption amount varies based on income and the level of disability. Surviving spouses may also qualify. 

For more information and application forms, visit the California State Board of Equalization. 

Transportation Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Tolls in California? 

Yes, disabled veterans still have to pay tolls in California, as there is no statewide rule that gives free tolls. But some toll roads, like the ones run by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) in Orange County, offer discounts. To get the discount, you need a Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate from the California DMV and must sign up for a Special Access FasTrak account. This discount doesn’t make tolls completely free, it just lowers the cost. Each toll agency has different rules, so it’s good to check with the agency in your area. 

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Car Registration in California? 

Yes, veterans who have a disabled veteran license plate and a 100% service-connected disability, or get Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) from the VA, do not have to pay registration fees for one vehicle. This means you won’t pay yearly fees to register your car with the DMV. More info on the California DMV disabled veteran plates here. 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Sales Tax on Vehicles in California? 

Veterans generally do pay sales tax unless the vehicle is modified for a disability. In those cases, you might qualify for an exemption. Ask your local DMV for details. 

Education Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free College in California? 

Yes, California veterans who have a 100% disability rating or receive compensation at the 100% rate (because of unemployability) may qualify for a tuition and fee waiver at CSU, UC, and California Community Colleges. 

The College Tuition Fee Waiver for the Dependents of Veterans

Spouses, registered domestic partners, and children of veterans who are 100% disabled, died of service-connected causes, or were declared missing in action or prisoners of war can get a full tuition waiver at California public colleges. Find out more. 

Employment Benefits and Resources for Veterans

Veterans’ Preference in California 

Veterans can get extra points when they take tests for state jobs. This gives them a better chance of getting hired. If you are a disabled veteran, a spouse of a disabled vet, or a surviving spouse, you may qualify for these points. Learn more. 

Disabled Veteran State Contract Preference 

The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program gives veteran-owned businesses an edge in state contracting. Your business must be 51% owned by one or more disabled vets who live in California. Find out more.  

Recreation Benefits

Are California State Parks Free for Disabled Veterans? 

Yes, veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability, former prisoners of war, or Medal of Honor recipients can get the Distinguished Veteran Pass, granting free lifetime entry to California state parks, beaches, and boat launches. Apply here.  

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free Fishing and Hunting Licenses in California? 

Yes, veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating can get a free sport fishing and hunting license every year. This requires proof of the VA disability rating and proof of residence in California. Apply here.  

Healthcare Benefits

California supports veterans’ health beyond federal VA hospitals. State programs include: 

  • Operation Welcome Home: Connects veterans to services. 
  • CalVet Services Network: Helps with access to care. 
  • Medi-Cal: Health coverage for low-income vets. 
  • State Veterans Homes: Long-term care and housing support. 

VA Medical Centers 

  • Sacramento VA Medical Center: 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655 | 800-382-8387 
  • Martinez VA Medical Center: 150 Muir Rd, Martinez, CA 94553 | 800-382-8387 
  • Fresno VA Medical Center: 2615 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93703 | 559-225-6100 
  • Palo Alto VA Medical Center: 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304 | 650-493-5000 
  • West Los Angeles VA Medical Center: 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 | 310-478-3711 
  • Long Beach VA Medical Center: 5901 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90822 | 562-826-8000 
  • San Diego VA Medical Center: 3350 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92161 | 858-552-8585 

California Veterans Homes 

California operates several veterans homes offering long-term care, skilled nursing, and residential services to eligible veterans. These homes are located throughout the state. 

  • Yountville Veterans Home: 180 California Dr, Yountville, CA 94599 | 707-944-4601 
  • Barstow Veterans Home: 100 E Veterans Pkwy, Barstow, CA 92311 | 760-252-6200 
  • Chula Vista Veterans Home: 700 E Naples Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91911 | 619-482-6010 
  • Fresno Veterans Home: 2811 W California Ave, Fresno, CA 93706 | 559-493-4400 
  • Lancaster Veterans Home: 45221 30th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536 | 661-974-7035 
  • Redding Veterans Home: 3400 Knighton Rd, Redding, CA 96002 | 530-224-3200 
  • Ventura Veterans Home: 10900 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93004 | 805-659-7500 
  • West LA Veterans Home: 11500 Nimitz Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049 | 424-832-8200 

In addition to California state benefits, disabled veterans also receive the following federal VA disability benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to Disabled Veterans in California

  • Medical care, including mental health services and counseling 
  • Monthly tax-free compensation payments based on disability rating (calculate it here) 
  • Special compensation, Aid & Attendance and other financial benefits 

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits California veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:

  • Full monthly VA compensation
  • Full VA healthcare coverage
  • Dental care
  • Adaptive equipment grants

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled California veteran →

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits:

  • CHAMPVA healthcare
  • DIC eligibility
  • Education benefits
  • Continued property tax exemption
  • Access to California state resources

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

California veterans and veterans who served at a California military base and developed disabilities may be eligible for compensation and VA benefits. 

California Military Bases with Known Toxins

If you served at a base in a different state, you can find yours on this toxic exposure map: https://www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/.

Getting VA Disability in California

If you’re applying for VA disability benefits in California, there are many resources to help guide you through the process. These include local veterans’ organizations, California state veteran services, and VA-accredited attorneys who understand how the system works. 

[H3] How to Apply for VA Benefits in California – Free Guide 

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free online course for easy, immediate access.  

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA disability appeal lawyers proudly represent California veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Find out more: