FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE
Additional Benefits For California Veterans
California Veterans and their families may qualify for valuable state benefits that can reduce property taxes, eliminate thousands of dollars in college tuition, and make homeownership more attainable. Understanding the California disabled Veteran benefits available to you—from the Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption to dependent tuition waivers and CalVet Home Loans—can help you make the most of the benefits you’ve earned through military service.
Tax Relief
Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans in California
- Qualifying disabled Veterans can exempt a substantial portion of their home's assessed value from property taxes. California's Disabled Veterans' Exemption applies to a qualifying Veteran's principal residence and provides two levels of relief: a Basic Exemption and a larger Low-Income Exemption. For 2026, the exemption amounts are $180,671 for the basic exemption and $271,009 for the low-income exemption, with the amounts adjusted annually for inflation.
- Veterans rated 100% disabled or paid at the 100% rate because of individual unemployability may qualify. California considers a Veteran totally disabled when the VA or military service has rated the service-connected disability at 100% or pays disability compensation at the 100% rate because the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Veterans with qualifying service-connected blindness or loss of use of two or more limbs can also qualify, and the exemption may extend to an eligible unmarried surviving spouse.
Tuition Waiver
Education Benefits for California Veterans & Families
- Eligible Veteran dependents can have mandatory tuition and systemwide fees waived at California public colleges. The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents can waive mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, California State University campuses, and University of California campuses for qualifying Veteran dependents. Eligibility is divided among four plans, with requirements based on factors such as the Veteran's disability, death, POW/MIA status, the student's relationship to the Veteran, income, and other criteria.
- The waiver can dramatically reduce college costs, but it doesn't cover every expense. The California College Fee Waiver generally covers mandatory systemwide tuition and fees, but does not cover books, housing/room and board, parking, or certain campus-specific fees. Students must satisfy California residency requirements, and the waiver generally must be renewed for each academic year.
Home Financing
Home Loan Benefits for California Veterans
- California Veterans have access to a state-run home loan program separate from ordinary private mortgages. CalVet Home Loans provides financing for eligible Veterans purchasing an owner-occupied home in California. Current eligibility generally requires at least 90 days of active-duty service, a discharge under honorable conditions, and no existing CalVet Home Loan. Veterans don't have to have entered military service from California—the home being financed needs to be in California.
- CalVet offers flexible underwriting and can provide up to 100% financing in qualifying cases. CalVet manually underwrites its home loans rather than imposing a universal minimum credit-score requirement, and it can combine California's program with the federal VA loan guaranty. CalVet says this can provide eligible Veterans with up to 100% financing and no monthly private mortgage insurance. The program also offers construction, rehabilitation-purchase, and home-improvement loans.
By partnering with REE Medical for evidence-based medical documentation from our network of providers, you can save valuable time and resources to focus on the things that matter most. View our post to learn more about service-connected disability benefits within California.