Vet Pay ChartCalifornia disabled veteran benefits
Official state programs, rating thresholds and other eligibility conditions. Checked September 30, 2026.
| Program | Benefit | Who may qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxDisabled Veterans’ Exemption | For 2026, the exemption removes $180,671 from assessed value, or $271,009 under the low-income tier. The 2026 household-income ceiling for that tier is $81,131. | Qualifying principal residence and veteran rated 100% disabled or paid at 100% due to unemployability; qualifying blindness or loss of use of two limbs can also establish eligibility. Other-than-dishonorable discharge and statutory service requirements apply. Surviving-spouse rules are separate.Official program detailsCurrent amount |
| Vehicle registrationDisabled veteran plate fee exemption | A qualifying veteran may receive registration and license-fee relief on one eligible owned vehicle displaying DV plates. Replacement-document fees remain payable. | Permanent service-related disability meeting DMV criteria: 100% with substantial mobility impairment, inability to move without an assistive device, loss of limb use, or qualifying permanent blindness. A 100% rating without the required disability criteria is not enough.Official program details |
| Hunting and fishingReduced-fee disabled veteran licenses | California offers reduced-fee sport fishing and hunting licenses after CDFW verifies the veteran’s eligibility. Additional tags, validations and species rules still apply. | Honorably discharged resident or nonresident veteran with at least 50% service-connected disability. Submit the required VA proof before buying the reduced-fee license.Official program details |
| State parksDistinguished Veteran Pass | The pass provides access to listed basic park facilities, including qualifying day use, camping and boating. Special, group and supplemental fees are excluded, and availability rules apply. | California resident and honorably discharged war veteran with at least 50% combined service-connected disability; former prisoners of war and Medal of Honor recipients have separate qualifying pathways. Provide California identification and discharge documentation.Official program details |
| EducationCalVet College Fee Waiver | Eligible veteran dependents may receive a waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees in qualifying state-supported programs. Campus-based charges and extension programs are not automatically covered. | Eligibility is determined by the county Veterans Services Office under the applicable dependent plan. California residency and an annual authorization are required by the administering institution; a parent’s rating alone does not establish eligibility.Official program details |
| Income taxVA disability compensation is tax-exempt | California excludes VA disability benefits and retroactive VA disability payments from income. Military retirement and CRDP have different rules and must not be treated as VA disability compensation. | Payment must be qualifying VA disability compensation. California’s separate military-retirement exclusion has its own income, amount and tax-year limits.Official program details |
| EmploymentState examination preference | An approved eligible veteran who passes a state entrance examination is placed in the top eligibility rank. Preference does not guarantee appointment. | Qualifying veteran service and discharge; preference is unavailable after achieving permanent civil-service status. Eligible surviving spouses and spouses of 100% disabled veterans have separate pathways. Apply through CalHR with the required documents.Official program details |
Property tax rating thresholds
Before you apply
Bring your current VA benefit or award letter and the documents required by the administering agency. Exemptions may require an application, county approval and renewal. Federal compensation and state benefit eligibility are separate.
Keep exploring
Sources for this page
- www.boe.ca.gov — proptaxes/dv_exemption.htm
- www.boe.ca.gov — proptaxes/pdf/lta25014.pdf
- www.dmv.ca.gov — portal/vehicle registration/license plates decals and placards/disabled veteran dv license plates
- wildlife.ca.gov — Licensing/Fishing
- www.parks.ca.gov —
- www.registrar.berkeley.edu — veterans benefits/cal vet college fee waiver
- www.ftb.ca.gov — file/personal/filing situations/military.html
- www.calhr.ca.gov — Documents/CalHR 1093.pdf
Retrieved September 30, 2026. Published VA rates, official rules and eligibility terms control.