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Five benefits California veterans can take advantage of right now
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Everything about California is big — its population, 39 million people; its economy, the fifth largest in the world; number of visitors, more than 65 million annually; size of the civilian workforce, 19 million people. The number of Veterans residing in the Golden State is also large, at nearly 1.6 million. And you have benefits you can use right now. Take advantage of these California-specific programs and live life to the fullest after your military service:
1. Connect with a California County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) representative and Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC). If you haven’t done so already, meet with your county benefit representative and regional LINC. CVSO offices are represented by staff certified to counsel you in applying for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits — for free. Work together to apply for VA compensation and pensions, the GI Bill, health care, home loans and more.
In addition, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has eight LINC regions. According to the state’s 2019 benefits booklet, they “bridge the gap between CalVet and the federal, state, county, and non-government agencies that provide services to our state’s 1.6 million veterans.” They supplement and support CVSOs and regional service providers to assist you in accessing federal and state services, the state says (see below).
Learn more: Find your CVSO representative at https://rly.pt/30iGnJG and LINC at https://rly.pt/33dCCae.
2. Get state assistance to enroll in VA health care. If you’re enrolled in Medi-Cal, the CalVet Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program can help you transition to more generous VA health care, including specialized care, nationwide coverage and mailed prescriptions.
Learn more: https://rly.pt/3jkAClW.
3. Look into the CalVet Home Loans program. You may know about the VA home loan guarantee (https://rly.pt/2GTP467). But California also offers no down payment loan products for nearly any honorably discharged veteran interested in buying a home in the state. (National Guard or reservists ordered to active duty are also eligible.) CalVet Home Loans are available to you even if you entered service from outside the state, as long as you meet the following eligibility rules:
• Served on active duty for at least 90 days (during wartime or peacetime).
• Served under honorable conditions.
According to the program website, fixed-rate, non-mobile home loan rates range from 2.99% to 3.2%, but there may be fees and implications to your VA benefits, and so study the details carefully.
In addition, if you’re a Veteran with a lower income and less than stellar credit history, explore the CalVet Residential Enriched Neighborhood (REN) program. This could provide you with access to a home loan not based on a FICO score if you agree to provide sweat equity toward building your home and complete free training.
Learn more: Read the CalVet Home Loans program details and FAQs at https://rly.pt/2ScfeDB and CalVet REN Communities program at https://rly.pt/3l0Rgrn.
4. Get an exemption from property taxes. If you are a Veteran residing in California, look into lowering or eliminating your tax burden through two programs:
• Veterans’ exemption. In theory, you could receive an exemption of $4,000 in real or personal property tax, but the state says most nondisabled veterans or surviving spouses in this category do not qualify because of the program’s rules, which are in the state’s constitution.
• Disabled Veterans’ exemption. Here there are two levels of exemption if you are a resident Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100% disabled or are being compensated at the 100% rate due to unemployability:
Basic: The $100,000 basic exemption is available to all qualifying claimants and is compounded by an inflation factor.
Low income: This exemption is available to qualifying claimants whose annual household income does not exceed a specified income limit. In 2018, the exemption amount was $202,060 for an annual household income limit of $60,490.
Learn more: Look into your eligibility for these programs and at other related benefits such as license and fee waivers, itinerant vender permit waivers and more at https://rly.pt/3kZJ22D.
5. Start a business. After the military, you may choose a career in health care, high tech, the service industry or something else (https://rly.pt/3ji5GD0). Or you can become an entrepreneur. Here are a few resources to get your Veteran-owned business off the ground in the Golden State:
• Consult with one of California’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). This is a nationwide business assistance network partly funded by Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The network (https://rly.pt/33Ldx5F) gives you access to free and at-cost training to start, grow and expand your small business. California’s SBDC Network State Office (https://rly.pt/2HGqiXz) oversees an in-state network of 35 SBDC centers, which are staffed by experienced business consultants. The network provides general and Veteran-specific guidance in best practices for small businesses, business plan development, start-up and financing advice, and more.
• Learn about the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program. If you are a disabled Veteran in the state, this program could help you compete more effectively for California small business assistance. Details are at https://rly.pt/3cQCvED.
• Locate other trainings. Also check out SBA’s Boots to Business training offerings for transitioning service members, Veterans and military spouses at https://rly.pt/2ZBUTvp. In addition, find local, no-cost business advisers at https://rly.pt/2E3xICV, https://rly.pt/33A6Xi0 and https://rly.pt/3hy2eTc.
• Get verified as Veteran-owned. Once your Veteran business is set up, get help getting verified from VA’s Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (https://rly.pt/3kheSZ6) and start doing business directly with VA, the second largest federal agency.
More resources for California Veterans
• Download the California Veterans Resource Book for information about additional benefits, including discounts at state parks and for hunting and fishing licenses, at https://rly.pt/3jcnX4B.
• Create your myCalVet account at https://rly.pt/3n6ja7e.
• Search the CalVet website at https://rly.pt/3ieZn1F.
1. Connect with a California County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) representative and Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC). If you haven’t done so already, meet with your county benefit representative and regional LINC. CVSO offices are represented by staff certified to counsel you in applying for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits — for free. Work together to apply for VA compensation and pensions, the GI Bill, health care, home loans and more.
In addition, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has eight LINC regions. According to the state’s 2019 benefits booklet, they “bridge the gap between CalVet and the federal, state, county, and non-government agencies that provide services to our state’s 1.6 million veterans.” They supplement and support CVSOs and regional service providers to assist you in accessing federal and state services, the state says (see below).
Learn more: Find your CVSO representative at https://rly.pt/30iGnJG and LINC at https://rly.pt/33dCCae.
2. Get state assistance to enroll in VA health care. If you’re enrolled in Medi-Cal, the CalVet Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program can help you transition to more generous VA health care, including specialized care, nationwide coverage and mailed prescriptions.
Learn more: https://rly.pt/3jkAClW.
3. Look into the CalVet Home Loans program. You may know about the VA home loan guarantee (https://rly.pt/2GTP467). But California also offers no down payment loan products for nearly any honorably discharged veteran interested in buying a home in the state. (National Guard or reservists ordered to active duty are also eligible.) CalVet Home Loans are available to you even if you entered service from outside the state, as long as you meet the following eligibility rules:
• Served on active duty for at least 90 days (during wartime or peacetime).
• Served under honorable conditions.
According to the program website, fixed-rate, non-mobile home loan rates range from 2.99% to 3.2%, but there may be fees and implications to your VA benefits, and so study the details carefully.
In addition, if you’re a Veteran with a lower income and less than stellar credit history, explore the CalVet Residential Enriched Neighborhood (REN) program. This could provide you with access to a home loan not based on a FICO score if you agree to provide sweat equity toward building your home and complete free training.
Learn more: Read the CalVet Home Loans program details and FAQs at https://rly.pt/2ScfeDB and CalVet REN Communities program at https://rly.pt/3l0Rgrn.
4. Get an exemption from property taxes. If you are a Veteran residing in California, look into lowering or eliminating your tax burden through two programs:
• Veterans’ exemption. In theory, you could receive an exemption of $4,000 in real or personal property tax, but the state says most nondisabled veterans or surviving spouses in this category do not qualify because of the program’s rules, which are in the state’s constitution.
• Disabled Veterans’ exemption. Here there are two levels of exemption if you are a resident Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100% disabled or are being compensated at the 100% rate due to unemployability:
Basic: The $100,000 basic exemption is available to all qualifying claimants and is compounded by an inflation factor.
Low income: This exemption is available to qualifying claimants whose annual household income does not exceed a specified income limit. In 2018, the exemption amount was $202,060 for an annual household income limit of $60,490.
Learn more: Look into your eligibility for these programs and at other related benefits such as license and fee waivers, itinerant vender permit waivers and more at https://rly.pt/3kZJ22D.
5. Start a business. After the military, you may choose a career in health care, high tech, the service industry or something else (https://rly.pt/3ji5GD0). Or you can become an entrepreneur. Here are a few resources to get your Veteran-owned business off the ground in the Golden State:
• Consult with one of California’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). This is a nationwide business assistance network partly funded by Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The network (https://rly.pt/33Ldx5F) gives you access to free and at-cost training to start, grow and expand your small business. California’s SBDC Network State Office (https://rly.pt/2HGqiXz) oversees an in-state network of 35 SBDC centers, which are staffed by experienced business consultants. The network provides general and Veteran-specific guidance in best practices for small businesses, business plan development, start-up and financing advice, and more.
• Learn about the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program. If you are a disabled Veteran in the state, this program could help you compete more effectively for California small business assistance. Details are at https://rly.pt/3cQCvED.
• Locate other trainings. Also check out SBA’s Boots to Business training offerings for transitioning service members, Veterans and military spouses at https://rly.pt/2ZBUTvp. In addition, find local, no-cost business advisers at https://rly.pt/2E3xICV, https://rly.pt/33A6Xi0 and https://rly.pt/3hy2eTc.
• Get verified as Veteran-owned. Once your Veteran business is set up, get help getting verified from VA’s Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (https://rly.pt/3kheSZ6) and start doing business directly with VA, the second largest federal agency.
More resources for California Veterans
• Download the California Veterans Resource Book for information about additional benefits, including discounts at state parks and for hunting and fishing licenses, at https://rly.pt/3jcnX4B.
• Create your myCalVet account at https://rly.pt/3n6ja7e.
• Search the CalVet website at https://rly.pt/3ieZn1F.
San Diego
Camp Pendleton
Travis AFB
Fort Irwin
Edwards AFB
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Great info, great post. A fellow I had recommended a CAL VET Home loan to wanted to give me $500 as a finders fee for telling him about CAL VET Home loans.
’Paul’ has also told me of crash landing in the English Channel while returning from a bombing mission in Europe. As a Pilot he was awrare that then ‘secret’ English radar was on overwatch for returning aircraft that were in distress.
’Paul’ has also told me of crash landing in the English Channel while returning from a bombing mission in Europe. As a Pilot he was awrare that then ‘secret’ English radar was on overwatch for returning aircraft that were in distress.
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CSM Charles Hayden
COL John Miller The CalVet home loan program is thru the State of CA Veteran’s Dept. To my knowledge it is not associated with the U S Veteran’s admin. I certainly dealt with CA employees at the time. Rates change, sometimes it is not the best deal for a dedicated rate shopper.
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This is a great list. The CalVet Loan & property tax exemption benefits are definitely ones I’m going to look into.
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SPC Ed Cornejo
THanks for mentioning. I looked this up. Unfortunately, there is a $100K incomelimit for the property tax exemption. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Property-Tax-Exemptions.aspx
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PFC Jade Stone
You should consider Nevada as disabled Vet 60% or higher don't pay property tax. California can't beat that and homes are 2008-09 prices...
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SSgt Randy Butler
If Nevada is at 60% why isn't California? Any Vet should be exempt from property tax.
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COL John Miller
I don't know the answer to the question about California. I've always had to pay property taxes
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Interesting facts about VA benefits in California.
Personally, I'm relocating to Nevada. Homes are cheaper and are 2008-09 prices.
As a nurse, I discovered wages are the same in Nevada as in California so more money in my pocket and if you rent a place, you can rent a 2 bed, 2 bath for $650 and up in Nevada, but never in California.
Taxes are less and if I bought a $250,000 home in Nevada, my property tax will be Zero as disabled Vets 60% or higher don't pay property tax, which are crazy low anyway.
And organizations in Nevada who are doing VA loans are holding your eligibility on a loan for 1 year as opposed to the 30 days...
So, if California can beat what Nevada is doing for their residents, then I'll buy in California, but they can't beat Nevada; not now or in the future...
Personally, I'm relocating to Nevada. Homes are cheaper and are 2008-09 prices.
As a nurse, I discovered wages are the same in Nevada as in California so more money in my pocket and if you rent a place, you can rent a 2 bed, 2 bath for $650 and up in Nevada, but never in California.
Taxes are less and if I bought a $250,000 home in Nevada, my property tax will be Zero as disabled Vets 60% or higher don't pay property tax, which are crazy low anyway.
And organizations in Nevada who are doing VA loans are holding your eligibility on a loan for 1 year as opposed to the 30 days...
So, if California can beat what Nevada is doing for their residents, then I'll buy in California, but they can't beat Nevada; not now or in the future...
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