| Military retirement pay | Partly exempt. For tax years starting in 2025 and before 2030, California excludes up to $20,000 of military retired pay, and up to $20,000 of Survivor Benefit Plan annuity payments, from income. Your federal AGI must be $125,000 or less ($250,000 or less for joint filers and surviving spouses). Retired pay above the cap, and retirees over the income limit, are still taxed. Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals are taxed. |
|---|---|
| Property tax | Qualified disabled veterans can claim the Disabled Veterans' Exemption on their principal home. State law sets base amounts of $100,000 (basic) and $150,000 (low income) of value, and the amounts are adjusted for inflation each year; the Department of Defense benefits library lists $180,671 and $271,009 with an income limit of $81,131 for the latest year, so confirm the current figures with your county assessor. You qualify with a wartime-period discharge other than dishonorable and a 100% service-connected rating (or 100% unemployability), blindness in both eyes, or loss of use of two or more limbs. Certain unremarried surviving spouses qualify too. File with your county assessor. |
| Military retirement pay exclusion Taxes | Up to $20,000 of military retired pay and $20,000 of Survivor Benefit Plan payments excluded for tax years 2025 through 2029, if federal AGI is $125,000 or less ($250,000 joint). |
| Disabled Veterans' property tax exemption Taxes | Basic exemption (about $180,671 for the latest year, base $100,000 in law) with a larger low-income version; claimed through the county assessor. |
| College Fee Waiver Education | CalVet's College Fee Waiver helps eligible dependents of certain disabled or deceased veterans attend California public colleges. |
| Veterans Homes of California Health & Homes | CalVet runs veterans homes offering residential and skilled nursing care; contact CalVet about eligibility. |
| CalVet Home Loans Housing | CalVet offers home and farm loans to eligible veterans. |
| Veteran designation on driver license Vehicles & ID | California DMV can add a Veteran designation on a license or ID card with proof of service. |
| Veteran plates Vehicles & ID | California offers military and veteran specialty plates through the DMV. |
| Discounted fishing and hunting licenses Recreation | California gives qualifying disabled veterans reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses; check the Department of Fish and Wildlife. |
| State veterans cemeteries Burial | California runs veterans cemeteries in addition to national cemeteries; contact CalVet for eligibility. |
| Veteran hiring preference Jobs | California gives veterans credit on state civil service exams; ask CalHR for details. |
Last checked 2026-11. State rules change often; confirm with California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) before you rely on any benefit.