California Online Exchange Program
Honorably discharged veterans can now sign up for tax-free, online shopping on select clothing, electronics, food and more at the online Exchange. Since 1895, the Exchange’s mission has been to support the men and women of the armed forces during military operations, humanitarian missions and other endeavors around the world.
In the past, only active-duty troops, members of the National Guard, reservists and their dependents, and military retirees and their dependents could use this money saving and convenient benefit.
To sign up, visit https://www.vetverify.org/.
Veteran Designation on California Driver’s License or California ID Card.
California’s veteran designation is available to all honorably discharged military service members for their California Driver’s License or California Identification Card.
In addition to displaying the honor they have earned, with this designation, veterans can easily prove their eligibility to businesses offering discounts without having to carry papers.
Applying for the veteran driver’s license and ID is easy:
- Locate your military discharge certificate (DD214). If you need help obtaining your military records, then contact your local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO). Click Here to Find Your Local CVSO offices.
- Stop by your local CVSO with your DD214 for verification. While there, learn about the many improved and expanded benefits and services available to veterans:
- Assistance with the transition to civilian life;
- Education;
- Healthcare;
- Housing; and
- California specific veterans benefits.
- Go to www.dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, to make an appointment. Bring your verified application form, and the small $5 application fee.
Additional Resources
Information about additional resources are available in the form of the California Veterans resource book, available from CalVet.
National Archives – Search for your military personnel records and view other resources for veterans
Healthcare Assistance
myCalVet – Provides veterans and their families the opportunity to create a customized profile which targets the benefits, resources, and services available in their community and throughout the state.
Veterans Crisis Line – Veterans and their loved ones can call (800) 273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or call your local 24-hour mental health crisis line.
Find a County Veterans Services Office – County Veteran Service Offices (CVSO) are the key agencies in providing California’s Veterans with assistance and connection to benefits and services in local communities throughout the state.
U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Database – FIND A VETERANS HOSPITAL OR CLINIC NEAR YOU
Access to Housing and Education
The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents – The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for qualified dependents of certain Veterans.
AffordableColleges.com now offers a financial aid resource for veterans as well as active duty military servicemembers. While many opportunities are specific to a particular military branch or terms of service/operations, other military scholarships for veterans and active duty servicemembers are available across all five military branches.
Troops to College program
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger created the Troops to College program to attract veterans to California’s public institutions and make campuses more veteran friendly.
Under the program, veterans can – depending on their length of service – be eligible for a full ride on tuition and fees at a public college or university, which is about $3,000 at a California State University campus and $7,700 at UC Berkeley. Also, a veteran can receive up to $1,000 for books and supplies and a living stipend of up to $1,450 a month.
California State University will guarantee admission to a total of 115 military personnel each year, selected by admirals and lieutenants. Other veterans will have their applications evaluated separately from regular applicants.
Troops to College program
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger created the Troops to College program to attract veterans to California’s public institutions and make campuses more veteran friendly.
Under the program, veterans can – depending on their length of service – be eligible for a full ride on tuition and fees at a public college or university, which is about $3,000 at a California State University campus and $7,700 at UC Berkeley. Also, a veteran can receive up to $1,000 for books and supplies and a living stipend of up to $1,450 a month.
California State University will guarantee admission to a total of 115 military personnel each year, selected by admirals and lieutenants. Other veterans will have their applications evaluated separately from regular applicants. https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/troops-to-college/Pages/default.aspx
California National Guard Tuition Program:
“NG APLE” National Guard Assumption Program of Loans for Education. (Effective July 2004). Applications can be made at local county veterans service offices.
Additional information is available from the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
CalVet Veteran Homes – Veterans who are age 55 and above, and discharged from active military service under honorable conditions, are eligible to apply for admission. The age requirement is waived for disabled or homeless veterans needing long-term care.
CalVet Home Loans – If you are ready to buy a home, CalVet Home Loans is here to meet our Veterans’ home financing needs.
General Assistance and Information
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – In addition, my staff and I are always ready to offer assistance on any state issues that you may have. Please do not hesitate to call my district office (650) 349-2200 to speak with a representative!
Minority Veterans – The Minority Veterans Division is the California Department of Veterans Affairs model for inters-and intra-agency co-operation, to ensure all Veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Women Veterans – CalVet division for Women Veterans provides information, advocacy, outreach, and support to Women Veterans and their families.
Vet Verify – A new Veterans Online Shopping Benefit that allows you to sign up for tax-free, online shopping on select clothing, electronics, food and more at the online Exchange.
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission – Holds hearings and submits recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor regarding the problems, interests and needs of veterans.
San Mateo County Veterans Services Office – Information and referrals for clinical, medical, counseling, nonprofit services, and emergency assistance are available.
San Mateo County Veterans Commission – Promotes programs and policies that address the unmet needs of veterans in San Mateo County.