Resources for Veterans

Disaster help for military veterans

Veterans impacted by the wild fires in California can find help here. Other state agencies can also help:

Get help with fire recovery through the California Department of Veterans Affairs
Find a local assistance center that can help people displaced by the fires
Agencies that replace lost military records and other documents

California laws that protect veterans

There are a number of California laws that protect current service members and veterans, and programs that can help them when they encounter a legal problem.

Criminal cases

Instead of jail time
Veterans whose crimes may be related to sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse or mental health problems from military service may have the option of treatment instead of serving time behind bars. Judges have the option of sentencing veterans to treatment for certain classes of crimes under Penal Code 1170.9.

Veterans Treatment Courts
Thirty-one counties in California have Veterans Treatment Courts for people facing various charges, from substance abuse to mental illness. These courts help connect veterans to treatment programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and California social service agencies. More counties are expected to add veterans courts soon.

Housing

Assistance with housing and home loans
Veterans, including the homeless and those who are struggling homeowners, can take advantage of help through state and federal programs. The California Department of Veterans Affairs connects to a range of programs.

Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses
A veteran who is 100 percent disabled or is compensated at the 100 percent rate due to service-connected injury or disease is exempt up to $100,000 ($150,000 for low income) from property tax. Find out how to take advantage of this California State Board of Equalization tax exemption.

Federal laws that protect veterans

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects service members while they are on active duty. Service members returning from duty can use this form to protect themselves from legal action. The law protects families from eviction, foreclosure, automobile repossession and other legal problems related to rental agreements, security deposits, installment contracts, rising credit card interest, civil judicial proceedings, income tax payments and automobile loans.

Other resources and general guides

California Department of Veterans Affairs
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has information on healthcare, housing, education, employment and benefits. Sign up for a listserv that lets you know about events where homeless veterans can find information about social services and other resources.

Swords to Plowshares
Swords to Plowshares is a veterans service organization working to help veterans since 1974. The online guides cover how to handle a range of issues important to veterans including pensions, mental health exams, military records and benefits.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Provides advice for veterans on protecting their finances and planning their financial future.

eBenefits
This government website affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps members with legal assistance in obtaining benefits.

National Center for PTSD
The National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research center providing education, treatment options, and support related to PTSD and traumatic stress for veterans.

Veterans Crisis Line
Free and confidential crisis hotline from specially trained and experienced qualified VA responders. Veterans can get support by phone, text, or chat. Click here for more information.

Job Training & Apprenticeships
California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE)
Department of Labor
FedsHireVets
Swords to Plowshares
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs