Resources for Veterans and Service Members

If you serve or have served in the military and need legal assistance, this page can help you navigate the network of organizations and services available to you and your family.

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Resources and guides

California Department of Veterans Affairs
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has information on health care, housing, education, employment and benefits.

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

California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation offers educational financial tools and resources that can help service members during every stage of their military career and service.

California Department of Justice
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection section investigates and prosecutes businesses that engage in deceptive practices targeting members of the armed forces, their families, and veterans.

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.

National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory is a database of validated resources that supports recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for veterans, service members, family members, and caregivers.

Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
SCRA is a program that provides certain protections in lending for active duty service members. 

Swords to Plowshares
Swords to Plowshares is a veterans service organization that provides online guides covering a range of issues important to veterans, including pensions, mental health exams, military records, and benefits.

VA.gov (benefits)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps members obtain legal assistance and file claims for benefits.

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

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

Legal aid providers

The State Bar funds organizations throughout California who provide legal services for those with low and moderate incomes. The providers linked below focus on legal aid for veterans and service members.

These lists include select providers funded by the State Bar as well as others who frequently provide this service. Additional organizations statewide provide veterans’ legal services. The lists are current as of 2026. 

By county

Los Angeles County

Orange County

San Diego County

Sonoma County

San Francisco County

By city

Los Angeles

San Francisco

Regional

Central Valley

SF Bay Area

Statewide

National

For a complete list of legal aid providers on a broader range of issues, please visit this page. Additional legal resources can be found at LawHelpCA.org.

Additional resources

Assistance with housing and home loans
Veterans, including the homeless and those who are struggling homeowners, can access 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. More information

Alternatives for Justice Involved Veterans
In California, many counties operate Veterans Treatment Courts, which focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. These specialized courts connect eligible veterans with treatment and support services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state or local social service agencies.

Veterans whose criminal charges may be connected to experiences such as military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, or other mental health challenges related to their service may be eligible for treatment as an alternative to incarceration.

Help after a disaster

Veterans or service members impacted by California wildfires or other disasters can find help here. Other state agencies can also help: