California

Print-and-take checklist. Tick each box as you go, and keep it with your paperwork.

• VA disability rating letter or Individual Unemployability award letter, downloaded from VA.gov
• DD-214 showing discharge status
• Proof of home ownership and occupancy (deed, tax bill, or utility bill) for the property tax exemption
• Household income documentation, if applying for the low-income property tax tier
• Form BOE-261-G filed with your county assessor by the deadline (get it from your county assessor's site; locate your county at the BOE county contacts list)
• Calendar reminder to re-file the low-income property tax exemption every January 1 to February 15
• Form REG 256 (with REG 256V medical/VSO certification) filed with DMV for Disabled Veteran plates
• FasTrak account set up if you want toll benefits, with the specific toll agency's discount program confirmed
• California FTB Form 540 or 540NR, claiming the military retirement pay exclusion if applicable
• Distinguished Veteran Pass application submitted to California State Parks, if 50%+ rated during a qualifying period, a former POW, or a Medal of Honor recipient
• VA rating letter on file with CDFW for reduced-fee or free hunting/fishing licenses
• CalVet College Fee Waiver application submitted through your CVSO or college admissions office, for qualifying dependents
• CalHR 1093 filed with CalCareers for state civil service hiring preference, if job-hunting with the state
• Local CVSO contact info saved (find yours at the CalVet service provider locator) in case you need help with any of the above

Full step-by-step guide: ratednowwhat.com/benefits-by-state#h2_5741a201

Education only. Not the VA, not a government agency, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer.