Your Complete Guide to the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver for 2026-2027

Cal Vet Fee Waiver: Complete 2026-2027 Guide for California Veterans and Dependents

The Cal Vet College Fee Waiver (CVCFW) is a California state benefit that waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees for eligible dependents of service-connected disabled or deceased Veterans at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus . The waiver does not cover campus-based fees, housing, books, or living expenses, and you must reapply every academic year through your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) .

Quick Facts

What Is the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?

The Cal Vet College Fee Waiver is a state-funded program that waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus . Unlike federal VA benefits like the GI Bill, this is a California-specific benefit administered through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and local County Veterans Service Offices .

What the waiver covers:

• System-wide tuition and mandatory fees at UC, CSU, and California Community Colleges

• State tuition portion of academic costs

What the waiver does NOT cover:

• Campus-based fees (e.g., health services, activity fees, parking, transit)

• Books, supplies, or equipment

• Housing, dining, or living expenses

• Non-resident supplemental tuition

• Self-supporting programs or extended education courses (currently being debated in proposed legislation) 

Key distinction: The fee waiver is a state benefit, not a federal VA program. It is a “fee write-off” by the university, not a cash payment to the student or Veteran <span class=””>.

Who Qualifies for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?

Eligibility depends on the Plan under which you apply. There are four plans, with Plan A and Plan B being the most common.

Plan A — No Income Limit

Veteran requirements:

• Veteran served during a period of war (or received a campaign or expeditionary medal)

• Veteran has a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA, OR

• Veteran died from a service-connected disability

Dependent requirements:

• Child: Must be between 14 and 27 years old at the time of application

• Spouse: No age restrictions

• Must attend a California Community College, CSU, or UC campus

• Must meet California residency requirements

Important: Plan A recipients cannot simultaneously receive VA Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance) benefits. You must choose one .

Plan B — Income-Based

Veteran requirements:

• Veteran has a service-connected disability rating of 0% or higher (less than 100%)

Dependent requirements:

• Must be a child of the Veteran (spouses are not eligible under Plan B)

• The child’s income must be below the annual income threshold

• The threshold is based on the California Poverty Level (different from the Federal Poverty Level)

2026-2027 Income Limit:<span class=””> The income limit for the 2026-2027 academic year is $22,941 . Financial eligibility is determined by adding:

• The student’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from their tax documentation

• The Annual Value of Parental Support

Important: Plan B recipients can use VA Chapter 35 benefits concurrently with the Cal Vet Fee Waiver . If you exceed the income limit, you will be awarded a Plan A waiver (if eligible) or will not qualify for a waiver.

Plan C and Plan D

Plan C: For dependents of Veterans who died from a service-connected disability. Similar to Plan A but with specific circumstances.

Plan D: For dependents of Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled due to unemployability (IU).

Eligibility Plan Summary:

How to Apply for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver

The application process involves several steps. Start early — it can take several weeks to gather all required documents .

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Important Tax Information:

• For Plan B applicants, you must provide <span class=””>your own tax information (student’s income, not the parent’s) .

• If you did not file taxes, you will need an Individual Status Letter from the California Franchise Tax Board (preferred) or a Statement of Non-Filing from the IRS .

Step 2: Contact Your County Veterans Service Office (CVSO)

• Locate your local CVSO: Find your county VSO 

• Schedule an appointment<span class=””> — paper applications may not be accepted by mail at some counties 

• You can apply through any California CVSO, not necessarily the one in your county of residence 

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Complete the DVS 40 application with the CVSO

• Bring all supporting documents to your appointment

• The CVSO will review your application and determine your eligibility

Step 4: Receive Your Approval Code

• If approved, CalVet will email you an approval letter with a 16-digit approval code 

• The approval is valid for the academic year only (Fall through the following Summer) 

• You must reapply every academic year 

Step 5: Submit Your Code to Your School

• Submit the 16-digit approval code to your school’s Veterans Services or Financial Aid office <span class=””>at least 2 weeks before tuition is due 

• Each campus has a specific process for submitting the code

• Check your school’s website for instructions

2026-2027 Application Timeline

Critical: Waivers cannot be credited retroactively for previous academic years. Submit well before the tuition due date .

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your waiver is processed:

1. Your school writes off state tuition costs — this is a manual process that can take several weeks 

2. You remain responsible for campus-based fees and living expenses 

3. Financial aid coordination: If you have a Cal Grant FEES or State University Grant designated for tuition, the Cal Vet Fee Waiver cannot be applied . The university will apply one or the other.

Using the Cal Vet Fee Waiver

Eligible Programs

• Undergraduate degrees at UC, CSU, or California Community Colleges

• Standard academic graduate programs at UC or CSU 

• Not eligible: Self-supporting graduate programs, extended education, many study abroad programs 

Course Load Requirements

• Unlike VA programs (Ch 33, Ch 35), there is no minimum course load requirement. The waiver applies regardless of units taken .

Multiple Schools

• Each waiver code can be used once. If you plan to attend multiple colleges, request multiple approval codes from the CVSO .

Common Questions

What is the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver?

The Cal Vet Fee Waiver is a California state benefit that waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees for dependents of service-connected disabled or deceased Veterans at California public colleges and universities .

Who qualifies for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?

Eligible dependents (spouses and children) of California Veterans with a service-connected disability rating (0% to 100%) or who died from a service-connected disability. Children must meet age and, for Plan B, income requirements .

How do I apply for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?

Apply through any California County Veterans Service Office (CVSO). You must bring a completed DVS 40 application, student tax information, the Veteran’s DD214, VA disability rating letter, and proof of relationship. You must reapply every academic year .

What is the income limit for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the income limit for Plan B is $22,941 . This is based on the California Poverty Level and applies to the student’s income plus the annual value of parental support <span class=””>.

Can I use the Cal Vet Fee Waiver with VA Chapter 35 benefits?

Yes, but only under Plan B. Plan A prohibits concurrent use of Chapter 35 . Chapter 35 provides a monthly stipend, while the Cal Vet Fee Waiver covers tuition — a combination that can significantly reduce your overall costs.

What fees does the Cal Vet Fee Waiver cover?

The waiver covers mandatory system-wide tuition and fees. It does not cover campus-based fees (e.g., health services, activity fees, parking), housing, dining, books, or living expenses .

Is the Cal Vet Fee Waiver the same as the GI Bill?

No. The Cal Vet Fee Waiver is a California state benefit that waives tuition. The GI Bill is a federal education benefit that provides a monthly housing allowance and tuition payments .

Do I need to be a California resident to use the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?

Yes. You must meet your school’s California residency requirements . The waiver does not cover non-resident tuition.

How often do I need to reapply?

You must reapply every academic year. The waiver is valid for one academic year only (Fall through Summer) .

What is the difference between Plan A and Plan B?

Plan A is for dependents of Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled or deceased. There is no income limit, but you cannot use Chapter 35 concurrently. Plan B is for children of Veterans rated 0-90% disabled; it has an income limit but allows concurrent Chapter 35 use <span class=””>.

Do I need to be claimed as a dependent on my Veteran parent’s taxes?

No. There is no requirement that the Veteran claims the student on their taxes. “Dependent” refers to being a legal child, stepchild, or spouse of the Veteran .

Can I use the Cal Vet Fee Waiver for graduate school?

Yes, for standard academic graduate programs. Self-supporting graduate programs (e.g., many MBA, MIST, and professional degree programs) are not eligible . UC Law SF students should check specific program eligibility <span class=””>.

Key Takeaways

• The Cal Vet Fee Waiver waives state tuition at California Community Colleges, CSUs, and UCs for eligible dependents of service-connected disabled or deceased California Veterans <span class=””>.

• You must apply annually through a California County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) with a DVS 40 application and supporting documents .

• Two main plans: Plan A (100% disabled/deceased, no income limit, no concurrent Chapter 35) and Plan B (0-90% disabled, income-based, can use with Chapter 35) .

• The 2026-2027 income limit for Plan B is $22,941 .

• The waiver covers ONLY state tuition — campus-based fees, housing, books, and living expenses are your responsibility .

• Not eligible for self-supporting programs, extended education, or non-resident tuition .

• Submit your waiver code to your university at least 2 weeks before tuition is due to avoid late fees .

Official Resources

• CalVet College Fee Waiver Program: www.calvet.ca.gov

• California County Veterans Service Office Locator: www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services/county-veterans-service-offices

• California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA): 916-653-2573

• VA Disability Rating Letter (Benefits Summary Letter): www.va.gov (My HealtheVet)

• California Franchise Tax Board Individual Status Letter: www.ftb.ca.gov

• IRS Statement of Non-Filing: www.irs.gov