Fee Waiver Program

It’s back-to-school time, so let’s talk about a benefit for veterans' dependents that you may or may not know about: the CalVet college fee waiver program. This benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California community college, California State University or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board.

There are four plans in which the dependents may be eligible, but in the interest of time and keeping your attention, I will just talk about Plan B: that’s the most relevant to this audience and the most used.

Plan B is for the child of a service-connected veteran, or if the veteran had a service-connected disability at the time of death or died of service-related causes. The child's annual income, which includes the child's adjusted gross income, plus the value of support provided by a parent, may not exceed the annual income limit. The annual income limit is the state poverty level. The limit for 2025-26 is $22,273.

The application process is very simple: fill out the application, provide the following documents, and you’re golden.

• DVS 40 application (found online or we can provide in the office);

• Student’s birth certificate (establishing veteran’s parentage);

• Student’s income tax 1040/540 return from the previous year (if the student did not work, must provide a letter of non-filing from IRS or the FTB); and

• Copy of veteran’s award letter.

Now it is time for the disclaimers and small print. All applicants must meet California residency requirements as per the school’s requirements. Private institutions are not eligible. Examples of private institutions include schools like Stanford, USC, University of Phoenix, Chapman, etc. Please check with the school for any restrictions.

There are three other plans available that address dependents of veterans who are 100% disabled, killed in service, and veterans who have received the Medal of Honor.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.

Cecil Webster, the Veterans Services Officer for Tulare County, is a former U.S. Navy Photographer’s Mate 3. Contact him at the Veterans Services Office at 3348 W. Mineral King Ave. in Visalia, by phone at 559-713-2880, or by email at TCVSO@tularecounty.ca.gov.