California veterans have access to college fee waiver program

By Scott Holwell
California veterans have access to college fee waiver program

California offers many benefits to California veterans.  Eligibility requirements differ; some require a service-connected (S/C) disability rating, while others don’t.  One of the most used benefits is the California College Fee Waiver Program.

The California College Fee Waiver Program benefits the spouse and children of U.S. veterans.  Students meeting the eligibility criteria may get their college tuition fees waived if they attend a California Community College, a California State University, or University of California campus.  This benefit can be used in conjunction with other available grants, scholarships, student loans, etc. 

To be eligible for the most widely-used plan, a child must have a parent who is deceased from a S/C disability or is a disabled veteran (0% or more S/C disabled), and must earn less than $12,486.00 per year. This is student income, NOT parent income.   Applicants to the program must submit proof of income, such as a tax return from the previous year.   If the student had no income, a statement to that effect can be obtained from either the Franchise Tax Board at 800-852-5711, or the IRS at 800-829-1040.  There is NO AGE LIMIT for this section of the program! 

Additionally, a spouse or child (up to age 27) can receive a waiver if the veteran is S/C deceased or rated 100% S/C disabled.  There is no income limit for a spouse or children of S/C deceased or 100% S/C disabled veterans under this section of the program.
Certain dependency documents may also need to be provided in order to establish relationship to the veteran.  You can pickup an application at the Kings County Veterans Service office.  We can assist with completing the application, and file it with the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office.  We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can also get information on the web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office website at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Scott Holwell, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.

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