COLLEGE FEE WAIVER PROGRAM FOR VETERAN DEPENDENTS

COLLEGE FEE WAIVER PROGRAM FOR VETERAN DEPENDENTS

California Department of Veteran Affairs
CalVet Tuition Fee Waiver

Benefit: Waiver of all mandatory system wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, Campus of the University of California, or Campus of the California State University System.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Post-Submission Email & Timeline Instructions

1. Check Your Email Immediately

An automated confirmation from our fee waiver system will be sent within 5 minutes of submission. Email is our primary form of communication.

⚠️ Missing Email? School Firewalls & Spam Filters

School email addresses frequently block external fee waiver notices and award codes.

If you do not receive the email within 5 minutes, check your Spam or Junk folder. If it is still missing, email us at feewaiver@stancounty.com. Do not submit another application.

2. Review the 15-Business-Day Processing Window

• Standard Timeline: Processing takes up to 15 business days (excludes weekends and holidays).
• After-Hours/Weekend Submissions: Applications sent Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, or on holidays begin their 15-day timeline on the next working business day.
• No Duplicates: Do not submit duplicate applications during this 15-day window. Follow the specific instructions in your automated confirmation email.

3. Monitor Your Inbox
If your application is incomplete, our office will email you with a limited time to take action. Failure to respond within the designated timeframe will result in an immediate denial.

Please monitor your email closely.
Who may apply?
- Students must meet the California Residency requirements as determined by the college they will attend.
- Students who meet the requirements of at least one of the following plans:
CalVet Fee Waiver plans you can apply under:

Plan A: The spouse, unmarried child, or unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who is totally service-connected disabled (rating must have occurred prior to the child's 21st birthday) or who has died of service-related causes, may qualify. The veteran must have served during a period of war declared by Congress, or been awarded a Campaign or Expeditionary Medal. This program does not have an income limit. A child must be under 27 years of age to receive the fee waiver benefit. The age limit is extended to 30 years of age if the child is a veteran. There are no age limits for a spouse, unmarried surviving spouse or RDP.
*NOTE: A dependent cannot receive this benefit if they are in receipt of VA Chapter 35 benefits.

Plan B: The child (no age limit) of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, or had a service-connected disability at the time of death, or who died of service-related causes, may also qualify for a waiver. The child's income, which includes the student's received from a parent, cannot exceed the state poverty level.
*NOTE: This figure changes annually. To obtain the applicable state poverty level, Click here. In cases where the DVS 40 reports $0 AGI & $0 Value of Support, a certified statement must be completed explaining how the student supports themselves.
⚠️ Plan C (National Guard) & Plan D (Medal of Honor):

Do not complete this application.

To apply under one of these plans, please CLICK HERE to email our office. In the email, tell us:

What plan you are applying for? (Plan C or Plan D)

Why do you qualify for the plan?

Best phone number to call back

Subject line: Plan you are applying for

You will receive further instructions on how to apply.
CalVet Fee Waiver Required Documents
- This application must be fully completed and signed by the student and the veteran. If veteran is unable to sign, parent/ veteran spouse must complete the VSD-021 form.
- A child, under PLAN B, must submit either a student-copy of their federal income tax form 1040 or state income tax form 540, from "Last Year". OR if a child did not file a return, they must submit Non-filing Letter from the Internal Revenue Service (Click Here) or the Franchise Tax Board (Click Here).
- If you are a child of a veteran, you must attach a Verification of Dependency. Acceptable verifications include government-issued birth certificates, adoption records, and marriage certificates. Those seeking status as an Adopted Child or as a Stepchild must have entered into such status prior to the child's 23rd birthday.
- Student must show proof of veteran's Veteran Administration Service-Connected Disability award letter. (Ed Code § 66025.3(a)(2)(A))
- A child, step-child, spouse, or surviving spouse under PLAN A:
  
  Wartime service required. The veteran must have served at least one day of active duty during a period of war as declared by the U.S. Congress, or during any time in which the veteran was awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal. Verify via DD 214 (Member 4)

Student Information
Student Name

First NameLast Name
Student Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Student's Social Security Number
Student Telephone Number
Student Phone NumberFormat: (000) 000-0000.
Marital Status
Student Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip
Student Income Verification
*Student Adjusted Gross Income:

Enter the value of line #11 from the IRS 1040 form.
Applicable Tax Year
ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME (AGI) of student from last year (January 1st through December 31st)
Enter the value of line #11 from the IRS 1040 form.
ANNUAL VALUE OF ANY SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM PARENT
Student Adjusted Gross income and Annual Value of Support received may not both equal $0
*Annual Value of any Support Received from Parent:

Examples of support include, but are not limited to: college housing, transportation, books, school supplies, medical care etc. Under plan B, the total amount of the child's AGI and value of support, as listed above, cannot exceed the state poverty level as published in the resident requirement filing found on the Franchise Tax Board website.
VSD-020 Election to receive CalVet College Fee Waiver Benefits

Plan A in lieu of Chapter 35 benefits
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35 General Information: Click Here
VSD-020 Academic Year
Read Only
Chpt 35 Benefits for Academic Year
Read Only
I understand that state law, specifically the Military and Veterans Code, Section 896.1, prohibits me from receiving State of California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) college fee waiver benefits under Plan A if I am in receipt of United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Dependents Education (Chapter 35) benefits.

I understand that if I apply for and receive USDVA Chapter 35 benefits, after being awarded CalVet college fee waiver benefits under Plan A for the same period, my CalVet college fee waiver benefits will be revoked retroactively, my college will be notified of actions taken, and that I shall be held financially responsible for any associated fees waived.

Understanding the above, I elect to receive CalVet college fee waiver benefits under Plan A, and certify under penalties of perjury, that I am not currently nor will I apply and receive USDVA Chapter 35 benefits for AY: {chpt35}
VSD-020 Signature
VSD-020 Date

MonthDayYear
Read Only
Verification of Dependency Document
Verification of Veteran's SC Letter
Verification of Veteran's Death Certificate
Verification of Veteran's DD214

School Information
CALIFORNIA COLLEGE or UNIVERSITY you are attending or plan to attend
If you do not see your college listed it is not covered by the CalVet Fee Waiver.
Attending two colleges?

You will need to fill out an application for each college you are attending.

Veteran Information
Veteran Name

First NameLast Name
Confirm Veteran's Last Name
Veteran's Last Name
Veteran's Social Security
Error. Student and Veteran Social Security Match
Confirm Veteran's Last four SSN
Veteran Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Veteran Telephone Number
Veteran Phone NumberFormat: (000) 000-0000.
Branch of Service
Active Duty Start Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Active Duty Separation Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Account Name
Veteran Address Same as Student?
Veteran Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Is the veteran able to sign the form?
Is the Veteran Deceased?
Veteran Date of Death

MonthDayYear
Date
Was the Veterans death "service-connected", or did the veteran have a service-connected disability at the time of death?
VSD-021 - Non-Veteran Signature Certification For DVS-40 CalVet College Fee Waiver
Explanation of Why Veteran is Unable to Sign DVS 40 Application:

Note: If veteran is deceased, a copy of veteran’s death certificate is required. 0/255
I hereby certify under penalties of perjury that the information contained on this VSD-021 document for the purpose of obtaining CalVet educational benefits is true, correct, and complete.
Signature of non-veteran parent
VSD-021 Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Printed Name of non-veteran parent
Legal Relationship to Veteran Stated on DVS-40 Application
Upload Veteran's Death Certificate

Veteran's Death Certificate
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Required Documents
Required Document Notice:

Applicants may no longer submit a document that states "On File".
- Applicants applying to two schools will need to submit required documents with each application.
- Failure to receive required documents will lead to denial of application.
- Applicants denied because of missing required documents will be asked to resubmit a new application with correct documents.
- If you are submitting images, please make sure that the images are clear and easy to read.
  
  Images that are out of focus, blurry, unreadable, etc will be denied.
Each file upload field can accept up to 5 documents.
- For example applicant has taken pictures of page 1 and 2 of the IRS 1040 form; the applicant will submit both pictures (2 file uploads) into the file upload field under the Tax Document section.
Tax Document

Upload IRS 1040 or Non-filing letter

IRS 1040 consists of 2 pages, both pages must be submitted with signature on second page.

Per CalVet, the IRS 1040, FTB 540, or Non-filing letter are the only acceptable tax forms. Wage and Income Transcript will not be accepted.
- If IRS 1040 is missing pages or unsigned, your tax document will be denied.
- Applicants do not submit your parents’ taxes; Tax forms need to be in the applicant's name.
**Please note:** Our office will not accept a Form 1040 or FTB 540 that reports $0.00 income. This does not substitute for the verification of non-filing.
Upload Student's IRS 1040 from the tax year listed below:
Read Only
IRS 1040 form sample below

It is 2 pages. A signature and date are required on the 2nd page.

Do not submit a Wage and Income Transcript, your application will be denied.
Before uploading IRS 1040, sign and date on Page 2 (see below).
Upload IRS 1040

IRS 1040 (pages 1 & 2). Do not submit Tax Transcript or W2 your application will be denied.
Cancelof
Upload Student's non-filing letter from the tax year listed below:
Read Only
Need help obtaining Non-filing letter?

You can contact the IRS or State Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

Request non-filing letter from FTB: Click Here (Preferred)

Request non-filing letter from IRS: Click Here

**Please note, our office will not accept a Form 1040 or FTB 540 that reports $0.00 income. If you filed taxes but did not work you will need to submit a Tax Return Transcript **

Non-filing letter date:

The Non-filing letter must be dated after the tax deadline April 15, 2025.

Any letter dated before April 15, 2025 will be denied.

Tax Return Transcript:

If you did not work but filed taxes please submit a Tax Return Transcript.
All pages of the Tax Return Transcript must be submitted.

**Do not submit a Wage and Income Transcript or W2, your application will be denied.**
Upload Non-filing letter

Non-filing Letter
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Verification of Dependency to Veteran
- Verification Dependency acceptable documents: Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, and Adoption Records.
- Verification Dependency documents are dependent to, Student's relationship to veteran.
  
  You selected: {whatIs}
Verification Document Student must submit:
Upload the Dependency Document below
Upload Verification Dependency Document

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Veteran's Service-Connected Disability Letter

The Veteran's Service-Connected Disability Letter should contain:
- What disabilities a Veteran has been awarded with a percentage for each
- An overall rating (based on a 0% - 100% scale)
Do Not Submit a DD 214 as a substitute for the Veteran's Service-Connected Disability Letter; Your application will be denied.

If you need help obtaining the Service-Connected Disability Letter, Click Here.
Upload Service-Connected Disability Letter

Do not submit DD 214 here, your application will be denied.
Cancelof
Proof of Veteran's Wartime Era Service - DD 214

Per CalVet:

Wartime service required under Plan A.

The veteran must have served at least one day of active duty during a period of war as declared by the U.S. Congress, or during any time in which the veteran was awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal.

Verify Wartime Service by submitting DD 214.

Please make sure your DD 214 is the Member 4 type.

***The member type is located at the footer of the DD 214.***
Upload Veteran's DD 214 (Member 4)

Cancelof
Acknowledgement
I hereby certify under penalties of perjury that the information contained in this application and supporting documents is given for the purpose of obtaining educational benefits and is true, correct, and complete. I authorize the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) employees, officers, and designees to verify these documents. I hereby authorize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Internal Revenue Service, and the Franchise Tax Board, to release information regarding my service-connected disability rating and/or income to CalVet with the understanding that the department will keep such information confidential.

I hereby authorize the release of my CalVet College Fee Waiver Program for Veterans Dependents award letter to the College or University for which I am applying. I understand that educational benefits may be denied or found to be my responsibility to repay if any information is found to be false, intentionally incomplete, or misleading.
I have read and agree to the acknowledgment.
Sign and Submit
Signature of VETERAN
Date

MonthDayYear
Read Only
Signature of STUDENT
Date

MonthDayYear
Read Only
To learn more about the benefits you have earned.

Visit: www.cacvso.org or www.calvet.ca.gov

Privacy Notification

Act of 1977 (Civil Code Section 1798.17) and the Federal Privacy Act (Public Law 93-579) require that this notice be provided when collecting personal information from individuals. Information requested on this form is voluntary and will be used for the purposes of identification and to determine eligibility for benefits under the provisions of Education Code Section 66025.3. The program is administered by: Deputy Secretary, Veterans Services Division, 1227 "O" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Failure to provide requested information will result in the delay or denial of benefits. Individuals may review available personal records during normal business hours.

Appeals of Denied Benefits

Appeals of denied benefits shall be filed with the Veterans Services Division (note address above) and must be in writing, stating the reasons the benefits should be granted, and filed within 90 days after the date of the "letter of denial."

Application Notification and Processing Updates

Applications are processed in the order they are received.

It can take up to 15 business days to process your CalVet Fee Waiver application.

You will receive a notification email after our office has finished processing your application. Please allow for the full 15 days before reaching out for an update, as inquiries within this timeframe will receive the same response—your application is still being processed.
Don't Forget to Check Your Email

You will receive automated messages from our office updating you of your processing status.
After submission of your application you will receive an automated message from our office via the email address below.
1. If you do not see an email please check your spam or junk folder.
  
  Make sure to add our office to your safe sender list.
2. Please note that only students are notified of their application status.
  
  The student email you list in this application is where you will receive your emails.
I understand that I need to check my email to receive notifications regarding my CalVet Fee Waiver Application
Should be Empty:

COLLEGE FEE WAIVER PROGRAM FOR VETERAN DEPENDENTS

CalVet Tuition Fee Waiver

Who may apply?

CalVet Fee Waiver plans you can apply under:

CalVet Fee Waiver Application

Attention: Retroactive Academic Year Selected

Email Error

To complete your application you will need the following documents:

Student Information

Student Income Verification

*Student Adjusted Gross Income:

VSD-020 Election to receive CalVet College Fee Waiver Benefits

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35 General Information: Click Here

School Information

Attending two colleges?

Veteran Information

VSD-021 - Non-Veteran Signature Certification For DVS-40 CalVet College Fee Waiver

Required Documents

Required Document Notice:

Applicants may no longer submit a document that states "On File".

Tax Document

Verification of Dependency to Veteran

Veteran's Service-Connected Disability Letter

Proof of Veteran's Wartime Era Service - DD 214

Acknowledgement

Sign and Submit

Privacy Notification

Appeals of Denied Benefits

Application Notification and Processing Updates

Don't Forget to Check Your Email