California Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of California VA medical centers, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
California Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
California is home to 1.6-1.8 million veterans - more than any other state in America. That's roughly 8-9% of the nation's entire veteran population living in one state.
With that population comes extensive infrastructure: world-class VA medical centers, elite universities with veteran programs, and major defense contractors actively recruiting military talent. But California's high cost of living and housing crisis create real challenges for veterans trying to build civilian lives here.
This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for California veterans navigating healthcare, education, and employment.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: California has 9 VA medical centers, 50+ community-based clinics, and 8 state veterans homes - more VA infrastructure than most countries' entire healthcare systems
Education: CalVet College Fee Waiver for dependents of disabled veterans, 148 schools with in-state tuition for GI Bill users, strong Yellow Ribbon participation
Employment: State hiring preference, massive defense contractor presence (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing), but fierce competition for jobs
Veteran Population Hotspots: Los Angeles County (310,000+), San Diego County (235,000+), Riverside County (165,000+), Orange County (120,000+)
Biggest challenge: 1 in 3 homeless veterans in America lives in California - housing affordability is the critical issue
VA Healthcare Facilities in California
California operates more VA medical infrastructure than most states have hospitals total. Here's where to find care.
VA Medical Centers
1. VA San Diego Healthcare System
Address: 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161 Phone: (858) 552-8585 | 1-800-331-8387 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 248 beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health and PTSD treatment
- Surgery (general, orthopedic, neurosurgery)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Spinal cord injury center
- Polytrauma support
- Women's health
- Prosthetics
- Pharmacy
Community clinics (6 locations):
- Chula Vista: 353 H Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Escondido: 815 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
- Imperial Valley: 1115 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243
- Kearny Mesa: 8875 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
- Oceanside: 1300 Rancho del Oro Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
- Mission Valley: 8989 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
Why it matters: San Diego has one of the largest veteran populations in California (235,000+), driven by Camp Pendleton, MCRD San Diego, and Naval Base San Diego.
2. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Address: 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073 Phone: (310) 478-3711
Bed count: 400+ beds across multiple campuses
Services:
- Comprehensive medical and surgical care
- Mental health services
- Geriatrics and extended care
- Homeless veteran programs
- Blind rehabilitation
- Polytrauma care
Additional campuses:
- Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center: 16111 Plummer Street, North Hills, CA 91343
- West Los Angeles Medical Center: 11301 Wilshire Blvd (main campus)
Parking: Available but limited - arrive early
3. VA Long Beach Healthcare System (Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center)
Address: 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822 Phone: (562) 826-8000 | 1-888-769-8387
Bed count: 356 beds
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Surgery
- Geriatric care
- Spinal cord injury
- PTSD residential rehabilitation
- Domiciliary care
Specialty programs:
- Gerofit (exercise program for veterans 65+)
- MOVE! weight management
- Smoking cessation
4. VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Address: 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304 Phone: (650) 493-5000 | 1-800-455-0057
Facilities:
- Palo Alto main hospital
- Menlo Park Division: 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
- Livermore Division: 4951 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550
Services:
- Polytrauma/TBI center
- Mental health residential rehabilitation
- Spinal cord injury center
- Blind rehabilitation
- Geriatric research, education, and clinical center
Community clinics (7 locations): Capitola, Fremont, Marina, Modesto, San Jose, Sonora, Stockton
5. VA Northern California Healthcare System (Sacramento)
Address: 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655 Phone: (916) 843-7000 | 1-800-382-8387
Services:
- Full medical and surgical care
- Mental health services
- Polytrauma support
- Women's health
- Primary care
Additional facility:
- Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center: 150 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553
6. VA Central California Healthcare System (Fresno)
Address: 2615 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703 Phone: (559) 225-6100 | 1-888-826-2838
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Surgery
- Specialty care
- Rehabilitation
Community clinics: Merced, Oakhurst, Tulare
Note: Serves veterans across a massive 30,000+ square mile area of Central California
7. VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Address: 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357 Phone: (909) 825-7084 | 1-800-741-8387
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Specialty care
- Dental
- Pharmacy
Community clinics: Palm Desert, San Bernardino, Victor Valley
8. San Francisco VA Health Care System
Address: 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121 Phone: (415) 221-4810 | 1-800-733-0502
Services:
- Acute tertiary care
- Mental health
- Primary care
- Homeless veteran programs
Community clinics: Eureka, Marin County, Monterey, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Ukiah
9. VA West Los Angeles Medical Center
Address: 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073 Phone: (310) 478-3711
Note: Part of Greater LA system, listed separately due to distinct campus
Wait Times and Access Reality
Average wait times (primary care): 7-20 days depending on location and specialty
Best practices:
- Enroll immediately upon separation, even if you don't need care yet
- Use VA's online scheduling tools
- Consider community care if wait times exceed 30 days
- Multiple VA facilities in most metros - choose the most convenient
Quality ratings: California VA facilities generally rate above average nationally, with Palo Alto and San Diego particularly well-regarded for specialized care.
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card
- Insurance information (if applicable)
Processing time: Usually same-day or within a week
State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)
California operates 8 state veterans homes - the most of any state - providing skilled nursing, memory care, and residential care.
1. Veterans Home of California - Yountville
Location: Yountville, CA (Napa Valley) Phone: (707) 944-4500 Capacity: 1,100+ residents (largest veterans home in the US) Services: Independent living, residential care, skilled nursing, memory care
Founded in 1884, this is the flagship facility.
2. Veterans Home of California - Barstow
Location: 100 East Veterans Parkway, Barstow, CA 92311 Phone: (760) 252-6200 Capacity: 400 beds Services: Residential care, skilled nursing
3. Veterans Home of California - Chula Vista
Location: 700 East Naples Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911 Phone: (619) 482-6010 Capacity: 400 beds Services: Independent living, residential care, skilled nursing
4. Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles
Location: 11500 Nimitz Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Phone: (310) 826-7480 Capacity: 396 beds Services: Skilled nursing, memory care
5. Veterans Home of California - Ventura
Location: 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura, CA 93004 Phone: (805) 659-0202 Capacity: 150 beds Services: Skilled nursing, residential care
6. Veterans Home of California - Fresno
Location: Fresno, CA Services: Skilled nursing
7. Veterans Home of California - Lancaster
Location: Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley) Services: Skilled nursing, residential care
8. Veterans Home of California - Redding
Location: Redding, CA Services: Skilled nursing
Eligibility:
- Honorably discharged veterans
- California resident for at least one year before admission
- Must require level of care provided
Cost: Sliding scale based on income, assets, and VA benefits. VA Aid and Attendance can help cover costs.
How to apply: Call 1-800-404-8387 or visit calvet.ca.gov/veteran-homes
Education Benefits for California Veterans
CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
This is California's marquee education benefit - free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans at public universities and colleges.
Eligibility (Plan A - Most Common):
- Unmarried child of veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled
- Veteran died of service-connected causes
- Child age 14-27
- No income restrictions
- Cannot use concurrently with VA Chapter 35
Eligibility (Plan B - Income-Based):
- Child of veteran with service-connected disability (any percentage)
- Child's annual income must not exceed $22,273 (2025-2026 limit)
- Income includes child's AGI plus parental support value
Benefit amount:
- Waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees
- Does NOT cover: books, parking, room and board
- Covers up to standard undergraduate timeframe
Qualifying schools:
- All 116 California Community Colleges
- All 23 California State University (CSU) campuses
- All 9 University of California (UC) campuses
- Total: 148 public institutions
Application process:
- Determine eligibility through County Veterans Service Office (CVSO)
- Apply annually (paperwork accepted May/June after tax season)
- Submit to your school's financial aid office
- Renew annually with income verification (Plan B only)
Contact: Find your CVSO at calvet.ca.gov
Post-9/11 GI Bill - In-State Tuition
All California public universities must offer in-state tuition to veterans using GI Bill benefits, regardless of residency status.
Requirements:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in California while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge
Result: Out-of-state veterans save $15,000-$30,000 per year in tuition differences at UC/CSU schools.
Top GI Bill Schools in California
University of California (UC) System
UC Berkeley
- Veteran enrollment: 500+
- In-state tuition: ~$14,300
- Out-of-state tuition: ~$44,200
- BAH rate: ~$3,900/month (Berkeley)
- Veteran resources: Berkeley Veterans Services Center
- Phone: (510) 642-7700
UCLA
- Veteran enrollment: 700+
- In-state tuition: ~$13,800
- Out-of-state tuition: ~$43,700
- BAH rate: ~$3,600/month (Los Angeles)
- Veteran resources: UCLA Veteran Resource Center
- Phone: (310) 206-0940
UC San Diego
- Veteran enrollment: 800+
- In-state tuition: ~$14,700
- Out-of-state tuition: ~$44,600
- BAH rate: ~$2,700/month (San Diego)
- Veteran resources: Student Veterans Resource Center
- Phone: (858) 534-9543
UC Davis
- Veteran enrollment: 600+
- In-state tuition: ~$14,600
- BAH rate: ~$2,100/month (Davis)
Other UC campuses: Irvine, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Santa Cruz, Merced
Note: UC schools don't typically participate in Yellow Ribbon because they're public institutions with in-state tuition for veterans. GI Bill + in-state tuition covers full costs.
California State University (CSU) System
San Diego State University
- Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ (largest in CSU system)
- In-state tuition: ~$7,500
- BAH rate: ~$2,700/month
- Veteran resources: SDSU Veterans Center
- Phone: (619) 594-5946
CSU Long Beach
- Veteran enrollment: 900+
- In-state tuition: ~$6,800
- Veteran resources: Bob Murphy Access Center
San Jose State University
- Veteran enrollment: 800+
- In-state tuition: ~$7,500
- Veteran resources: SJSU Veteran Success Center
Other major CSU campuses: Fullerton, Northridge, Sacramento, Fresno, Pomona
CSU advantage: Lower tuition than UC system, strong regional employers, excellent veteran support offices
Private Universities with Yellow Ribbon
University of Southern California (USC)
- Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots, full tuition coverage
- Veteran enrollment: 1,000+
- Total cost: $68,000+ annually
- Yellow Ribbon + GI Bill: Full coverage
- Veteran resources: USC Veterans & Military Services
- Phone: (213) 740-8439
Stanford University
- Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots
- Full tuition coverage for selected veterans
- Highly competitive admission
Pepperdine University
- Yellow Ribbon: Varies by program
- Good coverage for graduate programs
Vocational Training and Apprenticeships
California has extensive apprenticeship programs eligible for GI Bill:
Industries:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Carpentry
- Automotive technology
- Information technology
- Cybersecurity
- Manufacturing
GI Bill benefit: Monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages
Where to find programs: dir.ca.gov/das (Division of Apprenticeship Standards)
Employment Resources for California Veterans
State Hiring Preference
California law provides veterans' preference for state government jobs.
Who qualifies:
- Honorably discharged veterans
- Eligible spouses and widows/widowers of veterans
How it works: Veterans who achieve passing scores on civil service exams are ranked in the top rank of eligibility lists.
Where to apply: CalCareers.ca.gov
Major state employers:
- CalTrans
- California Highway Patrol
- Department of Corrections
- Parks and Recreation
- Franchise Tax Board
California Employment Development Department (EDD) - Veterans Services
Phone: (916) 654-8178 Website: edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Services_for_Veterans
Services:
- Priority of service (veterans get 24-hour hold on job postings)
- Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists
- Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER)
- Job search assistance
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Apprenticeship referrals
Offices: Available in every major California city
Major Defense Contractors Hiring Veterans
California has one of the largest defense contractor footprints in America.
Southern California (Los Angeles/Orange County Area)
Northrop Grumman
- Primary locations: El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Palmdale
- Programs: B-21 Raider, space systems, cyber
- Veteran programs: Active military recruiting, SkillBridge
- Typical roles: Systems engineering, software development, program management
- Website: northropgrumman.com/careers
Boeing
- Primary locations: El Segundo, Long Beach, Seal Beach
- Programs: Space systems, satellites, defense
- Veteran programs: Military Skills Translator, veteran hiring events
- Website: jobs.boeing.com
Raytheon Technologies
- Primary locations: El Segundo, Goleta, Tustin
- Programs: Missiles, defense systems, cyber
- Typical roles: Engineering, program management, manufacturing
Lockheed Martin
- Primary locations: Palmdale, Sunnyvale
- Programs: Skunk Works, space systems
- Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting
The Aerospace Corporation
- Location: El Segundo
- Focus: Space mission assurance, systems engineering
- Clearance: Many positions require Secret/Top Secret
San Diego Area
General Dynamics NASSCO
- Location: San Diego (shipyard)
- Focus: Shipbuilding, repair
- Typical roles: Welding, pipefitting, electrical, engineering
- Strong veteran hiring (many Navy veterans)
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- Locations: San Diego, multiple sites
- Focus: IT, cybersecurity, intelligence support
- Clearance: Often required
General Atomics
- Location: Poway (north of San Diego)
- Focus: Unmanned systems, nuclear technology
- Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, technicians
Northern California (Bay Area)
Lockheed Martin Space
- Location: Sunnyvale
- Focus: Satellites, missile defense
- High concentration of cleared positions
Google/Tech Companies
- Many Bay Area tech companies have veteran hiring initiatives
- Coding bootcamps often provide pathways (Hiring Our Heroes, VET TEC)
Other Major Veteran-Friendly Employers
Tech Industry:
- Amazon (distribution centers: Tracy, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley)
- Apple (veteran hiring programs)
- Microsoft
- Oracle
Healthcare:
- Kaiser Permanente (massive presence statewide)
- Sutter Health (Northern California)
- Dignity Health
- Providence Health
Logistics:
- UPS
- FedEx
- BNSF Railway
- Union Pacific Railroad
Retail/Service:
- Costco
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Starbucks
Federal Employment (Beyond VA)
California has significant federal employment opportunities:
USAJOBS.gov: Federal job portal with veterans' preference
Major federal employers:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- U.S. Postal Service
- Social Security Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (LA, San Diego, San Francisco field offices)
- Department of Defense civilian positions
Veterans' preference: 5-point or 10-point preference depending on disability status
Entrepreneur Resources
California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Free consulting for veteran entrepreneurs
- Help with business plans, funding, marketing
- Website: californiasbdc.org
Boots to Business
- SBA program teaching business fundamentals to veterans
- Offered through VA and SBA offices statewide
APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
- Helps veteran businesses compete for government contracts
- Website: apexaccelerators.us
Support Services
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
- Headquarters: 1227 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 653-2573 | 1-800-952-5626
- Website: calvet.ca.gov
- Services: VA claims assistance, state benefits information, advocacy
County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs): Available in all 58 California counties. Find yours at calvet.ca.gov/VetServices
Major counties:
- Los Angeles County: (562) 940-5291
- San Diego County: (858) 694-3222
- Orange County: (714) 567-7450
- Riverside County: (951) 955-3060
- San Bernardino County: (909) 387-5516
- Sacramento County: (916) 874-6502
American Legion: 700+ posts statewide Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): 500+ posts Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Chapters in all major cities Vietnam Veterans of America: Multiple chapters
Homeless Veteran Programs
California has 1 in 3 homeless veterans in America - approximately 10,900 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night.
VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838
HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management - largest program
Grant and Per Diem: Transitional housing in multiple California cities
Stand Down Events: Annual multi-day events providing services:
- Los Angeles: Multiple events annually
- San Diego: Annual event at Veterans Village of San Diego
- San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno: Various dates
Local programs:
- Veterans Village of San Diego: (858) 277-4142 | vvsd.net
- U.S.VETS: Locations in LA, Long Beach, San Diego, Riverside, Oakland | usvets.org
- Swords to Plowshares (San Francisco): (415) 252-4788 | swords-to-plowshares.org
Mental Health Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling): 20+ locations statewide providing free counseling
Major Vet Centers:
- Los Angeles: (310) 478-3711
- San Diego: (858) 642-1500
- San Francisco: (415) 441-5051
- Sacramento: (916) 566-7430
- Fresno: (559) 487-5660
Services: PTSD treatment, substance abuse counseling, military sexual trauma support, readjustment counseling, family counseling
Legal Assistance
California Department of Veterans Affairs - Legal Services
- Free legal help for discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, state benefits
- Phone: (916) 653-2573
Bet Tzedek Legal Services (Los Angeles)
- Free legal help for low-income veterans
- Phone: (323) 939-0506
Public Law Center (Orange County)
- Veterans Legal Institute
- Phone: (714) 541-1010
Financial Counseling
Military OneSource
- Free financial counseling for transitioning service members
- Phone: 1-800-342-9647
- Available 1 year after separation
Veterans Financial Coalition
- Free financial counseling specifically for veterans
- Phone: (202) 670-5550
County Veteran Resources
Los Angeles County
- Veteran population: 310,000+ (largest in state)
- VA Medical Centers: West LA, Greater LA system
- State Veterans Home: West LA Veterans Home
- Major employers: Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Raytheon, entertainment industry
- CVSO: (562) 940-5291
San Diego County
- Veteran population: 235,000+ (highest concentration in state)
- VA Medical Center: La Jolla
- Military bases: Camp Pendleton, MCRD San Diego, Naval Base San Diego
- Major employers: General Dynamics NASSCO, SAIC, General Atomics, biotech industry
- CVSO: (858) 694-3222
Riverside County
- Veteran population: 165,000+
- VA Clinic: Loma Linda area clinics
- Military bases: March Air Reserve Base
- Cost of living: Lower than coastal California
- CVSO: (951) 955-3060
Orange County
- Veteran population: 120,000+
- VA Clinic: Multiple locations
- Major employers: Defense contractors, healthcare
- CVSO: (714) 567-7450
Sacramento County
- Veteran population: 75,000+
- VA Medical Center: Mather
- State government: Major employer with veterans' preference
- CVSO: (916) 874-6502
Key Takeaways
-
California has unmatched VA infrastructure - 9 medical centers, 50+ clinics, world-class specialty care
-
Education benefits are excellent IF you qualify - CalVet College Fee Waiver can save $50,000+ for dependents of disabled veterans
-
Jobs exist but competition is fierce - Defense contractors hire thousands of veterans annually, but California has millions competing for positions
-
Housing crisis is real - 1 in 3 homeless veterans in America lives in California. Have a housing plan before moving here
-
Use your CVSO - County Veterans Service Officers are free and can help navigate the complex California benefit system
-
In-state tuition for GI Bill users is huge - Saves $15,000-$30,000/year at UC/CSU schools
-
State hiring preference matters - If you qualify for state jobs, use it - CalTrans alone employs 20,000+ people
California offers world-class resources for veterans, but success requires planning. The infrastructure is here, but so is the cost of living. Use every benefit you've earned, connect with your CVSO early, and build your civilian network aggressively.
Additional Resources
- CalVet: (800) 952-5626 | calvet.ca.gov
- VA Healthcare: 1-877-222-VETS | va.gov
- EDD Veterans Services: (916) 654-8178 | edd.ca.gov
- CalCareers (State Jobs): calcareers.ca.gov
- GI Bill School Search: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool
- County Veterans Service Offices: calvet.ca.gov/VetServices
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.