California is home to nearly 2 million veterans, and Orange County has the fourth-largest veteran population in California, numbering just over 130,000. Our veterans deserve the care they were promised and the benefits they have earned in service to our country. Fortunately, Orange County is home to organizations and agencies that offer a wide range of services, and are dedicated to assisting local veterans.
The following links highlight a number of critical resources and updates that are available for veterans here in Orange County:
State of California Veteran Community Updates:
CAVSA Issues 2019 Annual Report on State of the California Veteran Community: On behalf of the Board of the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA), we are grateful for the opportunity to deliver this 2019 State of the Veteran Community Report to our statewide community. This is our second annual report prepared through the support of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). CAVSA continues to believe that by working together, with the unparalleled support of public officials and stakeholders, Californians have the unique opportunity to compassionately and competently address the mental health and welfare needs of our veterans and all Californians.
Healthcare Assistance:
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myCalVet - provides veterans and their families the opportunity to create a customized profile which targets the benefits, resources, and services available in their community and throughout the state.
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VETERANS CRISIS LINE - Veterans and their loved ones can call (800) 273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or call your local 24-hour mental health crisis line.
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FIND A COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE NEAR YOU - County Veteran Service Offices (CVSO) are the key agencies in providing California's Veterans with assistance and connection to benefits and services in local communities throughout the state.
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U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Database - FIND A VETERANS HOSPITAL OR CLINIC NEAR YOU
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Assisted Living - Veterans who are injured in the line of duty face many challenges when they return home, including the inability to live an independent life. Whether fully or partially disabled, many need assistance with daily activities.
Thankfully, there are assisted living options that can help veterans who have disabilities, as well as elderly veterans who need help as they grow older.
Access to Housing and Education
The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents - The College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for qualified dependents of certain Veterans.
CalVet Veteran Homes - Veterans who are age 55 and above, and discharged from active military service under honorable conditions, are eligible to apply for admission. The age requirement is waived for disabled or homeless veterans needing long-term care.
CalVet Home Loans - If you are ready to buy a home, CalVet Home Loans is here to meet our Veterans' home financing needs.
Employment
General Assistance and Information
SeniorLiving.org Veterans Care Guide This guide is designed to help veterans and/or their surviving spouses determine their eligibility, explain how to apply for benefits and cover the various veteran care options.
Senior Veterans may also be able to receive assistance through CARING a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. We have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.
Minority Veterans
The Minority Veterans Division is the California Department of Veterans Affairs model for inters-and intra-agency co-operation, to ensure all Veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Women Veterans
CalVet division for Women Veterans provides information, advocacy, outreach, and support to Women Veterans and their families.
VETERANS RESOURCE BOOK
The California Veterans Resource Book is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information about the wide variety of the services and benefits available to Veterans and family members. Many benefits and services have been expanded and improved. CalVet’s Resource Book is updated every two years and is available in hard copy and online.
American Legion
Today there is no accurate record of the total number of veterans' organizations, but among them all, none has grown so large or has exercised such wide influence as The American Legion. None is so intimately identified with the word "veteran".
AMVETS
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America's Armed Forces, AMVETS provides, not only support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, but also community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation's citizens.
Veterans Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been a voice for our nation's veterans for more than a century and is the nation's oldest major veteran's organization. To America and the world, the letters "VFW" symbolize volunteerism and community service.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
Military & Veteran Discounts Guide: The Ultimate List of Stores
The Military Discount Guide is the result of a quarterly survey of brands that offer active-duty military and veteran discounts. Every three months, they independently verify each and every store on this list.
The list is then conveniently broken down into 26 categories, and can also be saved in PDF form and used as the ultimate reference guide for active military and veteran discounts.