Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)

Contact

• Email: contactuscommunications@calvet.ca.gov
• Phone: 800-952-5626

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Description

CalVet strives to ensure California veterans and their families get the state and federal benefits they have earned through military service. CalVet serves the nearly 1.6 million veterans living in the State with dignity and compassion to help them achieve their highest quality of life.

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Services

Apply to a Veterans Home

The Veterans Homes of California offer affordable long-term care to aged and disabled veterans, as well as their eligible spouses and domestic partners. Learn how to start your application either online or by mail, what documents are required, and how the waitlist for each Home varies.

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Get a CalVet Home Loan

Any veteran can apply for a CalVet Home Loan when purchasing an owner-occupied home in California. To be eligible, you must (1) Have served on active duty for at least 90 days during wartime or peacetime (excluding training), (2) Have a discharge under honorable conditions, and (3) Not have a current CalVet Home Loan. Apply online so you can start making offers on your next home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for admission to a Veterans Home of California?

For steps on how to apply for admission, visit Applying for a CalVet Veterans Home.

Do I have to be at least 55 years old to apply for admission?

Yes, but we may waive the age requirement if you are a veteran experiencing homelessness or disabled. The average age of veterans living at our veterans homes, at all levels of care, is 73. If you wish to be considered for admission and meet the requirements, please submit your application.

Do I have to be a resident of California to reside at a Veterans Home of California?

Yes, you need to be a California resident.

I am married. Can my spouse become a resident?

Your spouse may be admitted with certain restrictions. They must:

• Be married to and living with you for at least one year.
• Submit a separate, complete application.
• Meet the requirements for admission at the residential/domiciliary, intermediate, or skilled nursing level of care.

I want to use my VA loan benefit. Should I consider CalVet Home Loans?

Yes. CalVet can combine your federal loan benefit with benefits offered by the state to create home financing that is of superb value for our veterans.

Can I use my benefit of 100% financing?

Yes. CalVet often uses the federal VA guarantee to offer veterans up to 100% financing with no monthly private mortgage insurance payments.

I was in the service over 25 years ago. Can I apply for a CalVet loan?

Yes. All veterans who served on active duty can apply; at any age in any state of enlistment. You only need to be purchasing or refinancing a home in California.

My credit score is too low for my bank to help. Can CalVet work with me?

Yes. We have credit standards, but we do not have a minimum credit score requirement. We manually underwrite all our home loans to maximize flexibility and improve your homeownership opportunities.

What if I want to build a home? Can CalVet help?

Yes. We offer construction loans and other specialty loans, such as rehabilitation purchase loans and home improvement loans.