Life insurance options for California veterans
Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.
Veterans cemeteries in California
VA national cemeteries
- Bakersfield National Cemetery — Arvin
- Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — Benicia
- Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — San Diego
- Golden Gate National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — San Bruno
- Los Angeles National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — Los Angeles
- Los Angeles National Cemetery Annex (closed to new casket burials) — Los Angeles
- Mare Island Naval Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — Vallejo
- Miramar National Cemetery — San Diego
- Riverside National Cemetery — Riverside
- Sacramento Valley National Cemetery — Dixon
- San Francisco National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — San Francisco
- San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery — Santa Nella
State veterans cemeteries
- Big Sandy Rancheria Veterans Cemetery (tribal) — Auberry
- California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery — Seaside
- Northern California Veterans Cemetery — Igo
- Yurok Veterans Cemetery (tribal) — Weitchpec
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration — Cemeteries in California
California state benefits for veterans
Veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA (or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability), and their unmarried surviving spouses, can claim California's Disabled Veterans' Exemption on their home: a basic exemption for all qualifying claimants and a larger low-income exemption for households under an income limit, both adjusted yearly for inflation. Apply through the county assessor. Source: California State Board of Equalization — Disabled Veterans' Exemption
For help applying, contact the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in California.
Frequently asked questions
Where can veterans be buried in California?
California has 12 VA national cemeteries and 4 state veterans cemeteries, including Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) can confirm.
Check veteran optionsCan California veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?
SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.
Check veteran optionsDo disabled veterans get a property tax break in California?
Veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA (or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability), and their unmarried surviving spouses, can claim California's Disabled Veterans' Exemption on their home: a basic exemption for all qualifying claimants and a larger low-income exemption for households under an income limit, both adjusted yearly for inflation. Apply through the county assessor.
Check veteran options