Santa Cruz County Veterans Service Office
Local help with veteran claims, benefits, college fee waivers and referrals.
Source checked October 15, 2026[28]Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
These links were found on official source pages. Each service is handled by the office.
Contact the county benefits office for help with claims and referrals. Check the location, appointment and service-specific requirements.
How to get started
- Choose the branch or contact channel for your county.
- Call ahead to confirm the service, appointment and documents you need.
Before you start
- Availability · Shared state/federal guidance
- County Veterans Service Offices help veterans and their families file VA claims; CalVet district offices provide claims review and appeals representation. [1]
Shared California programme guidance: check the relevant plan and academic year, then submit the application through your local CVSO.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- CalVet waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at California community colleges, CSU and UC for eligible veteran dependents. Books, parking, room and board are not covered. [2]
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- Plan B is for qualifying veterans’ children. It uses the student’s adjusted gross income plus parental support from the prior calendar year; there is no specific age or wartime-service requirement under Plan B. [3]
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- For academic year 2026–2027, the published Plan B income limit is $22,941. This is a student-income eligibility limit, not an application fee or benefit payment. The older $22,273 figure on the same page is explicitly for 2025–2026. [4]
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- Plan A has different relationship, disability, age and service requirements. It has no income restriction, but concurrent Plan A and VA Chapter 35 benefits are prohibited. Check the complete plan before applying. [5]
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- Plan C concerns qualifying California National Guard state service under Military and Veterans Code section 146. Plan D concerns Medal of Honor recipients and their children and is limited to undergraduate study; check each plan’s conditions. [6]
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- Applicants must meet the school’s California residency requirements. Check that the programme is state supported; self-supported extension or extended-education programmes may not apply the waiver. [7]
- Information & documents · Shared state/federal guidance
- The DVS-40 asks for the student, school, academic year and veteran’s information, including prior-year adjusted gross income and parental support. Complete and sign it as instructed; the printed form is DVS-40 (Rev 1/24). [8]
- Information & documents · Shared state/federal guidance
- Plan B requires a student-signed prior-year tax return or tax-agency verification of income or non-filing. If both adjusted gross income and parental support are zero, a certified explanation of how the student supports themselves is required. Follow the form’s dependency-document and signature instructions. [9]
- Deadlines · Shared state/federal guidance
- Apply before attending school and reapply each academic year for ongoing benefits. Do not assume a waiver renews automatically. [10]
- Availability · Shared state/federal guidance
- Retroactive awards are generally unavailable. The state describes a limited pending-VA-disability-claim exception requiring an application in each academic year and later review of VA and denial letters. [11]
Shared federal guidance on eligibility, filing and managing a claim. This overview is not a completed application.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- VA disability compensation is a federal monthly tax-free payment for qualifying service-related illness or injury, including a condition made worse by service. The VA guidance explains eligibility, application and review options. [12]
- Availability · Shared state/federal guidance
- An accredited attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Organization representative can help file a claim. Use the federal guidance for the application and contact your local office about representation. [13]
Shared federal request instructions, online identity verification, mail/fax alternatives and record-access rules.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- Veterans and eligible next of kin can request military service records. General-public access differs: records become archival 62 years after separation; newer records have access restrictions. [14]
- Information & documents · Shared state/federal guidance
- Provide the veteran’s service identity and dates, and a signed, dated request. Next of kin requesting a deceased veteran’s records must provide proof of death. Send copies of supporting documents: originals are not returned. [15]
- Availability · Shared state/federal guidance
- NARA requires ID.me identity verification for new online requests and retrieving electronic responses. Its page also offers signed mail or fax requests. [16]
- Availability · Shared state/federal guidance
- Basic non-archival requests for veterans, next of kin and authorised representatives are generally free. Archival records are subject to copying fees; do not assume every DD-214 or public-record request is free. [17]
- Processing time · Shared state/federal guidance
- NARA says response time varies by complexity, record availability and workload. Its request not to follow up before 90 days is not a promised 90-day completion time. [18]
Shared federal instructions for VA Form 10-10EZ and application channels. For clinical care, use the VA medical provider.
Before you start
- Information & documents · Shared state/federal guidance
- VA Form 10-10EZ is the health-care enrollment application. Gather Social Security numbers, service or separation information, toxin-exposure details if applicable, and insurance information. Income and expense information may be needed to determine eligibility. [19]
- Eligibility & access · Shared state/federal guidance
- You may initially apply without income and expense information, but VA needs it if you are not eligible based on other factors. Do not treat it as universally optional throughout the decision. [20]
- Availability · Shared state/federal guidance
- The VA page explains online, phone, mail, in-person and accredited-representative routes. Its application phone hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern Time. County benefits assistance is separate from clinical appointments. [21]
- Information & documents · Shared state/federal guidance
- Use VA Form 10-10EZR to update personal, insurance or financial information from an earlier application; it is different from the initial 10-10EZ enrollment application. [22]
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
Check the official website for its current fee schedule. No fee should be assumed to be free.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
Sources & last checked9 source pages · 36 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] CalVet VA claims assistance (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
d their dependents may be eligible for various benefits administered by the VA. County Veterans Service Offices throughout the state help veterans and their families file VA claims. CalVet provides claims review and representation for appeals services at our District Offices. Category Claims Representation VA Claims Information/Assistance Type CalVet County Federal Non-Profit State We don't have an
- [2] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
selected Header Banner College Fee Waiver College Fee Waiver Page Content The College 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. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under whic
- [3] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
disability at the time of death, or died of service-related causes is eligible. The child's annual income, which includes the child's adjusted gross income, plus the value of support provided by a parent, may not exceed the annual income limit. The current academic year entitlement is based upon the previous calendar year's annual income. Under Plan B, wartime service is not required and there are no specific age requir
- [4] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
2023 the State threshold was $20,913, while the federal threshold was $15,225. The new income limit for eligible students under Plan B for academic year (AY) 2026-2027 is $22,941. Website How to Apply Please use the College Fee Waiver Calculator to verify eligibility. To apply download the DVS-40 application, then go to your local CalVet Veteran Services CVSO Locations. For more information, you
- [5] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
ng any time in which the Veteran was awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal. Concurrent receipt of benefits under Plan A and VA Chapter 35 benefits is prohibited. To receive benefits under Plan A, a dependent must sign an "Election To Receive College Waiver Benefits" statement acknowledging this fact. There are no income restrictions under this plan. To be eligible, the event whi
- [6] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
ents and children of Medal of Honor recipients under the age of 27 may qualify. Benefits under Plan D are limited to undergraduate studies only, and applicants are subject to both income and age restrictions. There is no prohibition against receiving concurrent VA Chapter 35 benefits. Notes: All applicants must meet California residency requirements as per the
- [7] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
e is no prohibition against receiving concurrent VA Chapter 35 benefits. Notes: All applicants must meet California residency requirements as per the schools requirements. If eligibility criteria is met, use of the College Waiver for Veterans Dependents may be applied to state-support programs in the CCC, CSU, and UC systems. Some academic programs at thes
- [8] Veterans services — college-application (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section — printed page 1
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
_______________________________________________________ Date: _________________ DVS-40 (Rev 1/24)
- [9] Veterans services — college-application (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section — printed page 2
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
state poverty level, contact your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO). In cases where the DVS 40 reports $0 AGI & $0 Value of Support, a certified statement must be completed which explains how the student affords to attend college and supports themselves. OR, PLAN C: Any dependent or unmarried surviving spouse of a member of the California National G
- [10] Veterans services — college-application (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section — printed page 2
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
s prior to attending school. Benefits are awarded on an academic year basis and students are required to reapply each year for ongoing benefits. NOTE: The earliest effective date fee waiver benefits may be awarded is the first day of the academic year in which an application is received. WHERE TO APPLY: To obtain an application, additional information and to ap
- [11] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
eceived under the provisions of Military and Veterans Code Section 890.3(a)(1). The law permits retroactive fee waiver benefits when an application is denied solely due to the fact that the Veteran has a claim pending with the USDVA for service connected disability or death benefits, but the claim has yet to be awarded, and in the future the USDVA adjudicates a service connected ra
- [12] VA disability benefits overview (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
sent securely. Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now VA disability compensation VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illnes
- [13] VA disability benefits overview (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
ratings and effective dates. And find out what to do after you get your rating. An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you file a claim. Find out why you might need a claim exam. Learn how to schedule and prepare for your appointment. And find out what to expect during and after the exam. The effective date is the day you can start getting your disabilit
- [14] Request military service records and DD214 (opens in a new tab)
United States National Archives and Records Administration · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Mother Son Daughter Sister Brother Public access depends on the discharge date: Records are accessioned into the National Archives, and become archival, 62 years after the service member's separation from the military. This is a rolling date, the current year minus 62 years. See more information on records older than 62 years. Archival records are open to the public and can be ordered online for a copyi
- [15] Request military service records and DD214 (opens in a new tab)
United States National Archives and Records Administration · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
of discharge Last unit of assignment Place of entry into the service, if known. All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next of kin. If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary. Recommended Information (optional):
- [16] Request military service records and DD214 (opens in a new tab)
United States National Archives and Records Administration · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
dals? Watch the eVetRecs Process in Action Start Request Online Important Note: Users are required to verify their identity through the third party service, ID.me, when submitting new requests and retrieving electronic responses. Clicking on Start Request Online will initiate that process. DD 214/ Separation Documents Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) Replacement Medals Med
- [17] Request military service records and DD214 (opens in a new tab)
United States National Archives and Records Administration · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
discharge date. (Learn more) Free if Discharge Date is LESS than 62 years ago: Generally there is no charge for basic military personnel and medical record information provided to veterans, next of kin and authorized representatives from Federal (non-archival) records. Some companies advertise DD Form 214 research services and will charge a fee for obtaining copies. This is provided a
- [18] Request military service records and DD214 (opens in a new tab)
United States National Archives and Records Administration · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
fashion, keep in mind we receive approximately 4,000 - 5,000 requests per day. Please do not send a follow-up request before 90 days have elapsed, as it may cause further delays. Who may request military service records? You may request military service records (including DD 214) if you are: A military veteran, or Next of kin of a deceased, former member of the m
- [19] VA health care enrollment — how to apply (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
are benefits Gather the information listed here that you’ll need to fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) You’ll need this information: Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your qualified dependents. Your military discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents), military service history information, and
- [20] VA health care enrollment — how to apply (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
for the past year. These include certain health care and education costs. Note: You don’t have to tell us about your income and expenses when you apply. But if you’re not eligible based on other factors, we’ll need this information to decide on your application. Checking your application status.Sorry, this is taking longer than expected. Apply for health care benefits<strong>We’re sorry. Something went wrong when we tr
- [21] VA health care enrollment — how to apply (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
neCall our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387 to get help with your application. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Option 2: Apply by mailFill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). Get VA Form 10-10EZ to download You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And: If you’re using a p
- [22] VA health care enrollment — how to apply (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
al, insurance, or financial information from an earlier application, fill out a Health Benefits Update Form (VA Form 10-10EZR). Get VA Form 10-10EZR to download You may qualify for VA health care and other benefits through our Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Find out if you’re eligible for caregiver assistance and how
- [23] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
selected Header Banner College Fee Waiver College Fee Waiver Page Content The College 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. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or r
- [24] VA disability benefits overview (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
sent securely. Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now VA disability compensation VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical
- [25] Request military service records and DD214 (opens in a new tab)
United States National Archives and Records Administration · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
> Veterans' Service Records > Military Service Records Request Service Records Request Military Service Records eVetRecs Help Other Methods to Obtain Service Records Special Notice Regarding Requests Military Service Records About Service Records Correcting Service Records Medical and Health Records Locations of Service Records O
- [26] VA health care enrollment — how to apply (opens in a new tab)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
d quality in VA health care Patient rights and responsibilities In this section How to apply for VA health care Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. How do I prepare before I start my application? Find out if you’re eligible for VA health care benefits Gather the information listed her
- [27] CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans programme section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
ystem campus. Contact Eligibility FAQ Resources Locations Contact Contact Info To apply download an application, then go to your local CalVet Veteran Services CVSO Locations. For more information, you can also contact the admissions office or the Veterans Affairs office of any California college system campus. Eligibility Eligib
- [28] CalVet CVSO provider — Santa Cruz (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Veterans Affairs · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Santa Cruz County Veterans Service Office Location: Santa Cruz Description: Hours: M – Thr 8am–12pm & 1pm–5pm; W 8am–12pm DROP–INS ONLY Office: 842 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 114.6 mi. Main: (831) 454-7276 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Location: Watsonville Descript
- [29] Santa Cruz — Veterans Services (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Community Community Needs Assessment Santa Cruz County Veterans Services Office The Santa Cruz Veterans Service Office is a State and County funded agency, established in 1946 to assist veterans, military retirees, and their families in obtaining benefits earned by military service. Contact Us Our Vision To serve, respect, and honor veterans and their families. Our Missio
- [30] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
mmunity Needs Assessment Contact Us Santa Cruz County Veteran's Services Office 842 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Office: (831) 454-7276 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Watsonville Veteran's Services Office 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 9
- [31] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
County Veteran's Services Office 842 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Office: (831) 454-7276 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Watsonville Veteran's Services Office 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076 Office: (831) 763-
- [32] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Office: (831) 454-7276 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Watsonville Veteran's Services Office 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076 Office: (831) 763-8868 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fri
- [33] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
nday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Watsonville Veteran's Services Office 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076 Office: (831) 763-8868 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Have a question? Veterans Services Officer E-mail: veteranservicesoffice@san
- [34] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
le Veteran's Services Office 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076 Office: (831) 763-8868 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Have a question? Veterans Services Officer E-mail: veteranservicesoffice@santacruzcountyca.gov. Cou
- [35] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076 Office: (831) 763-8868 Fax: (831) 458-7116 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Have a question? Veterans Services Officer E-mail: veteranservicesoffice@santacruzcountyca.gov. County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Contact Us | Disclaimers | Services A-Z Human Services Department | Veterans
- [36] Veterans services — santacruz-contact (opens in a new tab)
Santa Cruz County veterans services · Named veterans office, branch or programme contact section
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Thursdays. Closed on Fridays Have a question? Veterans Services Officer E-mail: veteranservicesoffice@santacruzcountyca.gov. County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Contact Us | Disclaimers | Services A-Z Human Services Department | Veterans Services | Foster Care We are dedicated to making a difference © County of Santa Cruz Human Se