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Apply for CA college waiver for veteran dependents

Need to know

The Marin County Veterans Service Office (VSO) processes the California College Fee Waiver (CCFW) Program, a state education benefit administered by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).

  • This benefit uses the CalVet DVS-40 application.
  • It is an annual application and must be renewed each academic year.
  • No appointment is needed.
  • You may complete the application online and upload all supporting documents directly.

The program waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees for eligible dependents attending:

  • California Community Colleges (CCC)
  • California State University (CSU)
  • University of California (UC)

Important notes

  • This is a state benefit, not a federal VA program.
  • Eligibility depends on the veteran’s service-connected disability rating, and for certain plans, the student’s income.
  • The VSO reviews documentation, verifies eligibility, and issues an Award Letter, which the student must provide to their school.
  • Schools make the final determination on whether the waiver applies to specific academic programs.
  • Students should confirm residency, program eligibility, and campus policies with their school.
  • The waiver does not cover books, parking, housing, room and board, or optional campus fees.
  • There are four CalVet CCFW plans, and dependents may be eligible under different categories.

Before you start

Gather required documents

Veteran documentation

  • DD-214 (discharge document)
  • VA Benefits Summary Letter showing service-connected disability rating
    Download VA letters

If a VA Form 21-22 is on file, the VSO may verify the veteran’s rating/DD-214 directly.

Dependent's documentation

  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if the student is a stepchild or spouse)
  • Adoption records or court/legal documents establishing dependency

Student income documents — required for Plan B

  • Annual income verification documentation (one required):

Eligibility notes (Plan B – most common)

Plan B is income-based and requires student income verification documents (parent income verification is not required).

CalVet publishes student annual income limits:
CalVet - College Fee Waiver

If the DVS-40 reports both $0 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and $0 Annual Value of Any Support Received, the student must include a short, signed statement explaining how they support themselves.

Interaction with Federal Benefits

  • CCFW is a state benefit and does not affect federal VA eligibility.
  • Students receiving Chapter 35 (DEA) may still qualify under Plan B (income verification required).
  • 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.
  • If You Need Non-Filing Letters:

What to do

  1. Gather your required documents
    (dependency, DD-214, VA rating letter, student income documents)
  2. Complete the CalVet Fee Waiver Application (DVS-40)
  3. Upload or submit your documents to the VSO
    • Upload directly through the online form
    • Or email / drop off / mail your documents
  4. Respond to any requests for additional information
    • The VSO will contact you if clarification is needed.
  5. VSO reviews your application
    • The VSO determines eligibility based on documentation.
  6. Receive your Fee Waiver Award Letter
    • If approved, the VSO will issue your letter.
  7. Submit your Award Letter to your school
    • The school’s financial aid office determines final program eligibility.
    • You must reapply each academic cycle

 

Option 1 — Apply online (Recommended)

Option 2 — PDF application

If you cannot apply online:

What's next

What's next content

After the VSO receives your completed application:

  • A VSO representative will review your documents
  • If anything is missing, you will be contacted
  • If approved, you will receive the student's Award Letter
    • Submit the Award Letter to your school’s financial aid office
    • The school makes the final determination on program eligibility
  • If your application is denied, you will receive a Letter of Denial explaining the reason and your options.

Annual renewal

You must reapply each academic cycle with a new DVS-40 and updated income documentation.

Get help

Marin County VSO

CalVet — College Fee Waiver Program

Federal VA Education Benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 35 DEA)

Related

Page last updated on Mayo 21, 2026.

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