Services for Veterans
The Employment Development Department (EDD) assists veterans and their eligible spouses to maximize their employment and training opportunities. Veterans are entitled to many resources designed to help in their search for employment.
The EDD veterans’ representatives specialize in assisting veterans in their efforts to return to work and are located in many local EDD offices. Services provided include a veteran 24-hour priority hold on all job listings, customized job search assistance, job fairs, employer recruitments, and other events and resources.
Veterans are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an EDD veterans’ representative for personalized services and assistance to achieve professional goals.
CalJOBSSM: California labor exchange system allows job seekers to create résumés that can be seen by employers, search the full-service employment center for job openings, and more. CalJOBS can help veterans translate their military training and specialties into marketable skills applicable to civilian jobs. It also allows employers to post job openings, browse through thousands of viable résumés and find qualified candidates.
- CalJOBS
Veterans often have an established record of reliability, discipline, resilience, and willingness to learn new skills that are applicable to a variety of fields. Their military experience, skills, and specialized training can be matched to number of desirable qualifications sought by employers, making veterans already ready and able to work. Let CalJOBS help you translate your military skills into something civilian employers can understand and appreciate in just three simple steps:
- Step 1: Visit CalJOBS and select “Find a Job”
- Step 2: Use the link under the “Search” button, next to the U.S. Flag to enter your military occupation.
- Step 3: Under the “Military Occupational Specialty” section, select the options to begin your search.
Veterans will be directed to employers with job openings that match their military experience.
- Veteran Eligibility
The EDD service eligibility requirements for veterans are defined.
- EDD Office Locator
Each local office has a veteran representative who is available to work with you.
- Unemployment Insurance (UI)
The UI program provides workers, who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, with weekly UI payments. Former service personnel may be eligible for UI benefits.
- Job Fairs and Workshops
Locate job fairs and workshops for veterans in your area.
- CalJOBS
If your business has an open position, visit CalJOBS (California‘s online labor exchange system) select "Find a Candidate" then select “Yes” from the “Veteran” dropdown menu option. You will find a pool of highly qualified individuals ready to step in and help you succeed.
- Employer Guide to Hire Veterans (PDF)
From America’s Heroes at Work, a step-by-step toolkit for employers.
- HIRE Vets Medallion Program
This program recognizes small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and large companies for their leadership in recruiting, employing, and retaining America's veterans.
- USERRA Information
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- O*Net Online
Tool for career exploration and job analysis.
- Veterans in Farming or Ranching Careers
For transitioning service members and returning military veterans seeking to enter into farming or ranching careers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterans page serves as a one-stop navigator to help veterans learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship in farming and ranching.
- Center for Women Veterans Fact Sheet
The Center for Women Veterans fact sheet from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Frequently Asked Questions From Women Veterans
The Center for Women Veterans FAQ page from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Women Veterans Health Care
Department of Veterans Affairs’ Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group (Women’s Health) provides programmatic and strategic support to implement positive changes in the provision of care for all women Veterans.
- Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)
Information on the Dependents’ Educational Assistance, which provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans.
- Homeless Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of resources, programs, and benefits to end veteran homelessness.
- Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Survivor Benefits
Support for the surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died while in active military service and to the survivors of veterans who died after active service.
- The 2018 California Employer Advisory Council Veterans Employer of the Year Awards is now accepting nominations
Nominate employers who consistently demonstrate positive policies toward U.S. veterans.
- California Department of Veterans Affairs
The state of California’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
- U.S. Department of Labor: Military Spouses
An online portal helping military spouses understand how their professional licenses and credentials can transfer from one duty station to another.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S federal government’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Make the Connection
An online resource for veterans, family members, and friends to connect with resources and solutions to issues affecting their lives.