Veterans now have a new smart phone tool to help them connect with their benefits and find services that will help them successfully transition from military to civilian life.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has released mobile applications (apps) for California veterans and their families. These apps provide any-where, any-time access to information about employment, education, housing, health and other benefits and services available to California veterans. The apps, available for both Android and iPhone devices, detail specific veteran benefits, including eligibility, providers, hours of operation, and contact information. Using GPS technology, the apps provide maps and driving directions to the nearest County Veterans Service Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health facility and clinics, and other facilities and organizations that offer services to veterans.

“CalVet is very excited about being able to reach and assist veterans in such an immediate and personal way,” said Peter J. Gravett, CalVet Secretary. “Recently-returned veterans are especially savvy when it comes to technology, but these mobile apps are intuitive enough to allow veterans of every era to connect quickly and easily with CalVet and with the benefits they’ve earned.”

The CalVet app for DROID devices is can be downloaded for free by clicking the icon located on the Home page of the CalVet web site, www.calvet.ca.gov. The app for Apple devices is available for free from any Apple App Store.