Texas Veteran Benefits

Texas, home to one of the largest veteran populations in the United States, offers a wide range of benefits and services tailored to support veterans, their families, and their survivors. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Texas-specific benefits, covering financial assistance, recreational opportunities, educational programs, housing and employment resources, burials and memorials, and tax incentives. Whether you're a new veteran, a long-time resident, or a family member seeking support, this guide will help you navigate Texas's veteran benefits landscape. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information. Below is a detailed breakdown of these benefits:

Texas Veteran Financial Benefits

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Texas offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability rating. Veterans with at least a 10% disability rating are eligible for a partial exemption, while veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for a total exemption on their primary residence (Texas Property Tax Code Section 11.131).

  • Hazlewood Act Exemption: This program provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at state-supported colleges or universities for eligible Texas veterans and their dependents (Texas Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter D).

  • Veterans' Cash Bonus Program: Texas offers a cash bonus to veterans who served during specific periods, like Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bonus amount varies depending on the length and nature of service (Texas Government Code, Chapter 434, Subchapter F).

  • Military Service Credit for State Retirement Systems: Texas allows veterans to purchase service credits for their time in the military, which can be applied to the state retirement system (Texas Government Code Chapter 813).

  • Veterans' Financial Assistance Programs: The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) offers emergency financial assistance for veterans and their families through programs like the Veterans Assistance Fund, providing support for essential needs.

  • Vehicle Registration Fee Exemptions: Texas offers vehicle registration fee exemptions to veterans with a 100% disability rating or those with mobility issues (Texas Transportation Code Section 502.202).

Recreation Benefits

  • Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Texas offers free "Super Combo" hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating and to those who lost a limb or their eyesight due to service (Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 43).

  • Reduced State Park Admission: Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating, or who were honorably discharged, can receive a State Parklands Passport for free admission to Texas state parks (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department).

  • Veterans' Outdoor Programs: Texas hosts special outdoor events and programs exclusively for veterans, providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.

  • Veterans-Only Campgrounds: Certain state parks in Texas reserve campgrounds specifically for veterans, offering a unique setting for outdoor recreation and community-building.

  • Veterans' Recreational Therapy Programs: Texas has programs that use outdoor activities as therapy for veterans, particularly those dealing with PTSD or other service-related conditions.

  • Veterans' Access to State Park Facilities: Some Texas state parks offer special accommodations for disabled veterans, such as wheelchair-accessible campsites and trails.

Education Programs

  • Hazlewood Act: This program provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption for eligible Texas veterans at state-supported colleges or universities (Texas Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter D). This benefit can also be transferred to eligible dependents.

  • Veterans' Higher Education Assistance Fund: This fund offers scholarships and grants to veterans pursuing higher education in Texas, helping cover tuition, books, and other education-related expenses.

  • On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships: The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) offers on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs for veterans, providing hands-on experience and training in various trades.

  • Veterans' Education and Career Counseling: Texas provides education and career counseling to veterans through the TVC, helping them transition into civilian careers and find suitable educational programs.

  • Veterans' Employment Preference in Higher Education: Texas offers employment preference for veterans in hiring and promotion within state colleges and universities (Texas Government Code Section 657.003).

  • Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) for Veterans: This grant program provides financial assistance to eligible veterans attending public two-year colleges in Texas, covering tuition and fees.

Housing and Employment

  • Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Home Loans: The VLB provides low-interest home loans to Texas veterans, with favorable terms and no down payment required for qualifying veterans (Texas Natural Resources Code Chapter 162).

  • Texas State Veterans Homes: Texas operates state veterans homes providing long-term care to eligible veterans and their spouses. These facilities offer skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.

  • Veterans' Preference in State Employment: Texas grants veterans' preference in state employment, offering additional points during the hiring process (Texas Government Code Chapter 657).

  • Veterans' Employment Services: The Texas Veterans Commission offers employment services to veterans, including job placement, resume writing, and interview coaching.

  • Veterans' Housing Assistance Program: The VLB offers the Veterans Housing Assistance Program, providing low-interest loans for veterans looking to build or purchase homes in Texas.

  • Homeless Veterans' Assistance Programs: Texas has programs dedicated to addressing and reducing veteran homelessness, including emergency housing, transitional housing, and supportive housing services.

Burials and Memorials

  • Texas State Veterans Cemeteries: Texas operates several state veterans cemeteries providing free burial services to eligible veterans and their spouses, including a burial plot, headstone, and burial services (Texas Government Code Chapter 614).

  • Military Funeral Honors: Texas ensures that eligible veterans receive military funeral honors, including a ceremonial flag-folding, a rifle salute, and a bugler playing "Taps" (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000).

  • Grave Markers and Flags: Texas provides grave markers and flags to honor veterans in state veterans cemeteries and other designated burial sites.

  • Memorial Events and Ceremonies: Texas hosts annual memorial events to honor veterans, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at state veterans cemeteries and other locations.

  • Texas Veterans Memorials and Monuments: Texas has numerous veterans memorials, including the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Texas World War II Memorial, among others.

  • State Assistance with Burial Benefits: Texas offers assistance to families of veterans seeking federal burial benefits through the Texas Veterans Commission.

Tax Incentives

  • Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: Texas offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability rating. The exemption amount depends on the disability rating, with full exemption for 100% disabled veterans (Texas Property Tax Code Section 11.131).

  • No State Income Tax: Texas does not have a state income tax, benefiting all residents, including veterans. This includes military retirement pay and other sources of income.

  • Vehicle Registration Fee Exemptions: Texas offers vehicle registration fee exemptions to veterans with a 100% disability rating or those with mobility issues (Texas Transportation Code Section 502.202).

  • Business Tax Incentives for Veterans' Employers: Texas provides business tax incentives to employers who hire veterans, encouraging companies to support veteran employment (Texas Government Code Chapter 434).

  • Sales Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans: Texas offers sales tax exemptions on adaptive equipment for disabled veterans, such as wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

  • Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption: Veterans with a 100% disability due to service-connected conditions are exempt from paying sales tax on one vehicle purchase (Texas Tax Code Section 151.308).

VA Benefit Resources in Texas

  • VA Health Care System in Texas: Texas has several major VA medical centers, including the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio, providing a full range of healthcare services to veterans.

  • Texas Veterans Commission (TVC): This state agency provides resources, guidance, and assistance for veterans seeking benefits, housing, education, and more.

  • Veterans Service Officers (VSOs): Texas has Veterans Service Officers across the state to assist veterans with benefit claims, appeals, and other VA-related matters.

  • VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs): Texas has several CBOCs offering healthcare services in locations more accessible to veterans, reducing the need for travel to major cities.

  • Veterans' Outreach Programs: Texas offers veteran outreach programs through the TVC, connecting veterans with resources and benefits through information sessions and community events.

  • Veterans' Crisis Hotlines and Support Groups: Texas has crisis hotlines and support groups for veterans, providing mental health resources and emotional support.

Texas stands as a steadfast supporter of its veteran community, offering a comprehensive array of disability benefits and support programs. Through financial assistance, educational opportunities, housing support, and employment services, the state honors the service and sacrifice of its veterans and their families. With dedicated agencies and programs in place, Texas is committed to helping veterans access the benefits and resources they have earned through their honorable service to the nation. For disabled Veterans seeking VA compensation or additional benefits, consultation with us at ForTheVeteran can offer expert guidance.

How can we help?

We are deeply understand VA Disability Benefits and work closely with you to get you all the benefits you're owed. Our team includes veterans and their families who understand the sacrifices you've made. We know how military service can affect your health, and our goal is to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.