The Hazlewood Act: Veteran Education Benefits for Texas Veterans [2022 Ultimate Guide]

Texas is poised to surpass California as the most veteran-populated state. Unique Texas veteran financial benefits (such as those from the Hazlewood Act and the Texas Veterans Land Board) make Texas known for being one of the most veteran-friendly states.

Our article 10 Best Veteran Benefits in Texas Explained highlights many of the great Texas state benefits for veterans and their families. One of these is an education benefit called the Hazlewood Act.

Let’s jump in and explore the Hazlewood Act and learn how it may benefit you and your family!

What is the Hazlewood Act?

According to the Texas Veterans Commission, The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition-free college at state schools. This benefit does not include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

The origins of the Hazlewood Act date back to 1923 when the state legislature directed schools to cover college costs for WWI veterans, nurses, and their children. The benefit is named in honor of former Texas Senator Grady Hazlewood, who helped update the law in 1944 to include veterans of WWII.

Who qualifies for the Hazlewood Act?

Eligible veterans and active-duty members and their spouses and dependents may all benefit from the Hazlewood Act.

To be eligible for the Hazlewood Act in Texas, a veteran must, at the time of entry into active-duty military service:

• Have Texas be the designated home of record; or
• Have entered the service in Texas; or
• Have been a Texas resident.

In addition to these residency requirements, ALL of the below must be true in order for a veteran (or his/her dependents) to be eligible for the Hazlewood Act.

• The veteran must have received an honorable discharge or separation (or a general discharge under honorable conditions) as indicated on his or her Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or equivalent);
• The veteran must have served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training); (this includes those called up to active duty from the Texas National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas Army National Guard)
• (While NOT part of federal veteran’s education benefits)The veteran must have no federal veterans education benefits for the term or semester in which he or she is enrolled (or remaining benefits must be less than the value of Hazlewood benefits);
• The veteran must not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas;
• The veteran (or eligible dependent) must enroll in classes for which the college receives tax support (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its cost)— unless the college’s governing board has ruled to allow eligible students to receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses;
• The veteran (or eligible dependent) must meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program; and
• The veteran (or eligible dependent) must not exceed the allowable amount of credit hours.

Is my spouse eligible for the Hazlewood Act?

Your spouse may receive up to 150 hours of free tuition if you are a Hazlewood-eligible veteran who is rated by the VA as 100% P&T (permanent and total).

Are my kids eligible for the Hazlewood Act?

Each of a veteran’s dependents may receive up to 150 hours of free tuition if:

• The service connected deceased veteran died as a result of service related injuries or illness, went missing in action, or became totally disabled (100%) as a result of a service-connected injury or illness;
• You’re entitled to receive compensation at the 100% P&T rate due to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to a permanent service-connected injury or illness;
• You have no federal veterans education benefits for the term or semester in which you’re enrolled (or remaining benefits are less than the value of Hazlewood benefits)

Hidden VA Benefits for Florida and Texas Residents

What is the Hazlewood Legacy Program?

Additionally, if not using the benefits themselves, Hazlewood-eligible veterans may “gift” some or all of their own 150 hours of free tuition to their children (provided that only one child at a time can be using the benefit).

A veteran cannot transfer his/her unused hours to a spouse. This transfer can only be made to children.

Listed below are the Hazlewood Legacy Program (HLP) requirements that eligible children must meet to have Hazlewood Act benefits transferred to them:

• be a Texas resident (as classified by the institution);
• be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent of a Hazlewood-eligible veteran in the current or previous tax year;
• be age 25 or younger on the first day of the semester in which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying health reason); and
• meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program (as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy)

Can grandchildren use the Hazlewood Act? 

Hazlewood Act Policy Advisory 2015-02 states that a grandchild may qualify for Hazlewood or Hazlewood Legacy benefits in certain circumstances. The grandchild may be eligible to receive benefits if the qualified veteran grandparent or surviving spouse is raising (or raised) the grandchild as a child or in loco parentis (in place of a parent).

What is the GPA requirement for the Hazlewood Act?

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) Requirements

Does the Hazlewood Act expire?

No. However, the number of semester credit hours is limited to 150 hours.

Is there an age limit for the Hazlewood Act?

No. The veteran can use the Hazlewood Act for up to a maximum of 150 attempted credit hours. However, it’s important to note that dependents must begin the first semester on or before the 25th birthday to remain eligible.

Do I have to live in Texas to use the Hazlewood Act?

Yes, if you are the one taking credit hours. However, if you (or your spouse) are on active duty and stationed outside of Texas, you may be exempt from this eligibility requirement.

Also, if your disability is rated 100% P&T (Permanent and Total) or you qualify for Individual Unemployability, you don’t have to maintain Texas residency while your eligible children or spouse use their Hazlewood Act benefits.

Can I use the Hazlewood Act for online classes? 

Conditionally, yes. The Hazlewood Act covers online classes if they receive formula funding, are taken through Texas public institutions, and the charges are paid to the institution (and not a third party).

Does the Hazlewood Act pay for housing? 

No. This program doesn’t cover books, living expenses, or related fees.

Where are the Hazelwood Act login and Hazlewood Act application?

For Hazlewood Act login info you can click here: Hazlewood Act login and search TVC Hazlewood.

For Hazlewood application info and instructions, you can click here: Hazlewood application info or visit TVC.

Also, be sure to check out many other excellent Texas state benefits highlighted in our guide 10 Best Veteran Benefits in Texas Explained!

MAKE SURE TO GET ALL THE VA BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

Regardless of what state you live in, it’s important that you pursue the monthly compensation payments that you’re due for disabilities connected to your military service.

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation they deserve. At VA Claims Insider, we help veterans understand and take control of the claims process, so they can get the rating and compensation they’re owed by law.

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating fast!

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve!

We’ve supported more than 15,000 veterans to win their claims and increase their ratings. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.

About the Author

Trisha Penrod

Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. As an Intelligence Officer, she led teams of analysts to apply advanced analytic skills to identify, assess, and report potential threats to U.S. forces.

Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University.  After receiving an honorable discharge in 2018, Trisha worked as a growth marketer and utilizes her analytic skills to help others accomplish their business goals.