The Ultimate Guide to Veteran Benefits in Texas [Updated]

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Texas is the #1 most veteran-friendly state in America and offers many great benefits for disabled veterans.

While California remains the most populated state for veterans, Texas will soon become the #1 overall state for veterans in the country.

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) administers a wide range of Texas veteran benefits programs, including VA claims assistance, education, employment, entrepreneurs and small business owners, grants, health care advocacy, mental health, and women veterans.

Another outstanding resource for veteran benefits in Texas is the new TexVet website, which provides a comprehensive listing of veteran benefits by county.

The newly launched Texas Veterans Portal connects veterans, their families, and caregivers to the benefits and services earned through their military service. 

Veteran Benefits in Texas for Taxes and Loans

Texas VA Disability Property Tax Exemption

Veterans in Texas with a 10% to 90% service-connected VA disability rating can get a reduction of their home’s assessed value from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on their disability rating percentage.

Texas is one of 16 states that offer full property tax exemptions for 100 percent disabled veterans.

Texas veterans with a 100% scheduler VA rating, 100% Individual Unemployability VA rating (TDIU), OR a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA disability rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.

Texas Veteran Property Tax Exemption Calculator

VA Disability Rating	Texas Property Tax Exemption Amount
10% to 29%	$5,000 from the property’s value
30% to 49%	$7,500 from the property’s value
50% to 69%	$10,000 from the property’s value
70% to 90%	$12,000 from the property’s value
100% scheduler, 100% P&T, or 100% TDIU	Tax exempt with no limits

Surviving spouses also qualify. Disabled Veterans are required to apply for residence homesteads owned by veterans or surviving families each year.

The deadline for filing for a disabled veteran’s exemption is between January 1 and April 30 of the tax year.

However, you may file for a disabled veteran’s exemption up to one year from the delinquency date.

Property taxes for veterans in Texas are locally assessed and administered by each county.

To file for a disabled veteran’s exemption, you must complete the Application for Disabled Veteran’s or Survivor’s Exemptions form and submit it to the appraisal district in which the property is located.

Source: Texas Tax Code Section 11.131

What is the Texas Veterans Land Loan Program?

The Veterans Land Board (VLB) Land Loan Program provides financing on tracts for eligible veterans up to $150,000 with a minimum 5% down payment and a fixed-rate 30-year loan term. 

The current Land Loans interest rate for Texas veterans is 6.95%.

The 5% down payment is subject to credit approval.

A $325 appraisal and contract service fee are due at the time of application.

There is no prepayment penalty.

Texas veterans interested in finding land for purchase can view the VLB site below:

• View VLB land for sale
• Visit a property search website that lists land for sale in Texas
• Call VLB at 800-252-8387

Once a Veteran or their successor has successfully paid off a VLB land loan s/he may apply for another VLB land loan.

The same applies to our home and home improvement loan programs.

Do Texas Veterans Pay Income Tax?

No, Texas does not collect income tax on individuals, and therefore, veterans in Texas do not pay any state income tax, nor are they required to file a state tax return.

Military retirement pay, SBP payments, and VA disability pay are also tax-free in Texas.

Veteran Benefits in Texas for Education

Hazlewood Act for Texas Veterans

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 does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

To be eligible for the Hazlewood Act in Texas, a Veteran must:

• At the time of entry into active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces,
  • Designated Texas as Home of Record; or
  • Entered the service in Texas or
  • Was a Texas resident;
• Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions as indicated on the Veteran’s Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214);
• Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training);
• Currently reside in Texas.
• Have no federal Veteran’s education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
• Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas.
• 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 let Veterans receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses; 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 and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.
• Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces,
  • be classified by the institution as a Texas resident,
  • designated Texas as Home of Record,
  • or entered the service in Texas;

To be eligible for the Hazlewood Act in Texas, the spouse of the Veteran must:

• Be a spouse of a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Texas National Guard who died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action, or became totally disabled (100%) as a result of service-related injury or illness or is entitled to receive compensation at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (IU) due to a permanent service-connected injury or illness;
• Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
• Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident; 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 and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours. This requirement does not apply to the spouse of a MIA, KIA, or service-connected deceased Veteran.

To be eligible for the Hazlewood Act in Texas, the child of a Veteran must:

• Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces,
  • be classified by the institution as a Texas resident,
  • designated Texas as Home of Record,
  • or entered the service in Texas;
• Be a child of a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or Texas Air National Guard who died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action, or became totally disabled (100%) as a result of a service-related injury or illness or is entitled to receive compensation at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (IU) due to a permanent service-connected injury or illness;
• Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
• Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident; 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 and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours. This requirement does not apply to the child of a MIA, KIA, or service-connected deceased Veteran.

Veteran Benefits in Texas for Housing

Texas State Veterans Homes provides affordable, long-term care for Texas Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star Parents.

Conveniently located across Texas, each first-class facility is designed to enhance the quality of life with a clean, caring, and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor.

There are nine homes for Texas Veterans in the following Texas cities:

• Amarillo
• Big Spring
• Bonham
• El Paso
• Floresville
• Houston
• McAllen
• Temple
• Tyler

Because the VA subsidizes much of a Veteran’s cost to stay at a VLB Texas State Veterans Home, daily out-of-pocket rates are well below average and include the cost of medications for Veterans.

Residents can choose between a spacious private or semi-private room based upon availability.

Memory Care units at each home provide highly specialized care, including beautifully landscaped, secure courtyards.

Like all VLB programs, the Texas State Veterans Homes are self-supporting and cost Texas taxpayers virtually nothing.

Texas Veteran VA Facilities

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the largest healthcare system in the world.

Veterans in Texas can use this VA resource locator for various VA healthcare and VA benefits programs throughout the state.

Veteran Benefits in Texas for Employment

Work in Texas Veteran Jobs

The Work in Texas Veteran Jobs website helps veterans in Texas translate their military skills to jobs in the civilian marketplace.

The military occupation code crosswalk function allows veterans to enter the type of work they performed in the armed forces and receive a list of civilian jobs that require those skills.

Job Coaching and Resume Writing Services for Veterans

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) offers veterans a comprehensive approach to finding their next career by offering a suite of services, including one-on-one job coaching, interview skills, and resume development.

The TVC also offers several great On-the-Job training programs, which allow Veterans to learn a trade or skill through training on the job rather than by attending a formal program of classroom-based instruction yielding a degree or certificate.

Hire Veterans is the #1 Veteran Jobs Marketplace

Hire Veterans is the World’s #1 Most Trusted Marketplace to Search and Find Top Jobs for Veterans.

Veterans looking to start an exciting new career with America’s top employers can create a FREE profile and search and find more than 60,000 active jobs at HireVeterans.com

Texas Veterans DMV Benefits

Free Driver’s License for Texas Disabled Veterans

Disabled Veterans in Texas with at least a 60% VA disability rating and an honorable discharge can get a Texas driver’s license or ID card for free.

Veteran Benefits in Texas for Recreation

Free Hunting and Fishing License for Texas Veterans

Disabled Veterans in Texas with an honorable discharge and a 50% or greater VA disability rating or who have suffered the loss of use of a foot or leg as a result of service can get a free Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License each year.

The Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package is available at no cost for Texas Disabled Veterans.

The Super Combo License Package includes:

• Resident hunting license
• Resident fishing license
• Archery endorsement
• Freshwater fishing endorsement
• Saltwater fishing endorsement with a red drum tag
• Upland game bird endorsement
• Migratory game bird endorsement
• Federal Duck Stamp is NOT included, but is required for waterfowl hunting

Free Hunting Trips for Veterans in Texas

There are several organizations in Texas that offer free hunting trips for veterans. These organization include:

• Hunting with Soldiers
• Burts Ranch: Hunt for Heroes
• Cover 6 Outdoors

Texas Veterans State Park Admissions

The Disabled Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks for Texas Disabled Veterans with a 60% or more service-connected disability or loss of lower extremity.

One additional person may assist the pass holder at a reduced rate of 50% of the standard entry fee.

Present valid identification (such as a driver’s license) AND at least one of the following to get your passport:

• Disabled Veterans of Texas license plate receipt
• Veteran’s VA Disability Summary Award Verification Letter (which establishes the degree of disability)
• Tax exemption letter for Texas veterans

Miscellaneous Veteran Benefits in Texas – Discounts and Free Services

1. The Folds of Honor Foundation has two scholarship programs for Texas disabled Veterans. Both types of the Folds of Honor scholarships are based on “unmet need” as determined by documentation submitted by the awardee and can be valued up to $5,000. VA Claims Insider is a 1-Star Friends of the Folds partner to enable these incredible scholarship programs for the dependents of Disabled Veterans:
   • The first is The Children’s Fund Scholarship, which serves the dependents of disabled veterans rated at 90% or higher from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
   • The second is The Higher Education Scholarship, which helps the dependents of disabled veterans rated at 10% or higher who are seeking a first bachelor’s degree or a certification at a post-secondary institution.
2. Freedom Hunters offers Texas Disabled Veterans outdoor adventures and hunting for military veterans and their families.
3. The Gratitude Initiative provides Disabled Veterans in Texas with educational support and college scholarships to the children and families of military service members, veterans, disabled veterans, and those killed in defense of our country, and they work with children and their parents around the globe and throughout the United States at NO COST to include online college & career counseling, test prep, and financial aid counseling through the GI College Success Academy.
4. The Veteran Tickets Foundation (VetTix) teams up with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues, and ticket holders to provide free tickets to the more than 21 million military and veterans, including Disabled Veterans in Texas.

Veteran Benefits in Texas – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Texas a veteran-friendly state?

Yes, Texas is the #1 most veteran-friendly state in the country and offers a wide variety of great benefits for veterans and their families.

Is there a Texas VA disability property tax exemption?

Yes, Texas veterans with a 10% to 90% service-connected VA disability rating can get a reduction of their home’s assessed value from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on their disability rating percentage. 100% disabled veterans are exempt from paying any property tax.

Does Texas offer a property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans?

Yes, Texas veterans with a 100% scheduler VA rating, 100% Individual Unemployability VA rating (TDIU), OR a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA disability rating are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence. The veteran’s surviving spouse is eligible for the same exemption provided he or she remains unmarried and remains in the home. If the surviving spouse relocates, the exemption is limited to the amount received in the last year on the former homestead. Source: Texas Tax Code Section 11.131

Are there any Texas disabled veteran license plates benefits?

Yes, Texas Disabled Veterans with at least a 60% VA disability rating can get a Texas driver’s license or ID card for FREE.

Do veterans get a free hunting and fishing license in Texas?

Yes, Texas veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher, or who have suffered the loss of use of a foot or leg as a result of service, can get a free Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License each year.

Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating?

Texas is one of the most veteran-friendly states in in the country, and as you can see, many of the great benefits depend on your VA disability rating.

If you’re a veteran in Texas with a 0% to 90% VA rating, and you think you deserve a higher VA rating, we can help!

At VA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrate LIFE CHANGE by getting you the VA disability rating and compensation you deserve by law.

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If you’re ready to secure the VA disability claim rating and compensation you deserve for your honorable service to our nation, simply click the button below now to start our FREE 3-step intake process (you’ll hear from a Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes).