Texas Veteran Financial Benefits
No State Income Tax in Texas:
Texas does not impose a personal state income tax. This means withdrawals from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not subject to state taxation.
Homestead Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled or Unemployable Veterans:
In Texas, property taxes are assessed and collected at the local level by county Appraisal Districts and Tax Assessors/Collectors since the state does not levy a property tax. The Texas Comptroller’s guide, Texas Property Tax Exemptions, provides an overview of the available exemptions.
Veterans who are rated by the VA as 100% disabled due to service-connected conditions, or who are considered unemployable, are entitled to a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.
This benefit also extends to surviving spouses who remain unmarried and continue living in the veteran’s homestead. If the surviving spouse relocates to a new residence without remarrying, they can transfer the exemption to the new home, keeping the same exemption amount as applied to the original property.
Veterans qualifying for multiple property exemptions may only claim one but can select the most beneficial option. For further details, individuals should contact their local County Appraisal District or Tax Assessor/Collector.
Partial Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans and Veterans Over 65:
Texas also provides partial property tax relief for veterans with service-connected disabilities, with the exemption amount determined by the VA’s disability rating:
- $5,000 for a 10%–29% disability rating
- $7,500 for a 30%–49% disability rating
- $10,000 for a 50%–69% disability rating
- $12,000 for a 70%–99% disability rating
Additionally, veterans who are 65 years or older and meet one of the following conditions may qualify for a $12,000 property tax exemption:
- Have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
- Are completely blind in one or both eyes
- Have lost the use of one or more limbs
The surviving spouse or an unmarried child under 18 of a qualifying veteran who passes away may also be eligible for this exemption.
As with other exemptions, veterans who qualify for more than one may only receive a single exemption but may choose the highest available benefit. To apply or learn more, contact the local County Appraisal District or Tax Assessor/Collector.
Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Service Members Killed in Action:
The surviving spouse of a U.S. Armed Forces service member who was killed in the line of duty may receive a full property tax exemption on their homestead, provided they do not remarry.
Recreation
Texas Veteran Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Benefits
Free Super Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package for Disabled Veterans:
Both resident and nonresident disabled Veterans can receive the Texas Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package at no charge. This comprehensive license includes:
- Resident hunting license
- Resident fishing license
- Archery endorsement
- Freshwater fishing endorsement
- Saltwater fishing endorsement (includes a red drum tag)
- Upland game bird endorsement
- Migratory game bird endorsement (note: the Federal Duck Stamp is still required for waterfowl hunting)
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans with a VA disability rating of 50% or higher, or those who have lost the use of a foot or leg, qualify for this benefit. Veterans must apply in person at an authorized retailer and show official VA documentation of their disability or provide a Texas Disabled Veteran ID or driver’s license.
Free Licenses for Texas Resident Active-Duty Service Members:
Resident Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive, free of charge, one of the following license packages:
- Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package
(includes resident hunting license, resident fishing license, archery, freshwater, saltwater with red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird endorsements) - All-Water Fishing Package
(fishing license, freshwater and saltwater endorsements, and red drum tag) - Hunting Package
(hunting license, archery, upland game bird, and migratory game bird endorsements)
Note: The Federal Duck Stamp is still required for waterfowl hunting.
Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must be Texas residents on active duty, with proof that Texas is their home of record or that they have been stationed in Texas for at least six months. Applications must be made in person at a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department license retailer.
Resident Pricing for Active-Duty Service Members Nationwide:
Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces (regardless of duty location) and their dependents are eligible to purchase Texas hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.
Texas Parklands Disabled Veteran Passport:
Eligible disabled Veterans can obtain the Parklands Disabled Veteran Passport, which provides free entry for the Veteran and one guest into all Texas State Parks.
Eligibility: Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 60% or those who have lost the use of a lower extremity qualify. Residency in Texas is not required. To apply, Veterans must provide one of the following:
- Texas Disabled Veteran license plate receipt
- VA Disability Award Letter
- Texas Veterans property tax exemption letter
Applications can be submitted at any Texas State Park.
Texas Veteran and Military Education Benefits
Texas National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STA)
The STA program provides financial support to eligible members of the Texas Military Department who are pursuing their education.
- Awards at public colleges: Up to the cost of 12 credit hours of tuition and fees, capped at $4,500 per semester.
- Private schools: Award amounts are based on the average public-school award, also capped at $4,500 per semester.
- Funds are available only during the Fall and Spring semesters and are paid at the end of the term.
- Out-of-state/nonresident tuition, incomplete or failed classes, and non-credit continuing education courses are not covered.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Actively drilling Texas National Guard Service member in “Good Standing.”
- Rank: Enlisted (E1–E9), Officers (O1–O5), or Warrant Officers (W1–W3).
- Must be accepted into a qualifying Texas college/university and registered for at least 3 semester credit hours.
- Completed basic training before the semester begins.
- Must serve through the semester; ETS/MRD must fall after the last class day.
- Eligible ROTC Cadets (GRFD) may apply.
- Can be combined with other state and federal tuition benefits.
- Must attend a public or private (non-profit) Texas institution.
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher.
Texas Hazlewood Act Tuition Exemption
The Hazlewood Act exempts qualified Veterans from tuition and most fees at public colleges and universities in Texas for up to 150 credit hours. (Does not cover housing, books, or supplies.)
Veteran Eligibility:
- Entered U.S. Armed Forces with Texas listed as the home of record, entered service from Texas, or was a Texas resident at enlistment.
- Honorably discharged (must show on DD214).
- Served at least 181 days of active duty (excluding training).
- Currently reside in Texas.
- Have no federal education benefits left that exceed the value of Hazlewood.
- Not in default on a Texas student loan.
- Enroll in state-supported courses.
- Meet GPA standards and degree progress requirements.
Hazlewood Act Benefits for Spouses & Children
Spouses and dependent children of certain Veterans may also receive tuition exemptions for up to 150 credit hours.
Veteran must have:
- Designated Texas as home of record, entered service from Texas, or been a Texas resident.
- Been killed in action, declared missing in action, died from service-connected causes, or have a 100% permanent disability (or VA unemployability rating).
Spouse/Child requirements:
- Texas resident for tuition purposes.
- Not in default on a Texas student loan.
- No federal benefits greater than Hazlewood.
- Must meet GPA and progress standards (except if parent is KIA, MIA, or deceased from service).
Hazlewood Act – Legacy Program
Veterans eligible for Hazlewood may transfer unused tuition hours to a dependent child.
Child Eligibility:
- Texas resident.
- Biological, adopted, stepchild, or claimed as dependent on taxes.
- Age 25 or younger at the start of the semester (extensions possible for serious illness/disability).
- Must meet GPA and degree progress requirements.
Unused hours can be reassigned to another dependent, but only one child at a time may use Hazlewood Legacy.
Other Texas Education Benefits
- Texas TAPS Tuition Voucher Program: Students in grades 6–12 or postsecondary schools earn a $25 tuition voucher each time they play “Taps” at Military Funeral Honors.
- Texas High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Veterans who left school early to serve can be awarded a high school diploma retroactively.
Eligibility: Must have been honorably discharged, scheduled to graduate between 1940–1975 or after 1989, and left school after 6th grade to serve in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, or another declared conflict. Applications go to the Veteran’s last school district (or successor district). Can be issued posthumously. - Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): Helps military families by easing school transfers, ensuring fair placement, and promoting on-time graduation for children of service members.
- Texas Purple Star Campus Designation: Recognizes schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students. Requirements include appointing a trained military liaison, ensuring staff are informed of student needs, and creating a dedicated web page with resources for military families.
Housing: Veterans Homes in Texas
Texas operates nine State Veterans Homes that offer cost-effective, long-term nursing care for eligible Veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents. Staff members in these homes receive specialized training to better understand the military lifestyle and post-traumatic stress, ensuring they deliver compassionate, supportive, and knowledgeable care tailored to Veterans and their families.
Texas State Veterans Home at Amarillo
Texas State Veterans Home at Big Spring
Texas State Veterans Home at Bonham
Texas State Veterans Home at El Paso
Texas State Veterans Home at Floresville
Texas State Veterans Home at Houston
Texas State Veterans Home at McAllen
Texas State Veterans Home at Temple
Texas State Veterans Home at Tyler
Each Texas State Veterans Home provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with alternative options such as equine, art, music, and pet therapy. Depending on availability, residents may choose private or semi-private rooms. Every home also includes Memory Care units designed to deliver specialized support in a secure setting.
Eligibility for Care
Texas State Veterans Homes are open to Veterans who served a minimum of 90 days on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were honorably discharged. Spouses and Gold Star parents (parents of Service members who died in service) may also qualify. Applicants must have lived in Texas for at least one day and provide a physician’s referral confirming the need for long-term care.
Employment and Job Training Benefits for Veterans in Texas
Paid Military Leave for State Employees
Texas state, county, municipal, or political subdivision employees who serve in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves are entitled to 15 workdays of paid military leave per fiscal year.
- This leave covers authorized training or duty.
- Employees do not lose vacation time, sick leave, personal time, efficiency ratings, or seniority while on leave.
Eligibility: State employees actively serving in the Guard or Reserves.
Reemployment After Military Service
State or local government employees who leave their jobs for active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces are entitled to return to:
- Their previous position, or
- A comparable role with similar pay, seniority, and status.
Requirements:
- Must reapply within five years of leaving for service.
- Must have an honorable discharge.
- Must be physically and mentally able to perform job duties.
🔹 If a service-connected disability prevents a Veteran from performing their old job, they must be placed in a comparable position they can perform.
Professional Licensing Benefits (TDLR)
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) provides licensing support for Service members, Veterans, and military spouses, including:
- Accepting military training/experience toward license requirements.
- Expedited application processing.
- Two extra years to renew an expired license without late fees.
- Waived examination requirements (in some cases).
- Assistance transferring out-of-state licenses for military spouses.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Programs
The Texas Veterans Commission OJT Program helps Veterans gain practical job skills while earning wages.
- Training lasts 6 months to 2 years.
- Positions must be entry-level with clear advancement goals.
- Training must include structured supervision and proper recordkeeping.
- Wages start at least 50% of the fully trained rate and must increase during training.
- Upon completion, Veterans should earn at least 85% of the full wage.
Veteran Hiring Preferences in Texas State Employment
Texas state agencies must give preference to Veterans in hiring until 20% of their workforce is made up of Veterans.
- Extra Exam Points: Veterans receive +10 points on hiring exams; service-connected disabled Veterans receive an additional +5 points.
- Non-Exam Situations: Disabled Veterans are prioritized over equally qualified applicants.
- Order of Preference:
- Disabled Veterans
- Veterans
- Unremarried surviving spouses of Veterans
- Orphans of Veterans killed on active duty
Veterans eligible for preference are also protected in workforce reductions.
Federal Employment Preferences
Federal law also provides Veteran hiring and retention advantages:
- 5-point preference: For wartime service, Gulf War service, Iraq/Afghanistan service, or qualifying expeditionary medals.
- 10-point preference: For Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and qualifying surviving spouses/parents.
- Special protections apply to Veterans separated for disability, hardship, or certain other reasons.
USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act)
USERRA is a federal law that safeguards job rights for Service members. Key protections include:
- Reemployment Rights: Veterans must be rehired in their former role (or one they would have earned) with full seniority and benefits.
- Five-Year Service Limit: Service members may be away from work up to five years and still retain job protections (exceptions apply).
- Disability Accommodation: Employers must make reasonable efforts to accommodate service-connected disabilities.
- Health & Pension Coverage: Service members can continue employer-sponsored health coverage for up to 24 months while serving.
- Non-Seniority Benefits: While on military leave, employees retain the same rights as those on comparable non-military leave.
Eligibility: Applies to Veterans, National Guard members, and Reserve members who leave civilian jobs for military service or training.
The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) enforces USERRA and assists with claims.
Burials and Memorials
It’s important to record your wishes about burial in a national cemetery and the use of a VA-provided headstone, ensuring these details are filed with your personal documents and medical records.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) honors qualified Veterans and their families by offering a dignified final resting place and a permanent tribute recognizing the Veteran’s service to the nation.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any open national cemetery with available space, the opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-issued headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate — all at no cost to the family. Certain Veterans may also qualify for a burial allowance. Cremated remains receive the same level of honor and respect as casketed remains and may be interred or inurned within national cemeteries.
These benefits also apply to eligible spouses and dependents, providing burial alongside the Veteran and lifelong maintenance of the site. The spouse’s or dependent’s name, along with their birth and death dates, is inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone free of charge. Notably, spouses and dependents may be interred even if they pass before the Veteran, and they are not required to be buried in the same cemetery as the Veteran.
National Cemeteries include:
Dallas: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
El Paso: Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Houston: Houston National Cemetery
Kerrville: Kerrville National Cemetery
San Antonio: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
San Antonio: San Antonio National Cemetery
Texas VA Benefit Resources
Texas provides Veterans with two Regional Benefits Offices and VA Medical Centers.
Texas VA Regional Benefits Office
- Houston: Houston Regional Benefit Office
- Waco: Waco Regional Benefit Office
Texas VA Medical Centers
- Bonham: Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center
- Dallas: Dallas VA Medical Center
- Houston: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
- Kerrville: Kerrville VA Hospital
- Waco: Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Key Details on Texas Veteran Benefits:
If you’re applying for VA benefits in Texas for the first time, you’ll need to provide a copy of your DD 214 (discharge papers). This document verifies your discharge status, full name, Social Security number, branch of service, and service dates. Veterans with honorable or general discharges are generally eligible for most VA benefits.
It’s essential to store your discharge documents and medical records in a secure, easily accessible place. A safe or similar protected location ensures that your paperwork cannot be lost, destroyed, or tampered with.
Eligibility for VA benefits typically depends on a discharge from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Active duty includes full-time service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer with the Public Health Service, Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Veterans discharged under “dishonorable” conditions due to bad conduct from a general court-martial are generally ineligible for VA benefits. However, Veterans who are incarcerated or on parole may still qualify for certain benefits. Regional VA offices can provide clarification regarding eligibility for individuals with multiple discharges under different conditions or for those currently in prison or on parole.
Information current as of November 2023
Texas Veteran Benefits
Disabled Veterans in Texas with a VA disability rating of 90% or lower may qualify for extra benefits. Vital Veterans Consultants offers a free, no-obligation consultation to review your claim and help determine if you are eligible for additional support.
