The Guide to Veteran Benefits in Texas
Texas offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, providing support and recognition for their service and is considered the #1 state for veterans in the country. Veterans in Texas can take advantage of various benefits, including property tax exemptions that can alleviate the burden of homeownership, educational benefits, ensuring veterans have access to educational opportunities and career advancement, park and outdoor benefits to provide veterans with recreational opportunities in beautiful natural settings, and burial benefits, honoring veterans’ final resting place and providing assistance to their families.
These comprehensive benefits showcase Texas’ commitment to supporting and honoring its veterans in multiple aspects of their lives. Let’s dive into each of these benefits so that you can fully understand the support and opportunities available to you as a veteran in Texas.
Employment Benefits
Texas offers a variety of employment benefits to veterans, including priority service, employment preference, and training programs.
Priority Service
Veterans have priority service for all employment, job training, and related services provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). This means that veterans are given first consideration for jobs, training programs, and other services.
If a state employer requires a competitive examination for selecting or promoting employees, an individual eligible for Veterans hiring preference who is qualified for that position and received a passing score will have 10 points added to their test score. A Veteran who has a service-connected disability will have an additional five points added to their test score.
The following individuals are eligible for Veterans hiring preference:
- Honorably discharged Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 consecutive days during a declared national emergency or was discharged prior to 90 days due to a service-connected disability
- Honorably discharged Veterans with a service-connected disability, as determined by the VA or their branch of service
- Veteran’s unremarried Surviving Spouse
- Orphan of a Veteran who was killed while on active duty
Training Programs
The TWC offers a number of training programs for veterans, including:
- Career counseling
- Job search assistance
- On-the-job training
- Training for specific industries
You may have heard of the new benefits that remove barriers for veterans who want to form a business. Effective January 2022, the benefit waives the formation fee for new 100% veteran-owned business entities and relieves veteran-owned businesses of the Texas franchise tax for the initial 5-year period. Will your business qualify? If you answer “yes” to these questions, it may:
Property Tax Exemptions
As a homeowner in Texas, you may be eligible for a number of property tax exemptions. These exemptions can help to reduce your property tax bill, which can save you money each year.
There are a number of different property tax exemptions available in Texas. Some of the most common exemptions include:
Residence homestead exemption:
This exemption is available to homeowners who own and occupy their home as their principal residence. The amount of the exemption is based on the value of the home.
Over 65 or disabled exemption:
This exemption is available to homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are disabled.
Amounts for Partially Disabled Veterans:
In Texas, veterans with a disability rating of:
- 100% are exempt from all property taxes
- 70 to 100% receive a $12,000 property tax exemption
- 50 to 69% receive a $10,000 property tax exemption
- 30 to 49% receive a $7,500 property tax exemption
- 10 to 29% receive a $5,000 property tax exemption
Disabled Veterans 65 years old or older can receive a property tax exemption of $12,000 and must meet the one of following requirements:
- Service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
- Totally blind in one or both eyes
- Lost the use of one or more limbs
Veteran exemption:
This exemption is available to veterans who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days, or who were discharged due to a service-related disability. The amount of the exemption is $10,000.
Veteran Home Improvement Program (VHIP)
The Texas Veteran Home Improvement Program (VHIP) is a loan program that provides Texas veterans with below-market interest rates to finance home repairs and improvements. The VHIP is administered by the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB).
To be eligible for the VHIP, veterans must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Texas resident.
- Be a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days, or who was discharged due to a service-related disability.
- Own and occupy the property as their principal residence.
- Have a good credit history
The VLB offers loans up to $50,000.00 for a 2-20-year term or loans from $7,500 – $10,000.00 for a 2-10-year term.
Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater qualify for a discounted interest rate.
The VHIP loan proceeds can be used to make repairs and improvements to the veteran’s existing primary residence. Eligible repairs and improvements include:
- Adding or repairing accessible features for disabled veterans.
- Making repairs to damaged or deteriorated roofs, siding, windows, or doors.
- Making repairs to plumbing, electrical, or heating/cooling systems.
- Making improvements to the kitchen or bathroom.
- Adding or repairing security features.
- Making other improvements that make the home more safe, sanitary, or accessible.
To apply for a VHIP loan, veterans must contact the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB). The VLB will review the application and determine if the veteran is eligible for a loan. If the veteran is approved for a loan, the VLB will issue a loan agreement and closing documents. The veteran will then be able to use the loan proceeds to make the necessary repairs or improvements to their home.
The VHIP is a great resource for Texas veterans who need help financing home repairs and improvements. The program provides veterans with access to below-market interest rates and flexible terms, making it easier for them to make their homes more safe, sanitary, and accessible.
The VLB Veterans Land Loan Program is the only one of its kind in the nation, giving Texas Veterans and Military Members the opportunity to borrow up to $150,000 to purchase land at competitive interest rates while typically requiring a minimum five percent down payment for tracts of one acre or more.
The program is easy to use and offers Texas Veterans and Military Members exclusive financing towards the purchase of their own piece of Texas. The bonds used to fund the program are retired from loan repayments and the cost of administering the program is financed through a small fee charged on each loan.
VA Loans
A VA loan is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans offer a number of benefits, including:.
- VA loans are backed by the U.S. government, which means that lenders are less likely to lose money if a borrower defaults on the loan. This makes VA loans more attractive to lenders, which can lead to lower interest rates and more favorable terms.
- VA loans do not require a down payment. This can be a major benefit for veterans who do not have a lot of money saved for a down payment.
- VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is a type of insurance that is required on conventional loans with less than a 20% down payment. PMI can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly mortgage payment.
- VA loans have more lenient credit and debt-to-income requirements than conventional loans. This means that veterans with less-than-perfect credit may still be able to qualify for a VA loan.
- VA loans can be used to purchase a home, build a home, or refinance an existing mortgage.
Funding Fees
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that is paid to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when you obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan. The fee helps to offset the cost of the VA’s home loan program.
| If your down payment is… | Your VA funding fee will be… | |
| First use | Less than 5% | 2.15% |
| 5% or more | 1.5% | |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | |
| After first use | Less than 5% | 3.3% |
| 5% or more | 1.5% | |
| 10% or more | 1.25% |
VA Loan Requirements:
You may qualify for a VA loan by meeting one or more of the following requirements:
- You served 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime.
- You served 181 days of active service during peacetime.
- You have 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves, or served 90 days (at least 30 of them consecutively) under Title 32 orders.
- You are the spouse of a service member who died while serving or due to a service-related disability.
The Hazlewood Act
The Hazlewood Act is a Texas law that provides tuition-free education to veterans who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days. Veterans can use the Hazlewood Act to attend any public college or university in Texas.
The Hazlewood Act was passed in 1949 by Texas Governor Beauford Jester. The law was named after James B. Hazlewood, a World War II veteran who was a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
The Hazlewood Act has been amended several times over the years. The most recent amendment was made in 2019. The amendment expanded the eligibility requirements for the Hazlewood Act and increased the amount of tuition-free education that veterans can receive.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Hazlewood Act, veterans must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Texas.
- Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Have served on active duty for at least 90 days.
- Have been discharged from the military under honorable conditions.
Benefits
Veterans who are eligible for the Hazlewood Act can receive the following benefits:
- Tuition-free education at any public college or university in Texas.
- Tuition reimbursement for up to 150 hours of credit at a private college or university in Texas.
- Tuition reimbursement for up to 150 hours of credit at a foreign college or university.
Application Process
To apply for the Hazlewood Act, veterans must visit the website of the Texas Veterans Commission. On the website, veterans can fill out an application and submit the required documentation.
The required documentation includes:
- Proof of residency.
- Proof of military service.
- DD-214 discharge form.
Texas Military and Veterans Parks and Recreation Benefits
Texas offers a variety of parks and recreation benefits to veterans, including free hunting and fishing licenses, free state park passes, and discounts on camping and other activities.
Resident and Nonresident Disabled Veterans
Free Texas Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package
Resident and nonresident disabled veterans are eligible for a free “Super Combo” Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package. This package includes a hunting license, a fishing license, and an annual state park pass. Veterans do not have to be Texas residents to qualify.
To get the free package, veterans must submit proof of their disability to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Proof of disability can be a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 form, a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a letter from the veteran’s doctor.
Once veterans have submitted proof of their disability, they will receive a free “Super Combo” Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package in the mail. The package will include:
- A hunting license -The hunting license allows veterans to hunt big game, small game, and waterfowl in Texas
- A fishing license -The fishing license allows veterans to fish in any public waters in Texas.
- An annual state park pass -The state park pass allows veterans to enter any state park in Texas for free.
Who is eligible for Free Texas Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package for Resident and Nonresident Disabled Veterans?
- Resident and nonresident Veterans who have lost the use of a foot, leg or have a 50% or more disability rating and receive compensation from the VA are eligible.
How to Apply:
Veterans must apply in person at a license retailer and will be required to provide official documentation from the VA certifying their disability or provide a Texas Disabled Veteran driver license or ID card.
Resident Active Duty Service Members and Veterans
Free Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Licenses
Active Duty resident Service members are eligible for the Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package, the All-Water Fishing Package, or the Hunting Package free of charge.
Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing 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, stamp is required for waterfowl hunting)
All-Water Fishing Package includes:
- Fishing license
- Freshwater and Saltwater endorsements
- Red drum tag
Hunting Package includes:
- Hunting license
- Archery endorsement
- Upland game bird endorsement
- Migratory game bird endorsements (Federal Duck Stamp is not included, stamp is required for waterfowl hunting)
Who is eligible for Free Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Licenses for Resident Active Duty Service Members?
- Applicants must be a Texas resident serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces to be eligible.
How to Apply:
- When applying Service members must provide proof that Texas is their home of record or that they have been assigned to a duty station in Texas for the past six months.
- Service members must apply in person at a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department License Retailer.
Texas Hunting and Fishing Licenses for All Active Duty Service Members
Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty anywhere (and their dependents) are eligible to purchase Texas Parks and Wildlife Department licenses for resident prices.
Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans
Disabled Veterans who have a 60% or greater disability and are receiving compensation from the VA are eligible for a no-fee driver license.
Disabled Veterans who have a 50% or greater disability rating from the VA or a 40% disability rating and have a lower extremity amputation are eligible for the ‘Disabled Veteran’ designation.
Veterans must provide an original or copy of the following documents as proof of their eligibility:
- DD214
- DD215
- NGB22
- VA disability letter with rating percentage
- Texas concealed handgun license (CHL) or license to carry (LTC) with a Veteran designator.
Disabled Veteran License Plates
Disabled veteran license plates in Texas are special license plates issued to honor and provide benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities. These plates offer certain privileges and parking benefits to facilitate the mobility and convenience of disabled veterans. Here’s a guide on how to obtain a disabled veteran license plate in Texas:
Eligibility : To qualify for a disabled veteran license plate, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
- Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 50% as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Obtain certification from the VA confirming your disability rating.
Required Documentation : Gather the necessary documents to support your eligibility. You will typically need to provide the following:
- A completed Application for Disabled Veteran License Plates (Form VTR-615).
- A copy of your DD Form 214, which verifies your military service and honorable discharge.
- Documentation from the VA confirming your service-connected disability rating.
- Application Process: Complete the Application for Disabled Veteran License Plates (Form VTR-615). Provide your personal information, including your veteran status and disability rating details. Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
Medical Certification : As part of the application process, you may need to obtain medical certification from a licensed physician or a doctor at a VA hospital. This certification verifies your disability rating and may require an examination or medical records review.
Fee Exemption : Disabled veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating are typically exempt from license plate fees. However, processing and handling fees may still apply.
Submission : Submit your completed application, supporting documents, and any required fees to your local county tax office.
Processing and Delivery : Once your application is received, the Texas DMV will review and process it. If approved, your disabled veteran license plates will be manufactured and made available for pickup at your local county tax office.
Benefits of Disabled Veteran License Plates
Once You have received your disabled veteran license plates, you will have access to a wealth of benefits including:
Parking Privileges: Disabled veteran license plates allow you to access designated parking spaces specifically reserved for individuals with disabilities. These spots are typically located closer to entrances, making it easier for you to navigate and access buildings or facilities.
Parking Fee Exemptions: In many cases, disabled veteran license plate holders are exempt from paying parking fees at certain public parking areas, including metered parking spaces. This exemption can save you money and provide added convenience when parking in designated areas. This includes parking fee exemptions at places such as:
- Most Major Airports in Texas including DFW, IAH, Love Field, and Hobby.
- These airports also extend their fee extensions to any veteran with Texas specialty license plates ( listed here ).
Toll Fee Exemptions : In Texas, disabled veteran license plate holders are often exempt from paying toll fees on state-operated toll roads and toll bridges. This benefit can help reduce travel expenses and make commuting more affordable for disabled veterans.
- Most of the toll roads in Texas are free, however, some will still require disabled veterans to pay the charge. These include toll roads in North Texas (NTTA).
Entertainment Benefits
There are also several entertainment benefits for veterans in Texas. Have fun at a discounted price at events such as:
- Texas Rangers Games- Discounted tickets
- Dallas Stars Games- Discounted Tickets
- Six Flags over Texas- Discounted Tickets
- Houston Astros Games- Discounted tickets
- Seaworld- 1 Free admission per year for military families
- Schlitterbahn- Discounted tickets
Texas Veterans Cemeteries
Texas has four state veterans cemeteries in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, and Mission. All Texas veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no charge for burial of the veteran or their family.
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) became available January 1, 2023 and offers guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage of up to $40,000 to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Learn more about VALife. Lesser amounts are available in increments of $10,000. Under this plan, the elected coverage takes effect two years after enrollment as long as premiums are paid during the two-year period
Texas Benefits for Veterans Recap
At the Living in Dallas Texas Team , we are always looking out for our fellow veterans. We understand the importance of accessing the benefits available to you as a veteran in Texas. Our mission is to help you find your next home in Dallas, so you can fully experience and take advantage of these benefits. With our expertise and personalized service, we are committed to guiding you through the home-buying process and ensuring that you make the most of the support and opportunities available to veterans in Texas. Let us be your trusted partner in finding your perfect home and unlocking the benefits you deserve.
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