State / Territory Benefits - Texas
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Benefits
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities
Summary: Texas offers many special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including Property Tax Exemptions, State Retirement Benefits, Veterans Home Improvement Loan Program, Texas National Guard Tuition Scholarship Program, Veterans Employment Preference, Vehicle License Plates, as well as Hunting and Fishing License privileges which is only a few. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status. Wartime Veterans have preference in employment with State agencies or offices, as do widows and children of those killed on active duty. State law requires State agencies must practice Veterans' preference until they have reached 40% Veteran employment.
State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility
Military Retirement Income: There is no Texas military retirement income tax.
Personal Income Taxes: There is no Texas State personal income tax.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before September 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.
Residence Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans who are rated 100% service-disabled and their surviving spouses are exempt from personal property tax on their home. The un-remarried surviving spouses are eligible for the Homestead Tax Exemption as of January 1, 2012. Download and print the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from the Comptroller's Web site.
The Hazlewood Act: The Texas 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 exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Veteran Qualifications
A Veteran must:
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At the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, designated Texas as Home of Record; or entered the service in Texas; or was a Texas resident;
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Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
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Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training), as indicated by "net active service" (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d) on the DD214);
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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; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
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Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas; and
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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.
Hazlewood Act for Spouse/Child
The Hazlewood Act is also extended to spouses and dependent children of eligible active duty, Texas National Guard, and Air National Guard Veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result of injury or illness directly related to military service, are missing in action, or who became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of a service-related injury or illness. Each child and spouse will receive a 150 credit hour exemption.
Note: A child of a qualified Veteran who is not 100% disabled or has a service connected death may qualify for benefits under the Hazlewood Legacy Program (See below).
Qualifications
A spouse must:
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Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas;
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Be a spouse 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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits and;
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Be a resident of Texas for the term or semester enrolled.
A child must:
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Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas
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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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Be between the ages of 18-25 years old on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition);
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits; and
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Are residents of Texas as of the term or semester in which they enroll.
Legacy Act (Child)
Eligible Veterans may assign unused hours of exemption eligibility to a child under certain conditions. To be eligible, the child must:
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Be a Texas resident,
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Be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent in the current or previous tax year,
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Be 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition), and
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Make satisfactory academic progress in a degree, certificate, or continuing education program as determined by the institution.
*If a child to whom hours have been delegated fails to use all of the assigned hours, a Veteran may re-assign the unused hours that are available to another dependent child. Only one child can use the Hazlewood Act at a time.
Reemployment to Same Position Following Military Service: A Veteran is entitled to reemployment rights with his/her last employer when he/she is released from the Armed Forces of the United States, providing the absence is no longer than five years. The right of reemployment is available regardless of whether the Veteran was, prior to service, employed by the State, county or city government, or by private industry. Upon completion of state active duty service, reinstated to the same employment held when ordered to active duty, without loss of seniority, status, time, efficiency rating, vacation time, rate of pay, or any benefit of employment.
Eligibility: Veteran must be discharged, separated, or released from active military service under honorable conditions not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of induction, enlistment, or call to active military service and physically and mentally qualified to perform the duties of that position.
Reemployment to another Position Following Military Service: A public employee who cannot perform the duties of a position to which the employee is otherwise entitled under Section 613.002 because of a disability the employee sustained during military service is entitled to be reemployed in the department, office, commission, or board of the state, a state institution, or a local governmental entity in a position that the employee can perform and that has like seniority, status, and pay as the former position; or the nearest possible seniority, status, and pay to the former position.
Eligibility: A Veteran eligible for reemployment under this chapter must apply for reemployment not later than the 90th day after the date the Veteran is discharged or released from active military service. An application for reemployment must be made to the head of the department, office, commission, or board of the state, the state institution, or the local governmental entity that employed the Veteran before entering military service and must be in writing; and have attached to it evidence of the Veteran's discharge, separation, or release from military service under honorable conditions.
Individuals Entitled to Veterans' Employment Preference: An individual who qualifies for Veteran's employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a public entity or for a public work of this state over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual who has an established service-connected disability and is entitled to a Veteran's employment preference is entitled to preference for employment or appointment in a position for which a competitive examination is not held over all other applicants for the same position without a service-connected disability and who do not have a greater qualification. If a public entity or public work of the state requires a competitive examination under a merit system or civil service plan for selecting or promoting employees, an individual entitled to a Veteran's employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. An individual who has an established service-connected disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or an orphan of a Veteran may also qualify for a Veteran's employment preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran must have been a) honorably discharged and b) have served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law; or c) was discharged from military service for an established service-connected disability. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or Veteran's orphan qualifies if a) the Veteran was killed while on active duty; and b) the Veteran served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law.
Veteran Employment Representative (VER): The Texas Veterans Commission offers employment services to Texas Veterans and helps employers find qualified Veteran job applicants. Our vision is that every Veteran and eligible Veteran spouse in the State of Texas has access to long term and meaningful work. To bring that vision into reality, TVC-Employment Services provides sound job coaching and pathways to overcome employment barriers. In conjunction with assisting our Veterans, our Veterans Employment Representatives (VERs) work diligently to communicate and assist employers with understanding the unique benefits and simple procedures involved with hiring Texas Veterans.
Over 170 Texas Veterans Commission VERs located in workforce center in more than 75 cities throughout Texas provide a full range of employment services and offer one-on-one assistance with job applications, resume preparation, job matching and searches, as well as other intensive services. Intensive services are offered to disabled Veterans and Veterans with barriers to employment, including but not limited to homeless, economically or educationally disadvantaged Veterans with other barriers to employment.
VERs, located at One-Stop Career Centers, provide employment related services to include: transferring military occupation to civilian occupations based on skill set; conducting job searches; providing information about employment prospects, employers; providing resources for resumes and job training as well as access to education programs; and more. For more information and assistance in locating a VER near you see the following link. VER Directory
Employment Assistance: State employee in the National Guard or Reserve may receive up to 15 days paid military leave per federal fiscal year. An employee can carry over a maximum of 15 days into the next fiscal year.
Eligibility: State employee in the Guard or Reserve for active duty (annual training), active duty training, and inactive duty training (drill).
State Retirement Benefits: Veterans are entitled to claim their active duty military time toward retirement, provided they present a proper request and pay to the Retirement System the specified amount of retirement contribution for up to 60 months military credit. Such contribution is paid at the rate which was applicable at the time the employed Veteran first was covered by the State Retirement System, plus any accrued interest.
Eligibility: Non-retired Veterans who are employed by the State of Texas.
Special Vehicle License Plates: Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Purple Heart and Medal of Honor plates are among the special license plates available to eligible Veterans and their survivors for personal use on their automobile. Disabled Veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more or 40% due to amputation of a lower extremity. Applicants must have been honorably discharged if no longer a member of the service. The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for military or Veteran plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried. Click here for all Application Forms.
National Guard or Texas State Guard: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by active members, or retired members with 20 years or more of service in the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the classification of the vehicle.
Eligibility: Active or retired members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard. The regular registration fees and other applicable fees must be submitted to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division.
Armed Forces Reserve: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by active members, or retired members with 20 years or more of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the classification of the vehicle.
Eligibility: Active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member. The regular registration fees and other applicable fees must be submitted to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division.
U.S. Paratrooper: You may apply for a set of Airborne Parachutist license plates for your car or light truck if you have satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the U.S. Army Infantry School, or if you have participated in at least one combat parachute jump. No fee is charged other than he annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the vehicle classification.
Former Prisoner of War: An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. There is no fee to apply for the second set of plates, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Eligibility: Veterans who were captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of conflict with the United States. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces.
Pearl Harbor Survivor: Two plates are issued for cars or light trucks owned by a Veteran who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the Hawaiian Islands during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. If you want additional sets, there is no fee per set payable to TxDOT, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Eligibility: A Veteran who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941 and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Pearl Harbor Survivor specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Purple Heart: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. If you want additional sets, there is no fee per set payable to TxDOT, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Eligibility: Vehicle must be owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Purple Heart Recipient specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Disabled Veteran: Two plates are issued to a motor vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less for a fee of $3 is collected on the first vehicle. An additional set of plates may be issued. The regular registration fees and other applicable fees are collected for the additional set of specialty license plates. The annual registration fee and other applicable fees are submitted to the county tax assessor-collector's office when plates are approved.
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans who are certified by the Veteran Administration to have 50% service related disability; or 40% due to amputation of lower extremity. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces.
Medal of Honor: No fee is charged for the Congressional Medal of Honor plates. Two plates are issued for a passenger car or light truck. The Veteran is allowed only one set of plates. To receive this plate, a written request must be submitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (SPB), 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, Texas 78779, along with proof of eligibility.
Eligibility: Vehicle must be owned by a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Congressional Medal of Honor specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Desert Storm Veteran License Plate: No fee is charged other than the regular annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the vehicle classification forth Desert Storm Veteran License Plates. Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces after August 1, 1990 and before April 12, 1991.
Army Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross Medal Plates: Two plates may be issued for a car or light truck owned by a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross Medal No annual fee is collected for the first set of plates. Additional sets are free, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Enduring Freedom Veterans License Plate: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the vehicle classification.
Gold Star Mother License Plate: A mother of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for a set of Gold Star Mother license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10.00 special plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee; a $10.00 renewal exists.
Gold Star Father License Plate: A father of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for a set of Gold Star Father license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10.00 special plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee; a $10.00 renewal exists.
Gold Star Family Plate: A Family member of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for one set of Gold Star Family license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10 specialty plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee a $10.00 renewal fee exists.
Gold Star Spouse Plate: The spouse of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for one set of Gold Star Family license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10 specialty plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee a $10.00 renewal fee exists.
Korea Veteran License Plate: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces after June 26, 1950 and before February 1, 1955. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the vehicle classification.
Legion of Merit: A set of license plates is issued for cars and light trucks owned by recipients of the Legion of Merit medal. No annual fee is collected for the first set of plates. Additional sets are free, but you must pay your annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Operation Iraqi Freedom License Plate: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee.
U.S. Army: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by an active or former member of the U.S. Army. There is no specialty plate fee; however, you will be required to pay the registration fee and other applicable fees.
Vietnam Veteran License Plate: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975; or in all other cases, served in the Armed Forces between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1971. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee.
Woman Veteran: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Woman Veteran license plates serving or served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Texas National Guard or the Texas State Guard. There is no annual fee for this plate, but you are required to pay the regular registration fee and any other applicable annual fees.
World War II Veteran License Plate: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by persons who served in the U.S. or Allied armed forces during World War II. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee.
Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans: Texas driver's licenses may be furnished free of charge to Veterans if the Veteran meets the following criteria: a)Was honorably discharged, b) Has a service-related disability of at least 60 percent, c) Receives compensation from the United States because of the disability and d) Is not subject to sex offender registration requirements.
Eligibility: Veterans who have service-connected disabilities rated 60% or more by the VA or by a branch of the Armed Forces of the U.S. Application must be made prior to the time present driver's license expires. Application forms should be completed by the Veteran and forwarded to the VA for verification of service-connected rating.
Group Insurance: $50,000/$18.30 mo; $30,000/$11.10 mo; $15,000/ $5.70 mo. Insurance for dependents with added coverage for children at no additional cost.
Eligibility: Member of Army National Guard.
Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member's injury occurs while serving on state active duty.
Parks and Recreation Benefits:
Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans: Disabled Veterans whom are Texas residents are eligible for special hunting and fishing licenses, at no cost.
Eligibility: A disabled Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States is one who has a service-connected disability, as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, consisting of the loss of use of a lower extremity, or a disability rating of 60% or more, and who is receiving compensation from the United States for the disability. Official proof of disability (issued by the V.A.) must be shown when applying for this license and must state the rate of disability.
Free "Super Combo" Hunting and Fishing License for Active Duty Military: A Active Duty Service member is eligible for a "Super Combo" License that includes a Resident Hunting License, a Resident Fishing License and all 5 state stamp endorsements (archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing with a red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird)
Eligibility: A Texas Resident on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves or National or State Guard. Proof of residency for this license is: military service record(s) indicating that the person's home of record is in Texas or that the person's duty station for the six months immediately prior to the time of application is in Texas.
Free Admission to State Parks for Veterans: The State Parklands Passport provides free admission to Texas State parks for Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility: Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 60% and they do not need to reside in Texas qualify.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Program: Eligible Texas Veterans can obtain a below-market interest rate loan of up to $325,000 through the Texas Veterans Home Loan Program for the purchase of a primary residence in Texas or up to $25,000 from the VLB to make improvements to their primary residence in Texas. All Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program loans must be originated by the VLB. The home loan is used in conjunction.
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the Texas Veterans Loan Programs, an applicant must have:
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Served no fewer than 90 cumulative days on active duty (including active duty for training), OR have enlisted or received an appointment in the National Guard or a Reserve component of one of the listed branches of service after completing all initial active duty training requirements as a condition of enlistment or appointment, OR have completed 20 years in a reserve component so as to be eligible for retirement, OR served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (Home Loan Program or Home Improvement Program only).
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Served after September 16, 1940.
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Not been dishonorably discharged. A person who has been discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served or from the National Guard is considered not to have been dishonorably discharged if the person: (1) received an honorable discharge; (2) received a discharge under honorable conditions; or (3) received a discharge and provides evidence from the VA, its successor, or other competent authority that indicates that the character of the person's discharge has been determined to be other than dishonorable.
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The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Texas at the time the application is made. (A 'bona fide resident" is someone who is living in Texas with the intent to remain in Texas.) This may include a Texas resident currently serving on active military duty outside of Texas. Presence in Texas due solely to military service may not establish bona fide residency; however, submission of a filed copy of a DD2058 may establish residency.
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Successfully repaid any previous Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loan. A loan is considered repaid when the account has been paid in full by the original veteran purchaser or last approved assignee. Any other active VLB loans in programs other than the one for which application is being made must be in good standing. Veterans are entitled to have only one loan in each VLB program at the same time.
Note: The unmarried, surviving spouse of a Texas veteran who is missing in action (MIA) or who died in the line of duty or from a service-related cause may be eligible to participate in the programs. The veteran's home of record must have been Texas at the time of entry into the service, or the veteran must have been a legal resident of Texas at the time of death.
Veterans with Disabilities Program: The Veterans Housing Assistance (VHAP) and Home Improvement (VHIP) Programs offer an interest rate reduction to qualifying Veterans with disabilities.
Eligibility: The Veteran must have a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or greater as verified by an Award Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veteran must also meet all other eligibility requirements for the VHAP and VHIP. All Texas Veterans Land Board loans are subject to credit approval.
Veterans Housing Assistance Purchase Program (VHAP): The Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP) provides financing up to $325,000 toward the purchase of a home to qualified Texas Veterans. Loans for $45,000 or less may be originated through the Texas Veterans Land Board's program. There is no maximum sales price with the VHAP; however, the VLB can only loan up to $325,000 towards the purchase. The VHAP is not a refinancing program. If you have an existing loan on your home, you cannot use the VHAP to lower your interest rate, nor can the VHAP be used as a down payment on a home. It can only be used as a first lien on your primary residence. The term of the loan can be 15, 20, 25 or 30 years.
Eligibility: The VHAP must be originated in conjunction with Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Administration (VA), or conventional financing. All VLB loans require an escrow account be set up for taxes and insurance Two-note conventional loans over $325,000 are subject to specific requirements.
Veterans Home Improvement Loan Program: The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) will lend eligible Texas Veterans up to $25,000 for up to 20 years on a fixed-rate note to make substantial repairs to their existing primary residence. No down payment is required. For loans of less than $10,000, the maximum term of the loan will be 10 years. All loans are FHA-insured.
Eligibility: The Veteran cannot advance any funds to the contractor or purchase materials prior to receipt of loan proceeds from the VLB. The VLB must be in a first or second lien position. All property improvements should be completed within six months from the date of disbursal of loan proceeds. If the Veteran is required to vacate the home while the improvements are being made, the Veteran must re-occupy it within 60 days after completion of the construction.
Texas State Veterans Homes: Provides affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Conveniently located across Texas in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and Tyler these first-class facilities designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor. Health services include wound care, therapeutic activities, and hospice care. A large, well-equipped physical and occupational therapy room offers the latest in rehabilitative care. Speech therapy is also available to residents. Highly specialized care is provided at each Alzheimer's unit. 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.
Eligibility: Texas Veterans recognized as an "eligible Veteran" by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), requiring long-term nursing care as determined by a physician and concurred by the VA, be at least 18 years old, a resident of Texas at the time of application, and not be dishonorably discharged. The spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse, of a Veteran and Gold Star parents are also eligible provided they meet the age and residency requirements above.
Texas State Veterans Cemetery Program: Eligibility rules and burial benefits for TSVCs are the same as for national cemeteries. Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are currently operating in Killeen, Mission, Corpus Christi, and Abilene. Burial at a Texas State Veterans Cemetery is a benefit earned by Veterans for their service to their country. There is no charge for burial of Veterans. The burial benefit includes the grave plot, the opening and closing of the grave, a concrete grave liner for casketed burials, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the grave. Please contact the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) at 1-800-252-VETS (8387) for additional information.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for a Texas State Cemetery are:
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Veterans and members of armed forces
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Certain Members of Reserve Components & Reserve Officer Training Corps
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Commissioned Officers of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Services
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World War II Merchant Marines
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Philippine Armed Forces
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Spouses and Dependents (however, burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution.)
Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces
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Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.
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Any Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or with certain exceptions, service beginning after September 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and service after October 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 continuous months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty (as in the case of a Reservist called to active duty for a limited duration). Undesirable, bad conduct and any other type of discharge other than honorable may or may not qualify the individual for Veteran's benefits, depending upon a determination made by a VA Regional Office.
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Any citizen of the United States who, during any war in which the United States has or may be engaged, served in the Armed Forces of any Government allied with the United States during that war, whose last active service was terminated honorably by death or otherwise, and who was a citizen of the United States at the time of entry into such service and at the time of death.
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Members of Reserve Components and Reserve Officers' Training Corps
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Reservists and National Guard members who, at time of death, were entitled to retired pay under Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code, or would have been entitled, but for being under the age of 60. Specific categories of individuals eligible for retired pay are delineated in section 12731 of Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code.
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Members of Reserve components, and members of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, who die while hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while performing active duty for training or inactive duty training, or undergoing such hospitalization or treatment.
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Members of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who die under honorable conditions while attending an authorized training camp or on an authorized cruise, while performing authorized travel to or from that camp or cruise, or while hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while engaged in one of those activities.
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Members of Reserve components who, during a period of active duty for training, were disabled or died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty or, during a period of inactive duty training, were disabled or died from an injury or certain cardiovascular disorders incurred or aggravated in line of duty.
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Personal Income Taxes: There is no Texas State personal income tax.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before September 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
Residence Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans who are rated 100% service-disabled and their surviving spouses are exempt from personal property tax on their home. The un-remarried surviving spouses are eligible for the Homestead Tax Exemption as of January 1, 2012. Download and print the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from the Comptroller's Web site.
Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans who are rated 100% service-disabled and their surviving spouses are exempt from personal property tax on their home. The surviving spouses are eligible for the Homestead Tax Exemption as of January 1, 2012.
The Hazlewood Act: The Texas 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 exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Veteran Qualifications
A Veteran must:
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At the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, designated Texas as Home of Record; or entered the service in Texas; or was a Texas resident;
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Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
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Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training), as indicated by "net active service" (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d) on the DD214);
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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; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
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Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas; and
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.
Hazlewood Act for Spouse/Child
The Hazlewood Act is also extended to spouses and dependent children of eligible active duty, Texas National Guard, and Air National Guard Veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result of injury or illness directly related to military service, are missing in action, or who became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of a service-related injury or illness. Each child and spouse will receive a 150 credit hour exemption.
Note: A child of a qualified Veteran who is not 100% disabled or has a service connected death may qualify for benefits under the Hazlewood Legacy Program (See below).
Qualifications
A spouse must:
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Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas;
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Be a spouse 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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits and;
Be a resident of Texas for the term or semester enrolled.
A child must:
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Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas
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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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Be between the ages of 18-25 years old on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition);
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits; and
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Are residents of Texas as of the term or semester in which they enroll.
Legacy Act (Child)
Eligible Veterans may assign unused hours of exemption eligibility to a child under certain conditions. To be eligible, the child must:
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Be a Texas resident,
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Be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent in the current or previous tax year,
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Be 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition), and
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Make satisfactory academic progress in a degree, certificate, or continuing education program as determined by the institution.
*If a child to whom hours have been delegated fails to use all of the assigned hours, a Veteran may re-assign the unused hours that are available to another dependent child. Only one child can use the Hazlewood Act at a time.
Reemployment to Same Position Following Military Service: A Veteran is entitled to reemployment rights with his/her last employer when he/she is released from the Armed Forces of the United States, providing the absence is no longer than five years. The right of reemployment is available regardless of whether the Veteran was, prior to service, employed by the State, county or city government, or by private industry. Upon completion of state active duty service, reinstated to the same employment held when ordered to active duty, without loss of seniority, status, time, efficiency rating, vacation time, rate of pay, or any benefit of employment.
Eligibility: Veteran must be discharged, separated, or released from active military service under honorable conditions not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of induction, enlistment, or call to active military service and physically and mentally qualified to perform the duties of that position.
Reemployment to another Position Following Military Service: A public employee who cannot perform the duties of a position to which the employee is otherwise entitled under Section 613.002 because of a disability the employee sustained during military service is entitled to be reemployed in the department, office, commission, or board of the state, a state institution, or a local governmental entity in a position that the employee can perform and that has like seniority, status, and pay as the former position; or the nearest possible seniority, status, and pay to the former position.
Eligibility: A Veteran eligible for reemployment under this chapter must apply for reemployment not later than the 90th day after the date the Veteran is discharged or released from active military service. An application for reemployment must be made to the head of the department, office, commission, or board of the state, the state institution, or the local governmental entity that employed the Veteran before entering military service and must be in writing; and have attached to it evidence of the Veteran's discharge, separation, or release from military service under honorable conditions.
Individuals Entitled to Veterans' Employment Preference: An individual who qualifies for Veteran's employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a public entity or for a public work of this state over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual who has an established service-connected disability and is entitled to a Veteran's employment preference is entitled to preference for employment or appointment in a position for which a competitive examination is not held over all other applicants for the same position without a service-connected disability and who do not have a greater qualification. If a public entity or public work of the state requires a competitive examination under a merit system or civil service plan for selecting or promoting employees, an individual entitled to a Veteran's employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. An individual who has an established service-connected disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or an orphan of a Veteran may also qualify for a Veteran's employment preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran must have been a) honorably discharged and b) have served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law; or c) was discharged from military service for an established service-connected disability. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or Veteran's orphan qualifies if a) the Veteran was killed while on active duty; and b) the Veteran served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law.
Special Vehicle License Plates: Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Purple Heart and Medal of Honor plates are among the special license plates available to eligible Veterans and their survivors for personal use on their automobile. Disabled Veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more or 40% due to amputation of a lower extremity. Applicants must have been honorably discharged if no longer a member of the service. The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for military or Veteran plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried. Click here for all Application Forms.
Purple Heart: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. If you want additional sets, there is no fee per set payable to TxDOT, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Purple Heart Recipient specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Eligibility: Vehicle must be owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces.
Disabled Veteran: Two plates are issued to a motor vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less for a fee of $3 is collected on the first vehicle. An additional set of plates may be issued. The regular registration fees and other applicable fees are collected for the additional set of specialty license plates. The annual registration fee and other applicable fees are submitted to the county tax assessor-collector's office when plates are approved.
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans who are certified by the Veteran Administration to have 50% service related disability; or 40% due to amputation of lower extremity. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces.
Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans: Texas driver's licenses may be furnished free of charge to Veterans.
Eligibility: Veterans who have service-connected disabilities rated 60% or more by the VA or by a branch of the Armed Forces of the U.S. Application must be made prior to the time present driver's license expires. Application forms should be completed by the Veteran and forwarded to the VA for verification of service-connected rating.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans: Disabled Veterans whom are Texas residents are eligible for special hunting and fishing licenses, at no cost.
Eligibility: A disabled Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States is one who has a service-connected disability, as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, consisting of the loss of use of a lower extremity, or a disability rating of 60% or more, and who is receiving compensation from the United States for the disability. Official proof of disability (issued by the V.A.) must be shown when applying for this license and must state the rate of disability.
Free Admission to State Parks for Veterans: The State Parklands Passport provides free admission to Texas State parks for Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility: Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 60% and they do not need to reside in Texas qualify.
Reemployment to Same Position Following Military Service: A Veteran is entitled to reemployment rights with his/her last employer when he/she is released from the Armed Forces of the United States, providing the absence is no longer than five years. The right of reemployment is available regardless of whether the Veteran was, prior to service, employed by the State, county or city government, or by private industry. Upon completion of state active duty service, reinstated to the same employment held when ordered to active duty, without loss of seniority, status, time, efficiency rating, vacation time, rate of pay, or any benefit of employment.
Eligibility: Veteran must be discharged, separated, or released from active military service under honorable conditions not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of induction, enlistment, or call to active military service and physically and mentally qualified to perform the duties of that position.
Reemployment to another Position Following Military Service: A public employee who cannot perform the duties of a position to which the employee is otherwise entitled under Section 613.002 because of a disability the employee sustained during military service is entitled to be reemployed in the department, office, commission, or board of the state, a state institution, or a local governmental entity in a position that the employee can perform and that has like seniority, status, and pay as the former position; or the nearest possible seniority, status, and pay to the former position.
Eligibility: A Veteran eligible for reemployment under this chapter must apply for reemployment not later than the 90th day after the date the Veteran is discharged or released from active military service. An application for reemployment must be made to the head of the department, office, commission, or board of the state, the state institution, or the local governmental entity that employed the Veteran before entering military service and must be in writing; and have attached to it evidence of the Veteran's discharge, separation, or release from military service under honorable conditions.
Individuals Entitled to Veterans' Employment Preference: An individual who qualifies for Veteran's employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a public entity or for a public work of this state over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual who has an established service-connected disability and is entitled to a Veteran's employment preference is entitled to preference for employment or appointment in a position for which a competitive examination is not held over all other applicants for the same position without a service-connected disability and who do not have a greater qualification. If a public entity or public work of the state requires a competitive examination under a merit system or civil service plan for selecting or promoting employees, an individual entitled to a Veteran's employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. An individual who has an established service-connected disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or an orphan of a Veteran may also qualify for a Veteran's employment preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran must have been a) honorably discharged and b) have served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law; or c) was discharged from military service for an established service-connected disability. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or Veteran's orphan qualifies if a) the Veteran was killed while on active duty; and b) the Veteran served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law.
Special Vehicle License Plates: Disabled Veterans, Former Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Purple Heart and Medal of Honor plates are among the special license plates available to eligible Veterans and their survivors for personal use on their automobile. Disabled Veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more or 40% due to amputation of a lower extremity. Applicants must have been honorably discharged if no longer a member of the service. The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for military or Veteran plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried. Click here for all Application Forms.
Purple Heart: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. If you want additional sets, there is no fee per set payable to TxDOT, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Purple Heart Recipient specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Eligibility: Vehicle must be owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces.
Disabled Veteran: Two plates are issued to a motor vehicle with a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less for a fee of $3 is collected on the first vehicle. An additional set of plates may be issued. The regular registration fees and other applicable fees are collected for the additional set of specialty license plates. The annual registration fee and other applicable fees are submitted to the county tax assessor-collector's office when plates are approved.
Eligibility: Disabled Veterans who are certified by the Veteran Administration to have 50% service related disability; or 40% due to amputation of lower extremity. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces.
Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans: Texas driver's licenses may be furnished free of charge to Veterans.
Eligibility: Veterans who have service-connected disabilities rated 60% or more by the VA or by a branch of the Armed Forces of the U.S. Application must be made prior to the time present driver's license expires. Application forms should be completed by the Veteran and forwarded to the VA for verification of service-connected rating.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans: Disabled Veterans whom are Texas residents are eligible for special hunting and fishing licenses, at no cost.
Eligibility: A disabled Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States is one who has a service-connected disability, as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, consisting of the loss of use of a lower extremity, or a disability rating of 60% or more, and who is receiving compensation from the United States for the disability. Official proof of disability (issued by the V.A.) must be shown when applying for this license and must state the rate of disability.
Free Admission to State Parks for Veterans: The State Parklands Passport provides free admission to Texas State parks for Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility: Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 60% and they do not need to reside in Texas qualify.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Program: Eligible Texas Veterans can obtain a below-market interest rate loan of up to $325,000 through the Texas Veterans Home Loan Program for the purchase of a primary residence in Texas or up to $25,000 from the VLB to make improvements to their primary residence in Texas. All Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program loans must be originated by the VLB. The home loan is used in conjunction.
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the Texas Veterans Loan Programs, an applicant must have:
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Served no fewer than 90 cumulative days on active duty (including active duty for training), OR have enlisted or received an appointment in the National Guard or a Reserve component of one of the listed branches of service after completing all initial active duty training requirements as a condition of enlistment or appointment, OR have completed 20 years in a reserve component so as to be eligible for retirement, OR served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (Home Loan Program or Home Improvement Program only).
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Served after September 16, 1940.
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Not been dishonorably discharged. A person who has been discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served or from the National Guard is considered not to have been dishonorably discharged if the person: (1) received an honorable discharge; (2) received a discharge under honorable conditions; or (3) received a discharge and provides evidence from the VA, its successor, or other competent authority that indicates that the character of the person's discharge has been determined to be other than dishonorable.
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The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Texas at the time the application is made. (A 'bona fide resident" is someone who is living in Texas with the intent to remain in Texas.) This may include a Texas resident currently serving on active military duty outside of Texas. Presence in Texas due solely to military service may not establish bona fide residency; however, submission of a filed copy of a DD2058 may establish residency.
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Successfully repaid any previous Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loan. A loan is considered repaid when the account has been paid in full by the original Veteran purchaser or last approved assignee. Any other active VLB loans in programs other than the one for which application is being made must be in good standing. Veterans are entitled to have only one loan in each VLB program at the same time.
Note: The unmarried, surviving spouse of a Texas Veteran who is missing in action (MIA) or who died in the line of duty or from a service-related cause may be eligible to participate in the programs. The Veteran's home of record must have been Texas at the time of entry into the service, or the Veteran must have been a legal resident of Texas at the time of death.
Veterans with Disabilities Program: The Veterans Housing Assistance (VHAP) and Home Improvement (VHIP) Programs offer an interest rate reduction to qualifying Veterans with disabilities.
Eligibility: The Veteran must have a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or greater as verified by an Award Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veteran must also meet all other eligibility requirements for the VHAP and VHIP. All Texas Veterans Land Board loans are subject to credit approval.
Texas State Veterans Homes: Provides affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Conveniently located across Texas in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and Tyler these first-class facilities designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor. Health services include wound care, therapeutic activities, and hospice care. A large, well-equipped physical and occupational therapy room offers the latest in rehabilitative care. Speech therapy is also available to residents. Highly specialized care is provided at each Alzheimer's unit. 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.
Eligibility: Texas Veterans recognized as an "eligible Veteran" by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), requiring long-term nursing care as determined by a physician and concurred by the VA, be at least 18 years old, a resident of Texas at the time of application, and not be dishonorably discharged. The spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse, of a Veteran and Gold Star parents are also eligible provided they meet the age and residency requirements above.
Survivor Benefits:
Personal Income Taxes: There is no Texas State personal income tax.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Not subject to federal or state taxes.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.
Residence Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans who are rated 100% service-disabled and their surviving spouses are exempt from personal property tax on their home. The un-remarried surviving spouses are eligible for the Homestead Tax Exemption as of January 1, 2012. Download and print the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from the Comptroller's Web site.
The Hazlewood Act: The Texas 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 exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Veteran Qualifications
A Veteran must:
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At the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, designated Texas as Home of Record; or entered the service in Texas; or was a Texas resident;
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Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
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Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training), as indicated by "net active service" (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d) on the DD214);
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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; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
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Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas; and
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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.
Hazlewood Act for Spouse/Child
The Hazlewood Act is also extended to spouses and dependent children of eligible active duty, Texas National Guard, and Air National Guard Veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result of injury or illness directly related to military service, are missing in action, or who became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of a service-related injury or illness. Each child and spouse will receive a 150 credit hour exemption.
Note: A child of a qualified Veteran who is not 100% disabled or has a service connected death may qualify for benefits under the Hazlewood Legacy Program (See below).
Qualifications
A spouse must:
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Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas;
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Be a spouse 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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits and;
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Be a resident of Texas for the term or semester enrolled.
A child must:
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Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas
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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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Be between the ages of 18-25 years old on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition);
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits; and
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Are residents of Texas as of the term or semester in which they enroll.
Legacy Act (Child)
Eligible Veterans may assign unused hours of exemption eligibility to a child under certain conditions. To be eligible, the child must:
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Be a Texas resident,
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Be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent in the current or previous tax year,
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Be 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition), and
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Make satisfactory academic progress in a degree, certificate, or continuing education program as determined by the institution.
*If a child to whom hours have been delegated fails to use all of the assigned hours, a Veteran may re-assign the unused hours that are available to another dependent child. Only one child can use the Hazlewood Act at a time.
Individuals Entitled to Veterans' Employment Preference: An individual who qualifies for Veteran's employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a public entity or for a public work of this state over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual who has an established service-connected disability and is entitled to a Veteran's employment preference is entitled to preference for employment or appointment in a position for which a competitive examination is not held over all other applicants for the same position without a service-connected disability and who do not have a greater qualification. If a public entity or public work of the state requires a competitive examination under a merit system or civil service plan for selecting or promoting employees, an individual entitled to a Veteran's employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. An individual who has an established service-connected disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or an orphan of a Veteran may also qualify for a Veteran's employment preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran must have been a) honorably discharged and b) have served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law; or c) was discharged from military service for an established service-connected disability. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or Veteran's orphan qualifies if a) the Veteran was killed while on active duty; and b) the Veteran served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law.
Gold Star Mother License Plate: A mother of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for a set of Gold Star Mother license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10.00 special plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee; a $10.00 renewal exists. Click here for Application Form.
Gold Star Father License Plate: A father of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for a set of Gold Star Father license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10.00 special plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee; a $10.00 renewal exists. Click here for Application Form.
Gold Star Family Plate: A Family member of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for one set of Gold Star Family license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10 specialty plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee a $10.00 renewal fee exists. Click here for Application Form.
Gold Star Spouse Plate: The spouse of a Soldier who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for one set of Gold Star Family license plates for a car or light truck. An annual $10 specialty plate fee is charged in addition to the annual registration fee a $10.00 renewal fee exists. Click here for Application Form.
Pearl Harbor Survivor: Two plates are issued for cars or light trucks owned by a Veteran who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the Hawaiian Islands during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. If you want additional sets, there is no fee per set payable to TxDOT, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Eligibility: A Veteran who was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941 and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Pearl Harbor Survivor specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Purple Heart: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. If you want additional sets, there is no fee per set payable to TxDOT, but you must pay the annual registration fee and other applicable fees.
Eligibility: Vehicle must be owned by recipients of the Purple Heart medal. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Purple Heart Recipient specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
Medal of Honor: No fee is charged for the Congressional Medal of Honor plates. Two plates are issued for a passenger car or light truck. The Veteran is allowed only one set of plates. To receive this plate, a written request must be submitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (SPB), 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, Texas 78779, along with proof of eligibility.
Eligibility: Vehicle must be owned by a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The applicant must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the United States armed forces. The surviving spouse of a Veteran who would be eligible for Congressional Medal of Honor specialty license plates is entitled to continue to register one vehicle with the specialty license plate as long as the spouse remains unmarried.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Program: Eligible Texas Veterans can obtain a below-market interest rate loan of up to $325,000 through the Texas Veterans Home Loan Program for the purchase of a primary residence in Texas or up to $25,000 from the VLB to make improvements to their primary residence in Texas. All Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program loans must be originated by the VLB. The home loan is used in conjunction.
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the Texas Veterans Loan Programs, an applicant must have:
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Served no fewer than 90 cumulative days on active duty (including active duty for training), OR have enlisted or received an appointment in the National Guard or a Reserve component of one of the listed branches of service after completing all initial active duty training requirements as a condition of enlistment or appointment, OR have completed 20 years in a reserve component so as to be eligible for retirement, OR served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (Home Loan Program or Home Improvement Program only).
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Served after September 16, 1940.
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Not been dishonorably discharged. A person who has been discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served or from the National Guard is considered not to have been dishonorably discharged if the person: (1) received an honorable discharge; (2) received a discharge under honorable conditions; or (3) received a discharge and provides evidence from the VA, its successor, or other competent authority that indicates that the character of the person's discharge has been determined to be other than dishonorable.
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The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Texas at the time the application is made. (A 'bona fide resident" is someone who is living in Texas with the intent to remain in Texas.) This may include a Texas resident currently serving on active military duty outside of Texas. Presence in Texas due solely to military service may not establish bona fide residency; however, submission of a filed copy of a DD2058 may establish residency.
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Successfully repaid any previous Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loan. A loan is considered repaid when the account has been paid in full by the original Veteran purchaser or last approved assignee. Any other active VLB loans in programs other than the one for which application is being made must be in good standing. Veterans are entitled to have only one loan in each VLB program at the same time.
Note: The unmarried, surviving spouse of a Texas Veteran who is missing in action (MIA) or who died in the line of duty or from a service-related cause may be eligible to participate in the programs. The Veteran's home of record must have been Texas at the time of entry into the service, or the Veteran must have been a legal resident of Texas at the time of death.
Texas State Veterans Homes: Provides affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Conveniently located across Texas in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and Tyler these first-class facilities designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor. Health services include wound care, therapeutic activities, and hospice care. A large, well-equipped physical and occupational therapy room offers the latest in rehabilitative care. Speech therapy is also available to residents. Highly specialized care is provided at each Alzheimer's unit. 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.
Eligibility: Texas Veterans recognized as an "eligible Veteran" by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), requiring long-term nursing care as determined by a physician and concurred by the VA, be at least 18 years old, a resident of Texas at the time of application, and not be dishonorably discharged. The spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse, of a Veteran and Gold Star parents are also eligible provided they meet the age and residency requirements above.
Texas State Veterans Cemetery Program: Eligibility rules and burial benefits for TSVCs are the same as for national cemeteries. Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are currently operating in Killeen, Mission, Corpus Christi, and Abilene. Burial at a Texas State Veterans Cemetery is a benefit earned by Veterans for their service to their country. There is no charge for burial of Veterans. The burial benefit includes the grave plot, the opening and closing of the grave, a concrete grave liner for casketed burials, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the grave. Please contact the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) at 1-800-252-VETS (8387) for additional information.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for a Texas State Cemetery are:
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Veterans and members of armed forces
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Certain Members of Reserve Components & Reserve Officer Training Corps
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Commissioned Officers of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Services
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World War II Merchant Marines
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Philippine Armed Forces
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Spouses and Dependents (however, burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution.)
Personal Income Taxes: There is no Texas State personal income tax.
Residence Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans who are rated 100% service-disabled and their surviving spouses are exempt from personal property tax on their home. The un-remarried surviving spouses are eligible for the Homestead Tax Exemption as of January 1, 2012. Download and print the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from the Comptroller's Web site.
The Hazlewood Act: The Texas 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 exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Veteran Qualifications
A Veteran must:
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At the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, designated Texas as Home of Record; or entered the service in Texas; or was a Texas resident;
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Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
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Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training), as indicated by "net active service" (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d) on the DD214);
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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; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
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Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas; and
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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.
Note: A child of a qualified Veteran who is not 100% disabled or has a service connected death may qualify for benefits under the Hazlewood Legacy Program (See below).
Qualifications
A spouse must:
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Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas;
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Be a spouse 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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits and;
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Be a resident of Texas for the term or semester enrolled.
A child must:
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Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas
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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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Be between the ages of 18-25 years old on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition);
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits; and
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Are residents of Texas as of the term or semester in which they enroll.
Legacy Act (Child)
Eligible Veterans may assign unused hours of exemption eligibility to a child under certain conditions. To be eligible, the child must:
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Be a Texas resident,
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Be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent in the current or previous tax year,
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Be 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition), and
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Make satisfactory academic progress in a degree, certificate, or continuing education program as determined by the institution.
*If a child to whom hours have been delegated fails to use all of the assigned hours, a Veteran may re-assign the unused hours that are available to another dependent child. Only one child can use the Hazlewood Act at a time.
Reemployment to Same Position Following Military Service: A Veteran is entitled to reemployment rights with his/her last employer when he/she is released from the Armed Forces of the United States, providing the absence is no longer than five years. The right of reemployment is available regardless of whether the Veteran was, prior to service, employed by the State, county or city government, or by private industry. Upon completion of state active duty service, reinstated to the same employment held when ordered to active duty, without loss of seniority, status, time, efficiency rating, vacation time, rate of pay, or any benefit of employment.
Eligibility: Veteran must be discharged, separated, or released from active military service under honorable conditions not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of induction, enlistment, or call to active military service and physically and mentally qualified to perform the duties of that position.
Reemployment to another Position Following Military Service: A public employee who cannot perform the duties of a position to which the employee is otherwise entitled under Section 613.002 because of a disability the employee sustained during military service is entitled to be reemployed in the department, office, commission, or board of the state, a state institution, or a local governmental entity in a position that the employee can perform and that has like seniority, status, and pay as the former position; or the nearest possible seniority, status, and pay to the former position.
Eligibility: A Veteran eligible for reemployment under this chapter must apply for reemployment not later than the 90th day after the date the Veteran is discharged or released from active military service. An application for reemployment must be made to the head of the department, office, commission, or board of the state, the state institution, or the local governmental entity that employed the Veteran before entering military service and must be in writing; and have attached to it evidence of the Veteran's discharge, separation, or release from military service under honorable conditions.
Individuals Entitled to Veterans' Employment Preference: An individual who qualifies for Veteran's employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a public entity or for a public work of this state over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual who has an established service-connected disability and is entitled to a Veteran's employment preference is entitled to preference for employment or appointment in a position for which a competitive examination is not held over all other applicants for the same position without a service-connected disability and who do not have a greater qualification. If a public entity or public work of the state requires a competitive examination under a merit system or civil service plan for selecting or promoting employees, an individual entitled to a Veteran's employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. An individual who has an established service-connected disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or an orphan of a Veteran may also qualify for a Veteran's employment preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran must have been a) honorably discharged and b) have served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law; or c) was discharged from military service for an established service-connected disability. A Veteran's non remarried surviving spouse or Veteran's orphan qualifies if a) the Veteran was killed while on active duty; and b) the Veteran served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law.
Employment Assistance: State employee in the National Guard or Reserve may receive up to 15 days paid military leave per federal fiscal year. An employee can carry over a maximum of 15 days into the next fiscal year.
Eligibility: State employee in the Guard or Reserve for active duty (annual training), active duty training, and inactive duty training (drill).
State Retirement Benefits: Veterans are entitled to claim their active duty military time toward retirement, provided they present a proper request and pay to the Retirement System the specified amount of retirement contribution for up to 60 months military credit. Such contribution is paid at the rate that was applicable at the time the employed Veteran first was covered by the State Retirement System, plus any accrued interest.
Eligibility: Non-retired Veterans who are employed by the State of Texas.
National Guard or Texas State Guard: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by active or retired members with 20 years or more of service in the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the classification of the vehicle.
Eligibility: Active or retired members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard. The application, the regular registration fees and other applicable fees must be submitted to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division. Click here for Application Form.
Woman Veteran: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Woman Veteran license plates serving or served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Texas National Guard or the Texas State Guard. There is no annual fee for this plate, but you are required to pay the regular registration fee and any other applicable annual fees.
Group Insurance: $50,000/$18.30 mo; $30,000/$11.10 mo; $15,000/ $5.70 mo. Insurance for dependents with added coverage for children at no additional cost.
Eligibility: Member of Army National Guard.
Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation equivalent to State employees.
Eligibility: National Guard Service member's injury occurs while serving on state active duty.
Free "Super Combo" Hunting and Fishing License for Active Duty Military: A Active Duty Service member is eligible for a "Super Combo" License that includes a Resident Hunting License, a Resident Fishing License and all 5 state stamp endorsements (archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing with a red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird)
Eligibility: A Texas Resident on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves or National or State Guard. Proof of residency for this license is: military service record(s) indicating that the person's home of record is in Texas or that the person's duty station for the six months immediately prior to the time of application is in Texas.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Program: Eligible Texas Veterans can obtain a below-market interest rate loan of up to $325,000 through the Texas Veterans Home Loan Program for the purchase of a primary residence in Texas or up to $25,000 from the VLB to make improvements to their primary residence in Texas. All Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program loans must be originated by the VLB. The home loan is used in conjunction.
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the Texas Veterans Loan Programs, an applicant must have:
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Served no fewer than 90 cumulative days on active duty (including active duty for training), OR have enlisted or received an appointment in the National Guard or a Reserve component of one of the listed branches of service after completing all initial active duty training requirements as a condition of enlistment or appointment, OR have completed 20 years in a reserve component so as to be eligible for retirement, OR served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (Home Loan Program or Home Improvement Program only).
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Served after September 16, 1940.
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Not been dishonorably discharged. A person who has been discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served or from the National Guard is considered not to have been dishonorably discharged if the person: (1) received an honorable discharge; (2) received a discharge under honorable conditions; or (3) received a discharge and provides evidence from the VA, its successor, or other competent authority that indicates that the character of the person's discharge has been determined to be other than dishonorable.
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The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Texas at the time the application is made. (A 'bona fide resident" is someone who is living in Texas with the intent to remain in Texas.) This may include a Texas resident currently serving on active military duty outside of Texas. Presence in Texas due solely to military service may not establish bona fide residency; however, submission of a filed copy of a DD2058 may establish residency.
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Successfully repaid any previous Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loan. A loan is considered repaid when the account has been paid in full by the original Veteran purchaser or last approved assignee. Any other active VLB loans in programs other than the one for which application is being made must be in good standing. Veterans are entitled to have only one loan in each VLB program at the same time.
Note: The unmarried, surviving spouse of a Texas Veteran who is missing in action (MIA) or who died in the line of duty or from a service-related cause may be eligible to participate in the programs. The Veteran's home of record must have been Texas at the time of entry into the service, or the Veteran must have been a legal resident of Texas at the time of death.
Texas State Veterans Homes: Provides affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Conveniently located across Texas in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and Tyler these first-class facilities designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor. Health services include wound care, therapeutic activities, and hospice care. A large, well-equipped physical and occupational therapy room offers the latest in rehabilitative care. Speech therapy is also available to residents. Highly specialized care is provided at each Alzheimer's unit. 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.
Eligibility: Texas Veterans recognized as an "eligible Veteran" by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), requiring long-term nursing care as determined by a physician and concurred by the VA, be at least 18 years old, a resident of Texas at the time of application, and not be dishonorably discharged. The spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse, of a Veteran and Gold Star parents are also eligible provided they meet the age and residency requirements above.
Texas State Veterans Cemetery Program: Eligibility rules and burial benefits for TSVCs are the same as for national cemeteries. Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are currently operating in Killeen, Mission, Corpus Christi, and Abilene. Burial at a Texas State Veterans Cemetery is a benefit earned by Veterans for their service to their country. There is no charge for burial of Veterans. The burial benefit includes the grave plot, the opening and closing of the grave, a concrete grave liner for casketed burials, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the grave. Please contact the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) at 1-800-252-VETS (8387) for additional information.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for a Texas State Cemetery are
-
Veterans and members of armed forces
-
Certain Members of Reserve Components & Reserve Officer Training Corps
-
Spouses and Dependents (however, burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old or 23 years old if a full-time student at an approved educational institution.)
Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces
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Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.
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Any Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or with certain exceptions, service beginning after September 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and service after October 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 continuous months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty (as in the case of a Reservist called to active duty for a limited duration). Undesirable, bad conduct and any other type of discharge other than honorable may or may not qualify the individual for Veteran's benefits, depending upon a determination made by a VA Regional Office.
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Any citizen of the United States who, during any war in which the United States has or may be engaged, served in the Armed Forces of any Government allied with the United States during that war, whose last active service was terminated honorably by death or otherwise, and who was a citizen of the United States at the time of entry into such service and at the time of death.
Members of Reserve Components and Reserve Officers' Training Corps
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Reservists and National Guard members who, at time of death, were entitled to retired pay under Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code, or would have been entitled, but for being under the age of 60. Specific categories of individuals eligible for retired pay are delineated in section 12731 of Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code.
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Members of Reserve components, and members of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, who die while hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while performing active duty for training or inactive duty training, or undergoing such hospitalization or treatment.
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Members of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who die under honorable conditions while attending an authorized training camp or on an authorized cruise, while performing authorized travel to or from that camp or cruise, or while hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while engaged in one of those activities.
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Members of Reserve components who, during a period of active duty for training, were disabled or died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty or, during a period of inactive duty training, were disabled or died from an injury or certain cardiovascular disorders incurred or aggravated in line of duty.
Personal Income Taxes: There is no Texas State personal income tax.
Residence Homestead Tax Exemption: Veterans who are rated 100% service-disabled and their surviving spouses are exempt from personal property tax on their home. The un-remarried surviving spouses are eligible for the Homestead Tax Exemption as of January 1, 2012. Download and print the Application for Residence Homestead Exemption from the Comptroller's Web site.
The Hazlewood Act: The Texas 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 exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Veteran Qualifications
A Veteran must:
-
At the time of entry into 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;
-
Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training), as indicated by "net active service" (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d) on the DD214);
-
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; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) 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; and
-
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.
Hazlewood Act for Spouse/Child
The Hazlewood Act is also extended to spouses and dependent children of eligible active duty, Texas National Guard, and Air National Guard Veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result of injury or illness directly related to military service, are missing in action, or who became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of a service-related injury or illness. Each child and spouse will receive a 150 credit hour exemption.
Note: A child of a qualified Veteran who is not 100% disabled or has a service connected death may qualify for benefits under the Hazlewood Legacy Program (See below).
Qualifications
A spouse must:
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Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas;
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Be a spouse 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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits and;
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Be a resident of Texas for the term or semester enrolled.
A child must:
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Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, was a Texas resident, designated Texas as Home of Record, or entered the service in Texas
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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 employability (IU) due to a service connected injury or illness;
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Be between the ages of 18-25 years old on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition);
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Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits; and
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Are residents of Texas as of the term or semester in which they enroll.
Legacy Act (Child)
Eligible Veterans may assign unused hours of exemption eligibility to a child under certain conditions. To be eligible, the child must:
-
Be a Texas resident,
-
Be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent in the current or previous tax year,
-
Be 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition), and
-
Make satisfactory academic progress in a degree, certificate, or continuing education program as determined by the institution.
*If a child to whom hours have been delegated fails to use all of the assigned hours, a Veteran may re-assign the unused hours that are available to another dependent child. Only one child can use the Hazlewood Act at a time.
Reemployment to Same Position Following Military Service: A Veteran is entitled to reemployment rights with his/her last employer when he/she is released from the Armed Forces of the United States, providing the absence is no longer than five years. The right of reemployment is available regardless of whether the Veteran was, prior to service, employed by the State, county or city government, or by private industry. Upon completion of state active duty service, reinstated to the same employment held when ordered to active duty, without loss of seniority, status, time, efficiency rating, vacation time, rate of pay, or any benefit of employment.
Eligibility: Veteran must be discharged, separated, or released from active military service under honorable conditions not later than the fifth anniversary of the date of induction, enlistment, or call to active military service and physically and mentally qualified to perform the duties of that position.
Reemployment to another Position Following Military Service: A public employee who cannot perform the duties of a position to which the employee is otherwise entitled under Section 613.002 because of a disability the employee sustained during military service is entitled to be reemployed in the department, office, commission, or board of the state, a state institution, or a local governmental entity in a position that the employee can perform and that has like seniority, status, and pay as the former position; or the nearest possible seniority, status, and pay to the former position.
Eligibility: A Veteran eligible for reemployment under this chapter must apply for reemployment not later than the 90th day after the date the Veteran is discharged or released from active military service. An application for reemployment must be made to the head of the department, office, commission, or board of the state, the state institution, or the local governmental entity that employed the Veteran before entering military service and must be in writing; and have attached to it evidence of the Veteran's discharge, separation, or release from military service under honorable conditions.
Individuals Entitled to Veterans' Employment Preference: An individual who qualifies for Veteran's employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a public entity or for a public work of this state over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification. An individual who has an established service-connected disability and is entitled to a Veteran's employment preference is entitled to preference for employment or appointment in a position for which a competitive examination is not held over all other applicants for the same position without a service-connected disability and who do not have a greater qualification. If a public entity or public work of the state requires a competitive examination under a merit system or civil service plan for selecting or promoting employees, an individual entitled to a Veteran's employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. An individual who has an established service-connected disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score. A Veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried or an orphan of a Veteran may also qualify for a Veteran's employment preference.
Eligibility: A Veteran must have been a) honorably discharged and b) have served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law; or c) was discharged from military service for an established service-connected disability. A Veteran's non remarried surviving spouse or Veteran's orphan qualifies if a) the Veteran was killed while on active duty; and b) the Veteran served in the military for not less than 90 consecutive days during a national emergency declared in accordance with federal law.
Employment Assistance: State employee in the National Guard or Reserve may receive up to 15 days paid military leave per federal fiscal year. An employee can carry over a maximum of 15 days into the next fiscal year.
Eligibility: State employee in the Guard or Reserve for active duty (annual training), active duty training, and inactive duty training (drill).
State Retirement Benefits: Veterans are entitled to claim their active duty military time toward retirement, provided they present a proper request and pay to the Retirement System the specified amount of retirement contribution for up to 60 months military credit. Such contribution is paid at the rate that was applicable at the time the employed Veteran first was covered by the State Retirement System, plus any accrued interest.
Eligibility: Non-retired Veterans who are employed by the State of Texas.
Armed Forces Reserve: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by active members, or retired members with 20 years or more of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve. No fee is charged other than the annual registration fee and other applicable fees according to the classification of the vehicle.
Eligibility: Active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve. The Veteran must be honorably discharged if no longer a member. The regular registration fees and other applicable fees must be submitted to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division.
Woman Veteran: Two plates are issued for cars and light trucks owned by a Woman Veteran license plates serving or served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Texas National Guard or the Texas State Guard. There is no annual fee for this plate, but you are required to pay the regular registration fee and any other applicable annual fees.
Free "Super Combo" Hunting and Fishing License for Active Duty Military: Active Duty Service member is eligible for a "Super Combo" License that includes a Resident Hunting License, a Resident Fishing License and all 5 state stamp endorsements (archery, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing with a red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird).
Eligibility: A Texas Resident on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves or National or State Guard. Proof of residency for this license is: military service record(s) indicating that the person's home of record is in Texas or that the person's duty station for the six months immediately prior to the time of application is in Texas.
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Program: Eligible Texas Veterans can obtain a below-market interest rate loan of up to $325,000 through the Texas Veterans Home Loan Program for the purchase of a primary residence in Texas or up to $25,000 from the VLB to make improvements to their primary residence in Texas. All Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program loans must be originated by the VLB. The home loan is used in conjunction.
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the Texas Veterans Loan Programs, an applicant must have:
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Served no fewer than 90 cumulative days on active duty (including active duty for training), OR have enlisted or received an appointment in the National Guard or a Reserve component of one of the listed branches of service after completing all initial active duty training requirements as a condition of enlistment or appointment, OR have completed 20 years in a reserve component so as to be eligible for retirement, OR served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 (Home Loan Program or Home Improvement Program only).
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Served after September 16, 1940.
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Not been dishonorably discharged. A person who has been discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served or from the National Guard is considered not to have been dishonorably discharged if the person: (1) received an honorable discharge; (2) received a discharge under honorable conditions; or (3) received a discharge and provides evidence from the VA, its successor, or other competent authority that indicates that the character of the person's discharge has been determined to be other than dishonorable.
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The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Texas at the time the application is made. (A 'bona fide resident" is someone who is living in Texas with the intent to remain in Texas.) This may include a Texas resident currently serving on active military duty outside of Texas. Presence in Texas due solely to military service may not establish bona fide residency; however, submission of a filed copy of a DD2058 may establish residency.
-
Successfully repaid any previous Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) loan. A loan is considered repaid when the account has been paid in full by the original Veteran purchaser or last approved assignee. Any other active VLB loans in programs other than the one for which application is being made must be in good standing. Veterans are entitled to have only one loan in each VLB program at the same time.
Note: The unmarried, surviving spouse of a Texas Veteran who is missing in action (MIA) or who died in the line of duty or from a service-related cause may be eligible to participate in the programs. The Veteran's home of record must have been Texas at the time of entry into the service, or the Veteran must have been a legal resident of Texas at the time of death.
Texas State Veterans Homes: Provides affordable, long-term nursing care for Texas Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Conveniently located across Texas in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple and Tyler these first-class facilities designed to enhance quality of life with a clean, caring and dignified setting appropriate to those men and women who have served our country with honor. Health services include wound care, therapeutic activities, and hospice care. A large, well-equipped physical and occupational therapy room offers the latest in rehabilitative care. Speech therapy is also available to residents. Highly specialized care is provided at each Alzheimer's unit. 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.
Eligibility: Texas Veterans recognized as an "eligible Veteran" by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), requiring long-term nursing care as determined by a physician and concurred by the VA, be at least 18 years old, a resident of Texas at the time of application, and not be dishonorably discharged. The spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse, of a Veteran and Gold Star parents are also eligible provided they meet the age and residency requirements above.
Texas State Veterans Cemetery Program: Eligibility rules and burial benefits for TSVCs are the same as for national cemeteries. Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are currently operating in Killeen, Mission, Corpus Christi, and Abilene. Burial at a Texas State Veterans Cemetery is a benefit earned by Veterans for their service to their country. There is no charge for burial of Veterans. The burial benefit includes the grave plot, the opening and closing of the grave, a concrete grave liner for casketed burials, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the grave. Please contact the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) at 1-800-252-VETS (8387) for additional information.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for a Texas State Cemetery are the same as for United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries.
Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces
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Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.
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Any Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or with certain exceptions, service beginning after September 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and service after October 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 continuous months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty (as in the case of a Reservist called to active duty for a limited duration). Undesirable, bad conduct and any other type of discharge other than honorable may or may not qualify the individual for Veteran's benefits, depending upon a determination made by a VA Regional Office.
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Any citizen of the United States who, during any war in which the United States has or may be engaged, served in the Armed Forces of any Government allied with the United States during that war, whose last active service was terminated honorably by death or otherwise, and who was a citizen of the United States at the time of entry into such service and at the time of death.
Members of Reserve Components and Reserve Officers' Training Corps
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Reservists and National Guard members who, at time of death, were entitled to retired pay under Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code, or would have been entitled, but for being under the age of 60. Specific categories of individuals eligible for retired pay are delineated in section 12731 of Chapter 1223, title 10, United States Code.
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Members of Reserve components, and members of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, who die while hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while performing active duty for training or inactive duty training, or undergoing such hospitalization or treatment.
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Members of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who die under honorable conditions while attending an authorized training camp or on an authorized cruise, while performing authorized travel to or from that camp or cruise, or while hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease contracted or incurred under honorable conditions while engaged in one of those activities.
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Members of Reserve components who, during a period of active duty for training, were disabled or died from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty or, during a period of inactive duty training, were disabled or died from an injury or certain cardiovascular disorders incurred or aggravated in line of duty.
Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Facilities in Texas:
VA Health Care System
Amarillo: Amarillo VA Health Care System, 6010 Amarillo Blvd West, 806-355-9703 / 800-687-8262
Big Spring: West Texas VA Health Care System, 300 Veterans Blvd, 432-263-7361 / 800-472-1365
Dallas: VA North Texas Health Care System: Dallas VA Medical Center, 4500 S Lancaster Rd, 800-849-3597 / 214-742-8387 Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center, 1201 E. 9th St, 800-924-8387 / 903-583-2111
El Paso: El Paso VA Health Care System, 5001 N Piedras, 915-564-6100 / 800-672-3782
Harlingen: VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, 2601 Veterans Dr, 956-291-9000 / 855-864-0516
San Antonio: South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, STVHCS, 7400 Merton Minter, 210-617-5300 / 877-469-5300, Kerrville Campus, STVHCS, 3600 Memorial Blvd, 830-896-2020 / 866-487-7653
Temple: Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Olin E. E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr, 254-778-4811 / 800-423-2111, Waco VA Medical Center, 4500 Memorial Dr, 254-752-6581 / 800-423-2111, Austin Outpatient Clinic, 2901 Montopolis Dr, 512-389-1010 / 800-423-2111
VA Medical Centers
Bonham: VA North Texas Health Care System: Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center, 1201 E. 9th St, 800-924-8387 / 903-583-2111
Houston: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd, 713-791-1414 / 800-553-2278
Kerrville: Kerrville VA Medical Center, 3600 Memorial Blvd, 830-896-2020 / 866-487-1653
Waco: Central Texas Veterans Health Care System - Waco VA Medical Center, 4800 Memorial Dr, 254-752-6581 / 800-423-2111
Domiciliary
Houston: Houston Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans, 7329 Fannin St, 713-794-7922
Outpatient Clinics
Austin: Central Texas Veterans Health Care System - Austin Outpatient Clinic, 2901 Montopolis Dr, 512-389-1010
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi Outpatient Clinic, 5283 Old Brownsville Rd, 361-806-5600
Fort Worth: VA North Texas Health Care System: Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, 2201 SE Loop 820, 817-730-0000 / 800-443-9672
Harlingen: Harlingen Outpatient Clinic, 2106 Treasure Hills Blvd, 956-366-4500
Laredo: Laredo Outpatient Clinic, 6551 Star Court, 956-523-7850 / 1-877-527-3361
Lubbock: Lubbock Clinic, 6104 Avenue Q South Dr, 806-355-9703 or 1-800-687-8262
McAllen: McAllen Outpatient Clinic, 2101 S Col Rowe Blvd, 956-618-7100
San Antonio: Balcones Heights Outpatient Clinic, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, Gold-Suite A-10; Silver-Suite A-88, 210-732-1802
San Antonio: Frank M. Tejeda VA Outpatient Clinic, 5788 Eckhert Rd, 210-699-2100
San Antonio: North Central Federal OPC, 17440 Henderson Pass, 210-483-2900
San Antonio: San Antonio Dental Clinic, 8410 Data Point, 210-949-8900
San Antonio: Shavano Park Outpatient Clinic, 4350 Lockhill-Selma Rd, Suite 200, 210-949-3773
Tyler: Tyler VA Primary Care Clinic, 3414 Golden Rd, 903-590-3050 / 903-593-6064
Victoria: Victoria Clinic, 1908 N Laurent St, Suite 150, 361-582-7700
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Abilene: Abilene Clinic, 3850 Ridgemont Dr, 325-695-3252
Beaumont: Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic, 3420 Veterans Circle, 409-981-8550
Beeville: Beeville CBOC, 302 South Hillside Dr, 361-358-9912
Bridgeport: Bridgeport Family Clinic, 806 Woodrow Wilson Ray Cir, 940-683-2538
Brownwood: Brownwood CBOC, 2600 Memorial Park Dr, 325-641-0568
Cedar Park: Cedar Park CBOC, 701 East Whitestone Blvd, 512-260-1368
Childress: Childress Clinic, 1001 Highway 83 North, 940-937-8528
College Station: Bryan/College Station CBOC, 1651 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 100, 979-680-0361
Conroe: Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic, 800 Riverwood Ct Suite 100, 936-522-4000 / 800-553-2278 ext1949
Del Rio: Del Rio CBOC, 1801 Bedell, 830-775-1116
Denton: Denton CBOC, 2223 Colorado Blvd, 940-891-6350
El Paso: Eastside El Paso CBOC, 2400 Trawood Dr Suite 200, 915-217-2428
Fort Stockton: Fort Stockton Clinic, Within the Pecos County Memorial Hospital, 387 West IH 10, 432-263-7361, ext 5692 / 800-472-1365 ext 5692
Galveston: Galveston VA Outpatient Clinic, 3828 Avenue N, 409-761-3200 / 800-553-2278 ext 12600
Granbury: Lakeside Physicians, 601 Fall Creek Hwy, 817-326-3902
Greenville: Sandknop Family Practice, 4006 Wellington Rd, Suite 100, 903-450-4788
Kingsville: Kingsville CBOC, 415 S 6th St, 361-592-3237
LeGrange: LaGrange Outreach Clinic, 890 E Travis St, 979-968-5878
Lake Jackson: Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic, 208 Oak Dr South, 979-230-4852
Longview: Longview CBOC, 1005 N Eastman Rd, 1-800-957-8262 / 903-247-8262
Lufkin: Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic, 2206 North John Redditt Dr, 936-671-4300
New Braunfels: New Braunfels CBOC, 189 E Austin, Suite 106, 830-629-3614
Odessa: Odessa Clinic, 4241 N Tanglewood, Suite 201, 432-550-0149
Palestine: Palestine CBOC, 2000 South Loop 256, Suite 124, 903-723-9006
Richmond: Richmond VA Outpatient Clinic, 22001 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, 832-595-7700
San Angelo: San Angelo Clinic, 2018 Pulliam, 325-658-6138
San Antonio: General McMullen/San Antonio Clinic, 1831 S General McMullen, 210-431-4742
San Antonio: Northeast 410 /San Antonio Clinic, 2391 NE Loop 410 Suite 101, 210-590-0247
San Antonio: Northwest 410/San Antonio Clinic, 4318 Woodcock Suite 120, 210-736-4051
San Antonio: Pecan Valley CBOC, 4243 E Southcross, Suite 206, 210-337-4316
San Antonio: South Bexar/San Antonio Clinic, 4610 E Southcross Blvd, #Suite 100, 210-648-1491
San Antonio: SW Military CBOC, 1714 SW Military Dr, 210-923-1166 x0777
Seguin: Seguin CBOC, 526 E. Court St, 830-629-3614
Sherman: Sherman Clinic, 3811 US 75 N, 903-487-0477
Stamford: Stamford Clinic, 1601 N Columbia, 325-773-3725
Texas City: Texas City VA Outpatient Clinic, 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expy, Suite 206, 409-986-2900
Wichita Falls: Wichita Falls CBOC, 1800 7th St, 940-723-2373
Vet Center
Abilene: Taylor County Vet Center, 3564 N 6th St, 325-232-7925 / 877-927-8387
Amarillo: Amarillo Vet Center, 3414 Olsen Blvd, Suite E, 806-354-9779 / 877-927-8387
Austin: Austin Vet Center, 2015 S. I.H. 35, Southcliff Bldg, Suite 101, 512-416-1314 / 877-927-8387
Beaumont: Jefferson County, 990 IH10 North, Suite 180, 409-987-8576 / 877-927-8387
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi Vet Center, 4646 Corona Suite 250, 361-854-9961 / 877-927-8387
Dallas: 3B RCS South Central Regional Office, 4500 S Lancaster Rd, Bldg #69, 214-857-1254 / 877-927-8387
Dallas: Dallas Vet Center, 10501 N Central Expy Suite 213, 214-361-5896 / 877-927-8387
El Paso: El Paso Vet Center, 1155 Westmoreland Suite 121, 915-772-0013 / 877-927-8387
Ft. Worth: Fort Worth Vet Center, 1305 W Magnolia St, Suite B, 817-921-9098 / 877-927-8387
Harker Heights: Killeen Heights Vet Center, 302 Millers Crossing, Suite #4, 254-953-7100 / 877-927-8387
Houston: Harris County Vet Center, 14300 Cornerstone Village Dr, Suite 110, 713-578-4002 / 877-927-8387
Houston: Houston Vet Center, 2990 Richmond Suite 325, 713-523-0884 / 877-927-8387
Houston: Houston West Vet Center, 701 N Post Oak Rd, Suite 102, 713-682-2288 / 877-927-8387
Laredo: Laredo Vet Center, 6999 McPherson Rd, Suite 102, 956-723-4680 / 877-927-8387
Lubbock: Lubbock Vet Center, 3106 50th St, Suite 400, 806-792-9782, 877-927-8387
McAllen: McAllen Vet Center, 2108 S M St, MedPoint IV, Unit 2, 956-631-2147 / 877-927-8387
Mesquite: Dallas County Vet Center, 502 West Kearney, Suite 300, 972-288-8030 / 877-927-8387
Midland: Midland Vet Center, 2817 W Loop 250 N, Suite E, 432-697-8222 / 877-927-8387
Pantego: Tarrant County Vet Center, 3337 W Pioneer Pkwy, Northlake Center, 817-274-0981 / 877-927-8387
San Antonio: San Antonio NE Vet Center, 9504 IH 35 N, Suite 214 & 219, 210-650-0422 / 877-927-8387
San Antonio: San Antonio NW Vet Center, 9910 W Loop 1604 N, Suite 126, 210-688-0606 / 877-927-8387
Harlingen: VA Health Care Center at Harlingen, 2601 Veterans Dr, 956-291-9000
VISN
Arlington: VISN 17: VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network, 2301 E Lamar Blvd, 807-652-1111
Veterans Benefits Administration
Regional Office
Houston: Houston Regional Office, 6900 Almeda Rd, 877-827-1000
Waco: Waco Regional Office, 1 Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay Ave
Resources
http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-new-york-wyoming#TEXAS
http://www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/drivers/military.htm
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/index.htm
http://ftp.txdmv.gov/pub/txdot-info/vtr/military_packet.pdf
http://veterans.portal.texas.gov/en/pages/default.aspx
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?state=tx&dnum=4
http://www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/license_plates/plate.htm?id=mil
Document Review Date: 13 March 2013