An estimated 1,394,897 veterans live in Texas, making up 6.1% of the state's adult population or the 36th-highest per capita of the 56 U.S. states, inhabited territories and District of Columbia.
Texas Military and Veteran Income Taxes
Military Retiree Income Tax
No state income tax.
Active-Duty Income Tax
No state income tax.
Texas Veteran Property Taxes
Veterans who are 100% disabled and their surviving spouses receive a total property tax exemption.
Veterans with a 10%-90% disability rating may receive a reduction of their home's assessed value from $5,000-$12,000, depending on disability percentage. Surviving spouses also qualify.
Texas Military and Veteran Education Benefits
Military/Veteran Education
The Hazlewood Act provides qualified veterans up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at state institutions. The exemption doesn't include living expenses, books or supply fees. Veterans must have:
- Been a Texas resident when they entered the service and live there now.
- Served at least 181 days on active duty.
- Received an honorable discharge.
- Used up all federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.
Military Dependent Education
Transferred benefits: The children of veterans may receive transferred Hazelwood Act benefits under the Legacy Act from a veteran parent who didn't use up their whole entitlement. The child must:
- Be a Texas resident.
- Be the veteran's biological child, stepchild, adopted child or dependent claimed in the current or previous tax year.
- Be 25 years old or younger on the first day of the semester or term.
- Meet GPA, academic progress and credit hour requirements.
Only one child can use Hazlewood Legacy Act benefits at a time.
Dependents of disabled veterans: The Hazlewood Act provides a tuition exemption to qualified spouses and dependent children of veterans determined by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be 100%, totally and permanently, service-connected disabled or who became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of a service-related injury or illness. Dependents may receive up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at state institutions. The exemption doesn't include living expenses, books or supply fees.
Texas Military and Veteran Employment Benefits
Veteran Hiring Preference
State preference: Wartime veterans receive preference in employment with state agencies or offices, as do widows and children of those killed on active duty. State agencies must practice veterans' preference until they have reached 40% veteran employment.
Retirement credit: Non-retired veterans who are state employees may claim their active-duty military time toward retirement by making a payment equal to the monthly contribution an employee would make times the number of months of active duty. The maximum anyone can buy is 60 months.
Small business: The Veteran Entrepreneur Program provides veteran entrepreneurs and veteran small businesses the tools they need to start or grow their businesses. The program provides consultation, business plans, financing, marketing and more.
Military Spouse Employment
A military spouse who currently holds an occupational license in another state may be able to transfer the license to Texas.
Texas Veteran Housing and Veterans Homes
Veterans Homes
Texas' 10 veterans homes are in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, Temple and Tyler. The homes are open to veterans who were not dishonorably discharged and their spouse or unmarried surviving spouse. Gold Star parents are also eligible. The costs are based on income.
Homeless Veterans
No state benefits.
Adapted Housing
No state benefits.
Texas Veteran Financial Assistance
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers generally below-market interest rates for home loans for Texas veterans, lower rates for those who have a disability rating of 30% or more, and home improvement and land loans.
Home loans: Eligible resident veterans, military members and spouses may buy a home with a competitive, low-interest loan with little or no down payment. Loans are up to $806,500 on a fixed-rate loan for 15-, 20-, 25- or 30-year terms. Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater qualify for a discounted interest rate.
Land loans: Texas claims the distinction of being the only state to offer land loans: up to $150,000, with 5% down and 30-year rates (depending on credit).
Home improvement loans: Texas offers loans up to $50,000 for home improvements. Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater qualify for a discounted interest rate. The loans may be used for alterations, repairs and improvements to the veteran's home. The improvements must substantially protect or improve the basic livability or utility of the property.
Texas Veteran Legal Assistance
The State Bar of Texas' Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans program provides pro bono civil legal assistance to veterans and their families who otherwise cannot afford legal services.
Texas Military and Veteran Recreation Benefits
Hunting/Fishing
Disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability or the loss of use of a foot or leg as a result of service may receive a free "Super Combo" Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package. Veterans do not have to be a Texas resident to qualify.
The "Super Combo" Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package is available at no cost to Texas residents on active duty.
Military members and their dependents on active duty anywhere are entitled to purchase a license at the resident rate.
Parks/Camping
Any veteran with a 60% or greater disability or a service-connected loss of lower extremity is eligible for free admission to Texas state parks. Veterans do not have to be a Texas resident to qualify.
Texas Veteran Transportation Benefits
Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 60% and an honorable discharge may receive a Texas driver's license or ID card for free.
Texas Veteran Burial Benefits
Veterans Cemeteries
Texas's five state veterans cemeteries are in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, Mission and Lubbock. All Texas veterans, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no charge for burial of the veteran or their family.
More Information
Visit the Texas Veterans Commission website for more information on any of these programs.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher.
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