State file · TX
Veteran benefits in Texas
Texas pairs no state income tax with homestead exemptions for disabled veterans, the Hazlewood Act's tuition-free college hours, and one of the largest state veterans home networks in the country.
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Financial benefits
No state income tax
Texas does not levy a general state income tax on individuals, so no individual state tax return is required.
Residence homestead tax exemptions
Veterans with VA disability ratings from 10% to 90% receive reductions in their home's assessed value ranging from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the disability percentage. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Texas Veterans Land Board loans
The Texas Veterans Land Board offers home loans at below-market interest rates, with lower rates for veterans rated 30% disabled or higher. Land loans are available up to $150,000 with 5% down and 30-year terms.
Sales tax picture
The statewide sales tax rate is 6.25%, with local additions of up to 2%, for a combined rate of up to 8.25%.
Education programs
Hazlewood Act
A State of Texas benefit providing qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with up to 150 hours of tuition-free college at state schools; it does not cover living expenses, books, or supply fees. Veterans generally must have been Texas residents when they entered service, have an honorable discharge, have served at least 181 days of active duty, and have exhausted federal VA education benefits.
Hazlewood Legacy Act
A veteran may assign unused Hazlewood hours to one biological, step, adopted, or dependent child under age 25 who is a Texas resident and meets GPA requirements.
Hazlewood for spouses and children
Spouses and dependent children of service members who died in the line of duty or became totally disabled are each eligible for 50 tuition-free credit hours.
Veteran housing
Texas State Veterans Homes
Texas operates state veterans homes in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, Houston, McAllen, Temple, and Tyler. Eligibility requires armed forces service and a discharge other than dishonorable; spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents may also qualify, with costs based on income.
Employment & job training
Hiring preference
Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 points added to state employment examination scores, and veterans with a service-connected disability receive 10 points.
Paid military leave for state employees
State employees receive up to 15 workdays of paid leave in a fiscal year for authorized military training or duty, without loss of benefits.
Military service credit toward state retirement
Veterans who are not receiving military retirement can claim active duty time toward state retirement — up to 60 months — once their first retirement contribution posts.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Texas
Texas is home to Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Fort Bliss National Cemetery (El Paso), Houston National Cemetery, Kerrville National Cemetery, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, and San Antonio National Cemetery.
VA resources in Texas
Houston Regional Benefit Office
One of two VA regional offices serving Texas for benefits claims and questions.
Official siteWaco Regional Benefit Office
The VA regional office serving much of north and central Texas.
Official siteDallas VA Medical Center
VA medical care for the Dallas area, part of the VA North Texas system that also includes the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham.
Official siteDoris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
VA medical care based in Waco, serving central Texas.
Official siteKerrville VA Hospital
VA medical care in Kerrville, in the Texas Hill Country.
Before you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
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