Texas Department of Veterans Affairs

Lone Star Salute: Texas's Top 10 Most Valuable Veterans Benefits

The state of Texas offers one of the most robust and generous collections of benefits for veterans in the nation, reflecting its deep-seated respect and commitment to its massive veteran population. Administered through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), these programs provide unparalleled educational opportunities, significant financial relief, and long-term care solutions. While personal value can differ, a clear top tier emerges based on immense monetary impact, broad applicability, and life-altering support.

Here are the top ten, most valuable veterans benefits offered through the Texas Department of Veterans Affairs:

  1. The Hazlewood Act (College Tuition Exemption): Unquestionably the most valuable and well-known veteran benefit in Texas, the Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition and fee exemption at any public college or university in the state. In a unique and powerful provision, eligible veterans who do not use all their hours can pass them on to a dependent child, a benefit worth tens of thousands of dollars that creates a legacy of education.
  2. Full Property Tax Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans: A cornerstone of financial support, Texas provides a 100% exemption from property taxes on the primary residence for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or a rating of individual unemployability. In a state with high property taxes, this can save homeowners thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars annually.
  3. Veterans Land Board (VLB) Home and Land Loans: The Texas VLB offers competitive, low-interest home and land loans for Texas veterans. The VLB Home Loan Program can be used to purchase a home, and the Land Loan Program offers financing to buy land in Texas. These programs make property ownership more attainable and affordable for those who have served.
  4. Partial Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans: For veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% to 90%, the state mandates a property tax exemption on their primary residence. The exemption amount is tiered based on the disability percentage, offering significant and scalable annual savings on property taxes for a broad range of disabled veterans.
  5. Texas State Veterans Homes: A critical component of long-term care, Texas operates a network of nine high-quality Veterans Homes across the state. These facilities provide affordable, top-tier skilled nursing, memory, and rehabilitative care in a comfortable, veteran-centric environment, an invaluable resource for aging veterans and their families.
  6. No State Income Tax: While a benefit for all Texans, the complete absence of a state income tax is a major financial advantage for veterans. This means that military retirement pay, disability compensation, and any other post-service income are not taxed at the state level, allowing veterans to keep significantly more of their money.
  7. Texas State Veterans Cemeteries: The VLB operates four beautiful State Veterans Cemeteries in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, and Mission. These facilities provide a dignified and honorable final resting place for veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents at no cost to the family for the plot and interment.
  8. State Employment Preference: Honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses, and orphans are granted a hiring preference when applying for state government jobs. This preference applies to positions that do not use a numerical scoring system, giving qualified veterans an edge over other applicants.
  9. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Texas honors its resident disabled veterans with free recreational licenses. The "Super Combo" Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package is available at no cost to any veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability or who is receiving VA compensation as an amputee.
  10. "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License/ID Card: For a nominal fee, veterans can have a "VETERAN" identifier placed on their Texas driver's license or ID card. This simple but important benefit serves as official proof of veteran status, ensuring easy access to the numerous retail and commercial discounts offered throughout the Lone Star State.

These premier benefits showcase Texas's profound and unwavering commitment to its veteran community. For detailed eligibility requirements and to connect with a Veterans Service Officer for assistance, veterans are encouraged to visit the official website of the Texas Veterans Commission.

Texas Veterans Commission

Address: 
Texas Veterans Commission 
P.O. Box 12277
Austin, TX 78711-2277  

Phone: 512-463-6564

Return to the WeSalute State Veterans Benefits Directory

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