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Texas

Last Verified: Mar 2026Texas Veterans Commission

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

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Property Tax

8 benefits

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (10-29%)

10%+

Veterans with 10-29% VA disability rating receive a $5,000 exemption off assessed property value on their homestead.

Eligibility: Texas resident veterans rated 10-29% service-connected disabled by the VAHow to Apply: File with county appraisal district with VA disability letterTexas Tax Code Section 11.22

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (30-49%)

30%+

Veterans with 30-49% VA disability rating receive a $7,500 exemption off assessed property value on their homestead.

Eligibility: Texas resident veterans rated 30-49% service-connected disabled by the VAHow to Apply: File with county appraisal district with VA disability letterTexas Tax Code Section 11.22

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (50-69%)

50%+

Veterans with 50-69% VA disability rating receive a $10,000 exemption off assessed property value on their homestead.

Eligibility: Texas resident veterans rated 50-69% service-connected disabled by the VAHow to Apply: File with county appraisal district with VA disability letterTexas Tax Code Section 11.22

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption (70%+)

70%+

Veterans with 70% or higher VA disability rating receive a $12,000 exemption off assessed property value on their homestead.

Eligibility: Texas resident veterans rated 70% or higher service-connected disabled by the VAHow to Apply: File with county appraisal district with VA disability letterTexas Tax Code Section 11.22

100% Disabled Veteran Total Property Tax Exemption

100%+

Veterans rated 100% disabled or unemployable (100% P&T or TDIU) receive a complete property tax exemption on their homestead — $0 property taxes. Surviving spouse may retain the full exemption if they do not remarry.

Eligibility: Veterans rated 100% disabled or TDIU who own and occupy a primary residence in TexasHow to Apply: File with county appraisal district with VA disability letterTexas Tax Code Section 11.131Applies to dependents/surviving spouse

Surviving Spouse of KIA Property Tax Exemption

All Veterans

Surviving spouse of a military member killed in action receives a complete property tax exemption on their homestead, as long as they have not remarried.

Eligibility: Unremarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in actionTexas Tax Code Section 11.133Applies to dependents/surviving spouse

Donated Homestead Property Tax Exemption

10%+

Disabled veterans who received a homestead donated by a charitable organization at no cost or below market value receive a complete property tax exemption.

Eligibility: Disabled veterans who received a donated homestead from a qualifying charitable organizationTexas Tax Code Section 11.132

Partial Disability + Over-65 Stackable Exemption

10%+

Veterans with partial disability who turn 65 can stack the disabled veteran exemption with the Over-65 homestead exemption (additional $10,000 off school taxes plus local options).

Eligibility: Veterans age 65+ with a partial VA disability ratingTexas Tax Code Sections 11.13 and 11.22
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Income Tax

1 benefit

No State Income Tax

All Veterans

Texas has no state income tax. All income including military retirement pay and VA disability compensation is completely state income tax-free.

Eligibility: All Texas residents including veteransTexas Constitution Article VIII
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Vehicle / Registration

5 benefits

Disabled Veteran License Plates

10%+

Special DV license plates for disabled veterans. One set free for veterans with 50%+ disability. Veterans with 100% disability also receive free registration on one vehicle.

Eligibility: Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability; free plates at 50%+How to Apply: Apply at Texas DMV with VA disability letterTexas Transportation Code Chapter 504

Free Vehicle Registration for 100% Disabled Veterans

100%+

Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled (or TDIU) receive free vehicle registration on one vehicle.

Eligibility: Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled or TDIUTexas Transportation Code Section 502.456

Specialty Military License Plates

All Veterans

Specialty plates available for all branches of service, Purple Heart, combat veterans, POW, and Medal of Honor. Medal of Honor recipients receive free plates and registration; Purple Heart plates at reduced fee.

Eligibility: Veterans and active duty military with qualifying serviceTexas Transportation Code Chapter 504

Toll Road Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

10%+

Some Texas toll authorities offer reduced or free tolls for vehicles displaying DV plates. Not uniform across all toll roads — check with specific toll authority (TxDOT, NTTA, HCTRA, CTRMA).

Eligibility: Disabled veterans with DV plates; varies by toll authorityTexas Transportation Code

Donated Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption

10%+

Vehicles donated to disabled veterans by qualifying charitable organizations may be exempt from the 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax.

Eligibility: Disabled veterans receiving donated vehicles from qualifying charitable organizationsTexas Tax Code Chapter 152
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Education

6 benefits

Hazlewood Act Tuition Exemption

All Veterans

Tuition and fee exemption at Texas public colleges and universities for up to 150 credit hours. Covers tuition and most required fees (not room/board or books).

Must have been a Texas resident when entering service or resided in Texas for 12+ months before enrollment. Must use within 15 years of last discharge date (some exceptions).

Eligibility: Texas veterans who entered military service from Texas, served at least 181 days of active duty, and received an honorable dischargeTexas Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter D

Hazlewood Legacy Act (Dependent Transfer)

All Veterans

Unused Hazlewood hours can be transferred to one child at a time. Combined veteran and dependent usage cannot exceed 150 hours total.

Eligibility: Children of eligible Hazlewood veterans; veteran must have exhausted federal education benefits or have 12+ months of qualifying service without using federal benefitsHow to Apply: Veteran designates the child through the school's veteran affairs officeTexas Education Code Section 54.341(k)Applies to dependents/surviving spouse

Hazlewood Act for Surviving Spouses

All Veterans

Surviving spouses of service members killed in action may qualify for Hazlewood tuition exemption benefits without requiring the veteran to have entered service from Texas.

Eligibility: Surviving spouses of service members killed in actionTexas Education Code Chapter 54, Subchapter DApplies to dependents/surviving spouse

Tuition Exemption for Children of Disabled/Deceased Veterans

All Veterans

Tuition and fee exemption at Texas public institutions for children of Texas veterans who died or became totally disabled from service-connected causes. Generally must be used before age 26.

Eligibility: Children of Texas veterans who died or became totally disabled from service-connected causesTexas Education Code Section 54.211Applies to dependents/surviving spouse

Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program

All Veterans

Up to $10,000 per year for students enrolled at Texas public or private institutions who plan to enter the armed services.

Eligibility: Students enrolled at Texas institutions planning to enter the armed servicesTexas Education Code

In-State Tuition and Yellow Ribbon Program

All Veterans

Texas public schools charge in-state tuition to all GI Bill-eligible veterans regardless of residency. Most major Texas universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for additional tuition coverage.

Eligibility: All GI Bill-eligible veteransFederal Section 702 / Choice Act
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Employment

6 benefits

State Veteran Hiring Preference

All Veterans

State agencies must give preference to qualified veterans over non-veterans for state employment positions.

Eligibility: Veterans with honorable discharge who are Texas residentsHow to Apply: Indicate veteran status on state job applicationsTexas Government Code Chapter 657

Veteran Entrepreneur Program

All Veterans

Texas Veterans Commission offers entrepreneur training and resources, connecting veterans with small business development centers, networking, and mentorship programs.

Eligibility: Texas veterans interested in starting or growing a businessTexas Government Code

Texas Workforce Commission Veteran Services

All Veterans

Priority of service at Texas Workforce Solutions offices statewide with dedicated veteran employment representatives, job search assistance, resume writing, and interview preparation.

Eligibility: All veterans; priority for disabled and campaign-era veteransJobs for Veterans Act (federal)

Operation Welcome Home

All Veterans

Texas program connecting recently separated veterans with employment resources through partnerships with major Texas employers.

Eligibility: Recently separated veterans transitioning to civilian employmentTexas Veterans Commission Program

Professional License Reciprocity

All Veterans

Texas allows expedited licensing for veterans and military spouses with equivalent out-of-state licenses. Military experience counts toward licensing requirements in applicable fields.

Eligibility: Veterans and military spouses with qualifying military training or out-of-state licensesTexas Occupations Code Chapter 55

Military Spouse Expedited Licensing

All Veterans

Military spouses receive expedited occupational licenses. Texas recognizes out-of-state licenses for military spouses during the period of military assignment to Texas.

Eligibility: Military spouses with qualifying out-of-state professional licensesTexas Government Code Chapter 55Applies to dependents/surviving spouse
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Hunting & Fishing

4 benefits

Free Super Combo License for 50%+ Disabled Veterans

50%+

Free "Super Combo" hunting and fishing license package for veterans with 50%+ disability. Includes resident hunting, fishing, all freshwater/saltwater stamps, and all game endorsements (over $60 value).

Eligibility: Texas resident veterans with 50%+ service-connected disabilityHow to Apply: Apply at TPWD license office or online with VA disability documentationTexas Parks and Wildlife Code Section 11.027

100% Disabled Veteran Super Combo + Public Hunting Permit

100%+

Veterans rated 100% disabled receive the free Super Combo package and may also qualify for a free Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit.

Eligibility: Texas resident veterans rated 100% service-connected disabledTexas Parks and Wildlife Code Section 11.027

Active Duty Resident-Rate Licenses

All Veterans

Active duty military stationed in Texas may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates.

Eligibility: Active duty military stationed in TexasTexas Parks and Wildlife Code

Military Veteran Hunter Education Exemption

All Veterans

Veterans and active duty military are exempt from the Texas hunter education requirement. Must present DD-214 or military ID when purchasing a license.

Eligibility: All veterans and active duty militaryTexas Parks and Wildlife Code
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Healthcare

6 benefits

VA Medical Centers in Texas

All Veterans

Texas has one of the largest VA healthcare networks in the country with VA Medical Centers in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, Dallas, El Paso, Houston (Michael E. DeBakey), Kerrville, San Antonio (Audie Murphy), Temple, and Waco, plus dozens of CBOCs statewide.

Eligibility: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare38 USC Chapter 17

Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA)

All Veterans

TVC grants to nonprofit organizations serving Texas veterans, funding mental health, housing, employment, and other services that veterans can access through FVA-funded organizations.

Eligibility: Texas veterans accessing services through FVA-funded nonprofitsTexas Government Code

Texas State Veterans Homes

All Veterans

Long-term care nursing homes in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple, and Tyler with subsidized rates and VA per diem support.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans who are Texas residentsTexas Natural Resources Code

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

All Veterans

Free readjustment counseling at Vet Centers in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, Laredo, Lubbock, McAllen, Midland, and San Antonio.

Eligibility: Combat veterans, MST survivors, and bereaved family members38 USC Section 1712A

TVC Mental Health Program and Military Veteran Peer Network

All Veterans

Texas Veterans Commission Mental Health Program provides peer support and referrals. The state-funded Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) offers free peer support for Texas veterans.

Eligibility: All Texas veterans at no costTexas Health and Safety Code

Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program

All Veterans

Funds community-based mental health and substance abuse services for veterans and families through local mental health authorities.

Eligibility: Texas veterans and their family membersTexas Health and Human Services CommissionApplies to dependents/surviving spouse
🎁

Free Stuff & Parks

7 benefits

Free Texas State Parks Pass (Parklands Passport)

60%+

Veterans with 60%+ disability receive a free Texas State Parks Pass providing free entry to all 80+ Texas state parks for the veteran and passengers in the same vehicle.

Eligibility: Veterans with 60%+ service-connected disabilityHow to Apply: Apply at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with VA disability documentationTexas Parks and Wildlife Code

Free State Park Admission on Veterans Day

All Veterans

All Texas state parks offer free admission on Veterans Day (November 11) to all veterans.

Eligibility: All veterans on Veterans DayTPWD Administrative Rule

Free "VETERAN" Designation on Driver's License

All Veterans

"VETERAN" designation printed on Texas driver's license or ID card at no additional charge. Present DD-214 at DPS office.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteransHow to Apply: Present DD-214 at any Texas DPS officeTexas Transportation Code

Free DD-214 Recording and Certified Copies

All Veterans

Texas county clerks record DD-214 discharge documents at no charge. Certified copies are available from the county clerk's office.

Eligibility: All veterans with a DD-214Texas Local Government Code

Texas Veterans Land Board Land Loans

All Veterans

Low-interest loans for veterans to purchase land in Texas, up to $150,000 at below-market interest rates.

Eligibility: Texas veterans, active duty, Guard/Reserve with 90+ days of serviceTexas Natural Resources Code

Texas Veterans Land Board Home Loans

All Veterans

Below-market interest rate home loans for Texas veterans, up to $726,200 (conforming limit).

Eligibility: Texas veterans, active duty, Guard/Reserve with 90+ days of serviceTexas Natural Resources Code

Texas Veterans Land Board Home Improvement Loans

All Veterans

Home improvement loans up to $50,000 at competitive rates for renovations and improvements.

Eligibility: Texas veterans, active duty, Guard/Reserve with 90+ days of serviceTexas Natural Resources Code
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Other Benefits

4 benefits

TVC Free Claims Assistance

All Veterans

Free VA claims assistance from TVC-employed Veterans County Service Officers in every Texas county, helping with disability claims, appeals, pension, and other VA benefits.

Eligibility: All veterans and their dependentsTexas Government Code

Texas Veterans Treatment Courts

All Veterans

Specialized courts for veterans facing criminal charges in many Texas counties including Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Tarrant, Travis, and others. Combines judicial supervision with VA treatment and veteran mentors.

Eligibility: Veterans involved in the criminal justice system in participating countiesTexas Government Code

Texas State Veterans Cemeteries

All Veterans

Free burial at state veterans cemeteries in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, and Mission. Includes gravesite, headstone/marker, and perpetual care.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependentsTexas Natural Resources CodeApplies to dependents/surviving spouse

Military Leave for State Employees

All Veterans

State employees who are Guard or Reserve members receive up to 15 days of paid military leave per year.

Eligibility: Texas state employees who are members of the National Guard or ReservesTexas Government Code Section 661.904