What Texas Veterans Need to Know About Benefits in 2026

What Benefits Do Veterans Get in Texas?

Texas veterans receive a 100% property tax exemption if rated 100% disabled, up to 150 tuition-free semester credit hours through the Hazlewood Act, below-market home loans through the Texas Veterans Land Board, and access to VA healthcare through multiple medical centers statewide. The Texas Veterans Commission provides free claims assistance at 800-252-8387.

Quick Facts

Federal VA Benefits Available in Texas

Texas veterans have full access to all federal VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, education benefits, home loans, and healthcare. The Waco VA Regional Benefit Office serves as the primary federal benefits processing center for most Texas veterans, while the Houston and San Antonio offices handle specific regions. Texas has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, with over 1.4 million veterans residing in the state.

VA Disability Compensation

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. As of 2026, rates range from approximately $180 per month at a 10% rating to over $4,000 per month for veterans with dependents at a 100% rating.

To apply, veterans submit VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. This form can be filed online through VA.gov or mailed to the Waco VA Regional Office. Texas veterans can also work with a Texas Veterans Commission Claims Benefit Advisor or a Veterans County Service Officer who will complete the form on their behalf at no cost.

The PACT Act has expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Veterans filing under PACT Act presumptive conditions do not need a nexus letter connecting their condition to service—the VA presumes the connection based on qualifying service locations and eras.

The Texas Veterans Commission represented 311,593 veterans, dependents, and survivors who received $7.2 billion in tax-free federal dollars during Fiscal Year 2023.

VA Pension

VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older. As of 2026, Veterans Pension provides a single veteran up to $17,441 annually. Veterans who require assistance with daily activities may qualify for higher rates, including aid and attendance benefits up to $29,000 annually.

Veterans apply using VA Form 21-527EZ. The Texas Veterans Commission assists with VA Non-Service Connected Pension Claims.

VA Home Loans

Texas veterans can use VA-backed home loans to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home. These loans typically require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. The VA funding fee applies to most borrowers, though veterans with service-connected disabilities may be exempt.

Survivor and Dependent Benefits

Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), VA pension, education assistance, and home loan benefits. The Texas Veterans Commission assists with VA Burial and Death Benefit Claims and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation claims.

Texas State Veterans Benefits

Texas provides one of the most comprehensive state veterans benefits packages in the nation. These include property tax exemptions, education benefits, home and land loans, and long-term care through Texas State Veterans Homes. Eligibility for state benefits generally requires Texas residency and an honorable discharge.

Texas Veterans Property Tax Exemption

The Texas veterans property tax exemption reduces the taxable value of a veteran’s residence homestead. The exemption amount depends on the veteran’s VA disability rating.

2026 exemption amounts (effective January 1, 2026):

Source: Texas Senate Bill 3060, effective January 1, 2026

100% disabled veterans: Veterans with a 100% disability rating or a 100% unemployability rating are entitled to a total (100%) exemption from property taxes on their homestead property.

Surviving spouses: A surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the 100% exemption may continue to receive the exemption if they remain unmarried and maintain the property as their primary residence. Beginning with the 2026 tax year, qualifying surviving spouses may receive a 100% exemption of the appraised value of their residence homestead.

Surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty also qualify for the 100% homestead exemption.

Who qualifies:

• Honorably discharged veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating

• Veterans with a 100% disability rating or 100% unemployability rating

• Surviving spouses of qualified veterans (must remain unmarried)

• Surviving children of deceased disabled veterans (under certain conditions)

How to apply: File with your County Appraisal District. You must provide a copy of your DD-214 and your VA disability rating decision letter. The exemption is applied to your primary residence homestead.

Purple Heart recipients: A proposed constitutional amendment would authorize the legislature to provide an exemption from property taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of a Purple Heart recipient or the surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient.

Hazlewood Act

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition exemption, including most mandatory fees, at public colleges and universities in Texas.

Eligibility for veterans:

• Must be a Texas resident

• Must have entered the service with a Texas address or been a Texas resident for at least 12 months before the first day of the semester

• Must have served at least 181 days of active duty (excluding initial entry training)

• Must have an honorable discharge

• Must have no federal veterans education benefits dedicated to tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31), or have federal benefits that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits

• Must not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas

• Must meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy

Hazlewood Legacy Act: Eligible veterans may transfer unused Hazlewood hours to a qualifying child. The child must be classified by the institution as a Texas resident, be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent, and be 25 years old or younger on the first day of the semester.

New for 2026: The Hazlewood Veteran Initiative will provide up to $30 million annually from the Available University Fund beginning with the 2026-27 academic year to help regional universities absorb unreimbursed tuition exemptions for Texas veterans.

How to apply: Complete the Hazlewood Act Exemption Application from the Texas Veterans Commission, submit required documentation (DD-214, proof of residency, VA benefits letter), and submit to the institution’s financial aid office. Register with the Hazlewood Student Hours Online database.

Texas Veterans Land Board Programs

The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers the most robust state benefits package in the nation, including land loans, home loans, home improvement loans, and state veterans homes.

Veterans Land Loan Program: The only one of its kind in the nation—giving Texas veterans and military members the opportunity to borrow money to purchase land at favorable interest rates and terms while only requiring a minimum 5% down payment. Veterans may borrow up to $200,000 to purchase land.

Veterans Housing Assistance Program: Created in 1983, this program assists Texas veterans and military members in purchasing a home with a low-interest loan and little or no money down.

Texas Vet Loan rate subsidy: The Texas Vet rate subsidy can reduce your VA loan rate by 0.25–0.50 percentage points below the standard VA market rate.

Veterans Home Improvement Program (VHIP): Offers qualified veterans or military members loans to help pay for home repairs or upgrades.

How to apply: Contact the VLB at 1-800-252-8387 or visit the Texas Veterans Land Board website for applications.

Texas State Veterans Homes

Texas State Veterans Homes provide long-term care for qualified veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents. There are ten long-term care facilities throughout the state.

Eligibility: Veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty and have been honorably discharged. Veterans with a 70% or higher service-connected disability can generally live at a home for free.

Locations include:

• Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home (Amarillo)

• Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home (Bonham)

• William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home (Temple)

• Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home (El Paso)

• Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home (Tyler)

How to apply: Contact the individual home for admission applications. Applications are currently being accepted at the Watkins-Logan TSVH in Tyler and the William R. Courtney TSVH in Temple.

Education Benefits for Children and Spouses

Children and spouses of veterans who are disabled, missing, or killed as a result of military service may qualify for Hazlewood Act benefits. The benefit provides up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition exemption including most mandatory fees at Texas public institutions.

Eligibility for children:

• Must be classified as a Texas resident

• Must be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent

• Must be 25 years old or younger on the first day of the semester

• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

Eligibility for spouses:

• Must be a Texas resident

• Must be the spouse of a qualifying veteran

• Must not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas

Tax Benefits for Military Retired Pay

Texas does not tax military retired pay. The state has no individual income tax, so all income—including military retirement, VA disability compensation, and VA pension—is completely free from state income taxation. Thrift Savings Plan distributions are also not taxed at the state level.

Veteran-Owned Business Benefits

Starting January 1, 2026, the Veteran Verification Letter benefit becomes permanent under Texas Senate Bill 938. The legislation provides significant advantages for veteran entrepreneurs:

• Waives certain filing fees for new veteran-owned business entities

• Exempts the Texas Franchise Tax for a specified period

Eligibility:

• Entity must be 100% veteran-owned (one or more veteran owners)

• Veteran owner(s) must be honorably discharged from active military duty

• Entity must have been formed on or after January 1, 2022

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Texas offers reduced-fee and free hunting and fishing licenses for qualifying veterans. Disabled veterans and veterans in certain categories may qualify for reduced license fees. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department administers these programs.

State Park Admission

Texas state parks offer free admission for veterans with a 60% or greater service-connected disability. Veterans must present documentation of their disability rating at park entrances.

Texas VA Offices and Facilities

Texas has one of the largest VA healthcare networks in the country. The VA operates multiple medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers across the state. The Waco VA Regional Benefit Office processes federal benefits claims for most Texas veterans.

VA Medical Centers in Texas

VA Regional Benefit Offices in Texas

Texas Veterans Commission

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is the state agency that advocates for Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The agency provides free claims assistance, employment services, and education benefits administration.

Contact:

• Address: P.O. Box 12277, Austin, TX 78711-2277

• Phone: 800-252-8387

• Veterans’ Call Center: 1-800-252-VETS (8387)

• Email: info@tvc.texas.gov

• Website: tvc.texas.gov

The TVC represented 311,593 veterans, dependents, and survivors who received $7.2 billion in tax-free federal benefits during Fiscal Year 2023.

Veterans County Service Officers

Texas has a network of Veterans County Service Officers (VCSOs) who provide free assistance to veterans, dependents, and survivors. VCSOs help with filing claims for VA benefits, obtaining military records, and navigating state and federal programs. To find your county’s VCSO, contact the Texas Veterans Commission or your county government.

Texas Veterans Support Programs

Texas offers extensive support programs for veterans, funded through the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA). In 2026, Governor Abbott announced $40.8 million in FVA grants to support 190 grants to 160 organizations across the state. These grants are anticipated to serve over 125,698 veterans and family members statewide.

Fund for Veterans’ Assistance

The FVA was established in 2007 to address the needs of Texas veterans and their families. Funding is generated primarily by Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support, along with individual donations through driver’s licenses, handgun carry licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and vehicle registrations.

FVA grants fund:

• Assistive Technology

• Clinical Counseling

• Elder Care

• Family & Child Support Services

• Financial Assistance

• Food Meal Services

• Homeless Services

• Home Modification & Repair

• Non-Clinical Mental Health Services

• Pro Bono Legal Services

• Trade Skills Training Services

• Transportation Services

• Service Dog Program for Veterans

• Veteran Treatment Courts

• Veterinary Care Service for Veterans

Since 2009 through the current 2026-2027 grant cycle, over $400 million in grant funding has been awarded through 1,790 FVA grants.

Employment Services

Texas provides priority of service to veterans and eligible spouses at all Texas Workforce Solutions offices. Veterans receive preference for jobs posted on WorkInTexas.com and priority for all state agency openings.

Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program: Provides individualized career and training services to transitioning service members, eligible veterans, and eligible persons with qualifying employment barriers.

Veterans Career Advisors (VCA): Provide individual career services including job coaching, interview skills, and resume development. TVC Veterans Employment Services team operates in 90 locations across the state, including 70 American Job Centers.

Texas Operation Welcome Home: Helps service members who have recently left the military transition to civilian employment.

How to apply: Visit your local Texas Workforce Solutions office or contact the Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services team.

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Housing for Texas Heroes: FVA grants fund home modification and repair projects for veterans across Texas. Recent grants include funding for Habitat for Humanity projects in Smith County, Austin, and other areas.

Veterans Transitional Housing Pilot Program: Created by the 88th Texas Legislature, this program designates $400,000 of Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) funds for each year of the biennium to address the housing needs of veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness in four areas of the state.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: Available at (877) 424-3838, this service is free, confidential, and staffed 24/7 with trained counselors.

VLB Home Improvement Program: Provides loans for veterans to repair or upgrade their homes.

Mental Health Resources

Texas Veterans + Family Alliance (TV+FA) Grant Program: Established in 2016, this program provides community mental health services for veterans and their families. Effective September 1, 2026, House Bill 114 transitions certain veterans’ mental health initiatives from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to the Texas Veterans Commission.

Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN): Provides direct peer-to-peer support, coordination of mental health first aid training, and connection to licensed mental health professionals.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, press 1. Available 24/7/365. This service is private, free, and available day or night. Veterans can also text 838255 or start a confidential online chat session.

2-1-1 Texas: Connects Texans to critical services and resources, including food, housing, care for mental health and substance use disorders, and emergency services. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org.

Burial Benefits

Texas State Veterans Cemeteries provide no-cost burial for veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents. Burial benefits at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are identical to those for VA National Cemeteries.

Cemetery locations:

• Abilene

• Corpus Christi

• Killeen

• Mission

• Lubbock (opening Spring 2026)

Burial benefits include:

• Opening and closing of grave or columbarium niche

• Military honors for veterans

• Perpetual care

• No charge for interment of veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents

If the veteran has a service-connected cause of death, the family may be eligible for reimbursement from the VA for some funeral home costs up to $2,000.

Legal Assistance

The Texas Veterans Commission provides pro bono legal services through FVA grants to organizations across the state. Veterans needing legal assistance with VA claims, housing issues, or other matters can contact the TVC for referrals.

How to Apply for Texas Veterans Benefits

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

• DD-214 or separation papers (discharge document)

• Current, unexpired photo ID

• Social Security number

• Direct deposit information

• Medical records relevant to your claim

• Proof of Texas residency (for state benefits)

• VA rating decision letter (if applicable)

• Property deed (for homestead exemption)

• Marriage certificate (for spouse benefits)

Step 2: Determine Which Benefits You Qualify For

Use the decision tree below:

1. Do you have a service-connected disability? → File for VA disability compensation (Form 21-526EZ) and apply for the Texas property tax exemption.

2. Are you a wartime veteran with limited income? → Apply for VA pension (Form 21-527EZ).

3. Do you want to buy a home or land? → Explore VLB home and land loan programs.

4. Are you a veteran seeking education? → Apply for Hazlewood Act benefits through your institution.

5. Are you a surviving spouse or dependent? → Contact the TVC for DIC and survivor benefits.

6. Are you homeless or at risk? → Contact the National Homeless Veteran Call Center at (877) 424-3838.

7. Are you seeking employment? → Visit a Texas Workforce Solutions office for priority of service.

8. Are you a veteran entrepreneur? → Apply for the Veteran Verification Letter for franchise tax exemption.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Online: Most federal VA benefits can be applied for at VA.gov. Property tax exemption applications are submitted to your County Appraisal District. Hazlewood applications are submitted to your institution’s financial aid office.

By mail: Disability claims can be mailed to the Waco VA Regional Benefit Office at 701 Clay Ave., Waco, TX 76799.

In person: Visit a Texas Veterans Commission office or a Veterans County Service Officer for free claims assistance.

Step 4: Track Your Claim

VA disability claims can be tracked online through VA.gov. For questions about claim status, contact the Waco VA Regional Benefit Office or the Texas Veterans Commission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the property tax filing deadline: File your exemption application with your County Appraisal District between January 1 and April 30. Late applications may be accepted until the first anniversary of the date the exemption was denied.

• Not filing annually for certain benefits: Some property tax exemptions require annual filing. Check with your appraisal district.

• Incomplete DD-214: Ensure your discharge document is complete. If it’s missing, request a replacement from the National Archives.

• Not using free TVC assistance: The Texas Veterans Commission provides free claims assistance. There is no need to pay for claim preparation.

• Missing Hazlewood deadlines: Hazlewood applications and Student Hours Reports have specific semester deadlines. Late applications are not accepted.

• Forgetting to register with the Hazlewood database: All Hazlewood recipients must register with the Hazlewood Student Hours Online database.

• Ignoring PACT Act presumptives: Veterans with qualifying service may not need a nexus letter. Filing for presumptive conditions can simplify the claims process.

Appeals Process

If a VA claim is denied, veterans can request a decision review through three options: a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a Board of Veterans’ Appeals appeal. VA-accredited representatives and Veterans Service Organizations can assist with the appeals process at no cost. The Texas Veterans Commission provides assistance with appeals at no charge.

Common Questions

1. What is the Texas veterans property tax exemption amount for 2026?

The 2026 exemption amounts are $30,000 for veterans rated 10%–29% disabled, $40,000 for 30%–49%, $50,000 for 50%–69%, and $100,000 for 70% or higher. Veterans rated 100% disabled receive a full homestead exemption. Surviving spouses may also qualify.

2. How do I apply for the Texas veterans property tax exemption?

File with your County Appraisal District. You must provide a copy of your DD-214 and your VA disability rating decision letter. The exemption is applied to your primary residence homestead. Filing deadlines are typically between January 1 and April 30.

3. What is the Hazlewood Act and who qualifies?

The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities. Qualifying veterans must be Texas residents, have served at least 181 days of active duty, have an honorable discharge, and have no federal education benefits dedicated to tuition and fees only.

4. Can I transfer my Hazlewood Act benefits to my child?

Yes. Under the Hazlewood Legacy Act, eligible veterans may transfer unused hours to a qualifying child. The child must be a Texas resident, be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent, and be 25 years old or younger on the first day of the semester.

5. How do I contact the Texas Veterans Commission?

Call 800-252-8387 or email info@tvc.texas.gov. The TVC provides free claims assistance, employment services, and education benefits administration. The Veterans’ Call Center is available at 1-800-252-VETS (8387).

6. What is the Texas Veterans Land Board?

The VLB offers land loans, home loans, home improvement loans, and state veterans homes. The VLB Veterans Land Loan Program is the only one of its kind in the nation, allowing veterans to borrow money to purchase land with a minimum 5% down payment. Call 1-800-252-8387 for information.

7. Does Texas tax military retirement pay?

No. Texas has no state income tax. Military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, VA pension, and all other income are completely free from state taxation. Thrift Savings Plan distributions are also not taxed at the state level.

8. What education benefits are available for children of Texas veterans?

Children of veterans who are disabled, missing, or killed as a result of military service may qualify for Hazlewood Act benefits, providing up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition exemption. Children must be Texas residents and 25 years old or younger.

9. What homeless veteran services are available in Texas?

Contact the National Homeless Veteran Call Center at (877) 424-3838, available 24/7. The Veterans Transitional Housing Pilot Program provides $400,000 annually for housing needs. FVA grants fund homeless services across the state.

10. How do I apply for a VLB home loan?

Contact the Texas Veterans Land Board at 1-800-252-8387 or visit the VLB website. The Texas Vet Loan rate subsidy can reduce your VA loan rate by 0.25–0.50 percentage points below the standard VA market rate. A minimum 5% down payment may be required.

11. What mental health resources are available for Texas veterans?

The Military Veteran Peer Network provides peer-to-peer support. The Veterans Crisis Line is available at 988, press 1. The Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program funds community mental health services. Call 2-1-1 Texas for local resources.

12. What are the requirements for Texas State Veterans Homes?

Veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty and have been honorably discharged. Veterans with a 70% or higher service-connected disability can generally live at a home for free. There are ten facilities across the state.

13. What burial benefits are available for Texas veterans?

Texas State Veterans Cemeteries provide no-cost burial for veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents, including opening and closing of the grave and military honors. Locations include Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, Mission, and Lubbock (opening Spring 2026).

14. What business benefits are available for Texas veterans?

Starting January 1, 2026, the Veteran Verification Letter benefit becomes permanent. It waives certain filing fees for new veteran-owned business entities and exempts the Texas Franchise Tax for a specified period. The entity must be 100% veteran-owned and formed on or after January 1, 2022.

15. What employment services are available for Texas veterans?

Texas provides priority of service at all Texas Workforce Solutions offices. Veterans receive preference for jobs posted on WorkInTexas.com. Veterans Career Advisors provide job coaching, interview skills, and resume development at 90 locations across the state.

Key Takeaways

• Texas offers a 100% property tax exemption for veterans rated 100% disabled, with partial exemptions from $30,000 to $100,000 for other disability ratings.

• The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities.

• The Texas Veterans Land Board offers home loans with rates typically 0.25–0.50% below standard VA rates and land loans with a minimum 5% down payment.

• Texas has no state income tax, so military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are completely free from state taxation.

• The Texas Veterans Commission provides free claims assistance at 800-252-8387 and represented 311,593 veterans who received $7.2 billion in federal benefits in FY 2023.

• Governor Abbott announced $40.8 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants for 2026-2027 to support 190 grants serving over 125,698 veterans and family members.

• Veteran-owned businesses can receive franchise tax exemptions and filing fee waivers under Senate Bill 938, effective January 1, 2026.

• Texas State Veterans Homes provide long-term care for veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents, with free care for veterans rated 70% or higher disabled.

• The Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) provides 24/7 support for veterans in crisis.

• Texas State Veterans Cemeteries provide no-cost burial for veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents.

Official Resources

• VA.gov — Apply for disability compensation, education benefits, home loans, and healthcare

• Texas Veterans Commission — 800-252-8387; tvc.texas.gov

• Texas Veterans Land Board — 1-800-252-8387; glo.texas.gov/vlb

• Waco VA Regional Benefit Office — 701 Clay Ave., Waco, TX 76799

• Texas Workforce Commission — twc.texas.gov

• Hazlewood Act Information — tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood

• VA Veterans Crisis Line — 988, press 1

• National Homeless Veteran Call Center — (877) 424-3838

• SSA.gov — Social Security benefits

• USA.gov — Government services and information

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