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Texas — Veteran Benefits

Complete reference covering 58 benefit categories across 14 service tiers. Verify current eligibility with your County VSO before filing.

At a Glance — What Unlocks by Status / Rating

Veteran benefits unlocked at each service status and disability rating in Texas
Status / Rating Headline Benefits Unlocked
Active Duty No state income tax · TxDMV late-fee waiver on registration renewals · 2-year renewal extension during deployment · DL/CDL skills-test waiver (federal FMCSA) · in-state tuition waiver (Texas Ed. Code § 54.241) · Hazlewood Act if TX entry/residency · LTC fee waived · TPWD Active Duty Parklands Passport
Guard / Reserve No state income tax · State Tuition Assistance (up to $1,000/semester via Texas Military Dept.) · Hazlewood Act if qualifying service + TX residency · ERS military service credit purchase (up to 60 months)
Military Retiree No state income tax (all retirement pay exempt) · SBP state-tax-free · VLB home/land loans · property-tax partial exemption if SC disability rating exists
Veteran (honorable, no rating) No state income tax · Veterans Parklands Passport (free entry, cardholder only) · veteran DL designation · Hazlewood Act (up to 150 credit hours if TX entry/residency + 180+ days active duty) · veteran employment preference · VLB home/land loans · discounted LTC ($25)
0% SC Same as veteran no-rating; SC status noted in file
10–20% Property-tax reduction of $5,000 (§ 11.22) · all prior tiers
30–40% Property-tax reduction of $7,500 · VLB 0.50% rate discount (30%+) · all prior
50–60% Property-tax reduction of $10,000 · DV plates on 1 vehicle (reg. fee waived) · DV parking placard free · Disabled Veterans Parklands Passport (cardholder + 1 companion) · free DL/ID at 60%+ · free DV Super Combo (hunting + fishing) at 50%+ · discounted boat registration ($3/2 yr) at 60%+ · all prior
70–90% Property-tax reduction of $12,000 · state veterans home generally no-cost (VA per diem covers it) · all prior
100% schedular Full homestead property-tax exemption (§ 11.131) · DV plates on 2 vehicles · all prior
TDIU Same as 100% — full homestead property-tax exemption · DV plates on 2 vehicles · all prior
P&T Full homestead exemption survives to un-remarried surviving spouse on same homestead · spouse/child eligible for independent 150-hour Hazlewood pool · all prior
SMC (Housebound/A&A) Same vehicle and property benefits as 100%/TDIU; Texas has no additional SMC-specific state tier
Surviving spouse / dependents NEW 2026: § 11.136 — 100% homestead exemption for un-remarried surviving spouse of PACT Act service-connected-death veteran · § 11.133 — 100% homestead exemption for KIA/line-of-duty death · § 11.131 carryover from 100%/TDIU P&T veteran · independent 150-hour Hazlewood for spouse/child of 100% P&T or service-connected-death veteran

Taxes

1. Property Tax — Primary Residence

**Authority:** Texas Tax Code §§ 11.22, 11.131, 11.132, 11.133, 11.136 **Form:** 50-135 (Disabled Veteran's or Survivor's Exemptions) for § 11.22; 50-114 (Residence Homestead Exemption Application) for §§ 11.131, 11.133, 11.136; filed with county Appraisal District **Deadline:** April 30 annually (late filing accepted up to 5 years after delinquency date)
Verify locally: ⚠️ County processing is in early rollout; contact your county appraisal district to confirm the form and procedures.

Authority: Texas Tax Code §§ 11.22, 11.131, 11.132, 11.133, 11.136

2. Property Tax — Vehicle / Personal Property

Texas does not impose an annual personal property tax on vehicles. Vehicle registration fees apply instead (see Category 10).

3. Vehicle Sales / Use Tax

**Partially available — modified vehicle only:** Motor vehicles modified to assist a person with orthopedic disabilities to drive or ride are exempt from motor vehicle sales and use tax, provided the vehicle is used at least 80% of the time to transport or be driven by a person with an orthopedic disability. Authority: Texas Tax Code § 152.090.

4. State Income Tax — Active Duty Military Pay

**Unavailable as a separate benefit — Texas has no state income tax.** Active-duty pay, including hostile-fire pay and combat pay, is automatically free of state taxation. This applies to all tiers.

5. State Income Tax — Military Retirement Pay

**Unavailable as a separate benefit — Texas has no state income tax.** Military retirement pay of any type or amount is entirely state-tax-free. No forms, no thresholds, no application required.

6. State Income Tax — SBP Annuity

**Unavailable as a separate benefit — Texas has no state income tax.** SBP annuity payments received by surviving spouses are entirely state-tax-free at the state level. Federal tax still applies (SBP premiums are pre-tax; annuity is federally taxable income).

7. State Income Tax — General

**Unavailable as a separate exemption — Texas has no state income tax.** VA disability compensation, military pay, retirement, and survivor benefits are all automatically state-tax-free. No state tax returns required for most residents with solely these income sources.

8. Sales Tax Exemption

Texas does not issue a blanket sales tax exemption card to disabled veterans. The orthopedic-vehicle modification exemption (Category 3) is the only vehicle-adjacent sales-tax benefit. HB 235, which would have created a general $25,000 annual sales-tax exemption for 100% rated veterans, did not become law (dead August 15, 2025).

9. Other State Tax Breaks

**Franchise Tax — Veteran-Owned Business Waiver:** New veteran-owned businesses (100% veteran-owned, honorably or general-under-honorable discharged) formed on or after January 1, 2022 qualify for: - Waiver of Secretary of State business-registration filing fees ($300 for an LLC; up to $750 for other entity types) - Exemption from the Texas franchise tax (margin tax) for the first 5 years of operation

Authority: Texas Tax Code § 171.003; enabling legislation originally S.B. 938 (87th Legislature, 2021) made permanent by H.B. 346 (89th Legislature, signed June 12, 2025)

Vehicle, Travel & ID

10. Vehicle Registration Fee

**DV Plate Registration Waiver:** Veterans with 50%+ SC disability (or 40%+ due to amputation of a lower extremity) qualify for Disabled Veteran (DV) specialty license plates with annual registration fees waived.

Authority: Texas Transportation Code § 504.201 et seq.; TxDMV — txdmv.gov/motorists/for-our-troops

11. Disabled Veteran License Plates

50%+ SC disability OR 40%+ due to amputation of a lower extremity **Included:** International Symbol of Access (ISA/wheelchair symbol) may be displayed on DV plates upon request. Multiple military-branch DV designs available. **Benefits attached to DV plates:** - Registration fee waived (see Category 10) - Free parking at government-operated parking meters — authority: Texas Transportation Code § 681.011 (also applies to Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and other listed specialty plates) - TxDOT toll road exemption (see Category 13) - Disabled parking placard eligibility (see Category 15)

12. Other Veteran / Military Specialty Plates

Texas offers a broad range of specialty plates for service members and veterans, including (non-exhaustive): Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star family, Surviving Spouse, and dozens of branch/unit plates. Most carry a small annual specialty fee; Medal of Honor plates are free with proof. Plates with parking and toll benefits are listed in Categories 11 and 13. Source: TxDMV — txdmv.gov/motorists/for-our-troops

13. Toll Road / Bridge Exemption

**TxDOT-operated toll roads — full exemption:** Vehicles displaying qualifying Texas DV plates (50%+ rating) travel TxDOT-managed toll roads at no charge. No enrollment or TxTag account is required for TxDOT roads. Eligible roads include SH 130, SH 45, Loop 1 (MoPac), SH 71, and all other TxDOT-operated toll facilities statewide. **Authority:** TxDOT Veterans Discount Program — txdot.gov
Verify locally: Confirmed examples: - **NTTA (North Texas Tollway Authority):** Does NOT provide a toll exemption or discount for DV plates. - **HCTRA (Harris County Toll Road Authority):** Contact HCTRA directly to verify current policy. - **CTRMA (Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority):** Contact directly to verify.

Authority: TxDOT Veterans Discount Program — txdot.gov

14. Public Transit Discount

**No statewide veteran transit program.** Benefits vary by transit authority: - **Houston METRO:** Free rides for veterans with qualifying VA-certified service disability or Medal of Honor; requires VA documentation. - **San Antonio VIA:** Reduced fares for veterans with housebound, A&A, or 80%+ disability rating. - **El Paso Sun Metro:** Vets Ride Free program (30-day pass, free); verify current availability directly with Sun Metro — program has been extended subject to funding. - **Tyler Transit:** Half-price fixed-route rides with Tyler R.O.S.E. discount card.
Verify locally: - **El Paso Sun Metro:** Vets Ride Free program (30-day pass, free); verify current availability directly with Sun Metro — program has been extended subject to funding.

15. Disabled Parking Privileges

**DV plate holders (50%+ rating):** Automatically entitled to disabled-person parking privileges when DV plate is displayed — no separate placard required. **Disabled Parking Placard:** Veterans qualifying for DV plates may also receive a permanent disabled parking placard at no charge. **Form:** VTR-615 (same form as DV plates); filed at county Tax Assessor-Collector. **Authority:** Texas Transportation Code § 681; TxDMV — txdmv.gov/motorists/disabled-parking-placards-plates Free parking at government-operated parking meters for vehicles displaying DV plates or qualifying placard.

Authority: Texas Transportation Code § 681; TxDMV — txdmv.gov/motorists/disabled-parking-placards-plates

16. Driver License / State ID Fee

**Free Texas Driver License or State ID for disabled veterans:** - Eligibility: 60%+ SC disability + honorable discharge + receiving VA compensation - Waiver covers: standard DL and state ID card - Does NOT cover CDL (commercial driver license) - How to apply: present signed VA disability letter (showing 60%+ rating) or official discharge/rating documents at any Texas DPS driver license office

Authority: Texas Transportation Code §§ 521.421, 521.1235; DPS — dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license

17. CDL Fee / Skills-Test Waiver

**CDL fee waiver:** Not available — the 60% disability DL fee waiver explicitly excludes commercial driver licenses. **CDL skills-test waiver (federal program):** Veterans who operated military commercial motor vehicles equivalent to CDL Class A or B may apply to skip the CDL road skills test under the FMCSA Military Skills Test Exemption program (all states participate). Requires military driving record proving equivalent experience. The written knowledge test and medical exam still apply. **Form:** Submitted to Texas DPS with military driving records. **Authority:** 49 CFR § 383.77; FMCSA — fmcsa.dot.gov

Authority: 49 CFR § 383.77; FMCSA — fmcsa.dot.gov

18. Veteran Designation on DL / ID

**Available** — "VETERAN" designation printed on face of Texas driver license or ID at no additional charge at renewal. Provide DD-214 showing honorable discharge. "DISABLED VETERAN" designation available for 50%+ SC (or 40%+ lower-extremity amputation). **Authority:** Texas Transportation Code § 521.1235; DPS — dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license

Authority: Texas Transportation Code § 521.1235; DPS — dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license

Outdoor Recreation

19. Hunting License

**Disabled Veteran Super Combo — Free (includes hunting license):** - Eligibility: 50%+ SC disability OR loss of use of a foot or leg; must be receiving VA compensation for that disability; applies to residents and non-residents - Includes: hunting license + archery endorsement + upland game bird endorsement + migratory game bird endorsement - Does NOT include: Federal Duck Stamp (required for waterfowl; purchase separately, approx. $27) - How to obtain: in person only at any TPWD license retailer; present official VA documentation issued within the last 12 months showing disability rate, or Texas DL with "Disabled Veteran" designation

Authority: Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 42.014; TPWD Outdoor Annual — tpwd.texas.gov

20. Fishing License — Freshwater

**Included in the Disabled Veteran Super Combo (50%+ rating):** freshwater fishing license + freshwater fishing endorsement — free. Standard annual freshwater fishing license: approximately $30 at civilian rate. No separate veteran discount below 50%. **Authority:** Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 46.005; TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov

Authority: Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 46.005; TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov

21. Fishing License — Saltwater

**Included in the Disabled Veteran Super Combo (50%+ rating):** all-water (saltwater) fishing license + saltwater fishing endorsement + red drum tag — free. **Authority:** Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 46.007; TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov

Authority: Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 46.007; TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov

22. Combination Hunt/Fish License

**Disabled Veteran Super Combo — Free (50%+ SC or loss of use of foot/leg):** Single package covering hunting license + fishing license (fresh and salt) + five endorsements: archery, freshwater, saltwater with red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory game bird. - Available in person only at TPWD license retailers; not available online - VA documentation (issued within last 12 months, stating disability rate) or TX DL with "Disabled Veteran" designation required at purchase - Package value: approximately $60–$68 at civilian rates

Authority: Texas Parks & Wildlife Code §§ 42.014, 46.005, 46.007; TPWD Outdoor Annual — tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses/combination-hunting-fishing/disabled-veteran-super-combo-hunting-and-all-water-fishing-package

23. Trapping License

**Unavailable as a separate veteran benefit.** A trapping license is not included in the Disabled Veteran Super Combo. Disabled veterans needing a trapping license pay standard fees. ⚠️ Verify directly with TPWD at (512) 389-4800 — the Super Combo scope can change by legislation.
Verify locally: ⚠️ Verify directly with TPWD at (512) 389-4800 — the Super Combo scope can change by legislation.

24. State Parks — Day Use / Entrance

**Veterans Parklands Passport (all honorably discharged veterans, any tier):** - Free entry to Texas state parks for the cardholder only; companions pay standard fee - Obtain at any state park entrance; present DD-214, DoD veteran ID, VA health ID card, or TX DL with veteran designation - No annual fee; permanent pass

Authority: TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes/texas-parklands-passports

25. State Parks — Camping

**No statewide veteran camping fee waiver is documented.** The Veterans Parklands Passport and Disabled Veterans Parklands Passport cover day-use entry fees only; camping fees are charged separately. ⚠️ Individual parks may offer courtesy discounts. Contact TPWD at (512) 389-8900 for current camping fee policy for veterans.

26. State Parks — Annual / Lifetime Pass

**The Veterans Parklands Passport and Disabled Veterans Parklands Passport function as permanent, no-fee passes** — neither requires annual renewal as long as the veteran retains qualifying status. The Disabled Veterans Passport includes companion entry at the 60%+ tier. These are obtained at any state park entrance with qualifying documentation. **Authority:** TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov

Authority: TPWD — tpwd.texas.gov

27. Boat / Watercraft Registration

**Disabled veteran boat registration discount (60%+ SC):** - Two-year certificate of number fee: $3 (standard rate is significantly higher) - Eligibility: veteran with 60%+ SC disability; vessel must be owned by the veteran and registered for personal use - Authority: Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 31.026 - How to apply: at any TPWD license retailer or county Tax Assessor-Collector

Education

28. In-State Tuition

**Waiver of non-resident tuition for active duty and veterans:** Texas Education Code § 54.241 grants active-duty service members (regardless of home state), veterans, and qualifying reservists a waiver of non-resident tuition at Texas public colleges and universities. Tuition drops to the in-state rate; this does not confer full residency classification for other purposes. All qualifying veterans are eligible — honorable discharge, any rating. **Action:** Request the Military Waiver at the institution's registrar or veterans services office; provide DD-214 or current military orders.

29. Tuition Waiver — Disabled Veteran

**Hazlewood Act — up to 150 credit hours free:**

Authority: Texas Education Code §§ 54.341–54.346; TVC — tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood

30. Dependent Education Benefit

**Hazlewood Legacy Act — transfer to dependent child:** - Veteran may transfer unused Hazlewood hours to one dependent child at a time (biological, step, adopted, or tax-claimed dependent) - Child must be 25 or younger on the first class day of the semester; must be classified as Texas resident by the institution - Total hours across all transfers may not exceed the veteran's 150-hour pool - Hours can be reassigned to another eligible child if the first child does not use all assigned hours - Requirement: child must have exhausted or be ineligible for federal GI Bill benefits before Legacy hours apply

Authority: Texas Education Code § 54.341(a)(2)(B); TVC

31. Spouse Education Benefit

**Hazlewood — spouse of 100% P&T or deceased service-connected veteran:** - Spouses of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled, or who died from a service-connected condition, are eligible for their own independent 150-hour Hazlewood exemption — separate from the veteran's personal pool - Must be classified as a Texas resident by the institution - **Authority:** Texas Education Code § 54.341; TVC

Authority: Texas Education Code § 54.341; TVC

32. National Guard / Reserve Tuition Assistance

**State Tuition Assistance (STA) — Texas Military Department:** - Eligible: active members of Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, or Texas State Guard - Award: up to $1,000 per semester in tuition and fees (needs-based; prioritized when funding is limited) - Maximum duration: 5 academic years (10 semesters) - School must be a public or private nonprofit college headquartered in Texas; for-profit institutions not eligible - GPA requirement: 2.0 cumulative minimum; member must remain in good standing through end of semester; ETS/MRD must be after last day of class - **Contact:** Texas Military Department STA Office: (512) 782-5270 or ng.tx.txarng.mbx.trp@army.mil - **Authority:** Texas Education Code § 54.211; TMD — tmd.texas.gov

Authority: Texas Education Code § 54.211; TMD — tmd.texas.gov

33. K-12 Support

**Purple Star Campus Designation:** Texas recognizes public school campuses that demonstrate strong support for military-connected students. As of the 2025–2026 school year, 640 Texas schools hold the designation (98 newly awarded for 2025–26). Designated schools have dedicated transition counselors, military student liaisons, and priority enrollment processes for PCS moves. **Authority:** Senate Bill 1557 (86th Legislature); Texas Education Agency, 19 TAC § 61.1063 **Find designated campuses:** tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/military-families/purple-star-campus-designation

Authority: Senate Bill 1557 (86th Legislature); Texas Education Agency, 19 TAC § 61.1063

34. State Student Loan / Scholarship

**Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) — educational assistance:** TVC awarded $46.3 million across 213 grants in the 2025–2026 cycle, funding local nonprofits that provide direct financial assistance (rent, utilities, food, emergency funds) to eligible veterans and families. Not a direct state scholarship — access is through TVC-funded local organizations. **How to access:** Call 211 (statewide) or visit TVC grant-finder — tvc.texas.gov/grants

Employment & Licensing

35. Veterans Hiring Preference

**Texas veteran employment preference — state agencies:** - **Authority:** Texas Government Code Chapter 657 (§ 657.003 et seq.) - Eligible veterans (honorable discharge from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or Texas military forces) must be given preference over equally qualified non-veteran applicants for state agency positions - **Interview requirements:** If 6 or fewer candidates are selected for interview: at least one qualified veteran applicant from the pool must be interviewed. If 7 or more are interviewed: at least 20% must be qualified veteran applicants. - **Tie rule:** When two finalists are equal in all respects, the veteran must be offered the position - **20% employment goal:** Some agencies are required to maintain at least 20% veteran employment - Surviving spouses and orphans of veterans killed on active duty are also entitled to preference

Authority: Texas Government Code Chapter 657 (§ 657.003 et seq.)

36. Professional License Fee Waiver

**Texas-wide — multiple licensing boards:** Texas law requires occupational licensing agencies to: (1) waive application fees for qualifying veterans and their spouses; (2) expedite license applications within 10 business days for military members, veterans, and military spouses; (3) credit military experience toward license requirements. **Authority:** Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55

Authority: Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55

37. Professional License Reciprocity — Military Spouse

**Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55.009:** Military spouses who hold a license from another state may request an expedited reciprocal Texas license. Licensing agencies must recognize the out-of-state license as meeting Texas requirements where substantially equivalent, issue a temporary license within 30 days, and waive application fees. Applies to: nursing, education, engineering, medicine, cosmetology, and other licensed professions. **Action:** Submit license reciprocity request to the relevant Texas licensing board; include military orders showing Texas as current duty station plus out-of-state license documentation.

38. Business License Fee Break

**Veteran-Owned Business — SOS fee waiver:** Secretary of State registration fees waived for new 100% veteran-owned businesses (LLC: $300; corporations and other entities: up to $750). Requires Veteran Verification Letter from TVC. Franchise tax exemption for first 5 years also applies (see Category 9), now permanent under H.B. 346 (89th Legislature, 2025). **Authority:** Texas Business Organizations Code and H.B. 346 (89th Legislature, signed June 12, 2025) **Form:** Veteran Verification Letter from TVC; submit with SOS registration; notify Texas Comptroller for franchise tax exemption **Contact:** TVC Entrepreneurs — tvc.texas.gov/entrepreneurs; SOS — sos.state.tx.us/corp/veterans.shtml

Authority: Texas Business Organizations Code and H.B. 346 (89th Legislature, signed June 12, 2025)

39. Civil Service / Retirement Credit

**Texas Employees Retirement System (ERS) — military service credit purchase:** - Texas state employees may purchase up to 60 months of eligible prior active-duty military service to count toward ERS retirement - Requirements: (1) active ERS membership with at least one contribution posted; (2) no eligibility for a full military retirement benefit (CSRS Offset rule); (3) honorable discharge; (4) membership in ERS Retirement Group 1, 2, or 3 - Purchased military credit cannot count toward retirement until 5 years of ERS service credit have been accrued - **Cost:** actuarially determined; contact ERS for individual estimate — costs increase each fiscal year after the first year of state employment - **Documentation:** DD-214 or NGB-22 - **Authority:** Texas Government Code § 813; ERS — ers.texas.gov/active-employees/Retirement/Service-Credit-for-State-of-Texas-Retirement/Military-Service

Authority: Texas Government Code § 813; ERS — ers.texas.gov/active-employees/Retirement/Service-Credit-for-State-of-Texas-Retirement/Military-Service

Housing & Financial

40. State Home Loan / Down-Payment Assistance

**Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) — Home Loan Program:** - Loan limit: up to $832,750 on fixed-rate terms (15, 20, 25, or 30 years) - Little or no down payment required for qualifying properties - Disability discount: veterans with 30%+ SC disability receive a 0.50% rate reduction below the published VLB base rate - Primary residence requirement: must occupy within 60 days of closing; maintain as primary residence for at least 3 years - Base rate and discounted rate are adjusted the first business day of each week; ⚠️ verify current rates at glo.texas.gov/veterans/home-loans or call 1-800-252-8387
Verify locally: 50% rate reduction below the published VLB base rate - Primary residence requirement: must occupy within 60 days of closing; maintain as primary residence for at least 3 years - Base rate and discounted rate are adjusted the first business day of each week; ⚠️ verify current rates at glo. Check glo. Program features: - Grant: up to 5% of loan amount (does not need to be repaid) - Deferred forgivable second lien: 0% interest, forgiven after 3 years - Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) also available, reducing federal income taxes ⚠️ Verify current availability and income limits at tsahc.

Authority: GLO — glo.texas.gov/veterans/loans-veterans

41. Financial Assistance / Emergency Relief

Texas resident veteran; financial need demonstrated; specific income and service criteria vary by grantee program - **Authority:** Texas Government Code § 434.007 et seq.; TVC grants division

Authority: Texas Government Code § 434.007 et seq.; TVC grants division

42. State Veteran Bonus

Texas does not offer a state military service bonus, re-enlistment bonus, or wartime service bonus. No Texas "welcome home" bonus exists.

43. Specially Adapted Housing — State Supplement

**No Texas-specific state adapted housing supplement.** Federal VA programs remain the primary resource: SAH grant (up to $126,526 FY2026); SHA grant (up to $25,350 FY2026).
Verify locally: **Adjacent Texas resources:** - FHLB Dallas HAVEN grants (distributed through member banks; first-come/first-served; verify current availability — program active through at least December 31, 2026) for veterans with service-related disabilities needing housing assistance - Habitat for Humanity of Texas local affiliates — veteran priority in some chapters - TVC FVA grantees: some provide home-modification assistance (call 211) ⚠️ No state-specific adapted housing supplement statute found.

44. Utility / Heating Assistance

**Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) — Texas LIHEAP:** Administered by TDHCA; low-income households (including veterans) may receive: - Heating/cooling assistance: $1–$12,600 maximum - Crisis assistance: up to $1,800 - Weatherization assistance: up to $12,000

Health & Support

45. State Veterans Home / Nursing Home

- Must be recognized as an eligible veteran by USDVA; not dishonorably discharged - Must require long-term nursing care (physician certification + USDVA concurrence) - Must be a bona fide Texas resident at application, at military entry, or for at least 1 consecutive year immediately prior to application (military assignment alone does not establish residency) - Age 18+ - Spouses and un-remarried surviving spouses of eligible veterans also qualify - Gold Star Parents (all children died in service) also qualify
Verify locally: **Texas State Veterans Homes — 10 facilities:** Locations: Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, Temple, Tyler **Eligibility:** - Must be recognized as an eligible veteran by USDVA; not dishonorably discharged - Must require long-term nursing care (physician certification + USDVA concurrence) - Must be a bona fide Texas resident at application, at military entry, or for at least 1 consecutive year immediately prior to application (military assignment alone does not establish residency) - Age 18+ - Spouses and un-remarried surviving spouses of eligible veterans also qualify - Gold Star Parents (all children died in service) also qualify **Cost:** - Veterans with 70%+ SC disability rating: generally no cost — VA per diem offsets most or all charges including medication and therapy - Others: income-based sliding scale ⚠️ Verify current room rates at glo.

Authority: Texas Government Code Chapter 164; 40 TAC; administered by GLO

46. Behavioral / Mental Health Programs

**Texas HHS Mental Health Program for Veterans:** - HHSC contracts with 37 Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) statewide to employ Peer Service Coordinators - Provides peer-to-peer counseling and support for veterans, service members, and families experiencing military trauma; focuses on those who do not seek traditional VA services - **Cost:** Free to eligible veterans - **Contact:** hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/adult-mental-health/mental-health-program-veterans

47. Dental / Vision / Health Programs

**No Texas state-specific dental or vision coverage program for veterans.** State health coverage for veterans routes through: - Federal VA health benefits (enrolled veterans — priority groups determine cost-sharing) - VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) — discounted private dental insurance for veterans who do not qualify for free VA dental - CHAMPVA — for dependents/surviving spouses of 100% P&T veterans (federal, not state) - Medicaid — veterans who meet Texas income thresholds (standard MAGI rules apply; no veteran-specific exemption)

48. Long-Term Care / Aid & Attendance Supplement

**Texas State Veterans Homes** (see Category 45) are the primary state long-term care resource. Veterans with 70%+ SC disability generally receive care at no cost.

49. Free Legal Aid / Veteran Treatment Courts

**Texas Veterans Legal Assistance Program:** - Statewide program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income Texas veterans, spouses, dependents, and surviving spouses - Managed by Lone Star Legal Aid and Texas Legal Services Center - Covers: housing, family law, disability benefits, estate planning, consumer issues - **Contact:** Texas Legal Services Center — tlsc.org/veterans; Lone Star Legal Aid

50. Concealed Carry / Firearms Fee Waiver

**Texas License to Carry (LTC) — veteran fee:**
Verify locally: **Texas License to Carry (LTC) — veteran fee:** | Applicant | State DPS fee | |---|---| | Active duty (including Reserve/Guard) | $0 (waived) | | Veteran (honorable discharge) | $25 | | Standard civilian | $40 | ⚠️ Disabled veteran fee: may be fully waived; confirm with DPS at dps.

Authority: Texas Government Code § 411.190; DPS — dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing/special-conditions-military

51. Vital Records / Notary Fee Waiver

**Veteran fee reduction on vital records:** Some county clerks provide reduced fees on certified copies of vital records (birth/death certificates) for military veterans. Harris County example: $2.00 reduction per certified copy. ⚠️ This benefit varies by county and is not uniformly documented at state level. Contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics at (888) 963-7111 or your county clerk to confirm current policy before assuming a waiver.
Verify locally: Contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics at (888) 963-7111 or your county clerk to confirm current policy before assuming a waiver.

Legal & Administrative

52. Unique State Programs

**Free Parking at Government Meters:** Vehicles displaying DV plates, Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Pearl Harbor Survivor, or other qualifying military specialty plates park free at any government-operated parking meter (not private lots). Authority: Texas Transportation Code § 681.011.

Survivor Benefits

53. Surviving Spouse — Property Tax

**Three applicable statutes — all require: un-remarried, residence homestead:**

54. Surviving Spouse — Education

**Hazlewood Act — Surviving Spouse of 100% P&T or Service-Connected Death Veteran:** Surviving spouse may access the veteran's unused Hazlewood hours (drawn from the veteran's 150-hour pool). Additionally, surviving spouse of a 100% P&T or service-connected-death veteran is eligible for their own independent 150-hour Hazlewood exemption if they meet Texas residency requirements. **Authority:** Texas Education Code § 54.341; TVC

Authority: Texas Education Code § 54.341; TVC

55. Dependent / Survivor State Benefit

**Hazlewood Legacy (dependents of 100% P&T or service-connected-death veterans):** Dependent children (up to age 25) of 100% P&T or service-connected-death veterans are eligible for their own independent 150-hour Hazlewood tuition exemption — separate from any hours the veteran personally held. **Authority:** Texas Education Code § 54.341(a)(2)(B); TVC
Verify locally: Fee and registration waiver status for surviving spouses should be confirmed with TxDMV — txdmv. ⚠️ Verify whether registration fee waiver extends to surviving spouse plates.

Authority: Texas Education Code § 54.341(a)(2)(B); TVC

Memorial & Burial

56. State Veterans Cemetery

**Texas State Veterans Cemeteries — no charge for eligible burials:** Locations: Abilene, Killeen (Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery), Mission (Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery)

Authority: Texas Government Code Chapter 164; administered by GLO

57. Burial Allowance / Plot

**Texas State Veterans Cemetery: No charge** for grave plot, opening/closing of grave, concrete grave liner (casketed burials), and perpetual care.

58. Headstone / Memorial / Honors

**Texas State Veterans Cemeteries:** Headstone or marker provided at no charge (see Category 57).