Texas Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Texas, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Texas veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Texas has the second-largest veteran population in the country and offers one of the most comprehensive state veteran benefits packages to match. No state income tax, a powerful property tax exemption system that includes full exemption for 100% disabled veterans plus a surviving spouse benefit, and the Hazlewood Act education program make Texas a top-tier state for veterans.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans; partial for 10-90%
Veterans with 100% disability: full property tax exemption on homestead. 70-99%: $12,000 exemption. 50-69%: $10,000 exemption. 30-49%: $7,500 exemption. 10-29%: $5,000 exemption. Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans retain full exemption.
Income Tax Benefits
No state income tax
Texas has no state income tax. All income, including military retirement pay, is tax-free at the state level.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for 50%+ disabled veterans
Texas provides free super combo hunting and fishing license for resident veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability.
Education Benefits
Hazlewood Act: free tuition at state schools for veterans and dependents
The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of free tuition at Texas public colleges for eligible veterans. Can be transferred to children (Hazlewood Legacy Act).
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state employment
Texas grants veterans preference in state employment. Texas Workforce Commission operates Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services with Veteran Employment Representatives in local Workforce Solutions offices across the state. Disabled veterans receive additional preference.
Vehicles & DMV
Free DV plates; exempt from registration fees; free driver license; some toll exemptions
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates. DV plates are exempt from vehicle registration fees. Free driver license for disabled veterans. Toll exemptions for DV plates in some counties.
State Parks
Free Texas State Parks Pass for 60%+ disabled veterans
Texas Parks and Wildlife provides free Texas State Parks Pass for veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability. Covers all 89 state parks.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Texas State Veterans Homes; VLB home loans and land grants
Texas operates 9 State Veterans Homes providing skilled nursing. The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers below-market-rate home loans (up to $726,200), land loans (up to $150,000 for 5-10 acre tracts), and home improvement loans (up to $50,000) exclusively for Texas veterans.
Veteran Business Programs
HUB veteran-owned business certification
Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program certifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses for state procurement preferences. Texas Comptroller provides bid notification services for certified HUB vendors.
Veterans in Texas
Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans, second only to California. The state's military installations are legendary: Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Fort Bliss, Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston), Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and many more. The VA healthcare network in Texas is equally massive, with major medical centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Temple, and El Paso. The Texas Veterans Commission operates a statewide network of veteran service representatives, employment counselors, and mental health support programs. Texas also runs eight state veterans homes and a veterans land loan program that helps veterans purchase land at below-market rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Veteran Benefits
Does Texas offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans; partial for 10-90%. Veterans with 100% disability: full property tax exemption on homestead. 70-99%: $12,000 exemption. 50-69%: $10,000 exemption. 30-49%: $7,500 exemption. 10-29%: $5,000 exemption. Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans retain full exemption.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. All income, including military retirement pay, is tax-free at the state level.
What education benefits does Texas offer veterans?
Hazlewood Act: free tuition at state schools for veterans and dependents. The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of free tuition at Texas public colleges for eligible veterans. Can be transferred to children (Hazlewood Legacy Act).
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Texas?
Free hunting/fishing for 50%+ disabled veterans. Texas provides free super combo hunting and fishing license for resident veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability.
Does Texas give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state employment. Texas grants veterans preference in state employment. Texas Workforce Commission operates Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services with Veteran Employment Representatives in local Workforce Solutions offices across the state. Disabled veterans receive additional preference.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Texas?
Texas State Veterans Homes; VLB home loans and land grants. Texas operates 9 State Veterans Homes providing skilled nursing. The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers below-market-rate home loans (up to $726,200), land loans (up to $150,000 for 5-10 acre tracts), and home improvement loans (up to $50,000) exclusively for Texas veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Texas?
Free Texas State Parks Pass for 60%+ disabled veterans. Texas Parks and Wildlife provides free Texas State Parks Pass for veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability. Covers all 89 state parks.
Want the full picture?
Texas benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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