According to a recent report by the Housing Assistance Council, there are more than 1.5 million Veterans living in the state of Texas. With 15 active military bases and a further 1.3 million + active duty and reserve members living here, it’s no wonder that Texas offers some of the best state-level benefits for veterans.
We in the lone star state are proud of our military community members and are honored to serve those who have served and their families. From education to housing to fishing and hunting, Texas veterans can enjoy a wealth of exclusive benefits as our way of saying “thank you for your service.”
To help our veterans and military service members take advantage of everything offered to them, we’ve compiled an extensive list of discounts and special programs available in Texas.
Housing and Financial Assistance Benefits
In addition to the nationally available VA loans, the Texas Veteran’s Land Board (VLB) has several programs to further assist veterans and military members with achieving the dream of homeownership.
To be eligible for any VLB Loans, an applicant must be an 18-year-old legal resident of Texas on the date of application and meet any one of the following criteria:
* An active duty Military Member.
* A member of the Texas National Guard.
* A reserve component Military Member having completed 20 qualifying years for retirement.
* A Veteran having served at least 90 active duty days unless discharged sooner due to a service-connected disability and not discharged dishonorably.
* A surviving spouse of a Veteran listed as missing in action or whose death was service-connected.
Disabled veterans who already own property should be sure to take advantage of their property tax exemption as well.
Home Loan Programs
The VLB Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VHAP) provides low-interest fixed-rate loans at a competitive rate and requires little to no down payment. Veterans and military members can receive up to a $510,400 loan. The current home loan base rate is 2.89%*
Per the VLB, to qualify, homes must meet the following requirements:
* The home must be the veteran or military member's primary residence in Texas.
* The home must be a single-family attached or detached home, townhome or condominium.
* Duplexes or other multi-family units must have been constructed at least five years prior to the closing date of the loan.
* New homes must have either ENERGY STAR certification or HERS Index score of 75 or less.
* The home must remain the veteran or military member's primary residence for at least three years, and the veteran or military member borrower must occupy the home within 60 days after loan closing.
*All VLB interest rates and available discounts are subject to change at any time. The VLB base rate is subject to adjustment on the first business day of each week. All VLB loans are subject to credit approval.
How to Apply:
Contact a participating lender in your area to begin the qualifying process for your VHAP loan.
Land Loans Programs
VLB Land Loans offer veterans and military members a fixed rate 30 year loan of up to $150,000 towards the purchase of land in Texas, with a 5% minimum down payment. The current loan interest rate for VLB loans is 7.25%.*
Per the VLB, to be eligible for financing, the land must:
* Be wholly within the state of Texas.
* Contain at least one acre, excluding any portion beneath a dedicated public roadway or navigable waterway or subject to frequent inundation or otherwise unusable.
* Have legal, usable access to a public road. Access must be a minimum of 60 feet wide or meet the county public road width requirements, whichever is greater. “Usable” means that it can be driven on by a standard passenger car in inclement weather.
* Be properly described by either a field note description of the tract with the surveyor’s official seal and signature (original or copy) or a complete copy of the recorded subdivision plat if the description is by lot & block.
* Not be zoned strictly for commercial use.
* Not have been owned by you or your spouse within the previous three years.
* All trash/debris, tires or dilapidated structures must be removed prior to closing
How to Apply:
* Fill out the online application to get prequalified for a VLB loan. View the Land Loan Checklist for a complete list of required documentation.
* Find the land you would like to purchase that meets the VLB land loan requirements.
* Return all required documents to your loan processor and coordinate a closing date with your title company. Be prepared to pay closing costs.
*All VLB interest rates and available discounts are subject to change at any time. The VLB base rate is subject to adjustment on the first business day of each week. All VLB loans are subject to credit approval.
Home Improvement Benefits
The VLB Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program (VHIP) helps veterans and military members improve their homes through below-market interest rate loans of up to $50,000 to be used for eligible repairs, alterations or improvements.
Per the VLB, to be eligible for a VHIP financing, the following requirements must be met:
* The home being repaired must be wholly located in the state of Texas.
* The home must be the applicant’s primary residence.
* Single-family dwellings, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes and four-plexes are eligible. Duplexes, triplexes and four-plexes must be at least five years old. The borrower must reside in a newly constructed home for at least 90 days. Modular or manufactured homes that are on a permanent foundation and are part of the real estate (real property) may also be eligible, but the final decision on these types of loans will be determined by the VLB.
* The VLB must be in first or second lien position.
* The borrower cannot begin construction or advance funds to the contractor or purchase material prior to receipt of the loan proceeds from VLB. Loan proceeds will be available on the fourth business day after closing.
* The borrower must secure a general contractor.
* A current appraisal report may be required to determine the equity in the home for loans over $25,000.00.
* It’s possible for a Veteran or Military Member to have one active loan in each program — land, home, and home improvement—at the same time. Once a Veteran, or his or her successor, has successfully paid off a VLB home improvement loan s/he may obtain another VLB home improvement loan. The same applies to our land and housing program. All VLB programs are self-funded, using no public taxpayer funding. VLB programs are financed with bonds, which are serviced by loan payments from Veteran participants.
How to Apply:
* Fill out the online application to get started. View the Home Improvement Loan Application Checklist for a full list of documents you will need.
* Once you’ve been pre-approved, get bids from contractors in your area to give to your loan processor.
* Return all required documents to your loan processor and coordinate a closing date with your title company and contractor. Be prepared to pay closing costs.
Property Tax Exemption
Disabled veterans and surviving family members can take advantage of Texas’ Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Exemption. To qualify for this exemption, worth up to $12,000 according to disability rating, you must:
* Be a veteran disabled while serving as a member of the US Armed Forces
* Be classified as disabled by the Veteran’s Administration or the branch you served in with at least a 10% disability rating
* Have a service-connected disability
* Be a resident of Texas
Surviving spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 of a disabled veteran or service member who was killed while on active duty are also eligible for this exemption.
VA Disability Rating Maximum Exemption Amount from Property’s Value
How to Apply:
Submit your notarized Residence Homestead Exemption Application to your local appraisal district by April 30 of the tax year, along with the necessary documentation. You may also submit up to 2 years after the delinquency date.
Required Documentation:
* 90%-10% Disabled Veterans over 65
* Non-Primary Residence owned by 100% Disabled Veteran or Surviving Family
Education Benefits
Texas veterans who want to continue their education after leaving the service will find a number of state-level programs to assist them. Tuition assistance, tuition-free college and high school diploma programs are available.
Tuition-Free College
Texas veterans, their spouses and dependents can find financial assistance to attend a state college or university through the Hazlewood Act. The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This exemption includes most fee charges but does not cover living expenses, books or supply fees.
Per the Hazlewood act, an eligible Veteran must:
* At the time of entry into active duty the U.S. Armed Forces,
* have designated Texas as Home of Record;
* or entered the service in Texas;
* or was a Texas resident;
* Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions as indicated on the Veteran’s Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214);
* Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training);
* Currently reside in Texas;
* Have no federal Veteran’s education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
* Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas;
* Enroll in classes for which the college receives tax support (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its cost), unless the college’s governing board has ruled to let Veterans receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses; and
* Meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.
Per the Hazlewood act, an eligible child (Legacy Recipient) must:
* Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident;
* Be the biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or claimed as a dependent in the current or previous tax year;
* Be 25 years old or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed (unless granted an extension due to a qualifying illness or debilitating condition); and
* Meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.
Per the Hazlewood act, an eligible spouse must:
* Be a spouse of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces,
* be classified by the institution as a Texas resident,
* designated Texas as Home of Record,
* or entered the service in Texas;
* Be a spouse of a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Texas National Guard who died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action, or became totally disabled (100%) as a result of service-related injury or illness or is entitled to receive compensation at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (IU) due to a permanent service-connected injury or illness;
* Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
* Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident; and
* Meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours. This requirement does not apply to the spouse of an MIA, KIA, or service-connected deceased Veteran.
Per the Hazlewood act, an eligible dependent must:
* Be a child of a Veteran who, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces,
* be classified by the institution as a Texas resident,
* designated Texas as Home of Record,
* or entered the service in Texas;
* Be a child of a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas National Guard, or Texas Air National Guard who died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action, or became totally disabled (100%) as a result of a service-related injury or illness or is entitled to receive compensation at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (IU) due to a permanent service-connected injury or illness;
* Have no federal Veterans education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
* Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident; and
* Meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours. This requirement does not apply to the child of an MIA, KIA, or service-connected deceased Veteran.
How to Apply:
* Apply and be accepted to the Texas public college or university of your choice.
* Provide Proof (DD14) of military service and the nature of discharge to the Department of Defense.
* Provide a certificate of eligibility for federal education benefits (whether eligible or ineligible). You can request the certificate online.
* Fill out the Hazlewood Exemption Application form and submit it, along with the above-mentioned documentation, to the financial aid office of the college or university you will be attending no later than the last day of class for the semester or term you wish to apply for.
Texas National Guard Tuition Assistance
Members of the Texas National Guard can take advantage of the Texas National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program. Active drilling members can receive up to 6 credit hours, or $2,250, of tuition assistance for the fall and spring semesters.
Per the Texas Military Department, an eligible Guard member must:
* Be an active drilling member of any of the 3 following Texas components:
* Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG)
* Texas Air National Guard (TXANG)
* Texas State Guard (TXSG)
* Have completed Basic Training (or its equivalent)
* Be attending an accredited Texas college or university
* Be pursuing:
* an academic certificate
* their first undergraduate degree
* their first graduate or professional degree
How to Apply:
* Complete the Texas Tuition Assistance application either online or printed and filled out by hand.
* Send in your tuition statement, class schedule and financial aid information at the beginning of the semester to [email protected].
* Submit your official transcript at the end of the semester.
High School Diploma Programs
Texas Education Code 28.0.251 provides that certain wartime veterans are eligible to receive a high school diploma.
To qualify, a veteran must:
* Be an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States who was scheduled to graduate from high school:
* after 1940 and before 1975; or
* after 1989; and
* Left school after completing Grade 6 or higher, but before graduating from high school, to serve in:
* World War II
* the Korean War
* the Vietnam War
* the Persian Gulf War
* the Iraq War
* or the war in Afghanistan; or
* Any other war formally declared by the United States, military engagement authorized by the United States Congress, military engagement authorized by a United Nations Security Council resolution and funded by the United States Congress, or conflict authorized by the president of the United States under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 (50 United States Code §1541 et seq.).
How to Apply:
Complete and submit the Texas Application for High School Diploma for Certain Veterans and a copy of your discharge notification (DD form 214, enlisted record and report of separation, or discharge certificate) indicating your dates of military service to the school district you were last enrolled in.
Military Children Scholarships
Founded in 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation was created to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members of the US Armed Forces. They currently offer 2 scholarships:
* The Children’s Fund Scholarship provides primary and secondary scholarship assistance for dependents (k-12 grades) of US Service Members.
* The Higher Education Scholarship provides post-secondary scholarship assistance for both spouses and dependents of US Service Members.
How to Apply:
Applications for either scholarship will need to be completed and submitted during the next application window. Download the Children’s Fund Scholarship or Higher Education Scholarship checklist for full information and visit Folds of Honor for upcoming application dates.
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
Employment Benefits
It can be hard for veterans to acclimate to civilian life, and job hunting can prove particularly challenging. Texas has provided a wealth of assistance and training opportunities to help our veterans settle comfortably into their new life here.
Texas Unemployment Benefits
3.1% of veterans faced unemployment in 2019, but Texas veterans who find themselves without a job can apply for unemployment benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Recently discharged military service members can use their previous military wages to qualify.
Per the TWC, Military wages qualify for unemployment benefits if:
* You served in the military during your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the effective date of your initial claim).
* You separated under honorable conditions and completed your first full term of service.
* You did not complete your first full term of service but you separated early for a reason specified by Congress as an exception to the full-term requirement on your claim.
* You served at least 180 days of continuous active service, beginning on or after November 25, 2015, as a reservist or member of the National Guard, and received a DD Form 214 when separated, OR served at least 90 days of continuous active service, beginning on or before November 24, 2015, as a reservist or member of the National Guard, and received a DD Form 214 when separated.
How to Apply:
You can apply online at Unemployment Benefit Services. You can also call 800-939-6631 to speak to a customer service representative. Read the Applying for Unemployment Benefits tutorial for a guide on how to apply online.
Job Training and Services Benefits
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) provides job training and job search assistance to all veterans, with veteran-specific tools and priority of service over other customers in general services.
Through the TWC, Veterans can utilize:
* Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) National Emergency Grant
* Hard-to-Serve Veterans Initiative
* Comprehensive Veterans Initiative
* Two-day hold on new job postings in WorkInTexas.com to ensure veterans get first viewing
* Integration points between WorkInTexas.com and USnlx.com.
* Veteran-specific job search portal into WorkInTexas.com via the Texas Veterans Portal
As well as the TWC’s standard offerings, including:
* Job search assistance
* Pre-employment and work readiness
* Education
* Training
* Assessment and planning
* Case management
* Information and referral to support services
* Life skills
Additionally, the TWC’s Veterans Leadership Program is targeted to specifically help those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan find work and transition successfully back into civilian life.
How to Utilize:
Visit the Texas Workforce Commission’s Just for Veterans page for full information on their programs and how to take advantage.
Veterans Preference for Government Jobs
Wartime Veterans of Texas, as well as surviving spouses and children of service members killed on duty will receive hiring preference at state offices and agencies.
Texas state-employed veterans are also eligible to pay for up to 60 months of credit for their military service, to be used towards retirement.
How to Utilize:
There are no additional steps needed to take advantage of this program. As you apply for state jobs you will be asked questions that will qualify you for hiring preference.
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Veterans Preference for Civilian Jobs
There are employers across the state who wish to recruit veterans to their organization, and who are offering veteran preference when hiring.
How to Utilize:
* Visit workintexas.com to apply for veteran only jobs in your field.
* The Texas Veteran Commission and Texas Workforce Commission have also compiled a list of employers who wish to hire veterans.
Veteran Entrepreneur Program
The TVC Veteran Entrepreneur Program provides tools and guidance for veteran entrepreneurs and veteran-owned businesses. The program has helped 17,000 veterans to own their own business. There are consultative services with MBA graduate veteran consultants, business partner referral services, and outreach and education services.
How to Apply:
Visit the Veteran Entrepreneur Program page and fill out the “Connecting with Entrepreneur Program” contact form to get started.
Health Benefits
Our veterans have made countless sacrifices, both physically and mentally, to protect our freedom. Texas has created health benefits programs for veterans as a way to say thank you for those sacrifices. Whether you are currently serving in the National Guard or served in WWII, there are programs to help you through every stage of your life.
Life Insurance Benefits
Texas National Guard Life Insurance Program
Group term life insurance is offered for current members of the Texas National Guard by the National Guard Association of Texas. This program covers members, as well as their spouses and dependent children. The term policy will continue until 65 years of age. Under the current program, some newly enlisted National Guard members have the option of $10,000 coverage free for one year.
In order to qualify, you must be an active member of the National Guard. Texas State Guard members do not qualify.
How to Apply:
Complete the enrollment and allotment packet and turn it into the National Guard Association of Texas.
Veterans Administration Life Insurance
The Veterans Administration has six different life insurance benefits programs tailor-made to suit the needs of veterans, service members, and their families
* Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI): Low-cost group term life insurance for service members.
* Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI): Veterans can convert their SGLI to a lifetime renewable civilian program.
* Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): Insurance for spouses and children of SLGI covered service members.
* Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI): Automatically included with SLGI, which provides payments to service members who suffer physical losses from a traumatic injury that occurs while in service.
* Service-Disabled Veterans' Life Insurance (S-DVI): Life Insurance coverage for disabled veterans who have been given a VA rating a new service-connected disability in the last 2 years. Veterans who are totally disabled are eligible for free coverage.
* Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): Mortgage life insurance for disabled veterans approved for a VA Specially Adapted Housing grant.
How to Apply:
Check your eligibility for any of these programs at the VA’s Overview of VA Insurance Benefits.
* SLGI, FSLGI, and TSLGI coverages are automatic, no application is necessary. To adjust, decline or restore coverage, visit www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect.
* To apply for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) apply online or complete and submit form SGLV 8714 .
* To apply for Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI), apply online or complete and submit form VA 29-4364 .
* To apply for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI), complete and submit form VA 29-8636 .
Health Insurance Benefits
TRICARE Health Insurance, which covers all active duty service members, is also available to Reserve and National Guard service members, veterans, retired military, and their families with an annual enrollment fee and network copays.
TRICARE offers several different worldwide health insurance programs to cater to 11 different qualifying groups:
* Active duty service members and families
* National Guard/Reserve members and families
* Retired service members and families
* Retired Reserve members and families
* Beneficiaries eligible for TRICARE and Medicare
* Children
* Medal of Honor recipients and families
* Dependent parents and parents-in-law
* Foreign Force members and families
To be eligible for a TRICARE Health Insurance Program, an applicant must be one of the following:
* Uniformed service member and their families
* National Guard or Reserve members and their families
* Survivors
* Former spouses
* Medal of Honor recipients and their families
* Others Registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
How to Apply:
Use the Plan Finder to select the plan that is right for you. Once you’ve selected your plan, you will be directed to the enrollment page with complete plan information and detailed instructions.
Medical Coverage and Injury Benefits and Comp
National Guard members are covered by Texas Workers Compensation Laws against injury, illness and death while on State Active Duty.
Any National Guard service member who is injured while serving State Active Duty is eligible for coverage under Texas Government Code 437.212.
Disabled Veteran Homes
Texas veterans, spouses and Gold Star Parents are offered long-term and affordable care in the nine Texas State Veterans Homes located across the state. Through VA subsidies, the daily costs (including medication) are kept low and each facility is able to offer private or semi-private rooms, exceptional facilities and lovely courtyards. Services include wound care, therapeutic activities, Alzheimer’s units, and hospice.
Requirements for admission:
* An eligible Texas Veteran as recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs
* Determined to require long term nursing care by a physician and the VA
* At least 18 years old and a resident of Texas at the time of application
* Not dishonorably discharged
How to Apply:
Contact the State Veteran Home you are interested in to submit an application and find out more information about the specific facility.
* Amarillo
* Bonham
* El Paso
* Houston
* McAllen
* Temple
* Tyler
VA Medical Facilities in Texas
The Veteran’s Health Administration maintains 94 facilities across the state, to see to the needs of Texas veterans, reservists and service members.
VA Health Care System
Amarillo: Amarillo VA Health Care System
Big Spring: West Texas VA Health Care System
Dallas: VA North Texas Health Care System
El Paso: El Paso VA Health Care System
Harlingen: VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System
San Antonio: South Texas Veterans Health Care System
Temple: Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
VA Medical Center
Bonham: Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center
Dallas: Dallas VA Medical Center
Houston: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Kerrville: Kerrville VA Hospital
Waco: Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Outpatient Clinic
Austin: Austin Outpatient Clinic
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi OPC
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi PACT Annex
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi VA Specialty Outpatient Clinic
Dallas: Polk Street VA Clinic
Fort Worth: Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic
Katy: Katy VA Outpatient Clinic
Laredo: Laredo Outpatient Clinic
Lubbock: Lubbock Clinic
McAllen: McAllen Outpatient Clinic
San Antonio: Balcones Heights Outpatient Clinic
San Antonio: Frank M. Tejeda VA Outpatient Clinic
San Antonio: North Central Federal OPC
San Antonio: San Antonio Dental Clinic
San Antonio: Shavano Park Outpatient Clinic
Temple: Temple VA Clinic Annex
Tyler: Tyler VA Primary Care Clinic
Victoria: Victoria OPC
Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
Abilene: Abilene CBOC
Beaumont: Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic
Beaumont: Beaumont Vet Center
Beeville: Beeville CBOC
Brownwood: Brownwood CBOC
Cedar Park: Cedar Park CBOC
Childress: Childress Clinic
College Station: Bryan/College Station CBOC
Conroe: Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic
Dalhart: Dalhart VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Decatur: Decatur, TX CBOC
Denton: Denton CBOC
El Paso: Eastside El Paso CBOC
Fort Stockton: Fort Stockton Clinic
Galveston: Galveston VA Outpatient Clinic
Granbury: Granbury CBOC
Grand Prairie: Grand Prairie VA Clinic
Greenville: Greenville CBOC
Harlingen: Harlingen OPC
La Grange: La Grange Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Lake Jackson: Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic
Longview: Longview CBOC
Lufkin: Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic
New Braunfels: New Braunfels CBOC
Odessa: Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic
Palestine: Palestine CBOC
Plano: Plano CBOC
Richmond: Richmond VA Outpatient Clinic
San Angelo: San Angelo Clinic
San Antonio: NorthEast 410 /San Antonio Clinic
San Antonio: Northwest 410/San Antonio Clinic
San Antonio: Pecan Valley CBOC
San Antonio: South Bexar/San Antonio Clinic
San Antonio: SW Military CBOC
Seguin: Seguin CBOC
Sheppard Air Force Base: Wichita Falls VA Clinic
Sherman: Sherman CBOC
Stamford: Stamford Clinic
Texas City: Texas City VA Outpatient Clinic
Tomball: Tomball VA Outpatient Clinic
Vet Center
Abilene: Abilene Vet Center
Amarillo: Amarillo Vet Center
Austin: Austin Vet Center
Beaumont: Beaumont Vet Center
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi Vet Center
Dallas: Dallas Vet Center
Dallas: RCS Continental District 4, Zone 2 District Office
El Paso: El Paso Vet Center
Harker Heights: Killeen Heights Vet Center
Houston: Houston Southwest Vet Center
Houston: Houston West Vet Center
Houston: Spring Vet Center
Laredo: Laredo Vet Center
Lubbock: Lubbock Vet Center
McAllen: McAllen Vet Center
Mesquite: Mesquite Vet Center
Midland: Midland Vet Center
Pantego: Arlington Vet Center
San Antonio: San Antonio Northeast Vet Center
San Antonio: San Antonio Northwest Vet Center
Westworth Village: Fort Worth Vet Center
VISN
Arlington: VISN 17: VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network
Recreational Benefits
The benefits available to veterans in Texas don’t end with the essentials. There are also a number of recreational benefits ranging from licenses to free park admission.
Driver License Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans are eligible to receive a free driver's license or state identification card.
To qualify, the veteran must:
* Be honorably discharged.
* Have a service-related disability of at least 60%.
* Receive compensation from the United States due to that disability.
* Not be subject to sex offender registration requirements.
How to Apply:
Bring documentation to verify your disability status to the DMV when renewing or applying for a license. If renewing by mail, include the necessary documentation.
Free Hunting/Fishing License
Disabled veterans and resident active duty military service members are eligible to receive the Texas "Super Combo" Hunting and Fishing License for free. This package includes a resident hunting and fishing license, as well as endorsements for archery, fresh and saltwater fishing with red drum tag, upland game bird, and migratory bird.
A service member is eligible for the free license if they are one of the following:
* A disabled veteran of the US Armed Forces with a disability rating of 50% or more, or who suffered the loss of use of a foot or leg due to a service-related injury.
* A Texas resident and active duty service member of the US Armed Forces, including reserves, National Guard and State Guard. Military service records must show the home of record as Texas or that the service member’s duty station for the prior 6 months has been in Texas.
Non-resident service members are eligible to purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses, but the free Super Combo is only for disabled veterans and Texas residents.
How to Apply:
Bring official proof of disability from the VA, or military service records, to a licensed retailer yearly to obtain a license.
State Park Admission Benefits
Disabled veterans can enjoy free admission to 89 Texas State parks with the Texas Parklands Passport - Veteran.
In order to receive a free pass, a veteran must have a disability rating of 60% or higher, or loss of a lower extremity due to a service-related injury.
How to Apply:
Present valid identification and any one of following at a State Park to receive your passport:
* Disabled Veterans of Texas license plate receipt.
* Veteran's award letter (which establishes the degree of disability).
* Tax exemption letter for Texas veterans.
Miscellaneous Benefits
There are many benefits that don’t fit into a category, but that doesn’t make them any less useful. Explore the miscellaneous benefits for veterans below.
No Cost Medical Records
Texas veterans can obtain medical and mental health records at no cost for the purpose of filing a claim of disability with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Veteran Cemetery Program
Texas maintains four state veteran cemeteries, in addition to the four national veteran cemeteries, managed by the Texas Veteran’s Land Board. Internment for all veterans, spouses and eligible dependents is at no cost and includes military honors for Veterans, the grave plot, the opening and closing of the grave, a concrete grave liner for casket burials, a headstone or marker, presentation of the burial flag to the next of kin, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, playing of Taps, a gun salute, and perpetual care of the grave.
Those Eligible for internment in a Texas Veteran Cemetery include:
* Honorably discharged Veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces.
* Certain members of reserve components and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
* Certain members of the National Guard.
* Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Public Health Service.
* Qualifying World War II Merchant Marines.
* Certain members of the Philippines Armed Forces.
* Spouses and dependents (however, the burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21-years old or 23-years old if they are a full-time student at an approved educational institution.)
Texas Veteran Cemetery Locations:
* Abilene
* Killeen
* Mission
How to Apply:
Contact the cemetery staff or call the Veterans Land Board on-site representative if you wish to discuss your options.
Additional Resources
* Texas Women Veterans Program
* Military Veteran Peer Network
* Department of Licensing and Regulation Military Outreach
* Texas Wide Open for Veterans
* Office of Public Utility Counsel Military Resources
* Claims Representation and Counseling
* Freedom Hunters Outdoor Adventurers
* Vet Tix
BHGRE HomeCity is proud to serve our Texas military service members, both active duty and veterans alike. We have offices in San Antonio (known as Military City, USA), Corpus Christi and Belton, so we are perfectly situated to help 3 of the largest military communities in the state. With the rollout of our new Military Rewards program, we are ready to help make your real estate dreams a reality.
