Texas veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 34 Texas programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Texas; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries
Texas operates state veterans cemeteries, run by the Veterans Land Board, with burial benefits described as matching those at VA national cemeteries. Staff handle committal services and perpetual care.
Who it may help: Eligible groups include active duty members, retirees, and veterans, as well as members of the Texas Military Forces. Detailed criteria are on the Burial Benefits page of the General Land Office site. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Education
Hazlewood Act Tuition Exemption
Texas public colleges and universities may waive tuition and most required fees for qualifying veterans, and in some cases for their spouses and children. Veterans may also be able to pass unused hours to a child under the Legacy provision.
Who it may help: Veterans generally need Texas residency, a Texas connection at entry into service, an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge, and a minimum length of active duty. Spouses and children depend on the service member's death, missing status, or permanent and total disability. Federal education benefits are generally applied first. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
Texas Military Department State Tuition Assistance
Texas-funded tuition help for eligible members of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard attending qualifying Texas colleges. It covers tuition and mandatory fees up to a limit and depends on available funding and demonstrated financial need.
Who it may help: Applicants must be actively drilling members in good standing (or Active Guard Reserve), enrolled at a qualifying non-profit Texas school, and meet a minimum GPA and training requirements the page lists. A complete application packet with transcripts is required, and the page lists fall and spring application windows. The page says funding is set by the Legislature and the award is not guaranteed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
College Course Credit for Veterans
Under a Texas law summarized by the Governor's office, public and private colleges must award credit for required physical education and some elective hours to eligible honorably discharged veterans.
Who it may help: The page says the veteran must be honorably discharged, have graduated high school, and either have served at least two years or been discharged for a disability. It points to Texas Education Code section 51.3042 for the rule. Ask the college's admissions or registrar office how it applies credit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
College Credit for Heroes
A Texas Workforce Commission initiative that, per its veterans page, aims to maximize the college credit veterans receive for their military experience and speed their move into the Texas workforce.
Who it may help: The page gives only a brief description and does not list eligibility rules or participating schools. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Texas Workforce Commission. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Employment
Texas Veterans Leadership Program
Run by the Texas Workforce Commission, this program places veteran resource specialists around the state who connect returning veterans with jobs, training, health care, mental health, and benefits help.
Who it may help: The page does not list formal eligibility rules and describes the program as serving returning veterans. Contact a local specialist or the Texas Workforce Commission to confirm whether you can use it. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
VetHUB Certification for Service-Disabled Veteran Business Owners
The Texas Comptroller certifies qualifying service-disabled veteran-owned businesses as VetHUBs, which puts them in a directory state agencies and prime contractors use to find vendors. The page says certification is free.
Who it may help: The owner must hold at least 51 percent ownership and control daily operations, be economically disadvantaged, and be a service-disabled veteran with a service-related disability of at least 20 percent. The business must be for-profit, based in Texas, and within the size standard the page cites. The page says review can take up to 90 days. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Private Security License Fee Exemption for Veterans
Veterans, active duty members, and some military spouses may be exempt from certain application and exam fees for individual Texas Department of Public Safety private security licenses, such as guard, investigator, and locksmith licenses. Some fees still apply.
Who it may help: Veterans must have served on active duty and been discharged or released, and show documents such as a DD-214 or VA card. The exemption covers individual license application and exam fees but not company licenses, and the page says subscription, pocket card, and FBI fees are still due. Applicants indicate military status in the TOPS portal. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-25
TDLR Licensing Benefits for Veterans
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation lets veterans use military experience and training toward a license, with no application fee on that route, expedited transfers and renewals, and extra time to renew a license that expired during active duty.
Who it may help: The page defines a veteran as someone who served on active duty in any branch for any length of time and was discharged; Reservists and Guard members never called to active duty are not covered. Exams are still required, and late-fee waivers and extra renewal time depend on the situation described on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
TCEQ Occupational License Fee Waiver for Veterans
Veterans, service members, and military spouses may qualify for an exemption from the fee for a new Texas Commission on Environmental Quality occupational license. Military training that closely matches license requirements may also speed processing.
Who it may help: The page says the fee exemption applies to new licenses, not renewals, and requires uploading military documents such as a DD-214. Expedited review is limited to current military members and their spouses, so veterans should expect the fee waiver and possible reciprocity-based faster processing rather than that review timeline. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Educator Certification Fee Waivers for Military Veterans
The Texas Education Agency waives certain educator certification fees for eligible service members, spouses, and veterans. Military experience can also count toward some Trade and Industrial Education and Health Science certification requirements.
Who it may help: The page names military service members, spouses, and veterans but does not define detailed eligibility or list which fees are waived; those details are in a checklist the page links to. Initial certification still requires an approved educator preparation program. Additional requirements apply; confirm with TEA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
TWC Veteran Services and Priority of Service
The Texas Workforce Commission provides job search help, training, and transition information for veterans, and the page says veterans receive priority service at Workforce Solutions offices.
Who it may help: The page does not list eligibility requirements. Services are delivered through Workforce Solutions offices and dedicated staff, so contact your local office for what applies to you. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Texas Operation Welcome Home
A Texas Workforce Commission effort that works with Workforce Solutions and military bases to help transitioning service members and recently separated veterans translate military skills, find jobs or apprenticeships, finish college programs, and obtain needed licenses or certifications.
Who it may help: The page names transitioning service members, recently separated veterans, and military spouses seeking permanent employment, and does not define recently separated. Contact information is on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Family
Texas Parklands Passport for Gold Star Families
Certain family members of a person who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can get a passport for free entry to Texas state parks. Each eligible relative applies for their own pass.
Who it may help: The page lists a surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling (stepparents and stepsiblings included) of a person who died while serving. Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins are not eligible. You present photo ID, proof of the service member's casualty, and proof of your relationship. The pass covers the holder only, not a companion. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouse of a Service Member Killed in the Line of Duty
The surviving spouse of a U.S. armed services member who was killed or fatally injured in the line of duty may receive a total exemption on their residence homestead property taxes, as long as they do not remarry.
Who it may help: The applicant must be the surviving spouse of a U.S. armed services member killed or fatally injured in the line of duty, must not have remarried, and must claim the property as a residence homestead. Applications go through the local appraisal district on Form 50-114. Contact your appraisal district for the details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouse of a Veteran Who Died of a Qualifying Condition
The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a qualifying condition or disease may receive a total exemption on their residence homestead property taxes. The page says this applies regardless of the veteran's disability rating at death.
Who it may help: The applicant must be the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a qualifying condition or disease, must not have remarried, and must claim the property as a residence homestead. The page does not list which conditions qualify. Apply through the local appraisal district using Form 50-114 and ask the district about details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Financial
Residence Homestead Exemption for 100% Disabled Veterans
Texas may fully exempt the residence homestead of a veteran with a 100 percent VA disability rating or individual unemployability from property tax. An unremarried surviving spouse may also qualify in some cases.
Who it may help: The veteran must be a Texas homeowner using the property as a residence homestead and hold the qualifying VA rating or unemployability determination. Surviving spouses who have not remarried may qualify if the home remains their homestead. Apply with the county appraisal district. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Partial Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Texas offers a partial property tax exemption on one property for veterans with a service-connected disability, with larger exemptions at higher ratings. Extra amounts may apply for older, blind, or limb-loss veterans.
Who it may help: The veteran must be a Texas resident with a service-connected disability recognized by the VA or a military branch. The exemption can apply to any one property owned. Some surviving spouses and children may qualify for a partial exemption. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Property Tax Exemption for Donated Residence Homestead of a Disabled Veteran
A disabled veteran whose home was donated by a charitable organization may get a partial property tax exemption on that homestead, with the amount tied to the veteran's disability rating. A surviving spouse who has not remarried may keep it in some cases.
Who it may help: The home must be the veteran's residence homestead and must have been donated by a charitable organization. A surviving spouse may qualify if unmarried, the home was the homestead when the veteran died, and it still is. Apply with the local appraisal district using Form 50-114; the page gives time limits tied to the tax delinquency date. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Healthcare
Texas State Veterans Homes
The Texas Veterans Land Board runs long-term care homes for qualifying veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents, with therapy services offered on site.
Who it may help: Admission follows Texas rules and VA criteria covering medical need, finances, and military service. Spouses and Gold Star parents may also be eligible. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Mental Health Services
A Health and Human Services program that funds community organizations to provide mental health services for Texas veterans and their families, including therapy, peer support, counseling, suicide prevention training, and navigation help. Veterans contact a funded provider directly.
Who it may help: The page says the program serves Texas veterans and their family members. It lists the funded organizations and links to each; the page does not state individual eligibility rules, so ask the provider what it requires. Call 988 and press 1 for immediate help. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Mental Health Program for Veterans (Peer Support)
A state program run by HHSC and the Texas Veterans Commission that provides peer-to-peer support through local mental health authorities. The page says it focuses on people affected by military trauma or isolated from support.
Who it may help: The page says it serves service members, veterans, and their families, and tells readers to find the Peer Service Coordinator for their community. It lists crisis options including 988 then press 1, a chat line, and a text line. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Housing
Veterans Land Board Home Loan
The Texas Veterans Land Board offers fixed-rate home loans to eligible Texas veterans and military members, with little or no down payment. Veterans with a higher disability rating may get a discounted rate.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Texas residents age 18 or older, meet a service criterion (such as veteran status with enough active duty days, Guard, or qualifying Reserve service) and have an honorable, general, or medical discharge. The home must be a Texas primary residence, and credit approval is required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Land Board Land Loan
The Texas Veterans Land Board offers fixed-rate loans to help eligible Texas veterans and military members buy land in Texas, with a modest down payment.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Texas residents age 18 or older, meet a service criterion (such as veteran status with enough active duty days, Guard, or qualifying Reserve service) and have an honorable, general, or medical discharge. The land must meet size, access, and survey requirements, and credit approval is required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veterans Home Improvement Program (VHIP) Loan
The Veterans Land Board offers below-market-rate loans to eligible Texans for repairs and improvements to their existing primary home. A general contractor must be hired and work cannot start before closing.
Who it may help: Applicants must be at least 18 and Texas residents, and be an active-duty member, Texas National Guard member, qualifying reservist, veteran with at least 90 days of active duty (with a stated exception for service-connected disability discharge), or a surviving spouse of a veteran who is missing in action or whose death was service-connected. The home must be a Texas primary residence and credit approval is required. The page does not say whether VHIP is accepting applications right now, so confirm with the Veterans Land Board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Other
County Veterans Service Offices
Texas counties with large populations must maintain a veterans county service office, and smaller counties may choose to, where veterans can get local help with benefits. The Governor's office page says the Texas Veterans Commission trains county veterans service officers.
Who it may help: The page describes the offices as a county-run service and gives a population threshold for the requirement; it does not list eligibility rules for who can be helped. Contact your county to find out whether it has an office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Recreation
Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and Fishing Package
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a combination hunting and all-water fishing license package for people who qualify as disabled veterans, available to residents and non-residents.
Who it may help: The page says the package is for residents or non-residents who qualify as disabled veterans but does not define the qualification. Confirm the exact requirements and any needed proof with TPWD. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Texas Parklands Passport for Veterans
Veterans who meet the page's discharge requirement can get a passport that gives the holder free entry to Texas state parks. It is picked up at a state park by showing photo ID and one of several accepted proofs of veteran status.
Who it may help: The page describes this passport for a U.S. veteran who was honorably discharged. You show photo ID plus one accepted proof, such as a DoD veteran ID, a Texas license or ID with a veteran designation, a DD 214 showing honorable discharge, or a VA health ID card. The benefit covers the pass holder only, not a companion, and the page says entry is not guaranteed if a park is at capacity. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Texas Parklands Passport for Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability can get a state parks passport that gives free entry to the holder and a companion. It is obtained at a state park with photo ID and proof of the disability.
Who it may help: The page describes this passport for a U.S. veteran with a service-connected disability of 60 percent or more, or loss of a lower extremity. You present photo ID plus one of: a Disabled Veterans of Texas license plate receipt, a VA award letter showing the degree of disability, or a Texas veterans tax exemption letter. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Transportation
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID
Texas DPS can print VETERAN or DISABLED VETERAN on a driver license or ID card, which can serve as quick proof of status. It is free when you get an original, renewal, or change.
Who it may help: Veterans need an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge from the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, or Texas National Guard, shown with documents such as a DD-214. The disabled designation also needs proof of the rating, such as a VA letter. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Driver License Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Texas waives the fee for a standard driver license or ID card for veterans with a qualifying service-related disability. It does not cover commercial driver licenses.
Who it may help: Applicants need an honorable discharge, a service-related disability of at least 60 percent, and to be receiving federal disability compensation. Proof such as a VA disability letter is required, and sex offender registrants are excluded. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military and Veteran Specialty License Plates
TxDMV offers a large catalog of military and veteran specialty plates, including plates tied to service branches, medals, badges, and campaigns. The brochure says most are available at no extra cost, and one vehicle can have zero annual registration and local fees under a limited zero-fee option.
Who it may help: The brochure describes plates for active duty, retired, and honorably discharged service members, and says eligible unmarried surviving spouses may register one vehicle with the plate the deceased spouse qualified for. It does not list the criteria for each plate, so check the individual plate application. State law allows only one zero-fee plate, and inspection fees and personalization fees still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
TxDOT Veterans Toll Discount Program
TxDOT waives tolls on its own toll roads for vehicles carrying certain veteran specialty plates, such as Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and disabled veteran plates. TxDOT says no enrollment is needed on those roads, but other tolling agencies may differ.
Who it may help: The vehicle must be registered in Texas and display one of the qualifying specialty plates the page lists. The discount applies only on the listed TxDOT-owned roads; the page says some roads run by other entities are not included. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Veteran with Disabilities License Plates
Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability can register one vehicle with Veteran with Disabilities specialty plates, and the Governor's office page says most registration fees are waived other than the cost of the plates. Veterans with qualifying mobility disabilities may also add the accessibility symbol or get parking placards.
Who it may help: The page says the veteran must have a service-connected disability of at least 50 percent, or 40 percent because of amputation of a lower extremity. These plates do not allow accessible parking unless they include the international symbol of access. Additional requirements apply; confirm with TxDMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
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