Texas offers a wide range of benefits for veterans, providing support and recognition for their service and is considered the #1 state for veterans in the country. Veterans in Texas can take advantage of various benefits, including property tax exemptions that can alleviate the burden of homeownership, educational benefits, ensuring veterans have access to educational opportunities and career advancement, park and outdoor benefits to provide veterans with recreational opportunities in beautiful natural settings, and burial benefits, honoring veterans’ final resting place and providing assistance to their families.
These comprehensive benefits showcase Texas’ commitment to supporting and honoring its veterans in multiple aspects of their lives. Let’s dive into each of these benefits so that you can fully understand the support and opportunities available to you as a veteran in Texas.
Texas offers a variety of employment benefits to veterans, including priority service, employment preference, and training programs.
Veterans have priority service for all employment, job training, and related services provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). This means that veterans are given first consideration for jobs, training programs, and other services.
If a state employer requires a competitive examination for selecting or promoting employees, an individual eligible for Veterans hiring preference who is qualified for that position and received a passing score will have 10 points added to their test score. A Veteran who has a service-connected disability will have an additional five points added to their test score.
The following individuals are eligible for Veterans hiring preference:
The TWC offers a number of training programs for veterans, including:
You may have heard of the new benefits that remove barriers for veterans who want to form a business. Effective January 2022, the benefit waives the formation fee for new 100% veteran-owned business entities and relieves veteran-owned businesses of the Texas franchise tax for the initial 5-year period. Will your business qualify? If you answer “yes” to these questions, it may:
As a homeowner in Texas, you may be eligible for a number of property tax exemptions. These exemptions can help to reduce your property tax bill, which can save you money each year.
There are a number of different property tax exemptions available in Texas. Some of the most common exemptions include:
This exemption is available to homeowners who own and occupy their home as their principal residence. The amount of the exemption is based on the value of the home.
This exemption is available to homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are disabled.
Amounts for Partially Disabled Veterans:
In Texas, veterans with a disability rating of:
Disabled Veterans 65 years old or older can receive a property tax exemption of $12,000 and must meet the one of following requirements:
This exemption is available to veterans who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days, or who were discharged due to a service-related disability. The amount of the exemption is $10,000.
The Texas Veteran Home Improvement Program (VHIP) is a loan program that provides Texas veterans with below-market interest rates to finance home repairs and improvements. The VHIP is administered by the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB).
To be eligible for the VHIP, veterans must meet the following requirements:
The VLB offers loans up to $50,000.00 for a 2-20-year term or loans from $7,500 – $10,000.00 for a 2-10-year term.
Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater qualify for a discounted interest rate.
The VHIP loan proceeds can be used to make repairs and improvements to the veteran’s existing primary residence. Eligible repairs and improvements include:
To apply for a VHIP loan, veterans must contact the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB). The VLB will review the application and determine if the veteran is eligible for a loan. If the veteran is approved for a loan, the VLB will issue a loan agreement and closing documents. The veteran will then be able to use the loan proceeds to make the necessary repairs or improvements to their home.
The VHIP is a great resource for Texas veterans who need help financing home repairs and improvements. The program provides veterans with access to below-market interest rates and flexible terms, making it easier for them to make their homes more safe, sanitary, and accessible.
The VLB Veterans Land Loan Program is the only one of its kind in the nation, giving Texas Veterans and Military Members the opportunity to borrow up to $150,000 to purchase land at competitive interest rates while typically requiring a minimum five percent down payment for tracts of one acre or more.
The program is easy to use and offers Texas Veterans and Military Members exclusive financing towards the purchase of their own piece of Texas. The bonds used to fund the program are retired from loan repayments and the cost of administering the program is financed through a small fee charged on each loan.
A VA loan is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans offer a number of benefits, including:.
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that is paid to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when you obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan. The fee helps to offset the cost of the VA’s home loan program.
If your down payment is… | Your VA funding fee will be… | |
First use | Less than 5% | 2.15% |
5% or more | 1.5% | |
10% or more | 1.25% | |
After first use | Less than 5% | 3.3% |
5% or more | 1.5% | |
10% or more | 1.25% |
You may qualify for a VA loan by meeting one or more of the following requirements:
The Hazlewood Act is a Texas law that provides tuition-free education to veterans who have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 90 days. Veterans can use the Hazlewood Act to attend any public college or university in Texas.
The Hazlewood Act was passed in 1949 by Texas Governor Beauford Jester. The law was named after James B. Hazlewood, a World War II veteran who was a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
The Hazlewood Act has been amended several times over the years. The most recent amendment was made in 2019. The amendment expanded the eligibility requirements for the Hazlewood Act and increased the amount of tuition-free education that veterans can receive.
To be eligible for the Hazlewood Act, veterans must meet the following requirements:
Veterans who are eligible for the Hazlewood Act can receive the following benefits:
To apply for the Hazlewood Act, veterans must visit the website of the Texas Veterans Commission. On the website, veterans can fill out an application and submit the required documentation.
The required documentation includes:
Texas offers a variety of parks and recreation benefits to veterans, including free hunting and fishing licenses, free state park passes, and discounts on camping and other activities.
Resident and nonresident disabled veterans are eligible for a free “Super Combo” Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package. This package includes a hunting license, a fishing license, and an annual state park pass. Veterans do not have to be Texas residents to qualify.
To get the free package, veterans must submit proof of their disability to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Proof of disability can be a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 form, a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a letter from the veteran’s doctor.
Once veterans have submitted proof of their disability, they will receive a free “Super Combo” Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package in the mail. The package will include:
Who is eligible for Free Texas Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package for Resident and Nonresident Disabled Veterans?
How to Apply:
Veterans must apply in person at a license retailer and will be required to provide official documentation from the VA certifying their disability or provide a Texas Disabled Veteran driver license or ID card.
Active Duty resident Service members are eligible for the Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package, the All-Water Fishing Package, or the Hunting Package free of charge.
Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package includes:
All-Water Fishing Package includes:
Hunting Package includes:
Who is eligible for Free Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Licenses for Resident Active Duty Service Members?
How to Apply:
Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty anywhere (and their dependents) are eligible to purchase Texas Parks and Wildlife Department licenses for resident prices.
Disabled Veterans who have a 60% or greater disability and are receiving compensation from the VA are eligible for a no-fee driver license.
Disabled Veterans who have a 50% or greater disability rating from the VA or a 40% disability rating and have a lower extremity amputation are eligible for the ‘Disabled Veteran’ designation.
Veterans must provide an original or copy of the following documents as proof of their eligibility:
Disabled veteran license plates in Texas are special license plates issued to honor and provide benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities. These plates offer certain privileges and parking benefits to facilitate the mobility and convenience of disabled veterans. Here’s a guide on how to obtain a disabled veteran license plate in Texas:
Eligibility : To qualify for a disabled veteran license plate, you must meet the following criteria:
Required Documentation : Gather the necessary documents to support your eligibility. You will typically need to provide the following:
Medical Certification : As part of the application process, you may need to obtain medical certification from a licensed physician or a doctor at a VA hospital. This certification verifies your disability rating and may require an examination or medical records review.
Fee Exemption : Disabled veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating are typically exempt from license plate fees. However, processing and handling fees may still apply.
Submission : Submit your completed application, supporting documents, and any required fees to your local county tax office.
Processing and Delivery : Once your application is received, the Texas DMV will review and process it. If approved, your disabled veteran license plates will be manufactured and made available for pickup at your local county tax office.
Once You have received your disabled veteran license plates, you will have access to a wealth of benefits including:
Parking Privileges: Disabled veteran license plates allow you to access designated parking spaces specifically reserved for individuals with disabilities. These spots are typically located closer to entrances, making it easier for you to navigate and access buildings or facilities.
Parking Fee Exemptions: In many cases, disabled veteran license plate holders are exempt from paying parking fees at certain public parking areas, including metered parking spaces. This exemption can save you money and provide added convenience when parking in designated areas. This includes parking fee exemptions at places such as:
Toll Fee Exemptions : In Texas, disabled veteran license plate holders are often exempt from paying toll fees on state-operated toll roads and toll bridges. This benefit can help reduce travel expenses and make commuting more affordable for disabled veterans.
There are also several entertainment benefits for veterans in Texas. Have fun at a discounted price at events such as:
Texas has four state veterans cemeteries in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, and Mission. All Texas veterans, their spouses, and dependent children are eligible for burial. There is no charge for burial of the veteran or their family.
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) became available January 1, 2023 and offers guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage of up to $40,000 to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Learn more about VALife. Lesser amounts are available in increments of $10,000. Under this plan, the elected coverage takes effect two years after enrollment as long as premiums are paid during the two-year period
At the Living in Dallas Texas Team , we are always looking out for our fellow veterans. We understand the importance of accessing the benefits available to you as a veteran in Texas. Our mission is to help you find your next home in Dallas, so you can fully experience and take advantage of these benefits. With our expertise and personalized service, we are committed to guiding you through the home-buying process and ensuring that you make the most of the support and opportunities available to veterans in Texas. Let us be your trusted partner in finding your perfect home and unlocking the benefits you deserve.
The post The Guide to Veteran Benefits in Texas appeared first on Living in Dallas Texas Team.
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Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.
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