Find the benefits your state offers Veterans

Texas state benefits

What you may qualify for

7 state benefits for Texas Veterans. Choose your rating to see which may apply to you.

• Property tax

  10%+

  Property tax exemption

  Veterans paid at the VA's 100% rate, through a 100% rating or individual unemployability, owe no property tax on their homestead. Veterans rated 10% or higher can take $5,000 to $12,000 off the taxable value of one property, based on their rating. Veterans age 65 or older with at least a 10% rating can get the full $12,000.

  Who qualifies: 10%+ (partial), 100% or IU (full)

  Source ↗: Texas Comptroller: Disabled Veteran Exemptions FAQ (opens in a new tab)

• Income tax

  No minimum rating

  No state income tax

  Texas has no personal income tax, and the state constitution bans one. Military retired pay and wages are not taxed by the state.

  Who qualifies: All Veterans

  Source ↗: Texas Constitution, Art. 8, Sec. 24-a (opens in a new tab)

• Education

  No minimum rating

  Hazlewood Act tuition exemption

  Veterans who entered service from Texas, served more than 180 days of active duty, got an honorable or general discharge, and live in Texas now may get tuition and most fees waived for up to 150 credit hours at Texas public colleges. Unused hours can pass to a child who is 25 or younger. Books and living costs are not covered.

  Who qualifies: Veterans who entered service from Texas, and their children

  Source ↗: Texas Veterans Commission: Hazlewood Act (opens in a new tab)

• Vehicles & DMV

  30%+

  Disabled Veteran license plates

  Veterans who get VA pay for a 50% or higher rating, or for a 40% rating because of a lower-limb amputation, can get Disabled Veteran plates. For one vehicle, you pay only a $3 plate fee instead of the regular registration fee.

  Who qualifies: 50%+ rating, or 40%+ for a lower-limb amputation

  Source ↗: Texas Transportation Code 504.202 (opens in a new tab)

• Hunting & fishing

  50%+

  Free hunting and fishing package

  Veterans who get VA pay for a 50% or higher rating, or for loss of use of a foot or leg, can get the Disabled Veteran Super Combo for free. It includes hunting and fishing licenses and the main state endorsements, but not the federal duck stamp. Buy it in person each year and show proof of your rating.

  Who qualifies: 50%+ rating, or loss of use of a foot or leg

  Source ↗: Texas Parks and Wildlife: Disabled Veteran Super Combo (opens in a new tab)

• Employment

  No minimum rating

  State hiring preference

  Texas state agencies must choose Veterans over other applicants who are not more qualified, and Veterans with a disability come first. When an agency uses a civil service test, Veterans who pass get 10 extra points, and disabled Veterans get 15.

  Who qualifies: Veterans with an honorable discharge

  Source ↗: Texas Government Code 657.003 (opens in a new tab)

• Veterans homes

  No minimum rating

  State veterans homes

  The Texas Veterans Land Board runs 10 state veterans homes that offer long-term nursing care for Veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents. Veterans with a 70% or higher service-connected rating can generally live there for free.

  Who qualifies: Eligible Veterans, spouses and Gold Star parents

  Source ↗: Texas GLO / Veterans Land Board: State Veterans Homes (opens in a new tab)

Amounts and rules change, often every year. Confirm details with the Texas Veterans Commission or your county tax office before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Being True to Vets is not affiliated with the VA or any state agency.