Outside of the VA's disability compensation system, different states also offer additional benefits for Veterans that may be based (at least, in part) on your VA rating. State benefits for Veterans living in Texas range from a hefty property tax exemption to education benefits. This list includes some, but not all, of the benefits that may be available.
Home and Property Benefits
1. Texas Property Tax Exemption
Veterans who have a 100% combined disability rating can receive a total property tax exemption. Reductions ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 of a home's assessed value for tax purposes are also available to Veterans with a 10% to 90% disability rating. Further property tax benefits are also available to Veterans over the age of 65. Contact your County Appraisal District to verify your tax status.
2. Texas Veteran Home and Land Loans
The Texas Veterans Land Board offers low interest rate loans for Texas Veterans, typically below market rates. Texas is currently the only state to offer land loans for Veterans.
3. Home Improvement Loans for Texas Veterans
Through the Veterans Home Improvement Program, the Texas Veterans Land Board also offers home improvement loans of up to $50,000. Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or more can receive even lower rates for home improvement loans.
Free Drivers License Benefit
Though it may be a smaller perk, Texas Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 60% (and an honorable discharge) can get a Texas driver's license or ID card for free.
Recreation Benefits for Texas Veterans
1. Hunting and Fishing Licsense
Texas Veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating, or who suffered the loss of a foot or leg as the result of their military service, can get a free "Super Combo" Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package. This benefit is available to Veterans living in Texas and those from other states who want to participate in these recreational activities in Texas as well.
2. State Park Passes
The Disabled Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks for U.S. veterans with a 60 percent or more service-connected disability or loss of lower extremity. One additional person may assist the pass holder at a reduced rate of 50% of the standard entry fee.
Present valid identification (such as a driver’s license) and one of the following to get 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
Education Benefits for Texas Veterans
1. Hazlewood Act
The Hazlewood Act is a Texas State benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The benefit does not include living expenses, books, or supply fees. See specific eligilibity requirements here.
2. Legacy Act for Children of Veterans
Veterans eligible for the Hazlewood Act can assign unused hours from the Hazelwood Act benefits to a child under certain conditions. Find out more about eligibility requirements here.
Discuss Your Benefits as a Veteran in Texas With Experienced VA Claims Attorneys
Our firm works with Veterans in Texas and across the United States. While the national nature of our work means we are not experts on each state's veterans benefits, we are experts on the subject of VA disability benefits claims and appeals. Contact us today for a free screening of your VA disability benefits appeals.