Texas Veteran Benefits: State Benefits Guide

• The Hazlewood Act gives qualified veterans, and in some cases spouses and children, a tuition exemption of up to 150 hours at Texas public colleges and universities. It does not cover living expenses, books or supply fees.

  “The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas 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. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.” (TVC Hazlewood Act page)

• The cap is in Education Code 54.341(c): 150 credit hours in total.

  “A person may not receive exemptions provided for by this section for more than a cumulative total of 150 credit hours.” (Education Code 54.341(c))

• Veteran: the statute asks for an honorable discharge after more than 180 days of active duty, not counting training, with service during a listed period such as the Vietnam era or since September 11, 2001.

  “all persons who were honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States after serving on active military duty, excluding training, for more than 180 days” (Education Code 54.341(a)(4))

• TVC lists 181 days of active duty as the service test, shown on the DD-214.

  “Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding Initial Entry Training)” (TVC Hazlewood Act page, Veteran Eligibility)

• TVC accepts either an Honorable or a General – Under Honorable Conditions discharge, as shown on the DD-214.

  “Have received an “Honorable” or a “General – Under Honorable Conditions” discharge/separation, as indicated on a DD214” (TVC Hazlewood Act page, Veteran Eligibility)

• Texas connection: the veteran must now live in Texas and must have entered service in Texas, declared Texas as home of record, or would have been a Texas resident when entering service.

  “provided the person seeking the exemption currently resides in this state and entered the service at a location in this state, declared this state as the person's home of record in the manner provided by the applicable military or other service, or would have been determined to be a resident of this state” (Education Code 54.341(a))

• TVC also says the veteran must live in Texas now.

  “Currently reside in Texas; (40 TAC §461.40) & (40 TAC §461.70)” (TVC Hazlewood Act page, Veteran Eligibility)

• Federal tuition benefits: the exemption does not apply when federal benefits that can pay only tuition and fees equal or exceed the exemption’s value for the term.

  “The exemption from tuition, fees, and other charges provided for by this section does not apply to a person who at the time of registration is entitled to receive educational benefits under federal legislation that may be used only for the payment of tuition and fees if the value of those benefits received in a semester or other term is equal to or exceeds the value of the exemption for the same semester or other term.” (Education Code 54.341(e))

• A spouse or child can get their own exemption of up to 150 hours, with no age limit, if the veteran was killed in action, is missing in action, died in service or of a service-connected cause, or became totally and permanently disabled or eligible for individual unemployability (TDIU); the spouse or child must be a Texas resident (Education Code 54.341(a-2), (b), (b-1)).

  “(A) who was killed in action; (B) who died while in service; (C) who is missing in action; (D) whose death is documented to be directly caused by illness or injury connected with service in the armed forces of the United States; or (E) who became totally and permanently disabled or meets the eligibility requirements for individual unemployability according to the disability ratings of the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of a service-related injury” (Education Code 54.341(a-2)(1) and (b)(1))

• The spouse or child has to be a Texas resident when registering.

  “To qualify for an exemption under Subsection (a-2) or (b), the spouse or child must be classified as a resident under Subchapter B on the date of the spouse's or child's registration.” (Education Code 54.341(b-1))

• TVC says there is no age limit for a child, spouse or dependent who has their own hours.

  “No. There is no age limit for a child, spouse, or dependent who has their own Hazlewood hours.” (TVC Hazlewood Act page, FAQ)

• Legacy Act transfer: a veteran can waive unused hours and assign them to a child.

  “a person who becomes eligible for an exemption provided by Subsection (a) to waive the person's right to any unused portion of the number of cumulative credit hours for which the person could receive the exemption and assign the exemption for the unused portion of those credit hours to a child of the person” (Education Code 54.341(k)(1))

• The child must be a Texas resident, make satisfactory academic progress and be 25 or younger on the first day of the term (TVC phrases this as stopping at age 26).

  “be 25 years of age or younger on the first day of the semester or other academic term for which the exemption is claimed” (Education Code 54.341(l)(3))

• TVC adds that only one Legacy child uses the hours at a time.

  “Only one child will use Hazlewood Legacy benefits at a time.” (TVC Hazlewood Act page, Child (Legacy) Eligibility)

• The veteran must still live in Texas while the child uses the hours.

  “Yes. The veteran uses their Hazlewood exemption when they share it with a Legacy child. Each person who is eligible to use the Hazlewood Act must currently reside in Texas; (40 TAC §461.40) & (40 TAC §461.70).” (TVC Hazlewood Act page, Child (Legacy) Eligibility FAQ)

• The college makes the final call, so apply through its financial aid or veterans office.

  “The Institution of Higher Education (IHE) is the final decision-making authority on student eligibility.” (TVC Hazlewood Act page)

• Filing time: the statute requires the application and proof by the last class date of the term.

  “not later than the last class date of the semester or term to which the exemption applies” (Education Code 54.341(d))

• Plates are for a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 50 percent, or 40 percent because of the amputation of a lower extremity.

  “(1) the person has suffered, as a result of military service: (A) at least a 50 percent service-connected disability; or (B) a 40 percent service-connected disability because of the amputation of a lower extremity;” (Transportation Code 504.202(b)(1))

• The veteran must also receive VA compensation for the disability.

  “the person receives compensation from the United States because of the disability” (Transportation Code 504.202(b)(2))

• The vehicle must be owned by the veteran and weigh 18,000 pounds or less, or be a motor home.

  “has a gross vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds or less or is a motor home” (Transportation Code 504.202(b)(3)(B))

• Registration fee exemption: one vehicle for the veteran’s own use is registered without the fees paid at registration, except the plate fee. The registration is valid for one year.

  “A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Registration under this section is valid for one year.” (Transportation Code 504.202(a))

• The first set of plates costs $3; more sets carry no fee.

  “The fee for the first set of license plates is $3. There is no fee for each additional set of license plates.” (Transportation Code 504.202(f))

• TxDMV’s plate page shows the same fee.

  “Plate Fees $3 for the first set” (TxDMV Disabled Veteran plate page)

• Apply at your county tax assessor-collector office, not at TxDMV.

  “To apply, submit a completed application and supporting documentation to your local county tax assessor-collector office.” (TxDMV Disabled Veteran plate page)

• A veteran is exempt from the fee for a driver license or ID card if honorably discharged, with a service-related disability of at least 60 percent, and receiving compensation for it.

  “Except as provided by Subsection (c), a veteran of service in the armed forces of the United States is exempt from the payment of fees under this chapter for the issuance of a driver's license or personal identification certificate if the veteran: (1) was honorably discharged; (2) has a service-related disability of at least 60 percent; and (3) receives compensation from the United States because of the disability.” (Transportation Code 521.426(a))

• DPS lists the same tests and adds that the veteran must not be required to register as a sex offender.

  “Veterans with a service-related disability of at least 60% and meet all the requirements below may qualify for a free Texas DL or ID card: Honorable discharge Disability compensation from the US government Not required to register as sex offender” (DPS, Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans)

• The statute (521.426(c)) and DPS exclude anyone required to register as a sex offender.

  “Subsection (a) does not apply to a person subject to the registration requirements of Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure.” (Transportation Code 521.426(c))

• Commercial driver licenses are not covered.

  “The exemption does not apply to commercial driver licenses (CDL).” (DPS, Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans)

• Proof: a signed VA disability letter, or documents that confirm the discharge, rating and compensation.

  “Veterans with a service-related disability must present copies of one of these documents: Signed disability letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs or Official documents to confirm your honorable discharge, disability rating, and disability compensation” (DPS, Verifying Disability)

• Hunting: the statute requires the TPWD commission to waive the license fee for a qualified veteran with a disability.

  “The commission shall waive the fee for a qualified veteran with a disability and for a resident on active duty as a member of the United States military forces, the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard.” (Parks and Wildlife Code 42.012(b))

• The statute defines a qualified veteran with a disability: loss of use of a lower extremity or a rating of 50 percent or more, with VA compensation.

  “"Qualified veteran with a disability" means a veteran with a service connected disability, as defined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, consisting of the loss of the use of a lower extremity or of a disability rating of 50 percent or more and who is receiving compensation from the United States for the disability.” (Parks and Wildlife Code 42.012(c))

• Fishing: the fishing license fee is waived on the same definition.

  “The commission shall waive the fee for a qualified veteran with a disability as defined by Section 42.012” (Parks and Wildlife Code 46.004(c))

• TPWD describes the eligibility for its free package with slightly different words: the loss of use of a foot or leg, or a rating of 50 percent or more, with VA compensation.

  “Available to a resident or non-resident qualifying as a disabled veteran, as defined by the Veterans Administration, consisting of the loss of the use of a foot or leg, or a disability rating of 50% or more, and who is receiving compensation from the U.S. for the disability.” (TPWD Disabled Veteran Super Combo page)

• The package is free to residents and non-residents and is sold only in person.

  “| Super Combo Hunting & All-Water Fishing Package | Disabled veteran (resident and non-resident) | 502 | Free | Available in person at a license retailer” (TPWD Disabled Veteran Super Combo page)

• What the package contains: a hunting and fishing license and five state endorsements. The federal duck stamp is not included.

  “The Disabled Veteran Super Combo Package includes a hunting and fishing license and five state endorsements.” (TPWD Disabled Veteran Super Combo page)

• Each year, show VA proof of your rating issued within the last 12 months, or a Texas driver license with the Disabled Veteran designation.

  “Official proof of disability (issued by the V.A.) or a Texas Driver License with “Disabled Veteran” designation must be shown each year when applying for this license and must state the rate of disability. Official proof can be digital or hard copy and should be issued within the last 12 months.” (TPWD Disabled Veteran Super Combo page)

• The Disabled Veterans passport covers veterans with a 60 percent service-connected rating or loss of a lower extremity, and the companion enters free too.

  “The Disabled Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks for a U.S. veteran with a 60 percent or more service-connected disability or loss of lower extremity. A companion gets free entry, as well.” (TPWD Texas Parklands Passports page)

• Proof: photo ID plus one of three documents.

  “Disabled Veterans of Texas license plate receipt Veteran's award letter (which establishes the degree of disability) Tax exemption letter for Texas veterans.” (TPWD Texas Parklands Passports page)

• A veteran without that rating can use the Veterans passport, which is for honorably discharged veterans and covers the holder only.

  “The Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks for a U.S. veteran who was honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. This Parkland Passport only grants benefits to the pass holder, it does not grant entry to a companion.” (TPWD Texas Parklands Passports page)

• Statute: Parks and Wildlife Code 13.018 lets honorably discharged veterans apply for the passport.

  “an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed services” (Parks and Wildlife Code 13.018(a)(2))

• A veteran, including a veteran with a disability, qualifies for the military employment preference in Government Code chapter 657. The spouse of a veteran rated at least 70 percent or at TDIU can qualify too, if the spouse is the household’s main earner.

  “a veteran, including a veteran with a disability” (Government Code 657.002(1))

• The spouse rule in full.

  “the spouse of a veteran if the spouse is the primary source of income for the household and the veteran has a total disability rating based either on having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of at least 70 percent or on individual unemployability” (Government Code 657.002(5))

• The preference applies to jobs at state agencies, over applicants who do not have a greater qualification.

  “An individual who qualifies for a military employment preference is entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to a state agency over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification.” (Government Code 657.003(a))

• Priority order among those who qualify: veterans with disabilities first.

  “(1) a veteran with a disability; (2) a veteran; (3) a spouse described by Section 657.002(4) or (5); (4) a veteran's surviving spouse who has not remarried; and (5) an orphan of a veteran if the veteran was killed while on active duty.” (Government Code 657.003(b))

• Exam points: 10 points on a competitive exam, and 5 more for a veteran with a disability.

  “an individual entitled to a military employment preference who otherwise is qualified for that position and who has received at least the minimum required score for the test is entitled to have a service credit of 10 points added to the test score. A veteran with a disability is entitled to have a service credit of five additional points added to the individual's test score.” (Government Code 657.003(c))

• The statute defines a veteran with a disability as one the VA or the service branch classifies as disabled with a service-connected disability.

  “"Veteran with a disability" means a veteran who is classified as disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its successor or the branch of the service in which the veteran served and whose disability is service-connected.” (Government Code 657.001(3))

• TVC’s employment services help with the job search and are free.

  “All employment services to veterans, eligible spouses and family members, and employers, including training, technical assistance, and direct services are offered free of charge.” (TVC Employment Services page)

Federal VA compensation is separate. For monthly VA pay by rating see the VA disability pay chart 2026.

• Texas disabled veteran property tax exemption calculator – exemption amount and estimated savings
• VA disability pay chart 2026 – federal monthly VA compensation by rating
• VA disability calculator – combined rating and monthly compensation
• VA benefits by disability rating – what each rating unlocks
• VA automobile allowance – federal vehicle payment for qualifying disabilities