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Review State Benefits/Programs

Education

In the state of Texas, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to several state-funded education benefits. The Hazlewood Act provides tuition exemption for eligible veterans and their dependent children at public colleges and universities. The Hazlewood Legacy Program allows veterans to transfer unused benefits to their dependent children. Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans can also receive tuition exemption through the Hazlewood Exemption for Spouses and Children. The Texas National Guard offers tuition assistance, and the College Credit for Heroes program helps veterans and service members earn college credits for their military experience. Additionally, the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program provides scholarships for students committed to ROTC programs and service in the Texas Army National Guard or other reserve components. These state-funded programs aim to support veterans, National Guard members, and their families in pursuing higher education and career opportunities in Texas. For more detailed information, eligibility requirements, and application processes, it is advisable to contact the Texas Veterans Commission or visit their official website.

Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
- Texas Military Department State Tuition Reimbursement Program. The Texas State Tuition Reimbursement Program provides eligible members of the Texas National Guard with financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition expenses at eligible Texas colleges and universities. The program is administered by the Texas Military Department. Under the program, eligible Texas National Guard members may receive reimbursement for up to a specified dollar amount per credit hour, up to a maximum annual limit. The program has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. We recommend contacting the Texas Military Department or the Texas National Guard Recruiting Office to get detailed information about the current program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for state-funded tuition assistance for National Guard members in Texas. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities.
Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
- The State of Texas offers benefits through the Hazelwood Act. This benefit provides qualified veterans an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The exemption does not include living expenses, books, or supply fees. To qualify, you must have: served 181 days or more on active duty received an honorable discharge have no federal Veteran’s education benefits remaining, and met residency requirements
Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
- Hazlewood Act. The Hazlewood Act provides tuition exemption or waiver for eligible military spouses and dependents at public colleges and universities in Texas. It allows them to receive up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption, which can be used towards an undergraduate degree program. Additionally, Texas participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This compact ensures that military-connected children, including spouses and dependents, have access to educational opportunities and certain benefits, including in-state tuition rates. It's important to note that specific eligibility criteria and application processes may vary. I recommend contacting the Texas Veterans Commission or the Veterans Services Office at your chosen college or university in Texas to get detailed information about the current programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for tuition assistance for military spouses and dependents. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities in Texas.
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Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
- (State must recognize military spouse license if home state has equivalent training) State agencies shall allow military spouses licensed in good standing in another state with substantially equivalent education and training requirements to practice in Texas without obtaining a local license for a period not to exceed 3 years. Further, state agencies shall issue full licenses to military spouses who hold a license in another jurisdiction with licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to Texas. State agencies may waive any prerequisite to obtaining a license. Licensing fees shall be waived.
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Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022

Business Benefits

Texas offers several programs and resources to support veteran-owned businesses, including a Veteran-Owned Business Certification program through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), which helps veteran-owned businesses gain recognition and access to procurement opportunities. The Texas Veterans Entrepreneur Program (TVEP) provides entrepreneurial training and resources for veterans interested in starting or expanding a business, while the network of Small Business Development Centers offer counseling, training, and assistance to veteran entrepreneurs on various aspects of running a successful business. The TVC also provides resources and support for veteran business owners, including counseling services, assistance with business plans, access to capital, and connections to networking opportunities, as well as information on government contracting and procurement opportunities. Texas also has procurement preferences for veteran-owned businesses, giving priority consideration to certified veteran-owned businesses in its procurement processes. To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in Texas, I recommend visiting the official websites of the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/ and the Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network at https://americassbdc.org/texas/. These websites should provide information on programs, certifications, financing options, counseling services, and other resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Texas for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.

Business License Exemption/Extension/Fee Waiver
- Veteran Entrepreneur Program Waiver of Incorporation Fees
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Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
- VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS PRE-QUALIFICATION PROCESS
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Business Resource and Education Programs
- Resource Link
Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
- - State Department: Texas - Office of The Governor of Texas
  - Program Types: Capital Access Program Loan Guarantee Program
  - Program Names: Capital Access Program Loan Guarantee Program
  - Contact Information: tsbci@gov.texas.gov

Taxes, Land, and Real Estate Benefits and Programs

In Texas, there are several state tax, land, and real estate benefits and programs available for veterans, military spouses, and dependents. These include property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, low-interest home loans through the Veterans Land Board (VLB), assistance programs for land and home purchases or improvements, state veterans homes providing long-term care services, and support for veteran-owned businesses. These initiatives aim to provide financial relief, affordable housing options, healthcare support, and entrepreneurial opportunities to the veteran community in Texas.

Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
- In Texas, a veteran with a disability rating of: 70-100 percent may be able to deduct $12,000 from their property's taxable value. 50-69 percent may receive a $10,000 exemption from the property's value. 30-49 percent may receive a $7,500 exemption from the property's value. 10-29 percent may receive a $5,000 exemption from the property's value. Veterans with a full 100% disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 10%+)
Offers complete homestead property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and surviving spouses
Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
- No State Income Tax
Offers land discount program

State Employment Programs

In Texas, there are several State Employment programs, preferences, or benefits available for veterans and guard and reserve members. The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) offers job placement assistance, career counseling, and skills assessment to help veterans connect with employers who prioritize hiring veterans. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) operates the Texas Operation Welcome Home (TOWH) program, providing employment services, resume writing workshops, and career counseling for military veterans and their spouses. The State of Texas gives veterans and disabled veterans preference in employment for state jobs, ensuring they receive priority in the hiring process. The Texas Military Department (TMD) offers employment opportunities through the Texas State Guard and Texas Army National Guard, providing part-time service and training options. The Texas Veterans Leadership Program (TVLP) supports recently separated veterans and their spouses with job placement assistance, career coaching, and access to educational and training programs. Additionally, the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) offers a Veterans Employment Preference program, providing a hiring preference for veterans within the agency. These state programs in Texas aim to support veterans, guard, and reserve members in finding employment, accessing resources, and transitioning to civilian careers.

Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
- The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) provide provisions for military service credit for eligible members. Here are some key points about military service credit in the Texas retirement systems: Eligibility: To be eligible for military service credit, you must be a member of the Employees Retirement System of Texas or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and have served in the military. Types of Military Service Credit: ERS and TRS offer two types of military service credit: a. Vesting Credit: If you served in the military before becoming a member of ERS or TRS, you may be eligible to receive vesting credit. This credit counts towards the total years of service needed to become vested in the retirement system. b. Benefit Credit: You may also be able to purchase benefit credit for your military service. This credit can increase your retirement benefit calculation. Cost and Calculation: The cost of purchasing military service credit and the calculation method can vary. It is typically based on actuarial calculations and considers factors such as the length of your military service and your salary. It's important to note that the specific rules, eligibility criteria, and costs for military service credit in the Texas retirement systems may vary. It's advisable to contact ERS or TRS directly for detailed information and personalized guidance regarding military service credit in Texas.
Offers Reduced Cost Business and Occupational Licenses or business taxes
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State DMV Programs

Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
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Offers Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption
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Offers Discounted Highway or Toll Programs
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Offers Free or Discounted Public Transportation Programs or Parking
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Recreation Programs

Veterans can potentially benefit from a range of state recreation programs and benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended you contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Offers discounted or free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
- Offers Discounted Hunting & Fishing Licenses
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Offers State Parks Admission/Camping Discounts and Waivers
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Offers Free or Discounted Firearms permit or license or exemptions
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