Texas Veteran Benefits 2026: Property Tax, GI Bill, VA
Updated: May 29
Texas is home to more than 1.4 million veterans and offers some of the most valuable state benefits in the country: no state income tax, a tiered disabled-veteran property tax exemption, and the Hazlewood Act for free college tuition. Here's what you can claim in 2026 and how to apply.
At a Glance: Texas Veteran Benefits in 2026
Property tax: tiered exemption from $5,000 up to a full homestead exemption for 100% disabled veterans
No state income tax on military retirement, VA disability, or any income
Hazlewood Act: up to 150 hours of free tuition at Texas public colleges, transferable to a child
Texas Veterans Land Board loans for land, homes, and improvements
Veterans preference for state jobs plus free TVC employment and entrepreneur programs
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
The exemption reduces your home's taxable value by your VA rating tier: $5,000 (10-29%), $7,500 (30-49%), $10,000 (50-69%), $12,000 (70-99%), and a full homestead exemption at 100% or individual unemployability. Surviving spouses who have not remarried can also qualify. Apply with Form 50-135 through your county appraisal district; the deadline is generally April 30.
No State Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, so military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and all other income are untaxed, one of the biggest ongoing financial advantages for Texas veterans.
Education: The Hazlewood Act
Hazlewood covers up to 150 credit hours of tuition and most fees at any Texas public college for veterans who entered service from Texas, served at least 181 days, and exhausted federal tuition benefits. The Legacy Act lets you transfer unused hours to one child age 25 or younger. Apply through your school's veteran services office; eligibility tools are on the Texas Veterans Commission site.
Employment, Entrepreneurship & Home Loans
The Texas Veterans Commission runs free employment counseling, certification funding, and the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, and the state grants veterans preference for agency jobs. The Texas Veterans Land Board offers below-market land, home, and home-improvement loans.
2026 Updates
In November 2025, Texas voters approved Proposition 7 (a homestead exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disease) and Proposition 11 (raising the over-65 and disabled exemption from $10,000 to $60,000). If your VA rating has increased, refile Form 50-135 to update your exemption tier.
Installations & Health Care
Texas hosts 15 active-duty installations, including Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and Joint Base San Antonio. VA medical centers anchor care in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Temple, El Paso, and the Rio Grande Valley, find any facility with the VA locator. Every county has a free Veteran Service Officer to help file claims.
How Operation Pathfinder Helps Texas Veterans
Operation Pathfinder helps Texas veterans turn military experience into civilian careers and claim every benefit they've earned, free. Pair this guide with our VA disability benefits and career transition guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save with the Texas disabled veterans property tax exemption?
It depends on your VA rating: $5,000 (10-29%), $7,500 (30-49%), $10,000 (50-69%), $12,000 (70-99%), and a full homestead exemption at 100% disability or individual unemployability.
Can my spouse use my Hazlewood Act benefits?
Transfers go to dependents, not spouses, under the Legacy Act. You can transfer unused hours to one child age 25 or younger.
Do Texas veterans pay state income tax?
No. Texas has no state income tax, so military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are not taxed.
How do I get a copy of my DD Form 214 in Texas?
Request it free through the National Archives' eVetRecs system, or get help from your County Veteran Service Officer.
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