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VETERAN GUIDE
Texas State Veteran Benefits
Texas offers its own benefits on top of what VA provides — property tax breaks, college tuition, low-rate land and home loans, free park entry, and more. Here's what's available and where to apply in Williamson County.
Overview
Most Texas veteran benefits are run by different state agencies, so there's no single application. Many depend on your VA disability rating, so it helps to have your VA rating letter in hand before you start.
Start with the benefits that save you the most each year — usually the property tax exemption — then work down the list.
How to get started
Get your paperwork together
Your DD-214 and, if you have one, your VA disability rating letter. Most benefits below ask for one or both.
Add the veteran designation to your driver license
Free when you get a new license or renew. Bring a DD-214, VA letter, or VA ID card to DPS.
Apply for a property tax exemption
File with the Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) by April 30, online through WCAD E-Services or with the paper form.
If you missed the deadline, ask WCAD about a late application.
Pick up your park and hunting passes
Get a Texas Parklands Passport at any state park. Disabled veterans can get the free Super Combo license in person.
Look into Land Board loans and education
Compare Veterans Land Board home, land, and home improvement loans, and check the Hazlewood Act for college.
What to gather
Benefits at a glance
PROPERTY TAX
Disabled veteran exemptions
10–29% rating
up to $5,000
30–49%
up to $7,500
50–69%
up to $10,000
70–100%
up to $12,000
100% or unemployable: your whole homestead is exempt. Surviving spouses may keep it.
Forms 50-135 (partial) or 50-114 (100%). WCAD: 625 FM 1460, Georgetown · 512-930-3787
VETERANS LAND BOARD
Land, home & home improvement loans
Land loans up to $200,000 (at least 1 acre, 5% down)
Home loans up to $832,750 with little or no down payment
Home improvement loans up to $50,000
Nearest State Veterans Home: Temple · Nearest State Veterans Cemetery: Killeen
EDUCATION
Hazlewood Act
Up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges. Spouses and dependent children may also qualify.
OUTDOORS
Parks, hunting & fishing
Parklands Passport: free state park entry for veterans (plus a companion for veterans rated 60%+ or with loss of a lower limb)
Free Super Combo hunting & fishing license for veterans rated 50%+ or with loss of use of a foot or leg
DRIVING
License & plates
Veteran designation on your license or ID
No license fee with a 60%+ rating
Disabled Veteran plates with a 50%+ rating, or 40%+ from a lower-limb amputation (Form VTR-615)
JOBS
Priority job services
Veterans get priority service at Workforce Solutions. Local veteran specialist: 575 Round Rock West Dr., Suite 240, Round Rock · 512-914-7465.