After serving your country in the military, you should expect to receive certain benefits and care when your active duty is complete. But the unfortunate truth is that many veterans are either unaware of their benefits or struggle to obtain them. As a veteran himself, Attorney Fritz Hager is dedicated to ensuring all veterans’ rights and benefits are protected. You spent your time helping your country, and now it’s time for your country to help you. At the Hager Law Firm, our veteran lawyers, led by Attorney Hager, will fight hard as your advocate to ensure your rights and benefits are respected.
Financial Veteran Benefits
When veterans return home, they have access to certain financial benefits. These benefits vary depending on whether a veteran is disabled and the percentage of their disability. Some examples of disabled veteran benefits include:
- If a veteran is 100% disabled, they are eligible to receive a total property tax exemption.
- If a veteran is 10-90% disabled, they are eligible for a reduction in their home’s assessed value. This reduction can range between $5,000 and $12,000 and is scaled based on the percentage of their disability.
- If a veteran is at least 60% disabled and receives an honorable discharge, they can apply for a Texas driver’s license or ID card free of charge.
Veteran Home Loans and Home Improvement Plans
Regardless of their disability status, Texas veterans can also receive financial assistance with buying and improving a home. The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) can provide below-market interest rates for home loans. These interest rates are reduced even further if the veteran has a disability rating over 30%.
The VLP also offers reduced-interest loans for home improvements. These loans can be used to alter, repair, and improve a veteran’s home to provide increased safety and livability for the veteran. Just like with a home loan, interest rates are reduced with a 30% disability rating or higher.
Veteran Education Benefits
The State of Texas also provides educational benefits for veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. Under the Hazlewood Act, veterans can receive up to 150 hours of tuition for free at a state college. The financial benefits do not include coverage for living expenses, books, or supplies.
In order to receive education benefits, the veteran must have been a Texas resident when they enrolled in military service. They also must have served for a minimum of 181 days in active duty and received an honorable discharge. A veteran is also not eligible for education benefits under the Hazlewood Act if additional federal VA education benefits are available to them.
Veteran Employee Benefits
When returning home after active duty, it can be difficult to find employment, especially if you are disabled. Texas veteran benefits strive to provide additional aid in helping veterans find and maintain employment. There are plenty of benefits in place that help find employment for veterans, ensure veterans can return to their original jobs, or encourage employers to hire veteran workers. Outside of placement programs, veteran benefits can also be used for state jobs and self-employment.
If a veteran is also a state employee, they may be able to claim their active-duty military time toward their retirement. Veterans can make payments toward their retirement equal to what their employee’s monthly contribution would have been for up to 60 months of active duty.
Veterans who are interested in going into business for themselves can receive additional benefits from the Veteran Entrepreneur Program. This program provides tools such as consultation meetings, financial assistance, and marketing aid to help veteran-owned small businesses grow.
Veteran Housing and Burial Benefits
The state of Texas also provides housing and burial benefits for veterans. Texas veteran homes are open to any and all veterans and their spouses who were not dishonorably discharged, regardless of any disabilities. The cost of living in these veteran homes is based on a veteran’s income.
Texas also has veteran cemeteries available for use by any and all Texas veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. There is no charge for burials in these cemeteries.
Protect Your Veteran Benefits with the Hager Law Firm
At the Hager Law Firm, we believe that veterans have the right to a peaceful life after service. But fighting to get your benefits can put additional strain on you and your loved ones. Attorney Fritz Hager isn’t just a veteran lawyer; he’s an advocate for veteran rights everywhere.
There are dozens of both state and federal benefits available to veterans and even more for disabled veterans. Not knowing about the benefits available to you can cause you to miss out on favorable opportunities. At the Hager Law Firm, we know the ins and outs of veteran benefits and can help you understand your eligibility.
As a veteran himself, Attorney Hager understands the unique challenges that come with returning to civilian life. His personal experiences as a veteran help him empathize with your struggles and provide a solution that is tailored to your specific situation.
Veterans aren’t the only ones who can receive benefits from the state. Spouses and dependent children also have certain rights and benefits available to them. At the Hager Law Firm, we’re here to help not just the veterans who fought for our country but their families as well.
Navigating veteran benefits can be tricky and confusing at times. At the Hager Law Firm, we believe in walking you through the process every step of the way. We’ll make sure you understand what you need to do and how you need to proceed to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
If you need help understanding your benefits or feel like your veteran benefits were unjustly denied, call the Hager Law Firm today at (903) 466-0001 to schedule a consultation with Attorney Hager about your case.
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