The Hazlewood Act: The Cornerstone of Texas Scholarships For Dependents of Veterans
Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans include tuition exemptions, state-funded education benefits, and supplemental aid programs. The most powerful benefit is the Hazlewood Act, which provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges for eligible children of 100% disabled veterans.
Texas Scholarships for Dependents of Disabled Veterans are among the most generous education benefits offered at the state level. Texas provides tuition exemptions, academic support programs, and veteran-focused financial aid to ensure military families can pursue higher education without overwhelming debt.
These benefits exist to honor the sacrifice of disabled veterans by investing in the future of their children. When used correctly, Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans can eliminate tuition costs entirely at public institutions.
Key Texas Education Benefits for Dependents of Disabled Veterans
Texas offers multiple education-based benefits designed specifically for dependents of disabled veterans. These benefits are administered through state law, public universities, and veteran education offices.
After understanding eligibility, families can combine several programs to reduce or eliminate college expenses.
Texas Education Benefits Overview Table
| Benefit Name | Eligible Dependents | Coverage | Institution Type | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazlewood Act | Children of 100% Disabled Veterans | Up to 150 credit hours tuition exemption | Texas Public Colleges & Universities | https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/ |
| Hazlewood Legacy | Children using transferred credits | Remaining unused credits | Texas Public Institutions | https://www.tvc.texas.gov |
| State Tuition Exemptions | Dependents of disabled veterans | Partial or full tuition | Select Texas Schools | https://www.collegeforalltexans.com |
| VA Chapter 35 (DEA) | Dependents of permanently disabled veterans | Monthly stipend | Approved Institutions Nationwide | https://www.va.gov/education |
The Hazlewood Act: The Cornerstone of Texas Scholarships
The Hazlewood Act is the most valuable education benefit available to dependents of disabled veterans in Texas.
It provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities for children of veterans who are 100% disabled due to service-connected conditions.
This exemption applies to:
Undergraduate degrees
Graduate programs
Technical certifications
Continuing education courses
The benefit covers tuition only. Fees, books, and housing are not included.
Hazlewood Act Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans under the Hazlewood Act depends on several clear criteria.
The veteran must:
Be a Texas resident at time of entry into service or establish residency
Have a service-connected disability rated at 100%
Have received an honorable or general discharge
The dependent must:
Be a biological, adopted, or stepchild
Meet Texas residency requirements
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Hazlewood Legacy Program Explained
The Hazlewood Legacy Program allows a veteran to transfer unused Hazlewood hours to a child.
This is critical for families where the veteran does not plan to attend college.
Key points include:
Only one child may use the benefit at a time
The veteran must assign hours before use
The child must meet enrollment and GPA standards
This transfer option is one of the most underused Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans.
Texas Public Institutions That Accept Hazlewood
Hazlewood benefits apply only to Texas public colleges and universities.
Examples include:
University of Texas System schools
Texas A&M University System
Texas State University
Community colleges across Texas
Private universities do not accept Hazlewood, though some offer separate veteran-based scholarships.
Additional Texas Scholarships for Dependents of Disabled Veterans
Beyond Hazlewood, Texas offers additional support programs.
These may include:
Institutional veteran scholarships
Departmental grants
Academic achievement awards
Need-based state aid
Many universities maintain veteran service offices that help families stack benefits effectively.
Federal Benefits That Work with Texas Scholarships
Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans can often be combined with federal benefits.
Common combinations include:
VA Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Federal Pell Grants
Federal student aid (FAFSA)
State need-based grants
Combining benefits helps cover housing, books, and fees not included under Hazlewood.
GPA and Academic Progress Requirements
Texas requires dependents to maintain academic standards.
Most institutions require:
Minimum GPA (often 2.0 or higher)
Completion of attempted credit hours
Continuous enrollment without excessive withdrawals
Failure to meet standards may pause eligibility until corrected.
Residency Rules That Affect Eligibility
Residency is one of the most misunderstood parts of Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans.
Dependents must:
Qualify as Texas residents
Enroll at Texas public institutions
Maintain residency throughout enrollment
Residency exceptions may apply for military families stationed elsewhere.
Application Process for Texas Scholarships
The application process typically involves:
Applying to a Texas public institution
Submitting Hazlewood Act application
Providing veteran disability documentation
Confirming enrollment and residency
Meeting school-specific deadlines
Each university may have its own submission process.
Common Mistakes Families Make
Many families lose benefits due to avoidable errors.
Common issues include:
Missing deadlines
Incorrect residency documentation
GPA violations
Not transferring Hazlewood hours early
Education benefits require planning, not last-minute action.
How Disability Ratings Impact Eligibility
Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans often depend on the veteran’s disability rating.
A 100% permanent and total rating unlocks the most benefits.
Veterans with underrated claims may be limiting their family’s education options without realizing it.
Why Early Planning Matters
Families who plan early can:
Maximize all 150 credit hours
Stack state and federal aid
Avoid gaps in coverage
Choose the right institutions
Education planning should begin well before college enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main Texas scholarship for dependents of disabled veterans?
Does the Hazlewood Act cover private colleges?
Can benefits be transferred to a child?
Yes. The Hazlewood Legacy Program allows unused hours to be assigned to one child.
Does disability have to be 100%?
For dependent eligibility under Hazlewood, the veteran must be rated 100% disabled.
Can Texas scholarships be combined with VA Chapter 35?
Yes. Many families combine Hazlewood with federal education assistance.
Final Thoughts
If you want help understanding how a veteran’s disability rating impacts Texas scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans, expert guidance can prevent costly mistakes and missed opportunities.