Save money, get free help — benefits and services for veterans, active-duty, and military families in East Texas
This page collects every federal, state, and local program we know about for veterans, active-duty service members, the National Guard and Reserves, and their families. Hand-curated from official sources, updated weekly.
21 hand-curated programs across 9 categories
· 14 national · 7 Texas-specific
· 7 East Texas veteran services locations
· Last refreshed Jul 26, 2026 07:00 UTC-06:00
· Updated weekly
Free benefits help (Texas Veterans Commission)
VA Healthcare (most veterans qualify)
GI Bill tuition + housing
24/7 crisis line (988, Press 1)
Featured (the big ones)
These four programs alone cover most veterans' needs: healthcare, mental health, education, and home loans. Click through to apply — each takes 10-20 minutes.
Texas State Parks Pass (free for disabled veterans + 50% off for seniors)
Free entry to 80+ Texas state parks for disabled veterans, 50% off for seniors 65+
Texas
What it is: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department offers a free Parklands Passport for veterans with 60%+ disability rating (or full medal of honor), and a 50%-off Senior Annual Parklands Pass for Texas residents 65+. The Senior pass is $25 vs. $70 full price.
Eligibility: Free Passport: TX resident veteran with 60%+ VA disability rating or full Medal of Honor. Half-price Senior pass: TX resident 65+. Both require proof at first visit.
How to apply: Disabled vet passport: Apply at any Texas state park HQ with VA disability letter + DD-214. Senior pass: Apply online at texasstateparks.org/passport or in-person at any park. Bring proof of age (driver's license).
Up to 50% off hotels for veterans, active military, and seniors
National
What it is: Many hotel chains offer steep discounts (typically 10-30%, sometimes more) for veterans, active military, AAA members, AARP members, and seniors 60+. Chains include Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, Choice, IHG, Best Western, Choice.
Eligibility: Varies by program: veterans/military need DD-214 or current ID, AAA members need card, AARP members need card, seniors need ID showing age 50+ or 60+.
How to apply: Book direct (NOT through Expedia/Booking.com) and apply the discount code at booking. Each chain has its own program: Marriott Veterans program, Hilton Honors Military, Choice Privileges (10% senior discount), etc. Mention at check-in.
Year-round 5% off for active military, veterans, and first responders
National
What it is: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's offer a year-round 5% discount on nearly everything (excluding firearms) for active military, veterans, reservists, and first responders (police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatch). Plus free shipping on most items.
Eligibility: Active duty, reserves, National Guard, veterans (any era with DD-214 or VA card), first responders (with department ID). Must sign up for the free 'Heroes' club card.
How to apply: Sign up at basspro.com/heroes or in-store with your military/first-responder ID. Card is good for life. 5% discount applied at checkout, both in-store and online.
Free help applying for VA benefits, disability claims, education
Texas
What it is: Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) helps Texas veterans, service members, and their families navigate federal VA benefits. They file disability claims, help with appeals, and connect veterans to employment, education, and healthcare. All services are free.
Eligibility: Texas veteran (any branch, any era), active service member, or family member. No income limit. Free regardless of VA claim status.
How to apply: Call 1-800-252-VETS (8387) or visit a TVC office (one in every major TX city). They'll assign a free VSO (Veteran Service Officer) to help with your claim.
National and Texas-specific programs. Filter by category above to find what you need. Apply for as many as you qualify for — they stack.
VA Healthcare (free for most veterans)
Comprehensive free or low-cost health care for veterans who served
National
What it is: VA Healthcare provides comprehensive medical, mental health, prescription, vision, and dental services to enrolled veterans. Free for veterans with service-connected disabilities, low-income veterans, and most former POWs. Sliding-fee for other veterans.
Eligibility: Any veteran who served 24+ continuous months on active duty, with a discharge other than dishonorable. Priority groups determine copay rates: service-connected disabled (free), low-income (free or low copay), and others (sliding fee).
How to apply: Apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply/ (15-30 minutes), call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or visit the nearest VA medical center. Bring DD-214 (discharge papers). Enrollment takes 1-3 weeks; eligibility determination in 1-3 months.
24/7 free, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and families
National
What it is: Free, confidential 24/7 crisis counseling for veterans in distress, those worried about a veteran, or active-duty service members. Text and chat also available. The line is staffed by veterans and mental health professionals.
Eligibility: All veterans, service members (active, Guard, Reserve), and their families and friends. No enrollment, no ID, no insurance required. Anonymous if you prefer.
How to apply: Dial 988, then Press 1. Or text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Spanish press 2. Deaf/hard of hearing: TTY 800-799-4889. The line is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year.
Tuition + housing + book stipend for college, graduate school, or trade training
National
What it is: The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at public colleges (or up to $28,937/year at private/foreign schools), a monthly housing allowance (MHA, BAH-equivalent), and a $1,000/year book stipend. Most veterans who served 36+ months after 9/10/2001 qualify at 100%.
Eligibility: Served at least 90 days on active duty after 9/10/2001 (with honorable discharge). Service length determines benefit tier: 100% at 36+ months, 80% at 30+ months, 70% at 24+ months, 60% at 18+ months, 50% at 90+ days.
How to apply: Apply at va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/ (10-15 minutes). You need DD-214. VA sends Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in 1-2 weeks. Then submit COE to your school's VA certifying official. Benefits start the semester after approval.
Up to 36 months of education benefits for active-duty and veterans who paid the $1,200 enrollment fee
National
What it is: The MGIB provides up to 36 months of education benefits. Current monthly payment is $2,200+ for full-time college. Can be used for college, vocational/technical training, flight school, apprenticeships, or licensing/certification tests.
Eligibility: Active-duty or honorably discharged veterans who had their military pay reduced by $100/month for 12 months (enrollment fee $1,200), completed high school, and served at least 2 years (with exceptions for shorter service).
How to apply: Apply at va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/. Need DD-214 and proof of high school. VA sends COE in 1-3 weeks. Choose Post-9/11 or MGIB when you apply — you can't use both.
Comprehensive health insurance for active-duty, retirees, and their families
National
What it is: TRICARE is the military's health insurance covering active-duty service members, retirees, and their families. Five plans: Prime (HMO-style), Select (PPO), Reserve Select, Retired Reserve, and Young Adult. Most plans have $0 premiums for active-duty families.
Eligibility: Active-duty service members and their families (any plan). Retired service members and their families (Prime or Select with premiums). National Guard/Reservists (Reserve Select or Retired Reserve). Unmarried children up to age 21 (23 if college).
How to apply: Active-duty: auto-enrolled. Family: enroll at milConnect.disa.mil or call 1-800-538-9552 within 30 days of getting the military ID. Retirees: apply up to 12 months before retirement at milConnect.disa.mil. DEERS registration required.
0% down home loan with no PMI for veterans — typically the best mortgage in America
National
What it is: The VA home loan lets you buy a home with $0 down, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and limited closing costs. The VA guarantees the loan — they don't lend money directly.
Eligibility: Served 90+ days on active duty during wartime (or 181+ days during peacetime), 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves, or currently on active duty. Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty may also qualify.
How to apply: Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at va.gov/loan-eligibility/ (instant if data is already in VA systems, or 2-3 weeks if you upload DD-214). Shop for a lender that offers VA loans (most major lenders do). Use the COE when applying for the loan.
Low-interest home, land, and home improvement loans for Texas veterans
Texas
What it is: The Texas Veterans Land Board offers Texas veterans: Veterans Housing Assistance Program (VLB loan, no PMI, low interest, 30-year fixed), Veterans Land Loan (buy land with 5% down, 20-year term), and Home Improvement Loan (up to $50,000).
Eligibility: Texas resident veteran with 90+ days active-duty service and an honorable discharge. Some programs require 3+ years or specific service dates. Surviving spouses of Texas veterans may also qualify. Apply within 6 years of separation for some programs.
How to apply: Apply at vlb.texas.gov (15-30 minutes) or call 1-800-252-VETS. Need DD-214, Texas driver license, last 2 pay stubs or 2 years tax returns, and current mortgage statement (if any). Approval in 2-4 weeks, closing 4-6 weeks.
Up to $4,000 in tuition for military spouses pursuing portable careers
National
What it is: MyCAA provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance (over 2 years) to military spouses pursuing associate degrees, licenses, certificates, or certifications in portable career fields (healthcare, education, IT, business, etc.).
Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty service members (pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, O-1 to O-2). Spouses of National Guard/Reservists in Title 10 orders also qualify. Must complete a High School + program, then pursue a degree, license, or certificate.
How to apply: Create an account at MyCAA.MilitaryOneSource.mil. Search for an approved school and program (most accredited schools qualify). Submit an Education and Training Plan (1-page form). Approved plans are funded in 30-60 days. Spouses can use up to $2,000/year for 2 years.
Disabled Texas veterans can get a free state-issued ID or driver license
Texas
What it is: Texas veterans with a 60%+ VA disability rating (or full Medal of Honor) can get a free Texas driver license or state ID. Saves $16-$33 vs. the standard fee. Most Texas veterans offices can help you apply.
Eligibility: Texas resident veteran with 60%+ VA disability rating, 100% individual unemployability, or full Medal of Honor. Must provide VA disability letter (or DD-214 + Medal of Honor certificate).
How to apply: Visit any Texas driver license office with: (1) VA disability letter showing 60%+ rating, (2) DD-214, (3) proof of identity, (4) proof of Texas residency. Ask for the "Disabled Veteran" fee waiver at the counter.
Alternative to incarceration for veterans charged with nonviolent offenses
Texas
What it is: Texas Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) provide supervised rehabilitation instead of jail for veterans charged with nonviolent offenses. Each participant gets a mentor (often a fellow veteran), treatment for PTSD/substance use, and a structured return to civilian life. 22 VTCs serve all major Texas regions.
Eligibility: Texas veteran charged with a nonviolent criminal offense (misdemeanor or low-level felony). Must have a documented mental health, substance use, or PTSD condition connected to service. Veteran status verified by DD-214.
How to apply: Talk to your defense attorney about referring your case to the VTC. Or contact the Texas Veterans Commission at 1-800-252-VETS for the VTC in your county. Must be approved by the judge. Program length is typically 12-18 months.
Free 8-week course + 1-on-1 mentoring for veterans starting or buying a business
National
What it is: Boots to Business is a free 2-day in-person intro workshop (offered at military installations + VSOs nationwide) + an 8-week online follow-on course (Foundations of Entrepreneurship) + 1-on-1 mentoring with SCORE. Plus access to the VBOC network for longer-term help.
Eligibility: Active-duty service members (within 12 months of separation), veterans of any era, National Guard/Reservists, and military spouses. No cost, no business experience required.
How to apply: Register at sba.gov/boots-to-business (5 minutes). Pick a workshop date near you (in-person) or start the online course immediately. After the 2-day intro, you can take the 8-week Foundations course. Mentoring is opt-in.
Monthly stipend, healthcare, and respite for family caregivers of disabled veterans
National
What it is: The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides a monthly stipend (up to $2,750+ in 2024), health insurance (CHAMPVA), and respite care to family members who care for a severely injured veteran. The veteran must be a designated full-time caregiver for this program.
Eligibility: The veteran must have: (1) a serious injury (including TBI, PTSD, or other service-connected condition) incurred on or after 9/11/2001, (2) a 70%+ VA disability rating, (3) need for at least 6 months of continuous personal care services. The family member must be the designated caregiver.
How to apply: Apply at va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/. VA will assign a Caregiver Support Coordinator. Approval takes 2-3 months. Stipend is retroactive to application date.
Wreaths Across America (free veteran headstone wreath)
Free wreath placed on a veteran's headstone at a national cemetery in December
National
What it is: Wreaths Across America coordinates the placement of fresh balsam wreaths on veterans' headstones at 1,200+ cemeteries across the US every December (National Wreaths Across America Day). Texas participates with 20+ locations, including Houston National, San Antonio National, Fort Hood, and 20+ state veterans cemeteries.
Eligibility: Anyone can sponsor a wreath ($17 each). Free placement of wreaths is for the families and friends of deceased veterans buried at participating cemeteries. Sponsorship is open to all.
How to apply: Sponsor a wreath at wreathsacrossamerica.org (3 minutes). The application deadline is typically late November. The placement ceremony is the 3rd Saturday in December (Wreaths Across America Day). You can attend in person or sponsor remotely.
USO Pathfinder (transition assistance for service members)
Free 1-on-1 transition help for service members leaving the military (employment, finances, education)
National
What it is: The USO Pathfinder program offers free 1-on-1 transition assistance to active-duty service members within 12 months of separation (and their spouses). Helps with employment, education, finances, healthcare, housing, and family support. Personalized 90-day roadmap + access to local resources.
Eligibility: Active-duty service members within 12 months of separation or retirement. Reservists/Guard transitioning from active service. Military spouses. Free to all eligible — no cost, no obligation.
How to apply: Find the nearest USO Pathfinder site at uso.org/programs/pathfinder. Schedule a 1-on-1 transition counseling session. Bring your DD-214 (if available), TAP (Transition Assistance Program) paperwork, and a list of goals. Most USOs are near major military installations.
Free U.S. military veteran headstone for a Texas veteran's grave
Texas
What it is: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a free standard government-issue marble or granite headstone (and optional medallion, inscription, or Presidential Memorial Certificate) for any honorably discharged veteran. Texas has 20+ state veterans cemeteries that offer free burial plots for veterans and their spouses.
Eligibility: Any veteran with an honorable discharge (any era, including active-duty deaths and some service-connected deaths). The veteran's next of kin or funeral home applies. The headstone ships directly to the cemetery in 6-12 weeks.
How to apply: Apply at va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-inscriptions/ (Form 40-1330). The funeral home or next of kin uploads DD-214. The headstone is shipped to the cemetery at no cost. For Texas state veterans cemetery burial, contact the Texas Veterans Land Board at vlb.texas.gov.
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries (free burial plot)
Free burial plot + free headstone + free opening/closing for Texas veterans at 4 state cemeteries
Texas
What it is: Texas operates 4 state veterans cemeteries (Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen/Fort Hood area, Mission) plus expansion plans in Bonham, Houston, and Floresville. Each provides a free burial plot, free upright marble headstone, free opening/closing, and free perpetual care for Texas veterans and their spouses.
Eligibility: Texas resident veteran with 90+ days active-duty service and honorable discharge. Spouse and minor children of the veteran are also eligible (including those who predecease the veteran). Texas State Veterans Cemetery is in Bonham, plus 3 others.
How to apply: Pre-apply at vlb.texas.gov/veterans-cemeteries (recommended, takes 15 minutes). Funeral home submits burial order at time of need. Burial typically 1-3 weeks after submission. Free for the veteran; spouse burial is also free at Texas state veterans cemeteries.
Military Holiday Meals (free Thanksgiving + Christmas dinners)
Free hot holiday meals for active-duty, veterans, and military families at USO centers
National
What it is: USO centers, military bases, and veteran-serving nonprofits host free Thanksgiving dinners (typically 4th Thursday of November) and Christmas dinners (December 24-25) for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Texas has USO centers at Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso.
Eligibility: All active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard service members, veterans, and their families. No cost. Children welcome. Some events require RSVP; others are open-door.
How to apply: Check your local USO center (uso.org) or installation MWR/MCCS in November-December. Most events are open-door (no RSVP needed). Some holiday events require pre-registration by Dec 15 due to space. Volunteer to help at the events if you can.
Veteran Services · Sam Rayburn · 800-641-8351 or 800-924-8387
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If you only have time for one thing, call the Texas Veterans Commission at 1-800-252-VETS (free, in Texas). They will screen you for every federal VA benefit and connect you to local resources.
VA Healthcare: Apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply (15-30 minutes) or call 1-877-222-VETS. Bring your DD-214.
VA Disability Claims: Call Texas Veterans Commission at 1-800-252-VETS first. They will assign a free VSO to help you file the claim. Approval takes 6-24 months.
GI Bill Education: Apply at va.gov/education (10-15 minutes). Need DD-214 and proof of high school. School's VA certifying official handles the rest.
VA Home Loan: Get a Certificate of Eligibility at va.gov/loan-eligibility (instant if data is in VA systems). Then shop for a VA-approved lender.
This directory is a community effort. If you know an East Texas organization, discount, or service that should be here, tell us — we review every submission.