Life insurance options for Texas veterans
Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.
Veterans cemeteries in Texas
VA national cemeteries
- Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery — Dallas
- Fort Bliss National Cemetery — El Paso
- Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery — San Antonio
- Houston National Cemetery — Houston
- Kerrville National Cemetery (closed to new burials) — Kerrville
- San Antonio National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — San Antonio
State veterans cemeteries
- Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery — Killeen
- Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery — Corpus Christi
- Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery — Mission
- Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene — Abilene
- West Texas State Veterans Cemetery — Lubbock
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration: Cemeteries in Texas
Texas state benefits for veterans
Veterans awarded 100 percent disability compensation for a service-connected disability and rated 100 percent disabled or individually unemployable are entitled to a total property tax exemption on their residence homestead; veterans with lower ratings may get a partial exemption on one property. Apply through the county appraisal district. Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Property Tax Exemptions
At the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, managed by the Texas Veterans Land Board, the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag come at no cost to the family. Source: Texas General Land Office: Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
The Hazlewood Act gives qualified Texas veterans, spouses, and dependent children up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fees, at Texas public colleges and universities. Source: Texas Veterans Commission: Hazlewood Act
For help applying, contact the Texas Veterans Commission.
Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Where can veterans be buried in Texas?
Texas has 6 VA national cemeteries and 5 state veterans cemeteries, including Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Texas Veterans Commission can confirm.
Check veteran optionsCan Texas veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?
SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.
Check veteran optionsDo disabled veterans get a property tax break in Texas?
Veterans awarded 100 percent disability compensation for a service-connected disability and rated 100 percent disabled or individually unemployable are entitled to a total property tax exemption on their residence homestead; veterans with lower ratings may get a partial exemption on one property. Apply through the county appraisal district.
Check veteran options