Exemptions for Texas Veterans (Hazelwood Exemption)

Program Purpose

To provide an education benefit to honorably discharged or separated Texas veterans or to qualified dependent children.

To use Hazlewood benefits, you must complete an application/release form. Please choose the appropriate form from below:

  • Application for Veterans New to Hazlewood
  • Application for Dependent New to Hazlewood
  • Application for Previous Hazlewood Recipients

If you are a new applicant, you must present your college or university with a benefit letter from the VA Regional Office in Muskogee, OK to qualify. You can contact that office at 888-442-4551.

Who can apply?

Veterans who:

  • are Texas residents;
  • were Texas residents at the time they entered the U. S. Armed Forces;
  • have served at least 181 days of active military duty, as indicated as "net active service" (the sum of 12(c) and 12(d)) on the DD214);
  • have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
  • have Federal veterans education benefits for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits. (PELL and SEOG Grants are not relevant as of fall 2005.);
  • are not in default on a federal education loan or a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas; and
  • enroll in classes for which the college receives tax support (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its costs), unless the college's governing board has ruled to let veterans receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses.

Dependents who:

  • have a parent who was a U.S. citizen and a resident of Texas at the time of entry who died as a result of service related injuries or illness or whose parent became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of service related injury or illness;
  • are U. S. citizens;
  • are Texas residents; and
  • are not in default of a Federal Education loan or a loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas.

The benefit may not be used for correspondence courses unless the courses are part of the student's degree plan.

To date, legislation has NOT been introduced to open the program to veterans from other states.

Where may the awards be used?

The awards are available only for use at a Texas public college or university.

How much can be awarded?

All dues, fees, and charges, including fees for correspondence courses but excluding property deposit fees, student service fees, and any fees or charges for lodging, board, or clothing. No funds may be used to pay tuition for continuing education classes for which the college receives no state tax support.

How large is the program?

8,885 awards were made in 2004-05. (2005-06 data are not yet available)

How can I apply?

Veterans should provide the registrar of their college proof from the Department of Defense about their military service and nature of discharge. Both veterans and dependents must also provide proof of eligibility for GI/Montgomery benefits by requesting a letter from the VA office in Muskogee, OK (call 888-442-4551). Dependents must provide proof from Dept of Defense or from Veterans Administration regarding parents death or parents disability related to service. Both groups should contact their college financial aid office regarding their status on prior federal student loans made or guaranteed by the State of Texas. They must also complete the appropriate application (see links in "Program Purpose" section above) and submit it to the college financial aid office.

Where can I get additional information?

  • Exemptions for Texas Veterans (Hazlewood Exemption) FAQ
  • Contact your college for additional information.
  • Login to Your Hazlewood Account
  • To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code ยง54.203