Hazlewood Act

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

The Institution of Higher Education (IHE) is the final decision-making authority on student eligibility.

Veteran Eligibility

A Veteran must meet all the eligibility requirements as drawn from the Hazlewood Act Statute and 40 Texas Administrative Code §461:

A Veteran must:

  • At the time of entry into active duty of the U.S. Armed Forces, (DD Form 214 required) & (40 TAC §461.40)
    • designated Texas as Home of Record;
    • or entered the service in Texas;
    • or was a Texas resident;
  • Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions as indicated on the Veteran’s Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,
  • Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training);
  • Currently reside in Texas; (40 TAC §461.40) & (40 TAC §461.70)
  • Have no federal Veteran’s education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits;
  • Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas;
  • 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 cost), unless the college’s governing board has ruled to let Veterans receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses; and
  • Meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.

 

How to Apply

  1. Apply and be accepted to a Texas public college or university of his/her choice. Go to www.applytexas.org to apply or use your institution’s application for admission.
  2. Provide proof (DD214) from the Department of Defense regarding military service and the nature of discharge.
  3. Provide proof of eligibility or ineligibility for GI Bill® benefits by requesting a certificate of eligibility for federal education benefits from VA.gov (if veteran has active duty service after 9/11/2001).
  4. Fill out the Hazlewood Exemption application form.
  5. Turn in the Hazlewood Exemption application form, a copy of your letter of eligibility / ineligibility, and a copy of your DD214 to the financial aid office of the institution you will be attending.