The Hazlewood Act is a key piece of legislation providing educational benefits to Texas veterans and their dependents. In this article, we’ll cover everything from eligibility to application processes, and answer the most common questions you might have.
What is the Hazlewood Act?
The Hazlewood Act is a Texas state benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with up to 150 hours of tuition exemption for Texas public colleges and universities. This exemption does not include living expenses, books, or supply fees. The purpose of the Hazlewood Act is to support veterans and their families in obtaining higher education.
This act ensures veterans have the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their academic and career goals without the worry of substantial tuition costs.
Who qualifies for the Hazlewood Act?
To qualify for the Hazlewood Act, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Texas Residency: The applicant must be a Texas resident, which generally means having a permanent home in Texas and being physically present in the state.
- Military Service: The applicant must have served at least 181 days of active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces or the Texas National Guard. This does not include training periods.
- Discharge Status: The applicant must have received an honorable discharge or separation from the military. Those with a general discharge under honorable conditions may also qualify in some cases. Veterans can file an appeal for a military discharge upgrade if they do not meet the above conditions.
- Education Benefits: The applicant must have no federal veteran’s education benefits remaining that could cover tuition and fees. This includes benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Academic Standing: The applicant must be in good academic standing, which typically means maintaining a certain GPA and meeting the institution’s standards for satisfactory academic progress.
These qualifications ensure that the benefits of the Hazlewood Act go to those who have demonstrated a commitment to their service and are prepared to take advantage of educational opportunities.
How much tuition does the Hazlewood Act cover?
The Hazlewood Act covers up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public institutions of higher education. This can represent a significant financial benefit, potentially covering the full cost of tuition for a bachelor’s degree and part of a graduate degree. However, it’s important to note what the Hazlewood Act does not cover:
- Living Expenses: Costs for housing, food, and other personal expenses are not covered.
- Books and Supplies: Students must pay for their own textbooks, lab materials, and other supplies required for their courses.
- Fees: Additional fees, such as student service fees, athletic fees, and other mandatory fees, are not covered by the Hazlewood Act.
Understanding these limitations is crucial for financial planning. Students should be prepared to cover these additional costs through other means, such as personal savings, scholarships, part-time employment or filing for VA disability benefits.
Is the Hazlewood Act still in effect?
Yes, the Hazlewood Act is still in effect and continues to provide valuable education benefits to veterans and their families in Texas. This enduring commitment reflects the state’s recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. The act has been periodically updated to ensure it meets the evolving needs of veterans and aligns with changes in higher education.
Staying informed about any updates or changes to the Hazlewood Act is important. These updates can include changes in eligibility criteria, application processes, or the types of institutions that participate in the program. For the most current information, it’s advisable to regularly check the Texas Veterans Commission website or contact them directly.
How do I apply for Hazlewood Act benefits?
Applying for Hazlewood Act benefits involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
- Complete the Hazlewood Act application: The first step is to fill out the Hazlewood Act Exemption Application. This form is available on the Texas Veterans Commission website or through the financial aid office of the institution you plan to attend.
- Submit a copy of your DD214: Your DD214 form provides proof of your military service and discharge status. You will need to submit a copy of this document along with your application.
- Provide proof of Texas residency: Acceptable proof of residency can include a Texas driver’s license, voter registration card, or other documents that demonstrate your permanent residence in Texas.
- Institution-Specific Application: Each public college or university in Texas may have its own application form or additional requirements. Be sure to check with the financial aid office of your chosen institution for any additional forms or documentation required.
- Submit all documentation: Once you have completed the application and gathered all required documents, submit them to the financial aid office of the institution where you intend to enroll. It’s important to do this well in advance of the semester start date to ensure your benefits are applied on time.
For a detailed step-by-step guide and additional resources, refer to the Texas Veterans Commission’s education page.
Can I transfer my Hazlewood Act benefits to my dependents?
Yes, the Hazlewood Act includes a Legacy Program, which allows eligible veterans to transfer their unused education benefits to their dependent children. This provision is a significant benefit for veterans who may not need the full 150 credit hours themselves but want to ensure their children can pursue higher education.
Eligibility for Dependents:
- Texas Residency: The dependent must be a Texas resident.
- Age Limit: The dependent must be under 26 years of age at the time of enrollment.
- Academic Standards: The dependent must meet the academic standards set by the institution they wish to attend.
How to Transfer Benefits:
- Veteran’s Eligibility: The veteran must first meet the eligibility requirements for the Hazlewood Act benefits.
- Legacy Program Application: The veteran must complete the Hazlewood Legacy Act Application form, which is available on the Texas Veterans Commission website.
- Submit Documentation: The completed application, along with proof of the dependent’s Texas residency and age, must be submitted to the financial aid office of the dependent’s chosen institution.
Only one child can use the benefits at a time, but the benefits can be split among multiple children if the veteran has more than one dependent. This flexibility allows families to maximize the educational opportunities for their children.
Is there a time limit for using the Hazlewood Act benefits?
There is no specific time limit for using Hazlewood Act benefits, meaning veterans and their dependents can use the benefits at any point in their educational journey. However, recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by their institution to remain eligible. This generally means maintaining a minimum GPA and completing a certain percentage of attempted courses.
It’s important to plan your education carefully to make the most of the Hazlewood Act benefits. Since the act covers up to 150 credit hours, you should consider how to use these hours most effectively, whether for a single degree program or across multiple programs.
What fees and expenses does the Hazlewood Act cover?
The Hazlewood Act primarily covers tuition for up to 150 credit hours at public institutions in Texas. However, it does not cover additional fees, textbooks, or living expenses. Understanding the scope of what is covered can help in budgeting and financial planning.
Not Covered:
- Living Expenses: Housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses are not covered.
- Books and Supplies: Students must budget for their own textbooks, lab materials, and other necessary supplies.
- Additional Fees: Fees such as student service fees, athletic fees, and other mandatory institutional fees are not covered.
By being aware of these exclusions, students can better prepare to meet their financial needs through other sources such as personal savings, scholarships, or part-time work.
Can I use the Hazlewood Act for online courses or distance learning programs?
Yes, the Hazlewood Act can be used for online courses and distance learning programs, provided they are offered by a Texas public institution of higher education. This flexibility allows veterans and their dependents to pursue education in a manner that best fits their personal and professional lives.
With the increasing popularity of online education, this provision of the Hazlewood Act ensures that veterans and their families can take advantage of modern educational opportunities. Whether you are looking to complete your degree entirely online or take a mix of in-person and online courses, the Hazlewood Act provides the necessary support.
Hazlewood Act: Eligibility for Private Universities or Public Universities
One common question about the Hazlewood Act is whether it applies to private universities or only to public universities. The Hazlewood Act benefits are specifically designed for use at public colleges and universities in Texas. Private institutions do not participate in the Hazlewood Act program, meaning that tuition exemption benefits cannot be applied to private university tuition.
Public Universities that Accept the Hazlewood Act
Several top public universities in Texas accept Hazlewood Act benefits. Here are some of the prominent institutions where you can use these benefits:
- The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): A flagship institution with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Texas A&M University: Known for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs.
- University of Houston (UH): Offers a diverse array of programs and is located in one of the largest cities in Texas.
- Texas State University: Known for its education and business programs, located in San Marcos.
- University of North Texas (UNT): Offers strong programs in music, arts, and sciences, located in Denton.
- Texas Tech University: Known for its law, engineering, and agriculture programs, located in Lubbock.
- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA): Offers a wide range of programs and is rapidly growing in research and innovation.
These universities provide various opportunities and resources for veterans and their families, ensuring that they can achieve their academic goals using Hazlewood Act benefits.
How does the Hazlewood Act Legacy program work?
The Hazlewood Act Legacy Program allows veterans to transfer their unused Hazlewood Act hours to their dependent children. This program is a crucial part of the Hazlewood Act, as it extends the benefits of the act to the next generation, ensuring that veterans’ families continue to receive support.
Key Points of the Legacy Program:
- Eligibility: The child must be a Texas resident, under 26 years of age, and meet the institution’s academic standards.
- Application Process: The veteran must complete the Hazlewood Legacy Act Application form and submit it along with the required documentation.
- Usage: Only one child can use the benefits at a time, but the hours can be split among multiple children.
This program not only honors the service of veterans but also invests in the future of their families by providing educational opportunities for their children.
Are there any updates about the Hazlewood Act for 2024?
For the latest updates on the Hazlewood Act, including any changes or new provisions for 2024, refer to the Texas Veterans Commission website or contact ha*******@tv*.gov . Keeping informed about any updates is crucial for both current and prospective beneficiaries to ensure they are taking full advantage of the available benefits.
Recent updates often include changes to eligibility criteria, application processes, or the types of institutions that participate in the program. Staying informed helps you navigate these changes and maximize your benefits.
Conclusion
The Hazlewood Act is a significant benefit for Texas veterans and their families, offering substantial tuition exemptions. Whether you’re a veteran looking to further your education or a dependent planning to use transferred benefits, understanding the details of the Hazlewood Act is crucial. This comprehensive guide has covered the most common questions and provided detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and the scope of benefits.
For more information, check out the Texas Veterans Commission’s resources and make sure to complete the necessary application forms to take full advantage of this opportunity. Remember, education is a powerful tool, and the Hazlewood Act is here to help you wield it effectively.