The 'Texas Vet program' is the everyday name for the loan benefits run by the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) — a package no other state offers. It's actually three programs in one: a home loan, a land loan, and a home improvement loan, all at below-market, state-set rates. Here's the complete picture.
The three programs inside the Texas Vet program
The home loan finances a primary residence up to $832,750 on fixed 15-30 year terms. The land loan finances one or more usable acres — currently up to $200,000 with as little as 5% down. The home improvement loan funds repairs and upgrades on a home you already own. You can hold one active loan in each program at the same time.
Who qualifies
Texas residents (on the application date) who served at least 90 active-duty days with an honorable, general, or medical discharge — plus Texas National Guard and Reserve members and some surviving spouses. The home must be your Texas primary residence, occupied within 60 days of closing.
The rate advantage
The VLB sets one program rate the first business day of every week, and because the program is state-backed it frequently beats the open market. Veterans with a 30%+ VA service-connected disability rating receive an additional rate discount on top.
Stack it with your federal VA benefit
The Texas Vet program is separate from the federal VA loan — and the smart move is using both: the VLB's discounted rate with the VA's $0-down, no-PMI structure on the same purchase. Most lenders who know veteran lending in Texas will structure it this way automatically.
Is the Texas Vet program worth it in 2026?
For most Texas veterans buying a primary home, yes. Because the VLB sets one below-market rate each week and a 30%+ disability rating adds another discount on top, the Texas Vet rate often beats both conventional and standard VA pricing — and paired with the VA benefit you can still buy with $0 down. Over a 30-year loan, even a small rate reduction compounds into thousands saved. The only times it doesn't apply: refinances (it's purchases only) and non-primary residences.
How to apply for the Texas Vet program
You don't apply at a government office — you apply through a participating Texas lender, who pulls the current weekly VLB rate and underwrites the loan. The fastest first step is a quick eligibility check: confirm your residency and service qualify, see this week's rate, and get an estimated payment. It takes about a minute, with no credit pull and no obligation.
See what you qualify for in 60 seconds — free and no credit check. Use the eligibility check at the top of this page.