Can you transfer the Hazelwood Act benefits to your kid for college?

My family is looking at college financial options, and we've heard about the Hazelwood Act. Is it possible to transfer these benefits to a dependent child, and if so, how is that done?

Yes, veterans who are eligible for benefits under the Hazelwood Act can transfer their unused hours to a dependent child. The ability to transfer benefits was added as part of the Legacy Program in 2009. It's a fantastic way to help fund your child's college education, as it provides up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas.

However, it's important to note that there are several eligibility requirements for both the child and the veteran. For example, the veteran must be a Texas resident at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces and at the time of application for the benefit. The veteran must also be unable to make use of the remaining hours due to death, disability, or other specific reasons.

As for the child, they must be a Texas resident, be 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed, and make satisfactory academic progress in their degree program.

Transferring the benefits involves the veteran completing an application online through the Texas Veterans Commission portal. Necessary documentation may include a copy of the veteran’s DD214, proof of the veteran’s disability, or proof of the veteran’s death (as applicable). Once the legacy act is designated, it can't be rescinded and the veteran loses those hours of eligibility. So, it's important to consider the decision carefully.

It would be beneficial to discuss this in more detail with a university financial aid office or with a representative from the Texas Veterans Commission to understand all the fine details and to make sure you make the best decision for your family.