Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Home Loans
VLB Housing Assistance Program
The Texas Veterans Land Board, a division of the Texas General Land Office, offers below-market interest rate home loans exclusively to Texas veterans. The VLB Housing Assistance Program provides up to $726,200 for home purchases with competitive fixed interest rates, no down payment requirement for eligible veterans, and no private mortgage insurance. This program can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to federal VA home loans.
Eligibility: Texas residents who served at least 90 days of active duty (unless discharged for a service-connected disability), were honorably discharged, and have not been convicted of a felony. Veterans must have a minimum credit score of 620.
How to apply: Visit the VLB website at vlb.texas.gov or call (800) 252-VETS (8387). Applications are processed through participating VLB lenders statewide.
VLB Land Loan Program
Unique to Texas, the VLB Land Loan Program allows veterans to purchase up to 150 acres of land with a minimum 5% down payment and highly competitive interest rates. Loan terms extend up to 30 years with fixed rates. This program has helped tens of thousands of Texas veterans become landowners since its creation in 1946.
VLB Home Improvement Loan
Texas veterans can borrow up to $50,000 for home repairs and improvements through the VLB Home Improvement Loan program. Eligible improvements include roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and accessibility modifications. The loan features competitive fixed rates and terms up to 20 years.
Emergency & Transitional Housing
HUD-VASH combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case management. Texas has one of the largest allocations of HUD-VASH vouchers in the nation, distributed through VA medical centers in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Temple, and other cities. Eligible veterans receive a voucher covering a significant portion of rent plus ongoing support from a VA social worker.
How to apply: Contact the VA Homeless Veterans program at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit the homeless veterans services office at your nearest Texas VA medical center.
SSVF provides rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention assistance to very low-income veteran families in Texas. SSVF grantees across the state include Catholic Charities, Family Endeavors, Volunteers of America Texas, and other organizations providing temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, deposits, case management, and connections to VA benefits.
The VA's GPD program funds transitional housing beds across Texas. Programs like U.S. VETS in Houston, Haven for Hope in San Antonio, and Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas provide housing with supportive services including job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling for up to 24 months.
Homeownership Programs
The federal VA Home Loan remains the most widely used veteran homeownership benefit in Texas. With zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates, VA loans are accepted by virtually all Texas sellers. Texas veterans can use VA loans alongside VLB programs for maximum benefit. Contact a VA-approved lender or the Houston VA Regional Loan Center at (888) 244-6711.
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)
TSAHC provides down payment assistance grants and second lien loans for eligible homebuyers, including veterans. Programs like Homes for Texas Heroes offer up to 5% of the loan amount in down payment and closing cost assistance. These can be combined with VA or VLB loans for additional savings.
Specialized Housing
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for SAH grants (up to $109,986 in 2026) to build or modify a home, or SHA grants (up to $17,130) for modifications to an existing home. These federal grants can be combined with VLB home loans in Texas.
Texas State Veterans Homes
Texas operates eight State Veterans Homes providing long-term skilled nursing care in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen, Temple, and Tyler. These facilities provide high-quality care at affordable rates for veterans and their spouses. Contact the Texas Veterans Commission at (512) 463-6564 for admissions.