Happy Veterans Day!
On this day, the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library honors all those who have served our country. Their brave and selfless devotion inspires us all.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 5.9% of Americans aged 18 and older are veterans. Texas is home to the largest share, with approximately 8.7% of the nation’s veterans, totaling more than 1.5 million individuals.
Veteran Services and Resources
As we approach Veterans Legal Aid Week, we at the Harris County Law Library reaffirm our commitment to connecting veterans with helpful legal and community resources.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP, 2025) reports that nearly 1 in 4 veterans live in households that rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. The VA provides veterans with a wide range of services, including healthcare, housing, life insurance, pensions, and education services; nearly a quarter of VA employees are veterans. However, recent proposals to reduce federal spending plan to axe 83,000 VA jobs and reduce funding for SNAP and Medicaid (PBS, 2025).
With these significant changes to VA jobs, SNAP, and Medicaid, we recognize the importance of providing veterans with clear guidance and access to the services that support them. To that end, we have listed and linked several helpful resources, services, and upcoming events below.
American Bar Association (ABA) Free Legal Answers for Veterans
“VA benefits, discharge upgrades, VA debts and overpayments, correcting or ordering military records, military retirement, and VA pension.”
American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel
“Fosters the growth of the military legal assistance programs…”
Houston Bar Association’s Veterans Legal Initiative
“The program provides free legal advice and legal representation to U.S. veterans. Any veteran, or spouse of a deceased veteran, can get advice and counsel…”
Lone Star Legal Aid Military and Veterans Unit
“Provides free civil legal services to low-income United States military veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses through the State of Texas.”
State Side Legal – Veterans Legal Help Navigator
“This online tool helps veterans’ caseworkers and advocates across the country find the right fit legal help for veterans.”
Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans – see Additional Resources
“Volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students across Tarrant County providing free legal advice at clinics and further help beyond the clinics to those who qualify.”
TVLAW2025 Vet Week:
Veterans Legal Aid Week 2025 events are listed below. All events will take place between November 11 and 14.
The online events can be accessed through https://www.facebook.com/LoneStarLegalAid/.
Discharge Upgrades and Character of Discharge Review – Online
“Staff Military & Veterans Unit staff will provide an overview of discharge upgrades and character of discharge reviews.”
“A statewide hiring event that connects veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses to employers across Texas.”
Harris County Attorney’s Office Lasting Legacies Estate Planning Workshop – Bayland Community Center
“An estate-planning workshop to provide information on securing homes and assets through wills, transfer-on-death deeds, and more. Attendees will be invited to explore different government and non-profit organizations.”
“Lone Star Legal Aid’s Military & Veterans Unit will be available weekly at Michael E. DeBakey to meet in person.”
Texas A&M University - Central Texas (TAMUCT) Vet Benefits Expo
“We aim to not just commemorate their [veterans’] brave sacrifices but also provide them and the community with crucial information regarding VA and veteran-related benefits and services.”
VA Community Resource Center Walk in Legal Clinic
“Lone Star Legal Aid’s Military & Veterans Unit will be available weekly at the VA Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRC).”
Tyler Homeless Veterans Stand Down
“VA Homelessness Housing Program, VA benefits and health care, community organizations, employment services, vaccinations, flu shots…”
Texas Specific Veterans Benefits – Online
“Staff Military & Veterans Unit staff will provide an overview of Texas Specific Veteran Benefits.”
Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) - Online
“The SCRA gives military members a wide range of legal protections not available to the public. This session will discuss how to work with its protections for the benefit of our veterans.”
Thank you for your service and the difference you make every day!
By: Amra Amir, Fall 2025 Intern