Texas Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran Exemption
While few exemptions pass to another person after the death of the original owner, the disabled veteran exemption is an exception. After a veteran with the exemption passes away, it is possible for it to transition to the surviving spouse. As long as the spouse stays unmarried and keeps the house as their primary homestead, they can inherit the same savings amount as the veteran. This even includes the 100% reduction for veterans who qualified. This exemption applies to residential homesteads, so reductions tied to other properties will not move over to the surviving spouse.
Key information for the transfer of a disabled veterans exemption to a spouse or children:
The spouse must remain unmarried and maintain the home as their primary residence. In addition, the home must have been the veteran’s primary homestead at the time of the veteran’s death.
The amount of the exemption is tied to the veteran’s disability rating at their time of death according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If the only survivors of a veteran are children under the age of 18, they may use a portion of the exemption on a property of their choosing.