Yesterday’s Voice of Texas Veterans with Julia Conner focused on an issue that touches thousands of Texans: the Texas Veterans Commission’s Benefits and Services for Veterans Over 55 program. The conversation highlighted how aging veterans—and in many cases, their surviving spouses—can access the federal and state benefits they’ve earned but may not realize are available to them.

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) provides free, comprehensive support to veterans, dependents, and survivors. That includes help filing disability and pension claims, job placement assistance, health care advocacy, mental health connections, education benefit guidance, and resources for veteran‑owned businesses. For veterans over 55, these services become even more vital as health needs change, income shifts, or family responsibilities evolve.

A key point raised during the program is that many older veterans have never applied for benefits they qualify for. Others have passed away without their spouses knowing they may still be eligible for support. TVC’s mission is to ensure no veteran or survivor misses out simply because the system feels overwhelming or unfamiliar.

The range of benefits available to U.S. military veterans is extensive—disability compensation, pensions, education and training opportunities, VA health care, home loans, life insurance, burial benefits, and more. The Over 55 program helps veterans understand which benefits fit their needs and how to access them with confidence.

A new episode of Voice of Texas Veterans airs every Sunday on KNCT, and past episodes are available anytime at myKNCT.com/tvc.