Total request was $300,000 of which the VA will pay half or $150,000 and the SVH will contribute the other half

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration awarded the Texas General Land Office $150,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Payments to States for Programs to Promote the Hiring and Retention of Nurses at State Veterans Homes program (CFDA 64.053). The award funds a shared cost project in which the VA contributes half of a $300,000 total request, with the State of Texas contributing the remaining $150,000 through subordinate State Veterans Homes.

The program delivers retention bonuses to nurses after one year of service, referral bonuses to employees who refer candidates hired and retained for 90 days, sign-on bonuses to new employees completing 90 days of employment, education reimbursements with a one-year employment commitment following degree completion or final reimbursement, quarterly recognition and awards, and quarterly uniform supply. Performance runs through September 30, 2026, in Texas. The program targets nursing workforce gaps at state veterans homes by supporting direct-care nurses only; administrative nursing positions are excluded from eligibility.

The program includes retention, referral, and sign-on bonuses, education reimbursements, quarterly recognition & awards, and quarterly uniform supply. Retention bonuses are given after 1 year of service. Referral bonuses are given to employees who refer someone who is hired and employed for 90 days. Sign-on bonuses are given to new employees who complete 90 days of employment. Education bonuses are given with an agreement to complete one year of employment after completing degrees or receiving final RE-imbursements.