Author: Dallas Dispatch Staff
-
Texas Property Tax Breaks for Disabled Veterans, Explained
Texas gives disabled veterans property tax exemptions from $5,000 up to a full wipeout of the homestead bill at 100% ratings. Who qualifies and how to file with your CAD.
-
Free Legal Help in Dallas County: Where to Actually Get It
Facing an eviction, custody fight or debt lawsuit without money for a lawyer? The real free legal help routes in Dallas County, from Legal Aid to TexasLawHelp.
-
Free Pre-K in Texas: Which Kids Qualify and How to Enroll
Texas offers free public pre-K to qualifying 4-year-olds, from English learners to military kids. The full eligibility list and how DFW families enroll for fall.
-
That 8.25% on Your Receipt: Where DFW Sales Tax Goes
DFW’s 8.25% sales tax is really three or four taxes stacked together. How Dallas, Fort Worth and the suburbs split the local share, and who gets your pennies.
-
Filing an Open Records Request With the City of Dallas
The Texas Public Information Act makes city records yours to request, free to file. How to write a request Dallas answers fast, and what to do if it stalls.
-
World Cup Matches Are Coming to Arlington. A Local’s Primer
AT&T Stadium hosts nine World Cup matches starting June 14, more than any venue. Match dates, the free Fair Park Fan Festival, and traffic notes for locals.
-
Social Security Survivor Benefits: What Widows Should Know
Survivor benefits can start at 60 and range from 71.5% to 100% of a late spouse’s benefit. The age rules, remarriage rules, and the switch strategy explained.
-
Food Recalls Happen Weekly. Here’s Where to Check Yours
USDA and FDA recall databases cover meat, produce and packaged foods. How to match lot codes in your own pantry and sign up for free recall alerts.
-
Dallas Bulk and Brush Pickup: Know Your Collection Week
Every Dallas address gets one bulk and brush week a month. The 10 cubic yard limit, set-out timing, what crews will not take, and the $60 overage charge.
-
Rolling Outages, Explained: How ERCOT Sheds Load
ERCOT has three emergency levels before controlled outages begin. What triggers each one, how Oncor rotates outages across DFW, and why some blocks never go dark.
-
Texas Driver License Renewal: Online, by Mail or at DPS
Most Texans can renew a driver license online for $33 without a DPS visit. Who qualifies, who must show up in person, and how the appointment system works.
-
Over 65? You Can Legally Postpone Your Property Tax Bill
Texas Tax Code 33.06 lets homeowners 65 and older or disabled defer property taxes on the homestead. One affidavit, 5% interest, and a lien to weigh first.