• Retired Texas National Guards receive a number of federal and state benefits.texas proud image by buckwheat from Fotolia.com
  
  When you serve in the Texas National Guard, you are serving in the U.S. military and can be called up to active duty. Once you've completed 20 years of service between guard service and any other federal military service, you are eligible for retirement. The Texas National Guard offers a combination of federal and state benefits to their retirees.
  
  

Monthly Income

• You can begin collecting a retirement income at age 60 once you've completed a standard part-time term in the Texas National Guard. Depending on how long you served, you can receive up to $1,653 a month (in 2010). The maximum amount is calculated based on serving one weekend a month and 15 additional days a year for 20 years.
  
  

Health Care

• If you enroll in TRICARE Prime while on active duty in the Texas National Guard, you can continue receiving benefits after retirement for yourself and your family. While prescription drugs are covered, some things that aren't are eye exams, hearing aids, chiropractic care and dental care. Fees are also more expensive for retirees, though still affordable.
  
  

Enhance State Retirement

• If you are a state employee in Texas and a member of the National Guard, you can claim your active duty military time toward your state retirement. You will need to request this benefit and "pay to the Retirement System the specified amount of retirement contribution for up to 60 months' military credit. Such contribution is paid at the rate which was applicable at the time the employed veteran first was covered by the state Retirement System, plus any accrued interest," according to Military.com.
  
  

Veteran's Preference

• Because you only need 20 years of service to be eligible for retirement benefits from the Texas National Guard, many guard retirees will continue working at other jobs. National Guardsmen who have served in war are given an employment preference in the state. The same is true for their widows and children if the guardsmen were killed while on active duty.