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Mississippi Veteran benefits

24 benefits from Mississippi for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Mississippi

Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA) is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 601-576-4850 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Mississippi's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

24 benefits

Property tax

  • No rating needed

    Homestead Exemption Filing Deadline for Disabled Veteran Home Purchasers

    A disabled veteran who buys a home in Mississippi can file for the homestead exemption shortly after closing instead of waiting for the regular filing window. This lets new veteran homeowners lock in the tax break the same year they buy.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who qualify for Mississippi's total-disability homestead property tax exemption and who buy a home.
    How to apply
    File with the county tax assessor within 30 calendar days of the closing date, but not later than December 31 of the year of purchase; otherwise file during the standard January 1 to April 1 window the following year.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Miss. Code Ann. §27-33-75 and §27-33-67.

  • 100%+

    Homestead Exemption for 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veterans

    Mississippi exempts the home of a totally disabled, honorably discharged veteran from all property taxes. The exemption also extends to the veteran's unremarried surviving spouse.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected total (100%) disability, as certified by VA proof; or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran.
    How to apply
    File a homestead exemption application with the county Tax Assessor between January 1 and April 1; new home purchasers get 30 days from closing but not later than December 31 of the purchase year.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100%+For family or survivors

    Property Tax Exemption for Unremarried Surviving Spouses

    Unremarried surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected total disability pay no property tax on their home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Un-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran with service-connected total (100%) disability who was honorably discharged
    How to apply
    Contact county tax assessor or Mississippi Department of Veterans Affairs for application procedures
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Pay Exempt from State Income Tax

    Mississippi does not tax military retirement pay, so retired service members do not owe state income tax on this income. Retirement income generally is not taxed if it meets retirement plan requirements.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Mississippi resident receiving military retirement, pension, or annuity income that meets the retirement plan's requirements; early distributions are not covered.
    How to apply
    No application needed; exclude qualifying retirement income when filing the Mississippi individual income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Mississippi Individual Income Tax Exemption Threshold (Benefits All Filers Including Veterans)

    Mississippi exempts the first portion of taxable income from state income tax, which applies to veterans' non-exempt earnings the same as any other resident. The remaining income above the threshold is taxed at the state rate.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All Mississippi individual income tax filers, including veterans and military retirees with other taxable income.
    How to apply
    Applied automatically when filing a Mississippi individual income tax return; no separate application.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    VA Benefits and Disability Payments Exempt from State Income Tax

    Mississippi does not tax benefits paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This means VA disability compensation and similar VA payments are not subject to state income tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any recipient of payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    How to apply
    No application required; simply exclude these payments from Mississippi taxable income.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 70%+

    Disabled American Veteran License Plate

    Mississippi offers a Disabled American Veteran license plate bearing the veteran's branch-of-service seal for residents with a 100% permanent, or at least 70% non-permanent, service-connected disability rating. The plate is exempt from other property, privilege, and related taxes and fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 70% or higher. Mississippi resident veteran with a 100% permanent service-connected disability rating, or at least a 70% non-permanent rating (requiring annual updated VA benefit letter); unremarried surviving spouses may keep or request the plate.
    How to apply
    Provide VA proof of disability rating to the county tax collector's office when ordering the plate; non-permanent ratings require annual renewal proof.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100% P&T

    One-Dollar License Plate for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Mississippi lets a veteran with a total, permanent VA service-connected disability rating (or 100% Individual Unemployability rated permanent and total) purchase one private passenger vehicle or pickup truck license plate each year for a total cost of one dollar. The unmarried surviving spouse retains this privilege.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T), or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Legal Mississippi resident veteran with a permanent and total 100% VA service-connected disability rating (or permanent and total 100% Individual Unemployability rating), or the unremarried surviving spouse of such a veteran.
    How to apply
    Apply at the county tax collector's office with your VA disability papers when you register or renew your car tag.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Miss. Code Ann. §27-19-53.

  • 100% P&T

    One-Dollar Motorcycle License Plate for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Mississippi allows a resident veteran with a 100% permanent service-connected disability rating to purchase one motorcycle license plate per year for one dollar total cost. This mirrors the passenger-vehicle plate discount for the same disability category.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Legal Mississippi resident veteran rated by the VA as having a 100% permanent service-connected disability.
    How to apply
    Apply at the county tax collector's office in the veteran's county of legal residence with VA disability proof.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Indicator on Driver's License or ID Card

    Mississippi allows veterans to have a 'VET' designation printed on their driver's license or identification card, letting them show proof of veteran status without carrying discharge papers. Applicants must present supporting documentation in person at a Driver Service Bureau station.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces applying for or renewing a Mississippi driver's license or ID card who requests the designation.
    How to apply
    Bring supporting veteran-status documentation to any Driver Service Bureau station when applying for an original, duplicate, or renewal license/ID; standard license/ID fees apply.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 100%+

    Disabled Resident Exemption from Hunting/Fishing License Requirement

    Mississippi residents who are 100% service-connected disabled by the VA (or otherwise meet listed disability criteria) are not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license. They may instead obtain an annual Disabled Exempt license.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Mississippi residents who are blind, paraplegic, a multiple-amputee, adjudged 100% disabled by Social Security, or 100% service-connected disabled by the VA or Railroad Retirement Board.
    How to apply
    Carry proof of residency and disability status while hunting/fishing, or apply for the optional annual Disabled Exempt License Application through MDWFP.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • 100%+

    State Parks Camping and Lodging Discount

    Veterans, active military, and disabled individuals receive a 15% discount off camping and lodging rates at Mississippi state parks, excluding holidays and special events. The discount applies to 62+ year-olds, those with 100% disability, veterans, and active duty service members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Residents who are 62 or older, have 100% disability (including 100% service-connected disability from VA), are veterans, or are active duty service members. Disabled individuals must provide proof of 100% disability by showing one of: Railroad Disability Letter stating "100% Disabled", Veterans Administration Letter stating "100% Service Connected Disability", or Updated Social Security "TPQY" Form listing the person as "Disabled Individual".
    How to apply
    Contact individual state parks directly for reservation information. Provide proof of age, disability status, or military service at time of reservation or check-in.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

School and tuition

  • 10%+

    Combat Veteran Scholarship Program

    Mississippi law directs the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning to give veterans who served in a combat zone or who have a service-connected disability a month-for-month tuition scholarship at state universities and community colleges. A dedicated Combat Veteran Scholarship Fund in the State Treasury supports the awards.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. Veterans who served on active duty during a wartime period and received a campaign medal for combat operations outside the U.S., or who have a service-connected disability rating of ten percent (10%) or more, subject to legislative appropriation.
    How to apply
    Apply in writing to the Board of Trustees; the Board investigates and validates claims before granting the scholarship.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    In-State Tuition for Veterans and GI Bill-Eligible Persons

    Mississippi law grants in-state tuition rates to any veteran, or person entitled to VA education benefits, attending a Mississippi public university, college, or community college, without a waiting period. This removes the higher out-of-state tuition charge for qualifying veterans.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran as defined by Title 38 of the U.S. Code, or any person entitled to VA education benefits under Title 38.
    How to apply
    Provide proof of veteran status or VA education benefit entitlement to the institution's admissions/registrar office when enrolling.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Out-of-State Tuition Waiver for Veterans (Nonresident Students)

    A nonresident student who is a veteran under Title 38 can be charged the same tuition as a Mississippi resident at state institutions, instead of the higher nonresident rate. This waiver does not apply to certain professional school programs restricted by federal law.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Nonresident student who is a veteran as defined by Title 38 of the U.S. Code (with limited exclusions for some professional school enrollees).
    How to apply
    Provide proof of veteran status to the institution's admissions office when applying for the tuition rate adjustment.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Scholarship for Children of POW/MIA Service Members

    Children of a Mississippi service member officially listed as a prisoner of war or missing in action can receive a tuition-free scholarship for eight semesters at a state-supported Mississippi college or university. The scholarship excludes books, food, supplies, and extracurricular fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Child of a member of the armed services whose official home of record and residence is Mississippi and who is officially reported as a prisoner of war or missing in action.
    How to apply
    Apply through your school's financial aid office and ask for this Mississippi tuition waiver.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026. Law: Miss. Code Ann. §37-108-1.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • Any rating

    Veterans' Preference in State Employment Hiring

    Mississippi law and State Personnel Board practice give veterans preference when applying for state jobs, with disabled veterans given even higher priority. Eligible applicant lists place disabled veterans first, then veterans, ahead of other candidates.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Veterans and disabled veterans as defined by Mississippi law (consistent with federal guidelines; Purple Heart recipients qualify as disabled veterans) applying for Mississippi state government positions.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran status on the state job application and attach a DD-214; disabled veterans claiming additional preference must also submit a VA disability letter.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Burial Equity Act - National Guard and Reserve Members

    As of July 1, 2024, certain National Guard and Reserve members are eligible for burial at Mississippi state veterans cemeteries. Eligible individuals must pay burial costs directly to the cemetery.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. National Guard and Reserve members under the federal Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act
    How to apply
    Contact Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery office with discharge documentation to verify eligibility and arrange burial
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Burial in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

    Mississippi operates two state veterans cemeteries, in Newton and Kilmichael, offering burial options for veterans, spouses, and dependents. Eligibility for interment mirrors federal VA national cemetery eligibility rules, with an added category for certain Guard/Reserve members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility criteria for interment are the same as required for interment in a national cemetery under federal law, plus those made eligible under the federal Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act.
    How to apply
    At time of need, next of kin or the funeral director contacts cemetery staff directly and provides military discharge papers or service/SSN/VA claim numbers to verify eligibility; gravesite reservations cannot be made in advance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Mississippi State Veterans Homes

    Mississippi Veterans Affairs operates State Veterans Homes that provide skilled long-term nursing care for eligible veterans and their spouses. The homes are staffed with medical and support professionals providing compassionate, specialized care.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Mississippi veterans and, at some homes, their spouses needing long-term care; admission is based on clinical need and bed availability per agency rules.
    How to apply
    Contact the specific Mississippi Veterans Home directly, e.g., the Tradition/Biloxi home at (228) 295-7444, to begin the admission process.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Home Purchase Board Mortgage Loan Program

    A Mississippi state agency provides VA-guaranteed home purchase mortgage loans to Mississippi veterans, active-duty members, and qualifying Guard/Reserve members, typically at rates below the private market. The Board purchases the home and resells it on credit to the veteran because the state constitution bars direct lending of credit.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Mississippi residents who are veterans, current active-duty military, or current members of the Mississippi National Guard or Reserves with over six years of service; property must be a single-family residence in Mississippi.
    How to apply
    Request a loan package by phone (601-576-4800), email, mail, or apply online through the VHPB website; provide required documents including driver's license.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    VHPB Below-Market Interest Rates

    The Veterans' Home Purchase Board sets fixed interest rates for the life of the loan that are typically below prevailing market mortgage rates. Loan terms of varying lengths are available to fit different veteran budgets. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Same as the general VHPB loan program: Mississippi veterans, active duty, or qualifying Guard/Reserve members purchasing a single-family home in Mississippi.
    How to apply
    Apply through VHPB's online application or by contacting the agency directly; rates and terms are published on the VHPB loan terms page.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Free Veterans Benefits Specialist Assistance

    Mississippi Veterans Affairs provides Veterans Benefits Specialists (service officers) stationed across the state to help veterans and their families apply for federal, state, and local benefits. All services provided by these specialists are free of charge.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Mississippi veteran, dependent, or survivor seeking help understanding or applying for benefits.
    How to apply
    Contact a local Veterans Benefits Specialist office listed on the MSVA website; no fee is charged for assistance.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal

    Mississippi Veterans Affairs issues a Veterans Honor Medal to eligible veterans or their family members who apply with proper documentation. The medal recognizes a veteran's service to the state and nation.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans (or their family members applying on their behalf) who can provide a copy of the veteran's DD-214 discharge papers.
    How to apply
    Mail a completed Mississippi Veterans Honor Medal Application, a copy of the DD-214, and a $17 fee to MSVA's Honor Medal Administrator in Jackson, MS.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.