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Missouri Veteran benefits

28 benefits from Missouri 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 Missouri

Missouri Veterans Commission is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 573-751-3779 State agency website

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

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

28 benefits

Property tax

  • 100%+

    Constitutional Property Tax Exemption for Former POWs with Total Disability

    Missouri's Constitution fully exempts the homestead of a Missouri citizen who is a former prisoner of war and became totally (100%) disabled from military service. There is no dollar cap, and the exemption continues while the veteran owns and occupies the home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Must be a Missouri citizen, a former prisoner of war, and have a 100% service-connected disability; property must be owned and occupied as a homestead.
    How to apply
    Apply through the county assessor's office where the property is located, providing VA or military records confirming POW status and total disability.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 100%+

    Missouri Property Tax Credit for 100% Disabled Veterans

    Missouri refunds part of the real estate tax or rent paid by veterans certified 100% service-connected disabled, subject to household income limits. Homeowners can receive up to $1,100 and renters up to $750 annually.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: 100% VA rating. Claimant or spouse must be 100% service-connected disabled; single filers' household income must be $30,000 or less (owners) and married filing combined $34,000 or less; renters/part-year owners have lower limits.
    How to apply
    File Form MO-PTC (or Form MO-PTS with Form MO-1040) with a VA statement no more than one year old showing the disability; the 2025 claim is due April 15, 2026.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Active Duty Military Income Deduction

    Missouri lets active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces deduct their military pay from Missouri adjusted gross income under Section 143.174, RSMo, effective for tax years beginning in 2016.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active duty component members of the U.S. Armed Forces; income must be included in federal adjusted gross income.
    How to apply
    Claim the Military Income Deduction line on Form MO-1040, attaching Leave and Earnings Statements as required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Income Tax Subtraction

    Missouri allows taxpayers to subtract their total military retirement benefits from federal adjusted gross income when computing Missouri income tax, effectively making military retirement pay tax-free at the state level.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any taxpayer who reports military retirement benefits on federal Form 1040/1040-SR Line 5b.
    How to apply
    Enter the military pension amount on Form MO-A, Part 1, Line 10, and include it in total subtractions on Form MO-1040.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    MOSERS Military Service Credit Purchase

    Vested members of the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System who are veterans or reserve component members may purchase up to four years of active duty military service credit toward their state pension.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. MOSERS members vested in the retirement system who served active duty military service (including active duty for training) prior to becoming a member.
    How to apply
    Contact a MOSERS benefit counselor to request a cost estimate and complete the purchase before applying for retirement.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    National Guard/Reserve Inactive Duty Income Deduction

    Missouri allows a deduction for income earned during National Guard Inactive Duty Training, Annual Training, or Reserve component service under Section 143.175, RSMo, with the deductible percentage having risen over time.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members of National Guard Inactive Duty Training (IDT), Annual Training (AT), or Reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    How to apply
    Claim on Form MO-1040 Military Income Deduction line, attaching Leave and Earnings Statements documenting inactive duty income.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Nonresident Military Spouse Income Tax Exemption

    A nonresident spouse of a nonresident service member stationed in Missouri under military orders is exempt from Missouri income tax on wages earned in Missouri, per the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Spouse must be a nonresident married to a nonresident service member stationed in Missouri under military orders.
    How to apply
    Report income on Form MO-A Part 1, Line 10, mark 'Military (nonresident),' and provide proof of residency in another state.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • No rating needed

    Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Special License Plate

    Missouri issues a Disabled American Veterans emblem license plate to eligible DAV members for a $15 fee in addition to regular registration fees, with no limit on the number of plates a qualified person may obtain.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any person eligible for membership in the Disabled American Veterans organization who possesses a valid DAV membership card.
    How to apply
    Present current photo ID and a valid DAV membership card, and pay the $15 fee plus regular registration fees at the Department of Revenue.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Disabled Veteran License Plate Fee Waiver

    Missouri issues Disabled Veteran specialty license plates and waives the fee for one set of plates for eligible disabled veterans, per Section 301.075, RSMo.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Missouri resident honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces with a service-connected disability rating verified by a VA statement no more than one year old.
    How to apply
    Submit Form 4601 (Application for Missouri Military Personalized License Plates) with a VA disability statement to the Motor Vehicle Bureau.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

    Any U.S. military veteran may add a 'VETERAN' designation ribbon to the back of a Missouri driver or nondriver license, with no extra cost beyond standard license fees.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Any veteran of the U.S. military who can provide a DD Form 214 showing an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge, or equivalent documentation.
    How to apply
    Present qualifying discharge documents at any Missouri license office; standard new/renewal/duplicate fees apply, and resubmission is not required for later renewals.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • 60%+

    Hunting and Fishing Permit Exemption for Disabled Veterans and Former POWs

    Honorably discharged veterans with a 60% or greater service-connected disability, former POWs, or patients at Warrior Transition Units may hunt (not trap) and fish without a permit, though deer, elk, turkey, bear, and migratory bird permits are still required.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 60% or higher. Resident or nonresident honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 60% or greater, former POW, or current patient assigned to a Warrior Transition Brigade/Unit or military medical center.
    How to apply
    Carry a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or orders/admission verification for Warrior Transition patients) while hunting or fishing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Missouri State Parks Military Camping Discount

    Missouri State Parks offers a year-round per-night camping discount at state park campgrounds for retired, veteran, and active-duty military personnel and their family members with valid military ID.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Retired, veteran, or active-duty military personnel, and family members of active-duty personnel, showing valid military identification at check-in.
    How to apply
    Present valid military or veteran identification when checking in at a Missouri State Parks campground to receive the discount.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    National Guard/Reserve Reduced-Cost Hunting and Fishing Permit

    Missouri residents currently or within the past 12 months mobilized on full-time active military duty in the National Guard or Reserve forces can buy a low-cost small game hunting, fishing, and trapping permit.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Missouri resident who is currently, or has within the previous 12 months been, mobilized and serving full-time active military duty in the National Guard (federal status) or a Reserve component.
    How to apply
    Submit the Application for Resident National Guard and Reserve Service Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit with mobilization orders and hunter education certification if required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    In-State Tuition for Missouri National Guard and Reservists

    Current members of the Missouri National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components are deemed domiciled in Missouri for in-state tuition purposes at public four-year and community colleges.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Currently serving in the Missouri National Guard or a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, and demonstrating presence within Missouri (or the community college taxing district).
    How to apply
    Provide proof of current Guard/Reserve service and Missouri presence to the admitting public institution's registrar.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Missouri National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STA)

    STA provides Missouri National Guard members tuition assistance for undergraduate study at the University of Missouri-Columbia tuition rate, usable after federal tuition assistance is exhausted.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Current members of the Missouri National Guard pursuing an undergraduate degree, using STA only after federal DoD educational assistance funds are expended.
    How to apply
    Apply through the Missouri National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program administered with the Department of Public Safety.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Missouri National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver

    Beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, Missouri National Guard members may receive a tuition and fee waiver for undergraduate courses at state-funded public institutions after other aid is applied.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Current member of the Missouri National Guard maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA, meeting institution entrance requirements, and having filed a FAFSA.
    How to apply
    Provide a certificate of satisfactory service from a commanding officer and apply through the postsecondary institution after exhausting other Guard/federal tuition assistance and scholarships.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Missouri Returning Heroes' Education Act

    Public Missouri colleges and universities must limit tuition for eligible combat veterans to $50 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, or no more than 30% of standard tuition and fees for graduate programs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans who served in armed combat in a designated combat zone since September 11, 2001, were honorably discharged, and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
    How to apply
    Enroll at a Missouri public institution and provide military documentation (e.g., DD214) showing combat service to the school's veterans services office.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Operation Recognition Honorary High School Diplomas

    Missouri awards honorary high school diplomas to veterans and civilian prisoners of war who left high school before graduation to serve in the military during wartime.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran or civilian POW who left high school prior to graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during a period of war.
    How to apply
    Contact the Missouri Veterans Commission Education program for application details.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    In-State Tuition for Dependents of Military Personnel Stationed in Missouri

    Dependents of active duty military personnel, or activated/mobilized reservists or guard members, assigned to a permanent duty station in Missouri and residing there are deemed domiciled in-state for tuition purposes.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Dependents (spouse and children, as the military defines them) of active duty, activated, or mobilized service members assigned to a Missouri duty station, who live in Missouri.
    How to apply
    Eligibility is determined by the institution at the time the dependent is accepted for admission; provide proof of the sponsor's duty assignment and residency.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026. Law: 37 U.S.C. §401.

  • 80%+For family or survivors

    Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant Program

    Missouri provides education grants to spouses and children of veterans who died or became disabled from combat since September 11, 2001, covering tuition, room/board, and books, limited to 25 grants per year statewide.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 80% or higher. Spouse or child of a Missouri-resident combat veteran whose death/injury resulted from combat action, illness in combat, or who became 80% disabled from combat injuries since 9/11/2001.
    How to apply
    Submit the Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant application with DD214/DD1300 and Missouri Veterans Commission certification; awarded first-come, first-served up to the annual cap.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in State Employment Examinations

    In any competitive examination used to establish a register of eligibles for Missouri state jobs, veterans, disabled veterans, and their surviving or disabled-veteran spouses receive hiring preference over other eligibles when all other job-related factors are equal.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses of veterans, or spouses of disabled veterans applying for state merit-system positions.
    How to apply
    Indicate veteran status when applying for state positions subject to the merit system; preference is applied automatically during eligibility ranking.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Missouri Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVE) Certification

    The Office of Administration certifies Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, giving certified firms a bidding bonus and counting toward the state's 3% contracting goal for SDVEs.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. For-profit business at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans who control daily and long-term management decisions, doing business as or maintaining an office in Missouri.
    How to apply
    Submit the SDVE Application with DD214 and VA disability rating letter to the Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing; recertify every three years.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Any rating

    State Contract Preference for Disabled Veteran Businesses

    Missouri law requires state agencies and political subdivisions to give contracting preference to disabled veteran businesses when the quality of performance is equal or better and the price is the same or less.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Businesses doing business as Missouri firms, corporations, or individuals (or maintaining a Missouri office) owned by a service-disabled veteran as certified by the appropriate federal agency.
    How to apply
    Bid on state contracts and identify as a certified service-disabled veteran business enterprise; the commissioner of administration may extend preference when bids are comparable.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program

    Missouri provides military funeral honors for eligible veterans buried in the state. Program coordinates with Missouri National Guard units and veteran service organizations to provide honor details including flag folding, rifle salutes, and taps at graveside services.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All eligible veterans buried in Missouri with honorable discharge are eligible upon request.
    How to apply
    Request through funeral home, family members, or Army Casualty Affairs Centers. Contact Missouri Military Funeral Honors program at (573) 638-9500 ext. 37142 or 37143, or toll-free 1-877-221-6361 (option 1 or 3).
    Official page

    Last checked October 3, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Missouri State Veterans Cemeteries

    Missouri operates state veterans cemeteries offering free burial services including grave opening/closing, a concrete grave liner, upright granite headstones, and perpetual care, with no residency requirement.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility mirrors federal national cemetery criteria: veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who completed required service, or reservists/Guard members eligible for retired pay from 20 years of creditable service; spouses and eligible dependent children also qualify.
    How to apply
    Submit the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Pre-Certification Application with a copy of the veteran's discharge papers or DD214.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Missouri Veterans Homes Skilled Nursing Care

    The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven skilled nursing homes across the state providing 24-hour long-term care, medical care, therapies, and secure memory care units for a fixed monthly fee.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans seeking long-term skilled nursing care; admission based on waitlist and eligibility criteria administered by MVC.
    How to apply
    Submit the Missouri Veterans Homes application packet to the preferred home's Admission Coordinator; applicants may apply to multiple home waitlists.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Missouri Military Family Relief Fund (MMFRF)

    Established under RSMo 41.216 and 41.218, this state fund provides emergency financial grants to Missouri National Guard members and Missouri resident Reserve members and their families experiencing financial hardship.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members of the Missouri National Guard or Missouri residents who are members of a Reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, facing financial hardship.
    How to apply
    Contact a Family Assistance Center Specialist or the Missouri National Guard's Family Program to apply for a Quality of Life or Medical Based Grant; awarded based on Review Panel recommendation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Other help

  • No rating needed

    Missouri Veterans' Bill of Rights

    Missouri law sets out veterans' rights including counseling from veterans service officers on federal, state, and burial benefits, and preference in public employment under Section 36.220.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All Missouri veterans as defined by state law.
    How to apply
    Contact the Missouri Veterans Commission or a local Veterans Service Officer to exercise these rights; no separate application is required.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

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