Mississippi Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Mississippi, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Mississippi veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Mississippi's strong military ties — anchored by Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, and the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport — create a veteran-friendly environment backed by meaningful state benefits. Full military retirement pay exemption and strong property tax protection for disabled veterans make Mississippi financially advantageous for veterans.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans
Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive full homestead property tax exemption. First $7,500 of assessed value exempt for all homeowners.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Mississippi fully exempts all retirement income (including military) from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free hunting/fishing for 100% disabled veterans
Mississippi provides free all-game hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability.
Education Benefits
Free tuition for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans
Mississippi provides free tuition at state schools for dependents of veterans who are 100% disabled or died from service-connected causes.
Employment & Hiring Preference
5/10-point preference in state employment
Mississippi grants 5-point preference to veterans and 10-point preference to disabled veterans in state employment. Mississippi Department of Employment Security provides dedicated veteran employment services.
Vehicles & DMV
DV plates ($1/year); 71 specialty veteran plate designs
Special license plates for 70%+ or 100% P&T disabled veterans at $1.00/year per plate (up to 2). Mississippi offers 71 military and veteran specialty license plate designs.
State Parks
Free state parks admission for disabled veterans
Mississippi state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Mississippi State Veterans Homes
Mississippi operates 4 State Veterans Homes (Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford) providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Mississippi
Mississippi is home to roughly 185,000 veterans, with the highest concentration along the Gulf Coast where Keesler AFB and the Seabee base create military-rooted communities. The Biloxi VA Medical Center (part of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System) and the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson provide healthcare across the state. Mississippi's Veterans Affairs Board operates four state veterans homes, and the state maintains a strong tradition of veteran service through its county-level veteran service officers. The state's low cost of living amplifies the financial impact of every benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Veteran Benefits
Does Mississippi offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive full homestead property tax exemption. First $7,500 of assessed value exempt for all homeowners.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Mississippi?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Mississippi fully exempts all retirement income (including military) from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Mississippi offer veterans?
Free tuition for dependents of 100% disabled or KIA veterans. Mississippi provides free tuition at state schools for dependents of veterans who are 100% disabled or died from service-connected causes.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Mississippi?
Free hunting/fishing for 100% disabled veterans. Mississippi provides free all-game hunting and fishing licenses for resident veterans with 100% service-connected disability.
Does Mississippi give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
5/10-point preference in state employment. Mississippi grants 5-point preference to veterans and 10-point preference to disabled veterans in state employment. Mississippi Department of Employment Security provides dedicated veteran employment services.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Mississippi?
Mississippi State Veterans Homes. Mississippi operates 4 State Veterans Homes (Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford) providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Mississippi?
Free state parks admission for disabled veterans. Mississippi state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Mississippi benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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