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 property tax protection for disabled veterans make Mississippi financially advantageous for veterans.
Getting help in Mississippi
Accredited claims help
Mississippi Veterans Affairs
Phone: (601) 576-4850
120 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Mississippi has a veterans service office, though state law does not require one.
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
Full exemption for honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected total disability
Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected, total disability, and their unremarried surviving spouses, are exempt from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of their homestead (Miss. Code § 27-33-75). So are the unremarried surviving spouses of service members killed or who died on active duty. Honorably discharged veterans aged 90 or older also get the full exemption, and from January 1, 2027 the age drops to 85. Apply to the county tax assessor between January 1 and April 1. Separately, homeowners 65 or older and totally disabled homeowners are exempt on up to $7,500 of assessed value.
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 residents rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA are not required to buy a hunting or fishing license (Miss. Code 49-7-5, 49-7-9). They must carry proof of residency and disability while hunting or fishing unless they buy the annual Disabled Exempt license.
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 5 State Veterans Homes (Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford, Tradition) providing long-term nursing care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Mississippi
Mississippi is home to roughly 175,000 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 Veterans Affairs operates five state veterans homes, and Mississippi's county boards of supervisors may pay the salaries and office expenses of their county 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 honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected total disability. Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected, total disability, and their unremarried surviving spouses, are exempt from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of their homestead (Miss. Code § 27-33-75). So are the unremarried surviving spouses of service members killed or who died on active duty. Honorably discharged veterans aged 90 or older also get the full exemption, and from January 1, 2027 the age drops to 85. Apply to the county tax assessor between January 1 and April 1. Separately, homeowners 65 or older and totally disabled homeowners are exempt on up to $7,500 of assessed value.
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 residents rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA are not required to buy a hunting or fishing license (Miss. Code 49-7-5, 49-7-9). They must carry proof of residency and disability while hunting or fishing unless they buy the annual Disabled Exempt license.
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 5 State Veterans Homes (Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, Oxford, Tradition) providing long-term nursing 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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